Online Schools? Which ones are worth it?

To: "Allie in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania"]

Hi everyone,
I know this is the same post over and over again but I'm totally stuck. I've been in production and event management for a while now, but really want to move toward opening my own business. I am really looking for something that is a general event type of certificate course but also covers weddings."

MY COMMENT:

Hello Alice, Please help ALL of us NOW, since you passed already all of this. What is your final desicition??? IM confunsed too I just order some brochures , I have work in the industry so i respect my profession A LOT I do have a certificate in event planning but its from south America now im moving to USA because im getting married and I really want to get in the market of events there.
PLEASE HELP! :) what is your advice?? wich school is the best option?

I actually wound up going with QC... I really couldn't decide and basically did eenie meanie miney moe to be honest. But you know what, I really like QC so far. So far it has a lot of stuff that is review but sometimes it's nice to see everything you are already doing/know confirmed. The writing is easy to digest and they have each section of unit broken into it's own text pamphlet which I found really helpful because I can throw them in my bag and it doesn't way my bag down. (this way I can do my coursework on breaks and commutes etc)
I'm only about 3/4 through Unit 1 but so far so good. Honestly, the certificate doesn't REALLY matter to do the work especially if you are already working, but it's another affirmation of your skills and another credential that clients can see.

Hope this helps!!

Thanks so much ! Im checking that school also it looks good. Just trying to decide wich one! but you help a lot. Thanks for your help.

About Certification, I find other certificacion more than the ISES that you all talk about wich make me think maybe this one is better since ISES is part of them and it looks like this one is better.
Im sharing it will you all to see what you think.

CMP
Certified Meeting Professional
www.conventionindustry.org/CMP/CMPProgram.aspx

I call yesterday and it seems pretty hard to get it! but at same time it looks very professional!
hope you find it interesting,
Pamela

Hello Ladies- wow I have read the entire forum and am now debating the right school for me. I have wanted to be a wedding/event planner for years now and am now getting serious about it. My only concern is the time it would take once I start planning weddings and events. Currently I work full time during the week, but hoping that one day my career will be wedding/event planning, but I'm a single mom as well. So is being a wedding/event planner really right for me? How much time would be taken away from my child? For those of you that have already been in the industry what is your schedule like? Are you constantly at the beck and call of your clients?
Thank you and take care,
Kay.

Hi Kay,

Your questions are excellent and I can tell you I have spoken to potential students in the past about this very issue.

The reality is that the world of wedding and event planning can be very demanding time-wise, particularly if you are a planner - and it varies. Some clients may want your attention at all hours, while others may need minimal handling. The other concern as a planner is that the vast majority of weddings take place on weekends, specifically on Saturdays. In general, I would say that it is not really a 9-5 job, especially if you are starting your own business.

That said, there are plenty of ways to work in the industry, and even as a planner, with more manageable schedules. I would be happy to talk to you more about it if you are interested.

All the best,
Caroline
Sheffield School

Kay W. in Thousand Oaks, California said: Hello Ladies- wow I have read the entire forum and am now debating the right school for me. I have wanted to be a wedding/event planner for years now and am now getting serious about it. My only concern is the time it would take once I start planning weddings and events. Currently I work full time during the week, but hoping that one day my career will be wedding/event planning, but I'm a single mom as well. So is being a wedding/event planner really right for me? How much time would be taken away from my child? For those of you that have already been in the industry what is your schedule like? Are you constantly at the beck and call of your clients?
Thank you and take care,
Kay.

Caroline W in New York, New York said: Hi Kay,

Your questions are excellent and I can tell you I have spoken to potential students in the past about this very issue.

The reality is that the world of wedding and event planning can be very demanding time-wise, particularly if you are a planner - and it varies. Some clients may want your attention at all hours, while others may need minimal handling. The other concern as a planner is that the vast majority of weddings take place on weekends, specifically on Saturdays. In general, I would say that it is not really a 9-5 job, especially if you are starting your own business.

That said, there are plenty of ways to work in the industry, and even as a planner, with more manageable schedules. I would be happy to talk to you more about it if you are interested.

