Weddings are beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime events in the lives of many couples. If you love weddings, have an eye for detail, and enjoy hosting parties, wedding planning could be your ideal career. Here are four tips to get you started:

1. Educate yourself

If you'd like to become a wedding planner, consider taking business classes, especially if this is your first foray into self-employment. Event planning is a unique field, but it is still a business like any other. Taking classes doesn't have to be cost prohibitive. Many community colleges offer business management courses at reasonable rates for local residents.

2. Build up your portfolio

Wedding planning can be a tough field to break into, so consider planning your first few weddings free of charge when starting out. You may not make money, but you'll gain valuable hands-on experience that will serve you well in the future. Make sure you take photos of the event for your portfolio and bring business cards with you to the rehearsal. (Business cards at the actual wedding are tacky.) Hand them out to the happy couple and their family so they all know who to recommend to their friends! Word of mouth business referrals are as good as gold.

3. Make industry connections

You've heard the saying "time is money." This is never more true than when you're self-employed, so save yourself time by developing strong connections with industry vendors. For example, party rentals from companies like Ken Rent are a must at every wedding. Venues typically do not provide tables, chairs, linens, or other necessities. Find a party rental company with good rates and try them out. If you like their service, then make them your go-to rental provider. Keep their number and email address saved in your phone, and you'll have more time to spend on the creative, fun aspects of wedding planning.

4. Get to know each couple

You can be the best wedding planner in the world and still throw a sub-par wedding if you don't follow this rule. Each couple is different, and it's important that you take the time to get to know the bride and groom before planning their big event. Do they want a classic, elegant wedding with lots of white roses or a simple, rustic affair with mason jar centerpieces? Find out their likes and dislikes, and ask about their taste in music. Is there a specific song they'd like played for their first dance? Write all of this information down for future reference. 

The life of a wedding planner is stressful, exciting, and joyous. Follow these steps to get started in this unusual and rewarding industry.