Non-Licensed Wedding Planner

I wasn't even aware you had to be licensed to do that lol. Shows how much I know!

You don't need to be licensed to be a planner. But you do need to set up a proper business in your state/town and probably an LLC, since there is plenty of room for lawsuits in planning.

^^ I agree with that, you never know what a crazy bridezilla could do haha.

Even the dog-walkers around me are licensed, bonded and insured. You need that to be legit.

You can try it without being licensed! If you get a couple successful weddings under your belt and people are willing to be references for you, then you're good. If not, maybe then you can seek out the extra training.

As Celia said, you don't need a license but you will need to check out what you need to do if you are planning on running a business out of your home. I had also thought about opening a wedding planning business and have helped plan 2 weddings (in addition to my own wedding) and have to say that more importantly than being creative OR organized you have to be able to "handle" people. A lot of brides will have specific ideas in mind so that creativity will only get you so far. Organization is great but if you have a hard time dealing with needy/emotional people you aren't going to be successful. The most recent wedding I helped with (it happened over the weekend), the bride and her mother were stressed out over every little detail. I spoke with that bride at least 4 times every day and had to talk her mother calm on many occasions. Good luck.

I work in the hospitality industry at a hotel. I deal with needy and emotional people on a daily basis. LOL.

I know they do classes at the community college around here for wedding planning. I believe it's only one or two saturdays and you get a certificate... Although it's not a license I'm sure that would help you get started. Just make sure you cover your butt by having a very clear contract with whoever you help (if you have a lawyer friend have them either draft you somethig or look over what you draft). Good luck!!!

Mrs. Baley, I worked in a hotel for 8 years so I understand about needy people but believe me, this bride was above and beyond the level of neediness I experienced at the hotel (and I worked in a hotel in Boston on 9/11 when checked out people had to come back from the airport after all the flights were cancelled).

One thing that most people fail to 'get' when they've loved planning their own weddings and then progress to strangers is that strangers don't always have the same taste as you do. Their visions are different, their boundary issues are different, and the level of detail dealt with by a good planner is unimaginable. I work with many; some good, some completely useless. The good ones are maniacally detail oriented; they can deal with any contingent possibility and any personality, personalities that often change on a dime.

You couldn't pay me enough.

My wedding planner is unlicensed so I say go for it

If I were looking for a planner, I'd look for one who had taken courses and/or had a lot of experience in wedding planning. I'd want to know it is a legit business following all local, state, and federal guidelines (getting occupational license, paying taxes, etc.).

Here's a Groupon for Wedding Planning course, its $29, normally $489. At $29 if you don't find it useful, its not a total bust.

http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-online-wedding-planner-training-course-1

No, not married yet but where can I get advice or example of a contract for a non-licensed wedding planner? What key points should be included and should I notarize contract all while still showing said planner respect and trust in their ability that has been referred only by word of mouth I just can't hand over $$$ without some guidelines intact..,I want to have faith