All the best,
Caroline
Sheffield School

Hi Caroline,
Thank you so much for the response. I do have the information about Sheffield as that is the first school I looked into. I am able to work Saturdays and even some Sundays as I have joint custody with his father, but the majority of the time my son is with me between school and daycare. I would love to talk about the other options that are out there for me. I will be sending you an email soon to discuss this further.
Thank you again for your response and time.
Take care,
Kay

Caroline W in New York, New York said: Hi Kay,

Your questions are excellent and I can tell you I have spoken to potential students in the past about this very issue.

The reality is that the world of wedding and event planning can be very demanding time-wise, particularly if you are a planner - and it varies. Some clients may want your attention at all hours, while others may need minimal handling. The other concern as a planner is that the vast majority of weddings take place on weekends, specifically on Saturdays. In general, I would say that it is not really a 9-5 job, especially if you are starting your own business.

That said, there are plenty of ways to work in the industry, and even as a planner, with more manageable schedules. I would be happy to talk to you more about it if you are interested.

All the best,
Caroline
Sheffield School

Hello, Caroline
I just Email to you yesterday afternoon, but I didn't get your reply. I'm really interested in Sheffield, I asked some questions about my concern.
Would you reply me soon that I can make a decision if I would enroll or not.

Thank you so much!

Kay W. in Thousand Oaks, California said: Hello Ladies- wow I have read the entire forum and am now debating the right school for me. I have wanted to be a wedding/event planner for years now and am now getting serious about it. My only concern is the time it would take once I start planning weddings and events. Currently I work full time during the week, but hoping that one day my career will be wedding/event planning, but I'm a single mom as well. So is being a wedding/event planner really right for me? How much time would be taken away from my child? For those of you that have already been in the industry what is your schedule like? Are you constantly at the beck and call of your clients?
Thank you and take care,
Kay.

Hello Kay,

I have being an event and wedding planner for 5 years and is the only thing I really know because I study that in College. First of all is very important for you to take courses or seminars or study, even people say you dont need it I think you do so its great that you are going to take one. Then about becoming one and taking it serious my advice is to start working for someone in events, is good for you to join the market and get related to it. Working for someone will be difficult at first because of the hours but Its worth it, 1 year or 2 years working for someone maybe then you can be by yourself. If you really want to start doing it by yourself you can but here are some ideas of how to start: 1. Analize the market and see if where you want to start they really need one and try to find a type of event that you can start with then you can open your options and plan more type of events. 2. Vendors - you need to have the numbers, names and at least maybe some prices about vendors that you have around, thats very important because that way when you get your first client you dont start looking for vendors, you already have your file and its quicker.

Kay W. in Thousand Oaks, California said: Hello Ladies- wow I have read the entire forum and am now debating the right school for me. I have wanted to be a wedding/event planner for years now and am now getting serious about it. My only concern is the time it would take once I start planning weddings and events. Currently I work full time during the week, but hoping that one day my career will be wedding/event planning, but I'm a single mom as well. So is being a wedding/event planner really right for me? How much time would be taken away from my child? For those of you that have already been in the industry what is your schedule like? Are you constantly at the beck and call of your clients?
Thank you and take care,
Kay.

3. Find a nice place at home where you can receive your clients either like an office or a small place in your living room , sometimes they want to visit you. 4. Since you have kids buy a second phone number or either a cell phone that is only for work, this would help you in thow ways, first kids wont pick up that phone and second you wont have calls after your working hours and you can spend time with your family.

Thats the other thing I want to tell you: You are worried about how much time would you spend with the kids, well I wont lie to you Its a little bit hard sometimes and yes you would be working sometimes during the weekend or maybe a night in the week BUT you will have free time for other things like being with them in the day in special days, spending full time some weeks, taking them to long vacations. Since you are the one that make your own schedule you can block dates for the year. I dont have kids but I have nephews and a small brother and I love them and like to spend time with them. Its nice because my mom and sis work for a company and I work for me and even I have busy weeks I was always the one that can go to everything, literally everything that they have in school like ppresentations

Kay W. in Thousand Oaks, California said: Hello Ladies- wow I have read the entire forum and am now debating the right school for me. I have wanted to be a wedding/event planner for years now and am now getting serious about it. My only concern is the time it would take once I start planning weddings and events. Currently I work full time during the week, but hoping that one day my career will be wedding/event planning, but I'm a single mom as well. So is being a wedding/event planner really right for me? How much time would be taken away from my child? For those of you that have already been in the industry what is your schedule like? Are you constantly at the beck and call of your clients?
Thank you and take care,
Kay.

or anything they have in school. I always block the day I want for example birthdays and of course vacation, it was better to take one month of vacations and work the weekends sometimes being able to spend that quality time with them.

