You can’t flip through the cable channels these days without coming across an episode of “Bridezilla” or “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?”
The wedding planning industry is booming, and Austin Community College is taking part. For the first time this semester, the college is offering a class in which students can become certified wedding planners.
The program was met with immediate success. “It’s almost full,” says Addie Kellington, Continuing Education Program Coordinator. “Everybody seems really happy with it.”
Community Programs Director Sharrion Jenkins arranged for the class. The Wedding Planning Institute, a division of Lovegevity Inc., provides the instructor and course materials.
During a recent class, the students listened attentively to instructor Wendee Robbins, an event planner for nearly 10 years. Robbins described possible scenarios such as the groom forgetting his boutonniere, or the florist not arriving on time to deliver it. The planner could take a flower from the bride’s bouquet, or just go without.
“There’s no right or wrong answer,” she told the class. “It’s being able to think on your feet.”
Wedding planners are expected to know every aspect of the business, from engagement rings to what colors will best complement the bride’s skin tone. Not every wedding planner will shop with the bride, however. Planners offer different packages, whether it’s day-of-wedding services or coordinating with the couple sometimes years in advance.
Wedding planners also work with caterers, photographers, and several other vendors, so good marketing and business skills are also taught in the class.
Student Kathryn Hawkins, along with her sister, enrolled in the program because they enjoy planning family events such as birthdays and reunions. Hawkins said she likes the class very much.
“I’m so engulfed that it’s hard to sleep. I’m constantly thinking about ideas,” Hawkins says. “I’m really enjoying it.”
The Continuing Education Division will offer wedding planning classes each semester. Click here for more information.
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By Paulo Photography & Video October 29, 2007 - 12:54 am
It is good to know that you have classes to prepare people that want to start or improove their skils about been a Wedding Planner. Congratulations!
By Wedding Etiquette November 10, 2007 - 5:52 pm
I’m glad to see that Wedding Planners are finally getting recognized as a growing industry. Weddings today are much more of a social event and many brides want and need the help of a wedding planner to handle all of the little details of the bride’s special day.
There is so much prep work done by the wedding planner before the wedding that one of the most important skills to be learned is to communicate well with a wide range of vendors and keep everyone on the same page, epecially the bride! A smooth wedding is a successful wedding!
By Nicole Peralto January 7, 2008 - 10:49 am
My mother and I are very interested in joining your classes, can someone within the dept please call me at 903-253-3803 for additional deatils on joining?
thank you so much,
Nicole
By زواج March 24, 2008 - 3:45 pm
I can only imagine how helpful these classes would be! Sounds like they are a great success and definitely add the needed comfort.
By زواج March 24, 2008 - 3:45 pm
I can only imagine how helpful these classes would be! Sounds like they are a great success and definitely add the needed comfort.
By Petal Pushers March 26, 2008 - 9:50 am
I was lucky enough to be a guest speaker for one of the classes this semester. The students are serious about learning what it takes to be a wedding planner. I felt like Wendee Robbins with Lucie’s Events was doing a fantastic job instructing this class. Her students will complete the course with the knowledge necessary to become successful in this industry.
Congratulations… this was a great addition to your curriculium!
Stacey Hogge
Petal Pushers
owner