Are you planning on starting your own business? If so, and you like to work with people, plan big parties, and are very good at networking and negotiating, you might consider becoming a wedding planner. A wedding planner, also known as a wedding consultant or bridal consultant, is a career where you are guaranteed to meet lots of people, from all different walks of life. Even though less people are getting married these days, those who are getting married are older. This means that they are generally more established and have more money to spend on their special day. This also means that they are busy with work, and likely don't have the time needed to plan a wedding, which is where a wedding planner comes in.

A wedding planner is a facilitator, mediator, money manager, and constructor of dreams. Add to that therapist, sounding board, and even punching bag, figuratively speaking. A wedding planner must be able to stay calm even though things may be going crazy. He or she must be personable, and a good negotiator. You must be able to get the couple the services they want and need at the lowest price. Your reputation will depend on this. You will be responsible for hiring a band, caterer, photographer, and ordering flowers, and so on. Networking is very important, since establishing connections will ensure you get great deals. You must also be very good at handling finances and well organized.

An estimate of startup costs for becoming a wedding planner is widely varied. You can spend approximately $2000 on a new computer and software, from $100-$5000 to market yourself, $500 or more for your wardrobe, and office space, if needed. Office space is not a huge issue, however, since more than half of planners work from home offices.