Getting experience..

[Char&Bump-x]

I am about to enroll on a wedding planning course, with a long term goal of being an independant wedding planner. Obviously before i start my own business etc i need some kind of experience. How do i get it, i cant get experience if no-one hires me, and no-one will without experience will they?

 

[pinkandfluffy]

Had a friend who recently started up a wedding photography business - so he did his first wedding for a ridiculously cheap price to get the experience / reference.

If you have any friends or family due to get married all the better if it is someone you know getting the benefit of a good price

Another friend has started making wedding stationary - again she did a family friends for free and the first few others for cheap, to get a portfolio going.

Not sure other than that....hopefully there are some ladies on here who have done similar things before and can give you more practical advice

 

[hopeandpray]

maybe for a start you could put together a portfolio of any other events that you have organised or see if someone will hire you to plan parties are smaller events at first. as pinkandfluffy said try help out friends/family for free to get experience behind you. if you don't know anyone getting married maybe ask around to let you know if anyone they know is getting married and offer to help them out for free or just expenses. all you need is one great event for people to see how great you are

 

[sheridon1984]

Just an idea but what about going to wedding fayres and trying to pick up some contacts there? I know that there is going to be one in Holsworthy pretty soon, could be this weekend. (I live near Bude incase you wondered how I randomly knew that!lol)
My Mum has been thinking about buying a Chocolate Fountain for Wedding Hire, but she hasn't taken the plunge yet, maybe if it all goes well for both then you could do business!!

 

[Char&Bump-x]

I dont drive yet so cant get to holsworthy definately a good idea though!

Tell your mum to go for it! lol x

 

[Kirstin]

Can you offer to work for free during the busy wedding season at all the hotels? If you impress you might get paid? Even if you dont the experience will still be worht it