General Tips, Your Event Career
15 Myths about Wedding Planners That Simply Aren’t True
There are a lot of myths about wedding planners out there—and we’re here to debunk 15 of them! Wedding planners are not high-maintenance, they don’t have to be perfect, and they definitely don’t have to know everything about weddings. In fact, most wedding planners will tell you that they learn something new at every wedding they plan!
So, if you’re thinking about pursuing a career in professional wedding planning, don’t let these myths hold you back. Read on for the truth about what it’s REALLY like to be a wedding planner!
BEFORE WE GET STARTED: See what a typical day in the life of a wedding planner is truly like!
Debunking 15 Common Myths About Wedding Planners
Myth #1: Hiring a wedding planner isn’t worth the cost.
This is one of the most common myths about wedding planners—and it couldn’t be further from the truth! Wedding planners are worth every penny… And then some!
Of course, hiring a wedding planner isn’t cheap. For reference, the average wedding planner in a major city charges an average of $1,800 to $4,000 for their services (for an entire wedding planning experience, start to finish). But remember, a good wedding planner will more than pay for themselves by saving clients time, money, and stress.
Now, you’ll likely encounter hesitant couples who won’t initially understand how you can help them save money—when they have to drop money on your services in the first place. Here’s what you can explain to them:
- Wedding planners have relationships with industry professionals. That means that we can often get discounts on things like flowers, catering, and even wedding dresses!
- Wedding planners are detail-oriented and organized. We know how to stay within a budget and we’re experts at cutting costs without sacrificing quality.
- Wedding planners are calm in the face of chaos. On the big day, we’re the ones who will be keeping everything running smoothly—so the bride and groom can actually enjoy their wedding day!
Not to mention, as a wedding planner, you will make sure their wedding day is absolutely perfect—something no one can put a price tag on!
PRO TIP: Not sure how much money you’ll make as a wedding planner? This informative blog article will tell you!
Myth #2: Wedding planners are high-maintenance.
This is another myth about wedding planners that simply isn’t true. In fact, most wedding planners are quite low-maintenance—especially when it comes to their own weddings!
Of course, every wedding planner is different. But in general, they tend to be pretty laid-back people. They’re not the type of people who need everything to be perfect. Rather, they know that things can (and will) go wrong on the big day, and they’re prepared for it!
Furthermore, wedding planners are also usually pretty flexible. You understand that things change, and you’re always ready to adjust your plans accordingly. After all, that’s what wedding planning is all about—being able to roll with the punches and making sure that everything turns out perfectly in the end!
Myth #3: Wedding planners only care about getting paid.
While it’s true that wedding planners do need to get paid for their services, most of them actually care a lot more about their clients than they do about the money.
In fact, most wedding planners got into the business BECAUSE they’re passionate about weddings and they want to help make people’s dream days a reality! Yes, getting paid is important. Anyone who runs a business and tells you differently is lying.
But at the end of the day, it shouldn’t be the most important thing. In reality, most wedding planners (and any great wedding planner will attest to this) would rather have happy clients than a fat bank account.
PRO TIP: Need help boosting revenue for your wedding planning business? These 12 tips will allow you to achieve this goal!
Myth #4: Wedding planners only work on the big day.
This is one of the biggest myths about wedding planners! In reality, wedding planners are usually involved in the wedding planning process from start to finish. Depending on the couple, this process can be anywhere from a few weeks long to a year or more!
Of course, every wedding planner is different, and some may choose to only work with clients on the day of the event. But most actually like to be involved in the entire process—from helping couples pick out venues and vendors, to working with them on their budget, to being there on the big day to make sure everything runs smoothly.
And while it’s true that the wedding day is when you really earn your keep, it’s also important to remember that a lot of work goes into making sure that everything runs perfectly on that day. So, if you’re thinking about becoming a wedding planner, know that you’ll likely be working long hours—both before and after the big day!
Myth #5: Wedding planners are bossy.
Ahh yes, this old trope… Sure, wedding planners are often in charge of making sure that everything runs smoothly on the big day. But that doesn’t mean that they’re bossy!
In fact, most wedding planners are actually pretty easy-going. They understand that it’s the couple’s day, and they’re there to make sure that their vision comes to life—not to take over and dictate every little detail.