Well I hope this helped you and welcome to the field!!

Im sorry for my enlighs, Im not American so this is not my first language,

take care
Pamela

I am pursuing a certificate in event and wedding planning and I have read this entire forum. I want to say Thank you To everyone who has contributed their thoughts/suggestions on here. It has really helped me decide which school to enroll in, since I was undecided like many of you. I just enrolled with QC. I was looking for a certificate program that wasn't JUST about weddings. I am interested in all types of events and also looking to start my own business someday as well. I like that QC covers every area of events and doesn't just place its concentration around weddings. I think the business start up guide and the software you receive when you enroll is also very beneficial. I will post an update once I get into the material.

Thank you,
Amanda

Hey everyone!

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the impending spring as much as I am (although it's a bit dreary in New York today).

Amanda brought up an excellent point that you should all consider in your search for the right course: simply, it's really important that you find something that you like and that works for you.

As a seasoned event planner I can tell you that the skills required to plan social events are the same, whether it's a birthday, bar or bat mitzvah, baby shower, wedding, private party, gala, fundraiser, awards program, etc. - so what really matters when you make your decision is that you feel good about the course and the school, and confident that you will enjoy the educational experience.

Also, if you are taking a course in the interest of starting your own business, definitely make sure it's covered in the course outline.

Happy Spring!

All the best,
Caroline

hi, i recently read about this course online in which CELEBRITY EVENT DESIGNER PRESTON BAILEY PARTNERS WITH THE WEDDING PLANNING INSTITUTE TO OFFER EXPERT WEDDING & EVENT DESIGN COURSE THROUGH ACCREDITED COLLEGES ACROSS THE U.S. Does anyone know anything about this course as it is fairly new and any reviews they have heard as so far i have not been able to read any reviews. so if anyone knows anything or anybody enrolled in this course, i would appreciate any sort of information as i am currently looking into event styling and design rather than event planning which is more based on logistics and as i am design person i personally prefer being a stylist rather than a planner or coordinator. any comments and reviews heard would be appreciated.

xenebanees in Valley Stream, New York said: hi, i recently read about this course online in which CELEBRITY EVENT DESIGNER PRESTON BAILEY PARTNERS WITH THE WEDDING PLANNING INSTITUTE TO OFFER EXPERT WEDDING & EVENT DESIGN COURSE THROUGH ACCREDITED COLLEGES ACROSS THE U.S. Does anyone know anything about this course as it is fairly new and any reviews they have heard as so far i have not been able to read any reviews. so if anyone knows anything or anybody enrolled in this course, i would appreciate any sort of information as i am currently looking into event styling and design rather than event planning which is more based on logistics and as i am design person i personally prefer being a stylist rather than a planner or coordinator. any comments and reviews heard would be appreciated.

Hi. I am currently enrolled in the Preston Bailey Design course through the Wedding Planning Institute. I actually enrolled in their Wedding and Event Planning Certification as well as the Preston Bailey Design course. To be honest, I am doing one at a time and have only started on the Wedding and Event Planning course but so far I have been happy with it. I received all 4 of Preston Bailey's design books with the course which are AMAZING! I am really looking forward to starting that course once I finish with the other. Let me know if you have specific questions and I will try to answer them the best I can.

