Event planners are responsible for organizing and executing events. This includes budgeting, selecting venues, coordinating with vendors, arranging transportation, and managing timelines. They handle both logistical and design aspects, ensuring that each event is both functional and visually appealing.
Event planning is an exciting profession that merges creativity with organization. From weddings and corporate events to birthdays and charity galas, an event planner ensures every detail runs smoothly. If you’re passionate about creating memorable experiences, here’s a detailed guide to becoming a successful event planner.
An event planner is a professional who organizes and coordinates various events, ensuring that they run smoothly and meet the goals or expectations of the clients or attendees. These events can range from weddings, corporate meetings, and conferences to birthday parties, anniversaries, and other social gatherings.
Event planners handle a multitude of responsibilities including, but not limited to:
- Consultation: Understanding the client’s vision, goals, and requirements for the event.
- Budgeting: Estimating the costs involved and ensuring the event stays within budget.
- Venue Selection: Researching and booking suitable locations based on the event’s needs.
- Vendor Management: Collaborating with caterers, decorators, entertainers, photographers, and other vendors necessary for the event.
- Logistics: Ensuring proper transportation, accommodation (if required), and technical requirements are met.
- Timeline Creation: Setting up a schedule for the event and ensuring everything adheres to it.
- Risk Management: Preparing for potential issues, such as weather changes for outdoor events or technical malfunctions.
- Event Execution: Overseeing the event on the day, ensuring every detail is in place and addressing any unforeseen challenges.
- Post-Event Evaluation: Gathering feedback and analyzing the event’s success.
An event planner’s primary objective is to relieve the client of the complexities and stresses of organizing an event, ensuring that the occasion is memorable and meets its intended objectives.
See Also: How to become an Event Manager.
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How to become an Event Planner
While formal education is crucial, the event management industry also values practical experience. Interning with event management companies or assisting in organizing events at your college can provide you with practical insights and enhance your resume.
Remember, the event management industry in India is vast and diverse, ranging from weddings, which are a big affair in India, to corporate events, cultural events, and more. Each segment has its own set of requirements and challenges, so continuous learning and adapting are key to success in this field.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Stream
While there isn’t a rigid stream requirement to enter the world of event management, selecting the Commerce or Arts stream can offer a foundational understanding of business, management, and human relations. These subjects can provide a good base for future studies in event management. However, even if you choose Science, it won’t be a barrier if you wish to switch fields later.
Step 2: Event Planner Projects and Certifications
Many institutes across India offer diploma and certification courses in event management. These courses are designed to give a hands-on approach to event planning, including logistics, budgeting, and coordination.
- Popular Certification Courses:
- Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management (PGDEM)
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
- Certificate Course in Event Management (CEM)
Step 3: Educational Qualifications of an Event Planner
After 10th
- Diploma in Event Management: After completing your 10th, you can directly enroll in a diploma course which provides foundational knowledge about the industry.
After 12th
- Bachelor’s Degree: Several universities and institutes offer Bachelor’s degree courses in Event Management. BBA in Event Management is a popular choice.
- Diploma Courses: Apart from degrees, post-12th diploma courses are also quite sought-after.
Postgrad
- Master’s Degree: Pursuing a postgraduate degree, like an MBA in Event Management, can further enhance your skills and open doors to higher managerial positions in big event management firms.
- Advanced Diploma Courses: These are for those who wish to specialize further in the field without investing the time in a full-fledged master’s program.
Step 4: Preparing for an Event Planner Job
Breaking into the event planning industry requires a mix of formal education, hands-on experience, and networking. Whether you’re interning, building a portfolio, or starting as a freelancer, each step is a learning experience that brings you closer to becoming a successful event planner. Be patient, be persistent, and remember, every event is a new story waiting to be told.
Internships: Gaining Practical Exposure
Why Intern?: Interning provides a hands-on introduction to the world of event planning. It offers a real-time understanding of client requirements, vendor management, event logistics, and the challenges faced during an event.
Where to Intern: Starting with renowned event management companies can be beneficial as it exposes you to larger scale events and offers a broader network. You can also intern with boutique firms that specialize in specific events like weddings or corporate functions to gain more focused experience.
Maximize Your Internship: Engage in various roles, ask questions, and actively participate. The more you learn during this phase, the better equipped you’ll be for the future.
Portfolio Creation: Showcasing Your Skills
Importance of a Portfolio: A well-curated portfolio showcases your versatility, attention to detail, and your unique style as an event planner. It acts as a visual resume for potential clients or employers.
What to Include: Photographs from events you’ve organized or assisted in, client testimonials, a description of each event, challenges faced and how you overcame them. Before-and-after shots can also illustrate your problem-solving skills.
Digital Presence: Consider creating an online portfolio or a personal website. This not only establishes credibility but also makes it easier for potential clients to find you and view your work.
Freelancing: Taking the Independent Route
Getting Started: Freelancing is an excellent way to start if you wish to be your own boss. Start by planning small events for friends, family, or local businesses. Word of mouth can significantly boost your freelance career in this industry.
