Before taking the leap into the crazy adventure of self-employment and opening my wedding planning agency, I spent several years as an executive assistant and then worked in property development, where I mainly managed company events such as groundbreaking ceremonies, building inaugurations, corporate seminars and after-work gatherings. I really enjoyed handling all of that, but I was missing that little spark.
Quite by chance, I have to admit, someone told me about the wedding planner profession and how well it might fit my personality. That was the turning point. I knew immediately: this is what I want to do and what I had been waiting for without even knowing it.
So I decided to open my own event planning agency to combine my skills in this field with my romantic side and my love of beautiful love stories.
Even though my desire to become a wedding planner never left me for a second from the moment I heard about it, and even though it is truly the job I want to do, leaving a stable job and a fixed salary for entrepreneurship is not something to be taken lightly. I therefore studied the market, prepared my business plan, documented myself as much as possible about the wedding world and the event world, and spoke with fellow planners and vendors.
I also looked into training programs because I could not imagine starting a new job without at least some solid groundwork. I chose the International Wedding Institute because the program was very complete and interesting, and also because being part of the school’s network seemed like a real advantage.
My training at IWI
The program lived up to my expectations and truly gave me the foundations I needed before launching my agency. The in-person classes in Lyon were enriching and allowed us to meet speakers from the wedding industry and learn from their experience. I was lucky enough to join a wonderful group, and I still maintain a strong and caring bond with the other women as our agencies evolve.
I did not expect to have so much work to do at home in order to earn the certification, but today I am quite proud of it and I present it as a sign of professionalism. And indeed, being part of the alumni network, with exchanges between experienced and less experienced peers, is a real opportunity.
My biggest challenge
My biggest challenge is the sales side. Because beyond organizing the event, communicating and managing the business, the very first step, and not the least important, is selling your services, and that is not something that comes easily to me, even though I am working on it.
My agency
With my agency 'Les Coulisses de Lili', I support couples with the full or partial planning of their wedding. I also of course offer day-of coordination services or personalized coaching to give a little boost at the beginning of the preparations or simply at the end, when the intense planning period needs some relief. And since life is full of moments worth celebrating, I also offer my services for the organization of private events.
My advice
Being a wedding planner is a passion profession that requires a great deal of personal investment and independence, but it comes with beautiful emotions. Let’s be honest, it is not easy every day and there is a lot of competition, but you have to find your place little by little, at your own pace, without rushing things, and remain as honest as possible in your choices, with your clients and with your peers.
That means not copying their work, and I know what that feels like because I have been on the receiving end of it and it is both unpleasant and disrespectful. You have to be aware that the glitter is for the brides and grooms, but if their eyes sparkle, it is also a little bit thanks to us, and that is quite magical. Personally, I do not regret my choice at all, and I still have so many things to discover and adventures waiting for me.