Building a career in wedding planning can be both challenging and rewarding. However, with the right approach and a bit of hard work, you can turn your passion for weddings into a successful career. There’s no reason to get intimidated; at TISOH, the International School of Hospitality, we train students for careers as wedding planners, and we offer support every step of the way. Getting started is often the hardest step; here are some tips to help you get started:

• Get Educated: Getting educated is a great way to start your career. While a formal education in wedding planning isn't necessarily required, it can help you develop the skills and knowledge you'll need to be successful in a short period of time and ensure that you learn the right way. There are educational institutions that offer event planning or hospitality programs, which can be a great place to start. First, decide whether you want a degree, a certificate, or a diploma. Degrees take years while certificates and diplomas take months. Beware that there are also online courses offered by associations that are not accredited by the US Department of Education, thus offering no assurance at all of quality. 
• Earn Professional Certifications: Certifications demonstrate your knowledge and skills. In the wedding planning industry, there is only one certification that is recognized - the Certified Wedding Industry Professional (CWIP) from the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA). The CWIP requires study, and passing of an exam, in addition to meeting industry work requirements. All other wedding certifications (at time of writing) are for-profit, essentially selling a course and masquerading as a certification that is recognized by only the issuer. 

• Build a portfolio: A portfolio is a collection of photos, testimonials, and other materials that showcase your work as a wedding planner. Having a strong portfolio can help you to attract new clients and land new jobs. As you plan and execute weddings, be sure to take plenty of photos and ask for testimonials from your clients.

• Network! The key to success in the wedding industry is building connections. Attend bridal shows, join wedding planning associations such as WIPA, and attend networking events. You will meet other planners, vendors, and industry professionals who can offer valuable advice and mentorship. It will also help you gain more visibility and exposure. These vendors will become your preferred vendors, people you can call on and who are on your side to make your weddings spectacular.

Building a career in wedding planning requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance, but the rewards can be significant. By getting educated, building a portfolio, networking, and specializing, you can develop the skills and knowledge you'll need to be a successful wedding planner. Additionally, you'll need to be able to manage budgets, timelines, and contracts, so learning the business side of planning will help you to be more effective and efficient in your work, and it will also make you more valuable to clients. Building your wedding planning career takes time and effort and you may not land your dream job right away, but if you're persistent and stay true to your passion, you'll be able to achieve your goals.

At TISOH, the International School of Hospitality, we specialize in training passionate, motivated people for careers in the hospitality industry, including in wedding coordination and design. Located in the heart of Las Vegas, TISOH is a leader in training and cultivating hospitality professionals. TISOH is a certification partner of the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA), so students learn the best practices of wedding coordination and the latest trends in the wedding industry. From planning, organization, and design to production and execution, TISOH students learn to create beautiful ceremonies of any scale and style. Students learn how to evaluate, select, and negotiate for all aspects of any kind of ceremony, including design, logistics, budgeting, vendor relations, catering, and more. 

At TISOH, students interested in this career path choose between pursuing a Diploma in Hospitality Operations, with a Wedding Coordination and Design focus, or earning an individual certificate with TISOH’s single-topic, focused certificate program in Wedding Coordination and Design. Available in class and online, all courses are taught by professional faculty with deep industry experience, and students benefit from their expertise, as well as guest lecturers and expert panels. Graduates go on to launch their own companies as an entrepreneur, or become an asset to a design firm or hospitality venue in Las Vegas or beyond.

If you want to make wedding planning your career, TISOH offers the Wedding Coordination and Design career training you need! TISOH offers in-person and remote learning options, professional instruction, and personalized student support. With TISOH, the International School of Hospitality, you can gain the knowledge and skills you need to make the wonderful world of weddings your career. Contact us to learn more and get started today!