The Future of Wedding Planning: Feast or Famine

Fifteen years ago, the world fell in love with JLo as a professional wedding planner. The popular 90's movie sparked a growth spurt for the profession which came to an abrupt halt two years ago when economic woes began. Today, wedding budgets are being closely scrutinized, every bride is her own wedding planning expert and there is a surplus of professional wedding planners. Brides are negotiating fees for services down to the bare minimum and demanding that coordination be included in hotel and venue packages. So caterers, florists and venues are offering in-house coordination services in order to stay competitive. It's a dismal picture for the wedding planners who appear to be dramatically reducing their fees for any chance to get business. The industry is responding quickly by mobilizing to establish and publicize a credible certification that cannot be garnered in a two hour online class. Professional organizations such as Wedding Industry Event Professionals (WIPA), Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) and Association for Wedding Professionals International (AFWPI) are leading the charge. Right now it's looking like the only feast is for the bride who is having everything her way and on a budget just so businesses can stay afloat. I challenge wedding planners to revisit their business plan and annual revenue goals, to stick to their fees and let the client go if she can't afford you. Taking a stand on getting paid for your time plus having an intergrated marketing program that showcases your value and unique brand are the new point of entry for succeeding in this profession.  We've got to establish a point of entry for the profession and say goodbye to brides who planned one wedding (their own) and decided to start a business. It takes years of experience to build a clientele and your expertise. Therefore....not everyone will be a wedding planner.