Wedding Coordinator

Wedding coordinators or consultants provide a service to couples planning their weddings. As a wedding day is one of the biggest days in one’s life, the bride and the groom want their wedding day to be perfect.

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Wedding coordinators help turn a couple’s dream day into a reality. Not all wedding consultants provide the same service. Most sell wedding gowns, bridal trousseaux and other clothing suitable for the bridal party. Some may combine services with advice on hairdos and make-up.

Wedding coordinators take into consideration aspects like colour, taste and the type of wedding desired, as well as selling all sorts of wedding gifts and maintaining a gift register. They give advice on etiquette during rehearsals. The bride-to-be usually requests the wedding coordinator to help her choose china, flowers, glassware, silverware etc. for the reception.

Wedding coordinators usually have many wedding magazines that brides can study for ideas. They may also be involved in the catering for the wedding, designing the colour scheme, decorating tables, the layout of the hall or garden, flowers etc.

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Personal Requirements

• at least 16 years old
• creative and perfectionist
• coordinating, organisational skills and leadership abilities
• decision-making and problem-solving skills
• good communication skills
• good interpersonal skills
• able to work individually and with a team
• able to meet deadlines and keep to a budget
• patience to pay attention to every small detail
• willing to very work hard
• able to cope with last minute upsets and work under pressure

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How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

No formal education required
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course

Each institution has its own entry requirements.

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What to Study

No formal training is available. A broad knowledge of clothing, catering etc., and business sense will stand you in good stead.

Certificate and diploma courses in catering, tourism, hospitality, hotel and restaurant management, public relations and business administration, can all help with setting up a successful career as a wedding coordinator.

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Employment

• bridal shops
• wedding accessory stores
• self-employment, as a consultant

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Further Information

Any of the above-mentioned potential employers

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Getting Started

• try to obtain vacation work in a large catering company
• make an appointment to speak to wedding coordinators about this type of career and ask about the possibility of working as an assistant

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