MsSteffee in Sacramento, California said: Hi. I am currently enrolled in the Preston Bailey Design course through the Wedding Planning Institute. I actually enrolled in their Wedding and Event Planning Certification as well as the Preston Bailey Design course. To be honest, I am doing one at a time and have only started on the Wedding and Event Planning course but so far I have been happy with it. I received all 4 of Preston Bailey's design books with the course which are AMAZING! I am really looking forward to starting that course once I finish with the other. Let me know if you have specific questions and I will try to answer them the best I can.

hey thanks for your prompt reply. i would appreciate if you would keep me updated when you start the preston bailey course as to what your experience is like since i have some time till i can start and any sort of advice would be appreciated. did they say they will place u for internships when u do the preston bailey course? also are u doing iit online or on campus?...looking forward to hearing about your experience with regard to both courses. thanks

Ok, I have read this entire forum (like many) and my brain is starting to hurt. Seriously. I am having a hard time deciding which school to choose. I started my business as a wedding & event planner/coordinator last year. I have already done a couple of weddings and have 6 upcoming within the next year. I have done a couple of bridal shows (sucessfully)and will be registering for a new "offbeat" bridal show that I am so excited for! It's gonna be huge! I have a website (www.cloudninebridal.net), business cards, license, facebook, twitter, and I'm already networking with local vendors, etc. I work full time as a bookkeeper and for a tax accountant. I pretty much know most of the business side of things and almost of the planning and designing things. I decided that having a certificate is important to serve as security to those clients who look for it. I don't want to loose the opportunity to plan/coordinate an event because I don't have one.

Now, I have been narrowing it down to two schools. Scheffield and QC. What I need to know from the reps (hopefully your are reading this) is what do your courses and school offer that would benefit me? These are the main things I think I need to benefit my existing business"
~Marketing
~business plan
~Contract overviews
~How to host an event/Bridal show
~Forms! I really want forms, i.e. budget worksheet, reception planner, invoices, etc. I have been typing my own up and it's so time consuming!
~Planning guide
~Equal focus on weddings as well as events/corporate
~I'm sure I'm forgetting something

I don't want to spend $$ on info that I already know, I want to make sure I gain something from the courses besides just a certificate to frame. ALSO, I've started looking into opening an exclusively bridal & special occasion consignment shop and will be designing and creating my own hair

Continued....

acessories. My goal is to have this as my full time job and not as a bookkeeper. I realize that I have a lot going on working full time and a mother of 2 young girls, but it took me until I was 32 yrs old to finally figure out what I was meant to do. So, now that I have given you myb sap story, any suggestions or comments for me, I would really appreciate it!

If any of you laides would like to network our ideas with eachother for our businesses, you can find my business page or email me at jackie@cloudninebridal.net

Thanks everyone!

Continued....

acessories. My goal is to have this as my full time job and not as a bookkeeper. I realize that I have a lot going on working full time and a mother of 2 young girls, but it took me until I was 32 yrs old to finally figure out what I was meant to do. So, now that I have given you myb sap story, any suggestions or comments for me, I would really appreciate it!

If any of you laides would like to network our ideas with eachother for our businesses, you can find my business page or email me at jackie@cloudninebridal.net

Thanks everyone!

I was so excited to enroll in a Wedding Planner school like Sheffield or QC because I love the business but someone told me that nobody uses wedding planners anymore unless its Paris Hilton or people like that because the economy is so bad. Is this true? I got a little discouraged because I really wanted to invest my time into this.

Janine in Pickerington, Ohio said: I was so excited to enroll in a Wedding Planner school like Sheffield or QC because I love the business but someone told me that nobody uses wedding planners anymore unless its Paris Hilton or people like that because the economy is so bad. Is this true? I got a little discouraged because I really wanted to invest my time into this.

Hello Janine , I understand your concern is not the best moment for the industry because of the economy but there is still clients out there. My advice for you is to study event planning too. It's better to have both skills wedding and corporate planning from my experience when there is no clients for social events you can plan orbes type of events. I hope this helps

Janine in Pickerington, Ohio said: I was so excited to enroll in a Wedding Planner school like Sheffield or QC because I love the business but someone told me that nobody uses wedding planners anymore unless its Paris Hilton or people like that because the economy is so bad. Is this true? I got a little discouraged because I really wanted to invest my time into this.

Hello Janine , I understand your concern is not the best moment for the industry because of the economy but there is still clients out there. My advice for you is to study event planning too. It's better to have both skills wedding and corporate planning from my experience when there is no clients for social events you can plan orbes type of events. I hope this helps

"I was so excited to enroll in a Wedding Planner school like Sheffield or QC because I love the business but someone told me that nobody uses wedding planners anymore unless its Paris Hilton or people like that because the economy is so bad. Is this true? I got a little discouraged because I really wanted to invest my time into this."

