How did the idea of becoming a wedding planner come to you?
For around ten years I worked as a project manager in industry, but I dreamed of a profession that would truly move me and in which I could feel one hundred percent fulfilled. I kept complaining about that environment, which was so masculine and so misogynistic. After reflecting on it, I realized I had real strengths in client relations. I managed budgets and schedules; all that was left was to find the field where I could put those skills to good use.
I had always enjoyed organizing family events. Even from a small party, I always wanted to do more, to make my guests happy and at the same time make myself happy. Organizing my own wedding opened my eyes: I felt I was in my element. I still kept in mind that managing your own wedding and managing that of clients are not quite the same thing.
What difficulties did you face before getting started and how did you overcome them?
The administrative side of creating a business is not the most enjoyable part. Public organizations do not all tell you the same thing, and some even seem to try to discourage you: 'Wedding planner, does that really work?' Maybe it is a way of testing your determination. But above all, what I remember is how hard it was to make myself known and get things started. Future brides and grooms may find you online or through social media, which is already a big step, but then how do you convince them when they ask, 'How many weddings have you actually done?'
I could not rely only on my personal experience, so I called on the IWI network and, thanks to internships, I was able to highlight real experience. For communication, I focused on my website and on Instagram. Every week I publish 'Le jeudi, je dis', with advice and shared experiences. It is demanding and time-consuming work.
Tell us about your agency
I support couples with the planning of their wedding, whether from A to Z, for day-of coordination, or simply through consulting. I do not have fixed packages and I adapt to each request. Recently, I have been thinking about expanding my range of services, first by organizing other beautiful life events such as birthdays and baby showers, and one day, I hope, by offering my services as a wedding designer.
I have already had requests for wedding decor. I think I have the abilities, but just like a wedding planner cannot be improvised, neither can a designer, and I believe IWI training would be very welcome.
How did the first year of activity go?
I created my agency in October 2018, but I had just become a mother, so I took my time. During the first year, I mainly wanted to gain experience through internships and invest in communication. I organized an industrial-themed inspiration shoot and took part in a wedding fair that was not very fruitful. I also organized a birthday in a château at the start of the year, and since then inquiries from couples have begun to come in.
It is a long process and you have to be patient. I place a lot of importance on the network you build and on the recommendations people can make, whether they work in the wedding industry or not. At the moment, requests for late 2020 and 2021 are on hold because of lockdowns and Covid.
My biggest day-to-day difficulty and how I deal with it
On a daily basis, you have to keep looking ahead and stay positive. It is so easy to doubt yourself, compare yourself with competitors and feel discouraged when looking at your Instagram account. I try to surround myself well. I take part in events such as women entrepreneurs’ evenings, where you can meet potential vendors and clients. I also visit reception venues to improve my vendor database.
Another major difficulty, which I hope will only be temporary, is that I still work as an employee alongside my agency. It is a daily frustration: not enough time for my business and difficulty finding timeslots for meetings with couples. I hope to soon give myself the chance to develop Madame de Cœur one hundred percent, and for that I have my partner’s unwavering support.
What the IWI program brought me
The IWI program first brought me wonderful encounters, both with fellow students and trainers. I will always remember that period, during which I acquired a solid foundation to present myself to my future couples. I gained confidence and professionalism.
It also brought me the network. I would like to participate more actively in the IWI group, and I promise I will do better. Everyone’s advice and difficulties help us grow. As mentioned earlier, I was able to complete three internships thanks to this network. I would like to thank Nathalie from 'Étoiles d’un Jour' and Morgane from 'Big Day' again for their trust and for sharing their experience.