How to become a wedding planner?

How does one become a wedding planner?

• I'm a freshman in high school, which means pretty soon, guidance counselors are going to start making us decide where we want to go to school, what we want to be when we grow up, etc. I'm taking a business course and it kind of makes me want to start a small business. I'd really love to be a wedding planner. My question is, how do I become one? What classes should I take? Especially, what college courses should I be looking at? I know networking is key when starting your own business. What sort of job should I be looking for before starting my own business? What kind of jobs are good for people with an interest in wedding planning? Villanova is my number 1 choice for college, and I believe they have a business school. Are there any courses there for people who want to start their own business (particularly wedding planning?) Don't tell me I'm too young to think about this, or that I'm immature, please. This is what I want to do with my life. Please, any information you have about anything I've asked is welcome (: Thank you so much! (:

• Answer:

  There are some online colleges that offer this as a degree, Stratford comes to mind. Organization is probably one of the biggest things, a wedding planner needs to be extremely organized and work well under pressure. Since many brides want everything perfect you need to try your best and work hard right at the finish. You would want business classes, you need to learn to budget for yourself and also for your clients. They will expect you to help to stay within their own budget. Wedding planning is probably more of a trade, so trade schools instead of college, the college will require you to take many classes you won't be interested in or need for this career path, I would recommend the schools that offer it as a degree and then you will be in school for a year instead of 4 or more. Look for wedding planners in your area and ask them if they might have some time to explain what they do.