XOXO

My friend did this...she quit her job at CK and became a wedding planner after planning her own wedding. I think she is doing ok..she actually found out someone referred her in a book about wedding planning in NYC. She said it is a lot of work. It isn't as easy and fun as it sounds.

Her website is www.marrymepro.com. She would probably talk to you if you have questions. She just had a baby a month ago...so I am not sure what she is doing with her business.

That's so funny, I was sitting home today (took the day off) and thinking about ways to start a business and what it would involve and kept thinking about how much I enjoy this site and thought somehow the business should be wedding oriented.

I have no experience whatsoever in starting a business, but I would be willing to try and develop something with you. Of course I would keep the job I have now until we saw it was working. :)

I'd be interested too - I can be the west coast representation

I did wedding coordination when I was in college (and a bit after). Its not a easy or fun as it looks but it is more fun than working in a typical job. Y

You have to have a ton of clients to make a real living so you may want to do this as a side job until you have a good client base. You also have to be willing to put a few thousand up front for supplies, ads, etc...

The real problem is finding the clientele. You may be able to get some referrals if you start doing your work for free (or close to it).

I don't think many people will be willing to pay someone with little experience thousands to plan their wedding when they can pay an experienced event planner the same thing.

I have really wanted to try to put some of the wedding things Ive done - program, STD, menu & invite design, etc.. into some sort of profitable business but I can't invest the time needed to get the clients. But if you need someone to help you on this front - let me know.

If you have any questions - just ask.

This is my business plan as well. I'm taking a course through was used to be harcourt learning. It's a correspondance course. You get membership in ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants). You can check out the course on www.thompsondirect.com (I think).

Right now I'm just offering to help friends for free and build up some references.

But I do think it's not as easy as some might think. I just really enjoy the whole creativity of it and helping folks save money.

I could be the Southeast rep! I live in NC.

Here's the correct web address -- sorry.

http://www.educationdirect.com/index.html

Stef28
what part of NC do you live.. i lived in Holy Ridge.. then in Surf City...

I am glad that you are taking your lay-off in such good spirits. I was laid off last year and it was a total shock. I have a new job, but like you, I just wasn't into the 9-5 thing anymore. Problem was we need the $ to pay for the wedding so off to work I went.
I think you idea is wonderful, but again, not as fun, happy and full of laughs as we may all think. For one (as we all know) brides can be super difficult and demanding. Plus mothers can be worse :)
And don't forget your weekends are now taken over by weddings. No more Saturday BBQs.
Another idea is to go into corporate event planning. These people have $ to spend on events and the events usually take place on weekdays, not too many weekends.
I agree with SonicStef you will need to do some free or low-cost planning to get your references built up and start to spread the word. But you should GO FOR IT.

I'd love to be involved and see what we can really do. Pepper -- if you want to talk about this -- or anyone, email me at [email protected].

Bride02: I live in Raleigh, NC...grew up on LI and moved here three years ago from Florida (where i went to college and lived two years).

That goes double for me.

[email protected]