How to Become a Wedding and Event Planner in Connecticut
Planning a wedding or a significant event can be stressful and time-consuming, so the task is often delegated to professionals who work as wedding and event planners. From the decorations to the program, they make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. Not only do they ensure the smooth flow of their events, but they also find ways to bring out the client’s vision of how the day will go.
Event planners are focused, multitask well, and are extremely thorough – right down to the minute details. They also possess excellent communication skills and can bring together the perfect components to make their clients happy. If you are confident, driven and can handle occasional stressful, on-the-spot decisions, then a future in Wedding and Event Planning might be perfect for you.
Requirements for Becoming a Wedding and Event Planner in Connecticut
There are currently no specific educational requirements to become an event planner in the state of Connecticut. Still, courses would surely be helpful in your journey to becoming a professional planner. a degree in one or more of these areas can be a valuable asset for honing the necessary skills to become a successful planner.
- Hospitality Management
- Event Management
- Marketing
- Communications
- Public Relations
- Human Resources
Where to Get Relevant Education in Connecticut
Several colleges and universities in Connecticut offer Hospitality and Event Management and other relevant courses in various degree levels. Here are some of the most popular institutes to get you started on your journey:
- Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, CT, offers degrees in Hospitality and Event Management, Marketing and Public Relations.
- University of New Haven in West Haven, CT, offers degrees in Hospitality and Event Management, Marketing, Communications and Human Resources.
- Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT, offers degrees in both Hospitality Management and Marketing.
- Gateway Community College in New Haven, CT, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Marketing and Communications.
- Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, CT, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Marketing and Communications.
Aside from these degrees, there are also numerous online courses you can take to learn how to be a planner. Online schools like The QC Event School specialize in teaching courses directly related to wedding and event planning.
Another way to earn experience and know-how in this field is by applying for an internship in a well-established wedding or event planning company near you.
Salary and Career Growth
An event planner in Connecticut earns an average of $64,290 annually, with higher-earning planners making up to $88,290. Pay in this state is relatively higher compared to the national average of $51,560.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average growth rate for convention and event planners, or how much employment for this occupation is projected to rise, is at a high 8 percent.
Working as a Wedding and Event Planner in Connecticut
There are a couple of career choices to be made as a wedding and event planner. You can decide to establish your own business providing event planning services to clients, or you can work for another company. Many companies in Connecticut are now looking to hire effective event planners, especially in Stamford, East Hartford and West Hartford.