Of course, there are always going to be couples who want their planner to be more hands-on. But in general, wedding planners are there to provide guidance and support—not to boss people around.
Myth #6: Wedding planners are control freaks.
This myth about wedding planners is similar to the one above, but it’s not quite accurate. While it’s true that wedding planners often need to be in control on the big day, most of them are actually pretty relaxed when it comes to their personal lives.
In fact, many wedding planners are actually pretty spontaneous! They understand that sometimes, the best laid plans fall apart—and they’re okay with that. Because at the end of the day, they know that everything will work out in the end.
Myth #7: Wedding planners are always stressed out.
While it’s true that wedding planners often have to deal with a lot of stress, they’re usually pretty good at handling it. After all, it’s part of the job!
In fact, many wedding planners actually find the planning process to be pretty enjoyable—even if it is a bit stressful at times. Sure, there are always going to be bumps in the road. But for the most part, wedding planners are pretty good at rolling with the punches and keeping their cool.
Myth #8: Wedding planners only work with rich people.
This is one of the biggest myths about wedding planners—and also one of the most inaccurate! In reality, wedding planners work with all kinds of clients—both rich and poor.
Of course, it’s true that some wedding planners—such as luxury ones—only work with wealthy clients. But many of them actually enjoy working with couples on a budget. This is because they understand that not everyone has a ton of money to spend on their wedding.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a wedding planner, know that you’ll likely have the opportunity to work with all kinds of clients—no matter their budget.
Myth #9: Wedding planners won’t respect a couple’s budget.
As with all the other myths listed in this article, this one is also completely false! In reality, most wedding planners are actually very respectful of their clients’ budgets.
In fact, many of them will even help couples to save money on their weddings. They know that weddings can be expensive, and they want to help their clients to get the most bang for their buck.
So, if you want to be a successful wedding planner, it’s important to be respectful of your clients’ budgets—and to always be looking for ways to save them money.
Here are 4 need-to-know tips to help you stretch your client’s budget—and even potentially shrink it down!
Myth #10: Wedding planners and wedding coordinators are the exact same thing.
This one can get a little tricky… In reality, wedding coordinators and wedding planners are two very different types of professionals. While their job responsibilities tend to be the same, the difference is in the level of service that they provide.
Wedding planners are usually more involved in the entire planning process as a whole, and they often provide a higher level of service than coordinators. They’re also typically more expensive, which is why some couples opt to go with a coordinator instead.
Wedding coordinators, on the other hand, are usually hired by couples to help them with the logistics of their wedding day. Additionally, their focus tends to be on putting into motion the plans already established before they were hired. This is in direct contrast with what wedding planners do, which is help with the initial planning stages as well. Wedding coordinators typically come on board much closer to the the big day (such as a month ahead, or a few weeks ahead).
So, if you’re meeting with a couple who’s on the fence between hiring a wedding coordinator or you as a wedding planner, be sure to explain the difference between the two services—and what each of you would be responsible for if hired.
Myth #11: Wedding planners are the same as venue coordinators.
Again, this is another one of those tricky myths about wedding planners that’s actually not true. While venue coordinators do share some similarities with wedding planners, these are two entirely different professions.
Venue coordinators are usually responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a specific venue—such as a banquet hall, hotel, or museum. They typically don’t have anything to do with the actual planning of weddings or events.
Wedding planners, on the other hand, are responsible for helping couples to plan their entire wedding—from start to finish. This includes everything from booking vendors and managing the budget, to handling logistics on the day of the big event.
So, if you’re ever confused about whether someone is a venue coordinator or a wedding planner, just remember: venue coordinators manage venues, and wedding planners help to plan weddings. It’s as simple as that!
PRO TIP: Learn more about the difference between wedding planners and venue coordinators in this 2-part blog series!
Myth #12: Wedding planners need to be available 24/7.
This is one of those myths that can actually turn aspiring wedding planners away from the industry. But in reality, wedding planners are NOT expected to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week… And if a couple does expect that from you, then you need to establish some hard boundaries.
While it is important to be responsive to your clients’ needs and to always be available for questions or concerns, you’re not expected to drop everything and attend to their every whim—no matter what time of day or night it is.
