How to become a party planner
Party planners are right in the middle of the action as people celebrate their biggest milestones, from birthdays to weddings. It can be an excellent career for someone who is highly organized and extroverted. Discover how to become a party planner and what the job actually involves.
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What does a party planner do?
Party planners are responsible for all aspects of their clients' celebrations. From booking venues to hiring vendors to setting schedules, the party planner is in charge. They are almost always on site to handle any last-minute details throughout the celebration and may even serve as emcees.
Party planners fall into the general category of meeting, convention, and event planners. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals in this group of careers earn a median annual salary of $56,920 as of May 2023.
Steps to become a party planner
There isn't one single pathway to becoming a party planner. Some people learn on the job by taking an assistant position at an existing party planning company. Some start out planning events for friends and relatives and slowly grow a business over time. Others build off what they learned in a related field, such as retail or food and beverage.
Still, there are a few necessary steps to turn it into a full-time career:
Step 1: Learn your options
Some party planners focus largely on the corporate world, designing getaways and events for big businesses. Others specialize in weddings, birthdays, and a variety of social gatherings. The direction you choose can help guide the rest of your marketing decisions.
Step 2: Build a portfolio
Photos and videos are essential tools to help convince new clients to book your services. In the beginning, take the bookings that you can get, even if they aren't directly in the area in which you want to specialize.
As you build your reputation and portfolio, higher-tier bookings may start to come your way.
Step 3: Develop your network
Get to know people in both the party planning industry and adjacent fields. When you start getting bookings, you'll need a trusted network of vendors, such as florists and cake decorators, to bring your visions to life. These vendors can also serve as a source of referrals, helping you grow your business.
Meanwhile, other party planners might be willing to bring you on as an extra set of hands for a big event and then send some work your way once you've proven your skills.
Step 4: Consider a project management program
Ultimately, a party planner is a project manager, serving as the point person for all of the people and processes involved in each celebration. An optional executive education program in project management could help to take your career to the next level, especially if you focus primarily on corporate events.
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