How I came up with the idea of becoming a wedding planner and how I got started
I never dreamed of a princess wedding, but I always thought I would get married one day. I got married in 2015, and I started planning in 2013. Because of my job, I had always organized events, trips and so on, and I liked that side of things, but nothing more. To my great surprise, I became completely hooked on the wedding world. I needed my daily dose of it, and I put my whole heart into organizing my own wedding. The result was that the very next day, I cried because I missed the planning. After that, I never stopped following wedding news, and I helped plan two weddings between 2016 and 2017.
In 2018, I reached a breaking point at work and told myself that it was my moment, that I could finally do what I truly liked. I left my job and five days later I joined the International Wedding Institute. I earned my wedding planner qualification in June and launched my agency in July, but I truly felt ready to begin in December.
The difficulties I faced before getting started
Everything, in one way or another, came back to fear. I was very afraid of leaving my company and a fixed income. I was very afraid of not making it. My relatives told me it was not a secure profession, more of a hobby. In reality, they were afraid too. So I created my own barriers. I also knew I would not receive any financial support for the program. I was afraid of pulling my family into a financial hole with me. Then my husband and I found compromises to make. Even today, although things are very difficult financially, I have no regrets at all.
My project
I am not the kind of person who rushes in head first. I need to understand the ins and outs of every situation. I need control, and I need a plan B in case of a problem, in order to feel calm. So I attended every information meeting I could, I looked for information everywhere, and I really pushed myself. I registered my company in order to be credible in the eyes of vendors, and I started organizing an inspiration shoot so I would have material to show future clients.
From there, I also thought about my communication. I took my time to create an image that reflected me, so that I would feel fully comfortable with my new profession, my documents and my communication. My company is not even one year old yet, and I am still finding my way. My first contracts were finally coming in, but the Coronavirus epidemic stopped everything for the time being. Still, I am not giving up.
My biggest challenge
Securing a contract is still difficult for me. My limited experience probably scares clients, but little by little I am making a name for myself and gaining credibility. My strategy is to become known by vendors so that they trust me, and in return I learn to know them too. I think having good relationships with them is essential.
What IWI brought me
The program brought me several essential things: credibility by allowing me to highlight that I am qualified, a methodology, and beautiful, enriching encounters. I am so happy that I was able to join this program, and that particular session. I am still in contact with every student, and we continue to help each other in our young businesses.