Becoming a Wedding and Event Planner in Massachusetts
Those who have experienced planning a wedding or any significant event know just how tedious it can be. It’s so much more than just making a list of necessities and calling it a day. Organizing something that large involves coordinating with several different suppliers, meticulously arranging every little thing, and thinking fast on your feet.
These are the primary reasons why people choose to employ professional wedding and event planners to take charge of their big day for them. Aside from having the assurance that their event will be proceeding smoothly, it’s also a considerable weight off their shoulders to entrust everything in the capable hands of these professionals. If you find yourself enjoying the process of planning large events and have the people skills for it, then becoming an event planner might be the perfect job for you.
What You’ll Need to Become a Wedding and Event Planner in Massachusetts
There are currently no official educational requirements needed to work as an event planner in the state of Massachusetts. However, two essential things that would help you most in your chosen career path are relevant education and first-hand experience in the field. There are also several important skills that effective event planners should be capable of, regardless of education and experience. Some of these skills include:
- The ability to work well and communicate effectively with other people
- A high level of creativity
- Being meticulously detailed
- Excellent organization skills
- Maintaining a calm demeanor even in stressful situations
- The capacity to make quick and effective decisions
Some colleges and universities offer courses such as Hospitality and Event Management, Public Relations, Marketing, Communication and Human Resources to help you develop these necessary skills.
Institutions That Offer Relevant Education in Massachusetts
Multiple colleges and universities in Massachusetts offer practical courses that help aspiring event planners prepare for their field. Here are some institutes and a brief description of each to get you started on your journey:
- The University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, MA, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Meeting and Event Management, Marketing and Communications, Public Relations and Human Resources.
- Boston University in Boston, MA, offers degrees in Hospitality Administration, Hospitality and Communication, Marketing, Public Relations and Human Resources.
- Salem State University in Salem, MA, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Meetings, Events and Conventions Management, Communication, Marketing, Public Relations and Human Resources.
- Lasell University in Newton, MA, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Communication, Marketing, Public Relations and Human Resources.
Apart from these institutions, there are also numerous online schools you can attend to learn how to be an exemplary event planner. Online programs like The QC Event School or the Quincy College Event Planning Program specialize in teaching courses directly related to planning special events like weddings. Another great way to earn valuable knowledge and first-hand experience is by applying for an internship in a well-established wedding or event planning company in your area.
Salary and Career Growth of Wedding and Event Planners
Convention and event planners in Massachusetts make an average hourly wage of $30.18, significantly higher than the national wage of $24.79 per hour. Higher-earning event planners are even reported to make up to $45.73 per hour.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are an estimated 2,850 convention and event planners employed in the state of Massachusetts as of this writing. The average long-term growth rate for event planners for 2019 to 2029 is at 8 percent, higher than the average growth rate for other professions.
Job Opportunities for Event Planners in Massachusetts
There are a couple of important career choices to be made as a wedding and event planner. You can decide to establish your own business by providing services directly to clients, or you can work for another company. There are numerous employment opportunities for event planners and coordinators in Massachusetts, especially in Boston and Cambridge.