If a client does try to take advantage of your availability, be sure to set some clear boundaries, as we mentioned. Explain that you’re happy to answer any questions or concerns they have—but only during normal business hours (however you’ve defined those to be for yourself). This will help to ensure that you’re able to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Myth #13: Wedding planners need to be available for travel—even on short notice.
This is another one of those myths about wedding planners that can be a major deterrent for those considering a career in the industry. And while it’s true that some planners do travel for destination weddings or to attend industry events, it’s not a requirement—and you shouldn’t feel like you need to do it if it’s not something that interests you.
In fact, many wedding planners choose to only work with local clients, and they never have to travel for work at all! So if the thought of packing your bags and hitting the road at a moment’s notice doesn’t sound appealing to you, then you can rest assured knowing that you can still have a successful career as a wedding planner—without ever having to leave your home town.
PRO TIP: If you are interested in traveling for destination weddings, make sure to check out QC Event School‘s self-paced, online Destination Wedding Planning Course! In as little as 12 short weeks, you’ll learn everything you need to know to add destination wedding planning to your resume!
Myth #14: Wedding planners will only recommend vendors/suppliers/venues that’ll give them a kick back.
This is one of those myths that can make the idea of hiring a wedding planner off-putting. After all, it gives the impression that a wedding planner will only assist a couple if there’s something in it for them. But the truth is, most reputable wedding planners would never dream of accepting a kick back from a vendor or supplier.
And if they did, it would be considered highly unethical!
In fact, most wedding planners take great pride in providing their clients with unbiased vendor recommendations—based solely on the couple’s individual needs and preferences. So if you’re ever concerned that a wedding planner is only recommending certain vendors because they’re getting something out of it, be sure to ask them about it directly. A good planner should have no problem putting your mind at ease on this front.
Myth #15: Couples don’t need wedding planners because they can learn everything they need to about planning their wedding online.
This is one of the most common myths about wedding planners—and it’s also one of the biggest misconceptions. After all, there’s a lot of information available online these days… So, why would a couple need to hire a professional when they can just do it themselves?
The truth is, while there is a lot of great information out there, it’s not always easy to find. Not to mention, it can be overwhelming trying to sift through everything to find the answers you’re looking for. And even if all that information can be found, couples likely won’t know where to find the best vendors, suppliers, and venues.
Plus, they probably won’t know the most efficient ways to stretch their budget or how to troubleshoot any potential problems that may arise along the way either.
And that’s where a wedding planner comes in!
A good wedding planner will have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from. They’ll be able to save you a lot of time and energy by doing all of the legwork for you. Not to mention, they’ll be there to provide support and assistance every step of the way. This can be invaluable when it comes to planning such a big event.
In other words, while it is absolutely is possible for couples to plan their own wedding without any professional help, it’s not always the smartest or most efficient way to go about it.
5 Wedding Planner Myths That Are Actually True
Fact #1: The best wedding planners have been professionally trained/certified.
This one is actually true!
While it’s not required, the best wedding planners have usually gone through some sort of formal training or certification process. This helps to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to properly plan/execute a successful wedding, as well as work with clients effectively.
There are many different ways to become a certified wedding planner these days. One option is to take an online course, such as QC Event School’s self-paced, online Event & Wedding Planning Course or Wedding Planning Course. These self-paced certification programs can be completed in as little as 12 weeks and will teach you everything you need to know about wedding planning, from start to finish.
For even more information, check out QC Event School’s full list of online courses!
Fact #2: Wedding planners are always busy during the peak wedding season.
This one is definitely true, too!
Wedding planners are usually pretty busy during the peak wedding season, which is typically from May to October. This is when most couples choose to tie the knot. So, it’s no surprise that wedding planners are in high demand during this time.
If you’re thinking about becoming a wedding planner, it’s important to be aware of this and be prepared for a busy work schedule. Wedding planners usually work long hours, including weekends and evenings. This can be tough, especially if you have other commitments outside of work.
But if you’re up for the challenge and love working in a fast-paced environment, then being a wedding planner may just be the perfect career for you!
Fact #3: Business gets a lot slower during off season.
Hear us out, because this one—while partially true—comes with a massive disclaimer.
