Course Syllabus: Wedding Planning 101

Our self-paced online class teaches you exactly what you'll need to know to become a well paid, successful wedding planner – starting the day after you finish this course. 

 

It doesn't matter if you don't know anything about weddings right now.  Wedding Planning 101 gives you all the information and knowledge you'll need to succeed.

 

You'll learn:

 

• How to put together your portfolio even if you don't have any experience.  What's more, we'll help you put one together during the course.
• Your responsibilities and duties as a wedding planner.
• The wedding industry including all you need to know about vendors.
• How to plan a wedding no matter what the budget.  This easy formula will have you planning everything from small, intimate weddings to elaborate ceremonies and receptions.
• What you need to do and when you need to do it.  Don't know when to order invitations?  We'll tell you.
• Everything about planning and coordinating the wedding ceremony
• Learn about the rehearsal dinner
• How to plan and coordinate a reception
• All about destination weddings
• How to plan honeymoons
• Wedding etiquette and protocol
• About weddings of different faiths
• And everything you need to know to start your business right away!

 

Did you know that the average wedding planner is paid a minimum of 10% of the total cost of the wedding?  With today's average wedding costing $19,000, that means you'll make at least $1,900 dollars for each wedding you plan!  Just working part time would equal an excellent new income for you.  Best yet, you can start making that money the day after you finish this course.

 

Sign up now.  You're just eleven lessons away from becoming the fairy godmother that has the power to convert the simplest weddings into the most beautiful affairs.  And that is what you want, isn't it?  You want to make wedding dreams come true for all your clients.  If you’ve been searching for a new career, love weddings and planning parties, then taking this course will be the perfect choice.
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This course will not require you to have previous experience in any particular area but you should have a high school reading level. No books will be required.

 

Lesson 1: The Business of Planning Weddings

Responsibilities of a Wedding Planner

What You Need to Get Started

Building Your Portfolio

Lesson 2:   Getting Familiar with the Wedding Industry

What You Need to Do

Things to Remember When Locating Vendors

Vendor List Worksheet

Lesson 3: Wedding Budget

Who Pays For What?

 Wedding Budget Worksheet

Lesson 4: The Wedding Consultation

The Initial Phone Call

Preparing for the Consultation

The Consultation

What Is Discussed During the Consultation

Phone Pre-Consultation Worksheet

Lesson 5: The Wedding Planner Timeline

Wedding Planning Timeline

Lesson 6: Planning the Ceremony

The Venue

The Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner

Attire

Transportation

Music

Flowers

Photographer and Videographer

Things to Ask Ceremony Vendors

Destination Weddings

What You Need

Ceremony Site Worksheet

Wedding Flowers Worksheet

Photographer Worksheet

Transportation Worksheet

Videographer Worksheet

Lesson 7: Planning the Reception

Figuring Out the Budget

Important Elements Versus Not So Important

The Venue

Guests

Music

Cake

Food

Games

Favors

Equipment and Other Rentals

After the Reception / The Honeymoon

Lesson Eight: Etiquette and Protocol

Invitation Etiquette

Wedding Gifts Etiquette

If the Wedding Is Cancelled or Postponed

If It’s the Bride’s Second Marriage

If the Bride Wears Gloves During the Ceremony

Ceremony Etiquette

Reception Etiquette

Weddings of Different Faiths and Cultures

Lesson Nine: Resolving Disputes

Disputes With Vendors

Disputes with Parents

Resolving Receiving Line Disputes

Disputes between the Bride and Groom

Lesson Ten: Forms, Floorplans, and Reference Tools

Vendor List Worksheet

Budget Breakdown Worksheet

Wedding Cost Breakdown (2006) Reference Tool

Photographer Checklist

Wedding Budget Worksheet

Phone Pre-Consultation Worksheet

Wedding Planner Timeline

Lesson 11: How to Start Your Wedding Planning Business Right Now

Fees

Establish Early Relationships with Vendors

Get Your Paperwork Together, Including Contracts

Practice Consultations

Your Portfolio

Landing Your First Client

Warning About Discounting Your Rates

All course material will be provided in the lessons and netlinks. There are no required materials to purchase before taking the class

Each lesson will include a lesson review quiz along with one or two assignments. Students will successfully complete this course by mastering all learning outcomes with 70% or higher overall grade.

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to: