How I came up with the idea of becoming a Wedding Planner
I was enjoying my job less and less. It had become difficult for me to stay engaged and invest myself in it as I had at the beginning. Covid pushed me to question things more deeply. I had also always loved organizing things, family celebrations and gatherings with friends. I have always had an easy time making lists, structuring things and carrying them out step by step. While watching the show '4 mariages pour une lune de miel', I realized that I too wanted to organize weddings, and that I was probably capable of doing it. The fact that I am very romantic confirmed for me that the wedding world was made for me.
My background before getting started
The first difficulty was that a lot of what is taught in the program is focused on France. Even though it is possible to choose your country preference in the different modules, I felt a bit alone as a Belgian taking this program. I did not know how to start or what or who I should turn to.
The Covid period also meant that the whole sector was more or less shut down, so it was complicated. I therefore waited two years for life to calm down and for me to find the courage to begin.
I then contacted a business development coach who helped me carry out each step in a concrete way, because too much time had passed between my program at IWI and taking action. But that is okay, there is always a solution.
Writing down my choices and actions also helped me overcome these difficulties. My final difficulty was choosing my business name. I had another name in mind that was already taken and perhaps a little too spiritual. In the end, I listened to my heart and my first intuitions, and I do not regret it at all.
My agency
3 Petits Mots stands for many things: 'say yes to me', 'I do', 'you and me' — so many three-word expressions that symbolize union, not only between the couple themselves but also between the couple and me. It highlights my desire to work as a team. I do not work for the couple, but with the couple. Communication and kindness are essential to me. I often say that my world is very soft, full of powder pink and hearts, because it reflects my personality: very romantic. I even describe myself as a bit cheesy, and I fully embrace that.
At the same time, I want to show a dynamic side, gently but sometimes with a touch of craziness, because I cannot help bringing a little humor and smile to create a reassuring atmosphere. My agency is responsive on social media, by email and on WhatsApp, which reassures couples who have many questions and want answers quickly. I am there to listen and advise.
The agency offers different packages, from day-of coordination to full or partial planning. I am also available for any other type of celebration.
What I love about my job
I would say the fact that nothing is ever the same. Marriage is celebrated all over the world, yet no two weddings are alike. The team of vendors changes constantly, so you keep meeting new people, and that is a real joy.
Trends evolve and change. There is always something to work on: couples, vendors, contracts, social media... it is such a varied profession. It touches so many different facets, and I love that. It helps me channel my energy.
But what I love most, above all else, is becoming the confidante of the couple and their witnesses. I am part of all the little secrets, the surprises, the dress and suit fittings. I become a shoulder they can lean on, and seeing how much good that does them brings me real satisfaction. Those are the little things that make me happy.
What IWI brought me
It gave me a vision of a more passionate future, one that fits me better. The program gave me knowledge, of course, but also a new way of seeing things. I discovered a new world that I enjoy more and more every day. It goes beyond training; it is a life change. Finally, I am breathing again.
At last, I am doing an activity that I enjoy and that makes me smile the moment I switch on my computer. Even though I currently do it as a secondary self-employed activity, I hope that one day I will be able to leave my first job and dedicate myself fully to my passion profession: wedding planner.
I would also like to take the celebrant program soon; it is something I am thinking about very seriously. IWI gave me the courage to see other horizons and to take the leap.