Janine ~
This is NOT TRUE. At least in my area (Pacific NW). In my business as a event planner/consultant I am finding that more brides are aware of their budget and are planning most of the wedding themselves but ask for guidence or design assistance and like the bonus of discounted vendors when you book with a planner. I also do more "Day of" weddings than complete planning. That is the most important and needed service for a bride. That is what I usualy focus on when speaking with a bride. I feel it's too important not to have someone on the big day to handle all the aspects of the wedding that way everyone can enjoy the day and live in the moment.

Don't be discouraged and continue your pursuit. Although I already have a business in the field, I am still looking for the right school for me to get my certificate. Good luck!

Jackie
Cloud Nine Bridal
cloudninebridal.net

Thanks, I actually live in South Jersey ad I hope it's good loction wise. So if brides don't want a whole wedding planned, you an help with the small things at a different price? I'm new at all this. I am actually doing all of my wedding planning for my wedding in October 2013 and I absolutely love it and always have. I know it's way more different then planning another persons wedding. I just hope I'm making the right choice. I have a law enforcement associates degree now and all the police in NJ are laying off and froze the academies so now I'm in college for paralegal work but I wanted to do wedding planning on the side for now. Times are so hard right now. I'm just hoping everything works out. Like people say, you can do anything if you put your mind to it
Janine ~
This is NOT TRUE. At least in my area (Pacific NW). In my business as a event planner/consultant I am finding that more brides are aware of their budget and are planning most of the wedding themselves but ask for guidence or design assistance and like the bonus of discounted vendors when you book with a planner. I also do more "Day of" weddings than complete planning. That is the most important and needed service for a bride. That is what I usualy focus on when speaking with a bride. I feel it's too important not to have someone on the big day to handle all the aspects of the wedding that way everyone can enjoy the day and live in the moment.

Don't be discouraged and continue your pursuit. Although I already have a business in the field, I am still looking for the right school for me to get my certificate. Good luck!

Jackie
Cloud Nine Bridal
cloudninebridal.net

Hey, I'm Mairion from Chesapeake, VA.I have completed the coarse at QC. I really enjoyed it. It was more than enough information to do just as you said anything. Don't be discouraged with the ecomomy, it is what it is but it doesn't dictate peoples dreams. Be patient and keep moving forward stop feeding into times being hard. It's only as hard as you make it. Stay on coarse! Follow your dreams.

hi, i recently read about this course online in which CELEBRITY EVENT DESIGNER PRESTON BAILEY PARTNERS WITH THE WEDDING PLANNING INSTITUTE TO OFFER EXPERT WEDDING & EVENT DESIGN COURSE THROUGH ACCREDITED COLLEGES ACROSS THE U.S. Does anyone know anything about this course as it is fairly new and any reviews they have heard as so far i have not been able to read any reviews. so if anyone knows anything or anybody enrolled in this course, i would appreciate any sort of information as i am currently looking into event styling and design rather than event planning which is more based on logistics and as i am design person i personally prefer being a stylist rather than a planner or coordinator. any comments and reviews heard would be appreciated.

xenebanees in Valley Stream, New York said: hi, i recently read about this course online in which CELEBRITY EVENT DESIGNER PRESTON BAILEY PARTNERS WITH THE WEDDING PLANNING INSTITUTE TO OFFER EXPERT WEDDING & EVENT DESIGN COURSE THROUGH ACCREDITED COLLEGES ACROSS THE U.S. Does anyone know anything about this course as it is fairly new and any reviews they have heard as so far i have not been able to read any reviews. so if anyone knows anything or anybody enrolled in this course, i would appreciate any sort of information as i am currently looking into event styling and design rather than event planning which is more based on logistics and as i am design person i personally prefer being a stylist rather than a planner or coordinator. any comments and reviews heard would be appreciated.