While business does tend to slow down a bit during the off season (typically from November to April), there are still plenty of couples who choose to get married during this time. So, don’t misunderstand and get yourself worried that you’ll need a second job for half the year. In reality, wedding planners usually don’t have too much down time, even when it’s not peak season.
In fact, the slower months can actually be a great opportunity for wedding planners to focus on other aspects of their business, such as marketing and networking. These activities can help generate more leads and business for the future, which can be extremely beneficial during the busier months.
PRO TIP: These 10 awesome marketing ideas will help you promote your wedding planning business 365 days a year!
Fact #4: Many wedding planners are also event planners, too.
This one is also true! In fact, many wedding planners start out as event planners and then eventually specialize in weddings. With that said, just as many choose to permanently offer both types of planning in order to attract more clients, book more jobs, and make better profits.
Of course, this makes perfect sense because weddings are essentially just a type of event. So, if you’re interested in becoming a wedding planner, then working as an event planner first can be a great way to get your foot in the door. As an event planner, you can also put together any/all of the following types of events (in addition to weddings):
- Birthday parties
- Private events
- Corporate events
- Engagement parties
- Graduation parties
- Proposals
- Baptisms/christenings
- Live events
- Festivals
- Travel and tourism
- Funerals
Furthermore, there are other complementary services your business can also offer as well. Event decor, floral design, and virtual events services are all excellent examples!
Basically, never turn down an opportunity to expand your skill set and provide a richer range of business services. Not only will this make you more valuable to potential clients; it’ll also increase your overall revenue AND give your business a much-needed boost during the off season.
Fact #5: Wedding planners need to be organized and detail-oriented.
This one goes without saying! If you’re not organized and detail-oriented, then being a wedding planner is probably not the right career choice for you.
Wedding planners need to be able to juggle multiple tasks at once and keep track of countless details, both big and small. They also need to be great at communicating with clients, vendors, and other members of the wedding party. Not to mention, they need to have a strong understanding of the wedding industry, know where to find the best vendors, and be up-to-date on the latest trends.
While we’re on the topic of must-have skills, it’s also worth noting that you should have these additional skills, too:
- Excellent customer service
- Creativity
- Patience
- Flexibility
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Budgeting
Now, if you don’t have all of these skills, that’s okay! The most important thing is to be honest with yourself and understand what area you need to work on before taking the plunge into wedding planning. Fortunately, many of these skills can be learned with time and practice.
In fact, that’s one of the best things about working in the wedding industry—it’s always evolving, which means there’s always something new to learn! If you’re the type of person who loves a challenge and is constantly striving to improve, then this career is definitely for you.
All we’re saying is that at the end of the day, it’s important to make sure you’re really cut out for the job before making the decision to become a wedding planner.
How To Become a Wedding Planner
If you’re interested in a career in professional wedding planning, the first thing we recommend is checking out this Ultimate Guide. It’ll break down the process of becoming a certified, working wedding planner in as little as 6 steps (even if you don’t have any experience)!
From there, make sure to bookmark all of these resources so you can come back to them whenever you need to:
- Should YOU Start an Event Planning Business?
- How To Get Clients
- Hiring a Wedding Planner: Everything You Need To Know
- How To Brand Your Wedding Planning Business
- How To Define The Objectives For Your Company
- Developing Client Trust
- How To Start a Wedding Planning Business: 5 Things To Invest In
- Contingency Planning
- 5 Unexpected Skills You’ll Learn From Your Wedding Planning Course
- 3 Things Every Certified Wedding Planners Needs To Nail Down
- 6 Ways To Style Your Wedding Planning Portfolio
- How Stylized Photoshoots Can Lead To Jobs
- Everything You Need To Know About Virtual Weddings
- 9 Savvy Ways To Promote Your Wedding Planner Certification
- Budgets 101
- Knowing Your Themes
- 5 Career Moves GUARANTEED To Hurt Your Salary
- How To Network Like a Pro
Wedding Planner Misconceptions: Conclusion
We hope this article helped to clear up any misconceptions you may have had about wedding planners! Remember, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in professional wedding planning, the most important thing is to be honest with yourself and understand what area you need to work on. With time and practice, you can develop the skills necessary to succeed in this challenging, yet rewarding, industry.
Are there any other wedding planner misconceptions that you’d like to see debunked? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading… And happy planning! 🙂