When Meetings Aren’t Your “Thing” But Money Is
So you like planning events, and want to make a career of it. Congratulations! Most people have no idea what they would like to be doing a year from now, so you are a step ahead of the crowd. However, if you don’t like working with corporations there may be another avenue for you, even in the ruined economy: weddings.
Sure, we’ve all heard in the news that people are cutting way back on weddings, and even cutting out the planner if they can. Many have gone to a DIY format, even down to the cake. However, this is likely very stressful, and can put a big dent in a couple’s big day. If you are thinking of becoming a wedding planner, go ahead. Just try these simple ideas to get started as a wedding planner in a bad economy.
Offer Assistance as Well as Full Packages
One thing that will help you build a clientele is to be versatile. That doesn’t mean you have to be able to do everything under the sun, but it does mean that you should be ready to take a smaller part in a wedding than you normally would have. Being a help to the family is often a better position than doing to actual work and makes you more flexible.
Work on Your Haggling Skills
Even cake decorators are struggling now, since they provide a luxury. They may be ready to reduce prices, add value somewhere else, or offer special provisions to the wedding party. Make a list of things a bride may want to have or need to save on. If a vendor does not want to be accommodating you can probably shop around a few minutes and find one who is.
Reception Savings
This is usually a huge expense for even medium sized weddings. Remember the tradition is that the cost of a gift will be at least the same as the money spent on that person for the reception, so you don’t want to have cheese and crackers. However, there are some things a couple can cut back on. Here are a few.
• Alcohol–other benefits to this need no explanation
• Entertainment–substitute a DJ with CDs and a boom box if you have to
• Venue–many reception halls can be expensive, so see if there is another alternative like a church dining room or the home of a wealthy relative of the couple
Needless to say, it will be a little more difficult for you to get started in the financial conditions of 2009, but it doesn’t have to ruin your plans altogether. Be patient and accommodating and you will have plenty of clients.