The Preston Bailey Wedding and Event Design course is a classroom course at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY. It is offered as both a classroom and online course across the country. The classroom course is about 10 weeks and taught by a local professional. The students at Wagner College were also given the opportunity to meet Mr Bailey. Several colleges in NY (and across the country) also offer Wedding and Event Planning Certification course either online or in-class (8-10 week courses).

You can see an overview of the course at www.theweddingplanninginstitute.com/PBTour or www.theweddingplanninginstitute.com/CWEPTour.

Mary
mary@lovegevity.com

Jackie in Vancouver, Washington said: "I was so excited to enroll in a Wedding Planner school like Sheffield or QC because I love the business but someone told me that nobody uses wedding planners anymore unless its Paris Hilton or people like that because the economy is so bad. Is this true? I got a little discouraged because I really wanted to invest my time into this."

Janine ~
This is NOT TRUE. At least in my area (Pacific NW). In my business as a event planner/consultant I am finding that more brides are aware of their budget and are planning most of the wedding themselves but ask for guidence or design assistance and like the bonus of discounted vendors when you book with a planner. I also do more "Day of" weddings than complete planning. That is the most important and needed service for a bride. That is what I usualy focus on when speaking with a bride. I feel it's too important not to have someone on the big day to handle all the aspects of the wedding that way everyone can enjoy the day and live in the moment.

Don't be discouraged and continue your pursuit. Although I already have a business in the field, I am still looking for the right school for me to get my certificate. Good luck!

Jackie
Cloud Nine Bridal
cloudninebridal.net

Jackie there is a Wedding and Event Planning Certification in-class course at Clark College in Vancouver, WA, that starts April 19th. It is offered through their Professional Development department: www.campusce.net/Clark/Course/Course.aspx?c=1168
The program manager is Jennifer Ward.

If you need more information please let me know.

Mary
mary@lovegevity.com

I took the Penn Foster course. It had good information, however, with any on-line or distance learning program you do not get the social interaction of actually attending classes. I missed that. But your advisors are available via phone or e-mail for any questions or problems you may have.

The reason I decided on Penn Foster is because they offer 6 months free trial novice level membership with ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants). Upon completion of the course you receive a voucher for $50 off a 1 year Consultant level membership ($240?) or 4 months free of Consultant level membership. You also receive a Professional Bridal Consultant(tm) certificate from ABC. Penn Foster uses the same program that ABC does, plus a few extras for the price....so I felt it was the best option for me.

I also want to take another course that expands to include event planning. I have experience and knowledge, but most know a certificate on the wall is the visual proof our clients need to feel more secure. And having that Professional Bridal Consultant title from ABC is a great bonus. I love learning new things and when you join ABC you need 6 continuiing ed credits each each to renew membership...taking another course will help fulfill that. I was thinking either Sheffield of NY or the one that offers the Preston Bailey courses. Glad to see great reviews about Sheffield.

Has anyone ever heard of Tru Unity or IWEP (Institute for Wedding and Event Professionals). They offer both certification and internship opportunities. I am interested in their internship program, but I have not found any information online besides their own websites (truunity.com and iwep-tu.com) and I want to make sure they are a legitimate organization.

Judy in Metairie, Louisiana said: Has anyone ever heard of Tru Unity or IWEP (Institute for Wedding and Event Professionals). They offer both certification and internship opportunities. I am interested in their internship program, but I have not found any information online besides their own websites (truunity.com and iwep-tu.com) and I want to make sure they are a legitimate organization.

How does one define a "legitimate organization" anyway? Has anyone enrolled for the online course at California Institute of event management? calinstitute.org

Manny in San Jose, California said: How does one define a "legitimate organization" anyway? Has anyone enrolled for the online course at California Institute of event management? calinstitute.org

Hi Manny (and all),

Actually, one good way to define a "legitimate organization" is to check if it is accredited and licensed. Sheffield School - like many of the schools discussed on this Forum - is accredited by the DETC (the Distance Education Training Council) and licensed by the New York State Board of Education (our local licensing board).

If you are shopping around for schools, these factors are worth considering, as are things like the age of the school or program (i.e., how long has this place been around?), it's ratings, student and graduate testimonials, and so forth.

