Wedding Planner job description
Where we source our data
Let's get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you're making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That's why we anonymously surveyed Wedding Planners about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it's really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can't guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Tasks and responsibilities for a Wedding Planner
Wedding planners guide couples through their entire planning journey, offering structure, inspiration, and expert knowledge to make their big day a success. Responsibilities often include:
- Meeting with couples to understand their vision, priorities and wedding budget
- Recommending venues, styling themes and key wedding suppliers such as florists, photographers and entertainers
- Managing timelines, vendor contracts and run sheets
- Creating a wedding checklist and using wedding planning tools to plan and keep everything on track
- Coordinating styling and decor to match the couple’s unique style
- Managing the wedding day, including handling logistics, coordinating all elements, wedding vendors, and making last-minute changes
- Offering support, advice, and calm when it’s needed most to keep the experience stress-free
How to become a Wedding Planner
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Learn the event planning fundamentals
Consider enrolling in a short course in wedding planning to acquire the essential skills necessary to become an event planner or wedding planner. These courses provide a strong foundation in event management, budgeting, client relations, and coordinating with key wedding suppliers.
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Gain hands-on experience
Assist at weddings, shadow experienced planners, or volunteer at local events. You can also help with family and friends’ weddings or engagement celebrations to gain valuable experience. These opportunities give you real-world insights into client needs, event timelines, and managing relationships with wedding vendors, plus great material for your portfolio.
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Build a portfolio
Showcase photos, themes, testimonials, completed wedding checklists, and samples of invitations, place cards, and gifts to demonstrate your capabilities and attention to detail. Include mood boards and vision boards to communicate how you bring your client’s unique style and vision to life. Highlight the importance of selecting the right gift or wedding favour as part of your portfolio examples to show how you enhance the overall wedding experience.
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Grow your industry network
Build relationships with key wedding suppliers like venues, stylists and caterers. These connections are essential for securing the best wedding vendors and delivering exceptional value to your clients.
Consider connecting with suppliers who offer luxury touches, such as gold accents or gold-themed decor, to expand your service offerings and appeal to clients seeking sophisticated options.
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Start your business or join an agency
You can work within an agency or launch your own brand as a personalised wedding planner. Many wedding planners are self-employed, specialising in areas like destination weddings, cultural celebrations, or luxury styling, offering clients a truly tailored experience from start planning to the final toast.
Explore related qualifications
Wedding Planning Courses
Wedding planning courses teach you how to professionally organise and manage weddings from start to finish. You’ll learn essential skills like budgeting, venue selection, vendor coordination, styling, and creating timelines. These courses are perfect for aspiring wedding planners or event coordinators looking to break into the industry with confidence and creativity.
