Planning weddings enables you to turn a couple\u2019s dreams into reality by crafting unforgettable experiences. Wondering how to become a wedding planner? Allow Complete Weddings + Events to guide you as we unveil some of the most important things to consider \u2014 and what it takes to get started.<\/p>\n
After a dip following the pandemic outbreak, people returned to hosting grand celebrations. In 2021, Complete Weddings + Events recorded our highest yearly revenue. The wedding planning market continued its upward momentum, reaching $70.7 billion<\/a> in the U.S. in 2022. There were 2.4 million weddings in 2022, and the average wedding cost was $29,195, according to Wedding Report . Inspired by TikTok and social media, couples are relying on unique party favors, over-the-top desserts, and fun entertainment to make their receptions memorable, a study by The Knot revealed.<\/p>\n Launching a career in wedding planning can be lucrative if you have the skill set, training, and support to be successful. Before you say \u201cI do\u201d to a new career path, understand the things to keep in mind as you make plans for your future.<\/p>\n Weddings are filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. Behind the scenes, a skilled wedding planner orchestrates the symphony of emotions and logistics that go into making the day magical. Planning requires skill, support, and a customer service mindset. At least 29%<\/a> of couples hire a professional to help with their wedding to save time and ensure their big day goes off without a hitch.<\/p>\n As you contemplate becoming an event planner, be sure to understand whether you have the traits required to succeed in this competitive market.<\/p>\n \u25cf You’ll need to effectively communicate with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page. Once you\u2019ve determined you have the skills required to be successful in the wedding industry, it\u2019s time to set your sights on the type of wedding planning business you want to launch.<\/p>\n Full-service wedding planners offer comprehensive planning services, handling all aspects of the wedding from start to finish. Event coordinators manage the wedding day, ensuring everything runs as planned. Some wedding planners cater to couples who want a destination wedding, and others set themselves apart by focusing on specific themes or cultures.<\/p>\n Regardless of the type of wedding planning venture you pursue, you need to decide if you want to start a business from scratch or partner with an established brand by opening a franchise. Starting your own wedding planning business offers some flexibility over your brand and services. You can potentially develop a unique identity and target your specific market. But there are drawbacks to launching a startup. It can be difficult to access capital, and it requires a hefty time commitment, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce . Startup businesses also have to conquer legal and regulatory challenges.<\/a><\/p>\n On the other hand, there are numerous advantages to investing in a wedding planning franchise. Partnering with an existing wedding planning franchise like Complete Weddings + Events can provide you with a recognizable brand, established systems, and access to a broader network. Franchises can be beneficial for those who prefer a proven business model and marketing support. If you\u2019re new to event planning, having a partner can provide you with the training and guidance you need to be successful.<\/p>\n Complete Weddings + Events is an all-in-one event planning franchise. For an initial investment ranging from $56,820-$71,070, you get a brand with nearly 50 years of experience in the wedding and event planning industry. Complete launched in 1974 with DJ services and in 2010 began expanding our lineup of services to include photography, videography, DJ, photo booth, lighting, and coordination services for any memorable occasion. And we customize service packages to help our clients trim costs and cater to customer needs.<\/p>\n \u201cWith Complete\u2019s franchise system, it allowed us to focus on what we do well \u2013 selling and managing people. We would be in trouble if we had to come up with brochures, videos, logos, etc. Relying on them frees up time and sanity,\u201d says Sarah Erb, a franchisee in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s explore how Complete Weddings + Events gives you a competitive advantage. \u25cf Positive ROI: We\u2019ve helped plan and execute more than 300,000 events, including more than 13,000 weddings a year, and have 66 locations systemwide. Our franchisees who\u2019ve been open for at least a year hold an average of 23.7 events per month with an average spend per booking of $1,770.50. The top third of our franchisees doing business for at least a year generated average annual gross receipts of $704,934.40.*<\/p>\n \u25cf Multiple revenue streams. The bulk of weddings occur during months with sunny skies and mild temperatures. The most popular month for a wedding in the U.S. is October.<\/a> To generate year-round business, Complete Weddings + Events provides event planning services for a variety of occasions. Our owners also help plan corporate events, anniversary parties, milestone birthdays, school events, and more.<\/p>\n \u25cf In-depth training: By becoming a franchisee with Complete Weddings + Events, you\u2019ll be able to launch a business with confidence and learn how to become a wedding planner. We provide 10 days of immersive training at our corporate headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska, where we cover a range of topics, including business development, operations, sales, accounting, marketing, computer software, and networking.<\/p>\n \u25cf Marketing support: Complete Weddings + Events provides robust franchise marketing support<\/a> to its owners. Many couples go online for wedding planning resources, according to The Knot . As a result, our marketing solutions and partners focus on search engine optimization and digital marketing. We also provide traditional marketing tools to broaden your reach in your community.<\/p>\nIs Wedding Planning a Good Fit?<\/h2>\n
\n\u25cf Weddings involve numerous details, and being organized is crucial to manage everything smoothly.
\n\u25cf Meeting deadlines and coordinating various aspects of a wedding requires strong time management.
\n\u25cf Clients often seek unique and personalized weddings, so creativity is valuable.
\n\u25cf Weddings can have unexpected challenges, and staying calm under pressure is important.
\n\u25cf The ability to negotiate with vendors to secure the best deals for your clients is part of the job.
\n\u25cf Building relationships with clients and vendors is necessary for a successful wedding planning business.
\n\u25cf A good wedding planner knows how to balance a couple’s dreams and budget limitations and works diligently to optimize spending.<\/p>\nTypes of Wedding Planning Businesses<\/h2>\n
Starting Your Own Business vs. Franchise<\/h2>\n
Explore a Complete Weddings Franchise<\/h2>\n
\n\u25cf Award-winning business model. Our wedding and event planning franchise was recently recognized for low startup costs. We were named a \u201cTop Low-Cost Franchise\u201d and \u201cTop Recession-Proof Franchise\u201d by Franchise Business Review , a franchise research firm.<\/p>\nDiscover Your Match with Complete Weddings<\/h2>\n