Good luck!
Caroline

Caroline in New York, New York said: Hi Manny (and all),

Actually, one good way to define a "legitimate organization" is to check if it is accredited and licensed. Sheffield School - like many of the schools discussed on this Forum - is accredited by the DETC (the Distance Education Training Council) and licensed by the New York State Board of Education (our local licensing board).

If you are shopping around for schools, these factors are worth considering, as are things like the age of the school or program (i.e., how long has this place been around?), it's ratings, student and graduate testimonials, and so forth.

Good luck!
Caroline

What is Sheffield BBB rating? I noticed on QC's site, there is a BBB rating, plus I was able to find them listed with the BBB. I'm having trouble locating Sheffield on the BBB site.
Thanks

kibby in Remer, Minnesota said: What is Sheffield BBB rating? I noticed on QC's site, there is a BBB rating, plus I was able to find them listed with the BBB. I'm having trouble locating Sheffield on the BBB site.
Thanks

Hi Kibby,

We always had an A with the BBB, but now we are listed with no rating. I am not sure why. It's possible the BBB changed their model so that you cannot actually get a rating unless you pay for their accreditation. We have been looking into it and hopefully will figure it out soon.

Thanks!
Caroline

I would like to say thank you to every one that has posted here. I like so many others on here has decided to take my event planning to another level (I have worked as a Progam Director for the last 15 years) I have been looking into different on-line courses, I have had it narrowed down to 2 different schools on here (Sheffield and QC) I have after talking to my peers and showing them the course outlines for both schools and reading all the comments on here I made a honest list of what I wanted to accomplish with the course In take and I finally made a decision. I will be enrolling into QC within the next couple weeks. The major factor that put them in the top running was the fact that they offer other events besides just weddings, working in hotels and with a more corporate cliental this course seems to be a better fit for me. I would suggest to all to honestly write your goals and what you want to accomplish and find a school (call them, email them, and get info) that fits your goals... Best of Luck to you all and again thanks for your help

But QC is not an accredited course so did that play a factor? Do you think having a certificate with accreditation can significantly increase you job prospects?

Manny in San Jose, California said: But QC is not an accredited course so did that play a factor? Do you think having a certificate with accreditation can significantly increase you job prospects?

As many others on here have said, you do not have to have a certificate to work in this field. If you feel you need it then you would have to look more into that. I was looking more for the extra training in a field I already work in, a certificate is not as important as experience. You could have a wall full of certificates, but if you dont have the experience to back it, you will have a harder time finding clients. Taking a course is a good way to get the basics of the business down, but in this field your clients are going to want to see proof of what you can do, and no amount of accrtediations or certificates are going to do that. I am just taking the course to learn the basics in different events than what I have been doing for the last 15 years. I hope this helps, Good Luck with whatever you decide to do.

CAMILLE in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: I LIVE IN EAST FORT LAUDERDALE,LOOKING FOR A CREDITED SCHOOL FOR WEDDING PLANNING AND EVEN PLANNING,DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A PLACE/

I am also in east Fort Lauderdale and looking for the same info. If you find any info not given here, would you mind sharing your experiences? I would highly appreciate any assistance.
Thanks,
Gabriell

Like a lot of people in this forum I am deciding between Sheffield and QC. I would like to thank everyone for their input on each school, but I'm still overwhelmed! I've heard good and bad news about each school and I just don't want to make the wrong choice in schools. I want to learn the absolute most information possible about being a wedding planner and running my own business someday. Any help on this would be great! I would like to know the pros and cons of each school. Thank you :)

Hi Caroline, I'm from Colombia and I'd like to know about the price of the program, and what it includes. I also wanted to know when are you starting classes or if is it at any time. Thanks

(Quote)

Forms! I really want forms, i.e. budget worksheet, reception planner, invoices, etc. I have been typing my own up and it's so time consuming! (End Quote)

www.russellandhazel.com/content/wedding-templates

Here are a few to get you started, some are good. I got some very good contracts and worksheets from the Weddings Beautiful Worldwide course. I am making my own though. Basically I am combining worksheets from the two courses I took and the templates I've found online. I think making your own is a great way to go because they will fit how you work and make it things run smoother.

heresellen in Mechanicsville, Maryland said: I just registered for Sheffield wedding planning course. Has anyone taken their course? If so what did you think about it.

