Starting your first year as a wedding planner is exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes downright scary. I remember walking into my first few weddings, wondering if I was “doing it right” and second-guessing every decision.
Looking back, there are three key lessons I wish someone had shared with me — lessons that would have saved time, stress, and sleepless nights. If you’re just starting out, these insights will help you grow faster and feel more confident in your business.
1. Confidence Comes from Preparation
When I started, I thought confidence was something you were born with. But I quickly learned it’s not — it comes from having systems and processes in place.
- Checklists: Create one for every wedding day so nothing is forgotten.
- Templates: Use pre-written emails for inquiries, confirmations, and follow-ups.
- Vendor Contacts: Keep a master list that’s easy to reference.
The more organized your systems, the more confident you’ll feel walking into each wedding. Clients notice confidence — and it makes you look like a pro, even in your first year.
Pro Tip: Spend a few hours this month refining your templates and checklists. It will pay off big when you’re juggling multiple weddings.
2. Not Every Client Is Your Client
Early on, I said “yes” to everyone who inquired. I thought, “I need every booking I can get.” But not every client is a good fit. Some can drain your time, energy, and creativity.
- Red Flags: Unclear expectations, constant last-minute changes, or unrealistic demands.
- Saying No: Protects your peace, your calendar, and your reputation.
Pro Tip: Create a list of non-negotiables for clients you want to work with. Use this as a guide when evaluating inquiries — it makes saying “no” much easier.
3. Community Matters
When I first started, I thought every other planner was competition. But connecting with other planners taught me invaluable lessons:
- Shortcuts and insider tips that saved me hours
- Resources and tools I didn’t know existed
- Moral support when wedding days felt overwhelming
Pro Tip: Join a local or online wedding planner community. Even one conversation a week can accelerate your learning, provide accountability, and help you avoid common mistakes.
Bonus Tips for Your First Year
- Document Everything: Every process, every template, every lesson learned helps you grow.
- Celebrate Wins: Even small victories — like a smooth vendor coordination — are worth acknowledging.
- Invest in Yourself: Courses, templates, and mentorship are shortcuts to confidence and efficiency.
Your first year as a wedding planner is a learning curve, but with preparation, client boundaries, and community support, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Remember, every expert started where you are right now.
Take it from me: with the right preparation, support, and systems, you’ll not only survive your first year — you’ll thrive.
| Terrica McKee is a seasoned wedding planner, florist, and educator with over 14 years of experience helping new and aspiring wedding planners build confidence and run professional, stress-free weddings. As the founder of Southern Productions, Meridian’s first full-service wedding planning and florist company, Terrica provides step-by-step systems, done-for-you templates, and expert guidance so planners can show up like pros from day one. |
For wedding planner templates and free resources visit southernproductions.net/for-planners