Network: Join online platforms and forums related to event planning. Sites like LinkedIn can be especially beneficial. Attend industry seminars and workshops to connect with potential clients and vendors.
Manage Finances: As a freelancer, you’re essentially running your own business. Keep track of your income and expenditures, manage contracts, and always have clear terms of payment.
Stay Updated: The event industry is ever-evolving. From new décor trends to technological advancements like virtual events, always be on the lookout for new trends and tools.
Skills to Become an Event Planner
Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, details, and deadlines simultaneously.
Time Management: Efficiently allocating time for various event aspects and ensuring timely completion.
Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written skills to liaise with clients, vendors, and team members.
Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly address and resolve unexpected challenges and issues.
Creativity: Bringing innovative ideas for event themes, decorations, and overall experience.
Budgeting: Ensuring all aspects of the event are managed within the allocated budget.
Networking: Building and maintaining relationships with vendors, venues, and clients.
Negotiation Skills: Working with suppliers and vendors to get the best prices and services.
Adaptability: Being flexible and ready to adapt to unforeseen changes or challenges.
Tech-savviness: Familiarity with event management software and other relevant technologies.
Customer Service: Ensuring client satisfaction by understanding and fulfilling their requirements.
Crisis Management: Handling emergencies calmly and efficiently.
Attention to Detail: Ensuring every minor detail is catered to, enhancing the overall event experience.
Teamwork: Collaborating with various team members, vendors, and clients to execute a successful event.
How much does an Event Planner earn?
Event planning can be a lucrative profession, especially with experience and a solid network. It’s worth noting that many event planners also earn bonuses or commissions based on the scale and success of their events, which can significantly boost their overall earnings.
Event Planner Salary in India
In India, the earning of an event planner can vary significantly based on their experience, location, and the niche they cater to.
Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience): An average salary can range from ₹200,000 to ₹400,000 per annum.
Mid-Level (3-7 years of experience): The average salary can be anywhere from ₹500,000 to ₹900,000 per annum.
Experienced (Over 7 years): Seasoned event planners with a strong portfolio can earn anywhere from ₹1,000,000 to ₹2,500,000 or even more, especially if they run their own event planning businesses.
Note: These are average figures. High-end wedding planners or those specializing in corporate events in metropolitan areas can earn significantly more.
Event Planner Salary Abroad
The earnings of event planners abroad can vary widely depending on the country and the specific city within that country. Here’s a rough estimate for a few countries:
USA:
- Entry-Level: $30,000 – $40,000
- Mid-Level: $45,000 – $60,000
- Experienced: $65,000 – $100,000 or more
UK (in GBP):
- Entry-Level: £18,000 – £22,000
- Mid-Level: £25,000 – £35,000
- Experienced: £40,000 – £60,000 or more
Australia (in AUD):
- Entry-Level: A$45,000 – A$55,000
- Mid-Level: A$60,000 – A$80,000
- Experienced: A$85,000 – A$120,000 or more
Canada (in CAD):
- Entry-Level: C$35,000 – C$45,000
- Mid-Level: C$50,000 – C$65,000
- Experienced: C$70,000 – C$95,000 or more
(Note: The above figures are approximations and can vary based on factors like city, specialization, and individual company offerings.)
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Pros of becoming an Event Planner
Creativity: Every event is an opportunity to design and create a unique experience. If you have a flair for creativity, this job offers an outlet for your ideas.
Networking: You’ll meet a diverse range of people – from vendors to high-profile clients, expanding your professional and personal network.
Dynamic Work Environment: No two days are the same. You’ll work on various projects, each with its unique challenges and rewards.
Job Satisfaction: There’s a tangible result at the end of your efforts – a successful event. The immediate feedback can be gratifying.
Flexibility: Depending on your role or if you run your own business, you may have the flexibility to set your hours or choose your projects.
Lucrative Opportunities: High-profile events or specialized niches (like luxury weddings) can be highly profitable.
Cons of becoming an Event Planner
Stress: Events come with deadlines, and there’s often pressure to ensure everything goes perfectly. Last-minute changes can be frequent.
Long Hours: As the event day approaches, be prepared to work extended hours, including weekends.
Physical Demand: The job isn’t just about planning. It involves on-ground work, which can be tiring. This includes setting up venues, running around to manage vendors, etc.
Unpredictability: Events can be affected by many unpredictable factors, from weather changes for outdoor events to last-minute client requests.
Demanding Clients: Managing client expectations can sometimes be challenging, especially if they’re unclear about what they want or have unrealistic demands.
High Responsibility: The success of an event rests on your shoulders. If something goes wrong, you are accountable.
Conclusion
Becoming an event planner is a decision that should factor in both your passion for the role and your ability to handle its challenges. It’s a career that offers both high rewards and high demands. If you thrive in dynamic environments, have good organizational skills, and enjoy bringing creative visions to life, it might just be the right career for you. On the other hand, if high-pressure situations and unpredictability stress you out, it might be worth reconsidering.