I am interested in Sheffield but I am also worried that it might not cover enough on the the business and finances aspect, and how do they help after you are certified. Any insights will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Laura in Brooklyn, New York said: I am interested in Sheffield but I am also worried that it might not cover enough on the the business and finances aspect, and how do they help after you are certified. Any insights will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Laura,

We absolutely cover starting a business, marketing, and advertising in the Sheffield course materials, and we have student services people who can further advise you. We provide on-going support to graduates for as long as they want/need it. I hope that helps! Feel free to contact me at the school with any other questions or concerns.

All the best,
Caroline

Karen in Cali, Colombia said: Hi Caroline, I'm from Colombia and I'd like to know about the price of the program, and what it includes. I also wanted to know when are you starting classes or if is it at any time. Thanks

Hi Karen!

We have a few different pricing options but I would be happy to explain them and how they work to you; just give me a call at the school at extension 204. As for enrollment - you can do that any day, any time you want!

All the best,
Caroline

I am torn in what "school" to enroll in. I am interested in Event/Wedding planning, but am also learning that wedding planning shares all the same fundamental fields as "Event" planning does so why not just go the cheapest route which to me seems to be Ashworth. $34/month and right now they have a deal of $477 for the wedding planning course and you get a degree. Has anyone enrolled in Ashworth and liked it and learned alot????? I want to learn and have fun at the same time. I want to get the most for my "cheap" dollar. Are they connected with the ISES????

Hi Everyone, I was really excited to find this website. Like many, I too have read through virtually the entire forum. On yesterday I enrolled to QC. I am super excited. While the program cost was slightly higher than other schools, I chose QC because of the professionalism of the staff when I contacted to make an inquiry. Also the resources seemed endless. The school sets you up with your own website and provides a business start-up kit that gives you the essentials needed to hit the ground running. From what I gathered, one could benefit from this course if they are a newbie to the business, or if they had been in the business for years and wants to get an edge up on competition by having formal training.

I'm looking forward to completing the course. It is going to be a challenge juggling this course and trying to complete my Bachelors....but I know I can do it. I've seen other QC students post here about their initial experience. I'd love to hear updates on how things are going now being farther along in the course.

I thought I would share this also...QC processed my order quickly and has kept me posted throughout the entire process. Approximately an hour of my ordering I got an email welcoming me to the school along with my person ID an login information. This morning I got a FEDEX tracking email stating that my shipment would arrive this coming Thursday. I was happy to see that being that the school representative told me that it would take 5 business days. The FEDEX info showed the package to arrive would be 12.5lbs! I can't wait to see what's in the box!

Well I just signed up for the Bridal Show Production course with The International Institute of Weddings. As a previous student I receieve early registration and a discount on the price.

I can't wait to the class starts in July! Bridal Shows can be a great supplemental income for my business, plus its just more event planning experience that I will be able to add to the resume.

Now I am just waiting on the launch for the Wedding Event Design course to be launched. I am trying to sign up for the Floral Design course but since they are in Canada I am having an issue with my credit card. I am waiting for a response from the school to help me out with that problem and then I am on my way to start that course right away.

When I am done I will have two wedding planner certificates one from The International Institute of Weddings (already finished)and Wedding Beautiful worldwide (alreay finished) and Certificates for Wedding Event Design (which is much cheaper than the one being offered by Preston Baiely) Floral Design and Bridal Show Production. Then I will be done! I will come back and let you all know how it all goes.

Hi all

My payment issues have been resolved and my Floral Design course should be shipped out in a few days. I will come back and tell you all what I think of it after a quick look through it all. The Floral Design course will give me some great photos for my business portfolio and website. I hope to be finished with all the courses by October at the latest if not sooner.

Heyy so I decided to go with QC. I just enrolled. I am a little scared/ nervous but also excited. I can't wait until I get unit A.

sprinkles in Pawcatuck, Connecticut said: Heyy so I decided to go with QC. I just enrolled. I am a little scared/ nervous but also excited. I can't wait until I get unit A.

Good luck Sprinkles! I just finished Unit A and it was so much fun. You'll love it.