i know a lot of us dream about it - has anybody actually taken any classes? there the association of bridal consultants that has classes and seminars. has anybody pursued this? any thoughts??
Suzanne
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
I thought about this about a year ago.I was going to do it. But i realized the hours werent for me, its alot of weekends and nights. But Stan Weist is a member and he put me in touch with some one from the association, and they sent me all this great stuff on the classes and such. He can help you! good luck!!
I know a lot of girls from the wedding channel list their services in the forums(I think you can be a vendor over there...not here)
sounds like a good place for you to start
elle
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
I have actually taken a two year course -- I finish up this summer.... I managed a bridal salon for several years and really wanted to do this -- The course is thru the mail and computer... it is really interesting.. Its thru Harcourt Direct .. i am sure they have a website ...
karen32
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
elle - have you started consulting yet? i'm just afraid to spend $$ on classes, just to find out that the market is flooded with consultants.
michele31
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
SonicStef used to be one while she was in College. You can ask her about it.
But remember weekends and holidays- you work. You work long hours and deal with brides all the time. It isn't as glamorous as it sounds.
karen32
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
all good points michele!
i was thinking of starting super-slow and maybe pursuing it more full-time once little ones come. i'm discovering more and more that my firm is not the place to be with little ones. but not sure if consulting is feasible 'full-time' - is there enough work, is the market flooded with people like me?? i have so many questions!!!
elle
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
I have not finished the course yet -- due to the birth of my son --- So NoI have not done any consulting yet .. I really want to open my own planning company -- so we will see.. The course is worth it so you can learn the busines .. but I think you learn more from ' hands on ' learning.
Sonicstef
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
Just my 2 cents but here it is:
There are a ton of classes held on this subject. Its main purpose is to swindle eager women out of their money. The classes may be nice but that does not make you a wedding consultant, it just fills the pockets of bridal consultants associations. The ONLY way to become a wedding consultant is to have experience! That means working A LOT!
The actual job is definitely not glamourous but it is fun if you enjoy weddings. But brides can be a difficult bunch to deal with...you have to be anal retentive and be willing to work for practically nothing to do that job.
Hope that helps.
karen32
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
thanks stef!!!!!
i think i just need a hobby, can't find anything that fits me 100%.
Sonicstef
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
If you want to see the 'real deal' I would suggest you do a few free jobs and see how you like it/how good you are at it. Im sure there are lots of girls on this board alone who would love a free assistant.
Dont spend a cent on a class or certification unless you are sure you are cut out for that sort of work.
elle
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Re: Becoming a Bridal/Wedding Consultant
I do agree with Stef -- that some brides are hard to work with -- and the best way to know the business is thru hands on experience -- BUT -- I do think if you do not know much about the industry -- a course is a great way to learn the background... For instance they teach you what all of the customs of weddings mean -- and when they started-- what procession is right for what type of wedding -- flowers and what season they are appropraite for .... and much more .. Even though I worked in the industry for 10 years I still learned some valuable things... So -- there is my two cents -- LOL
