How to Break into These Top Event Planning Jobs

July 7, 2023 | ed2go

With over 1.8 million meetings and events happening in the U.S. each year, the event planning business is thriving, which provides a promising opportunity for you to become an event planner. If you are looking to begin a career in the event planning space, here are some notable courses in the wedding and event management spaces, including floral design and catering options. 

How to Become a Wedding Planner 

Planning weddings can be a lot of work, but it can also be very satisfying, fun and financially rewarding. According to Salary.com, wedding planners in the U.S. earn an average yearly income of $38,001 as of November 2022. However, the range usually varies between $33,001 and $42,501. 

Here are a few courses that teach you how to start a wedding planning business: 

Certified Wedding Planner 

In just nine months, this course introduces you to the basics of planning, organizing, and delivering spectacular weddings and parties. You will learn all about negotiating and managing vendor contracts, designing event concepts and developing client contracts and service packages. You will also get the opportunity to put your new skills to work in an optional internship and the possibility of receiving invitations to industry conferences and events. 

Certified Master Wedding and Event Planner 

Learn how to design and produce weddings, bridal showers, and more. In this course, you will explore event law, the history of bridal fashion, menu selection, table setting, the art of décor and more. Once you successfully complete the course, you will be eligible for an internship at a wedding event, under the mentorship of Kevin Lee, a renowned celebrity wedding and event designer. 

Certified Destination Wedding Planner 

This course walks you through the steps needed to plan and deliver stunning destination weddings. You will also learn how to receive commissions from hotels, resorts and booked activities. In just nine months, explore ways to navigate travel accommodations and regulations for your clients and their guests. This course will also introduce you to local traditions and marriage regulations of other countries, so you can organize legal marriages. 

How to Become an Event Planner 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for meeting, convention and event planners are likely to increase by 18% through 2031, which is more than three times the expected growth rate across all occupations. Furthermore, Salary.com reports that, on average, the salary for event designers in the country is $54,244 annually as of November 2022. 

Wondering how to get into event planning? Here are a few courses that will give you a jump-start: 

Event Management and Design 

This course teaches you all the essential skills for event planning through interactive presentations. You will explore the practicalities of planning parties, corporate events, parades, weddings, festivals and more. From permits to pyrotechnics, you will learn how to start an event planning business and successfully run it. 

Virtual Hybrid Event Planning 

In just nine months, this course will teach you the art of hosting virtual and hybrid events using state-of-the-art technology and best practices for delivering successful events online, in virtual reality and in the metaverse. As there are no prerequisites to complete this course, you will learn how to become an event planner with no experience. 

Corporate Event Planner 

From meetings and special corporate events to conferences, corporate training and recognition events, this course teaches you to handle them all like a pro. In just six months, you will be fully equipped to apply event-planning formulas to roll out, arrange and execute any corporate event by implementing the best practices of project management. 

How to Become a Floral Designer 

If you don’t want to plan the events but want to join the industry through a more creative pursuit, floral design may be right for you. According to Salary.com, a floral designer in the U.S. earns an average yearly income of $54,060 as of November 2022, with the top 10% of professionals earning as much as $65,334. According to the BLS, on average, about 3,800 new jobs for floral designers are expected each year, over the decade. 

Explore this fun online course to learn how to become a floral designer: 

Preston Bailey’s Intermediate Floral Design 

This course introduces you to the process of creating cohesive floral designs using different combinations of flowers, color choices, materials, and table shapes. You will explore ways to utilize a design formula to appropriately plan, design, price, and implement a floral design to earn an income. You will also learn how to incorporate statement pieces and accessory items into the overall table design. 

How to Become a Caterer 

Another alternative way to make a career in the event industry is to pursue a career in catering. As of December 2022, the average yearly income of a caterer in the U.S. is $29,260, according to ZipRecruiter, with top earners (90th percentile) earning up to $41,500 each year. 

Here is an interactive course that will help you become a catering professional. 

Catering Professional 

This course teaches you the best practices for launching and promoting a catering business. In just six months, you will learn how to prepare and execute contracts, apply fundamental accounting principles, and effectively manage human resources. Once the course is over, you will be ready to sit for the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) exam. 

Launch Your Event Planning Career with University of West Florida

UWF Continuing Education offers a wide range of self-paced, 100% online courses to teach you how events are planned, organized and brought to life. Every course combines the key principles of project management with creativity, logistics and people skills. 

Earning a professional certification will put you ahead of your competition in the event planning market. With verifiable credentials, you will be able to show your potential clients that you have proven abilities and training, so you are highly capable of doing the job.  

Gain the skills vital to beginning a successful career in the events industry. Register today!