The Many “Hats” of a Wedding Planner

By: WPIC alumni, Crystal Adair-Benning of Distinct Occasions and best selling author of  Wedding Planner Problems

The Many “Hats” of a Wedding Planner

Once upon a time, I wanted to be a teacher. An educator. A knowledge-sharer. Life happened. The Universe pushed me into wedding planning. I went with it. That said, other than WPIC (which has been an awesome relationship builder for me) I never took a special course or college/University program. I was a PR/Marketing Grad who just took a leap of faith. I learned what I learned, from life.

Being a Wedding Planner means wearing a LOT of different hats. So, if I was to do it all over again, there are some pieces of the puzzle I wish I had learned or educated myself on.

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

This one is HUGE for me and I wish I had paid better attention in my psychology classes in University. As a Wedding Planner, you are the prime problem solver not just for the practical (“where do I put the cake?”) to the emotional (my mother thinks all brides should wear white and we have to serve a 3-course meal). Oh boy, if I had a nickel for every relationship issue I tried to resolve while planning a wedding… I would be living in Tahiti!

HOSTAGE NEGOTIATOR

This one always makes me giggle but it’s absolute truth. Emotions run high on a wedding day and rational is not the theme so much as emotional. Being able to accurately negotiate with those who don’t want to negotiate (ie. I want blush peonies in November… only blush and they have to be the size of a dinner plate) would be a huge asset.

BOOKKEEPER

For a girl who hated math in school, my job sure has a LOT to do with numbers – keeping track of budgets, negotiating rates, commissions, attrition rates, lamdmark fees and the like. Money rules the roost and I wish I had paid better attention.

BUSINESS STUDIES

I’m an Entrepreneur. I was born to two Entrepreneurs. When I told them I wanted to run my own business — neither was surprised, nor excited. Being in business for yourself means wearing ALL THE HATS… ALL THE TIME. It’s being multi-talented, multi-faceted, being okay with less sleep for the freedom of being your own boss. It also means being broke sometimes. To having to constantly be out of your comfort zone. If you haven’t yet – take a business course. Now.

EDUCATOR

So, my dream of being a teacher did sort of come true. I’m constantly educating people about… you guessed it, weddings. Whether it’s the current costs of a wedding, the etiquette to be followed (or broken) or advising on decor and floorplans. I’m constantly TEACHING. Boo-ya, Universe! Thank you.

INTERIOR DECORATOR

I’m blessed that I come by my design skills naturally. I’ve got a pretty good eye and like colour and texture. Know what? There are others that are far better than I. This is a skill I am constantly developing for myself. If I knew then, what I know now – I would’ve taken an Interior Decorating or Design course.

There are hundreds more skills I wish I had! I’m constantly learning but here’s just a few:
– Photographer
– Marketing Manager
– Graphic Designer
– Sales Manager
– Travel Agent
– Makeup Artist
– Hairstylist
– A/V Tech

Listen, the truth is that GREAT WEDDING PLANNERS COME FROM EVERYWHERE. Whether you’ve planned only your own wedding or nothing at all. If you’re passionate and enthusiastic. If you can build skills and be a business person. You will go far. Raw talent gets you half way… knowing how to BE in business and RUN a business will get you all the way there.

Go forth, Wedding Planners! Inspire the next generation of marriages.