Becoming a Wedding and Event Planner in Oklahoma
Planning large-scale events like weddings, corporate dinners and sporting competitions require long hours of intense organization and preparation. With people finding more and more occasions to celebrate, the need for professional wedding and event planners has been steadily rising in demand. These tireless individuals work almost around the clock-finding the best deals, coordinating with numerous suppliers, and working to execute the perfect event. However, this is not a job for everyone. Without the right approach, connections, and mindset, event planning can quickly become overwhelming.
If you’re thinking of diving into the world of event planning, be prepared for constant calls with both clients and vendors, meticulous organizing, and making quick yet effective decisions on your feet. Although this is far from an easy career, it can certainly be lucrative and fulfilling in the long run. This field might be perfect for you if you enjoy interacting with people and managing several elements to make a client’s dream event come true.
Requirements Needed to Become an Event Planner
There are currently no specific educational requirements to become an event planner in Oklahoma. However, taking relevant courses to learn about the trade would undoubtedly be helpful in your journey. Pursuing a degree in one or more of these subjects can be a valuable advantage in becoming a successful planner:
- Hospitality Management
- Event Management
- Communications
- Public Relations
- Human Resources
- Marketing
Where to Get Relevant Education in Oklahoma
Numerous colleges and universities in Oklahoma include some of the degrees listed above in their course offerings. Here are some educational institutes to get you started:
- Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Strategic Communication, Marketing and Human Resource Management.
- Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Communication Studies and Marketing. They also administer certificates for Human Resource Management.
- The University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK, offers degrees in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing and Human Resources Studies.
- The University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK offers degrees in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations and Human Resource Management.
Aside from these institutions, there are also various online programs you can take to learn how to be an event planner. The QC Event School is an online-based school providing lessons related explicitly to planning weddings and corporate meetings. Another example is the Quincy College Event Planning Program. The latter is a 90 hour, six-course certificate program that trains students in organizing all types of special events.
Salary and Career Growth of Wedding and Event Planners
A convention and event planner in Oklahoma earns an average annual pay of $46,010, which is lower than the national average event planner salary of $51,560 per year. Higher-earning planners in this state, however, have reported annual wages amounting up to $66,260.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently only about 940 event planners in the state of Oklahoma. This number is subject to change as the average growth rate for the profession is at a high national average of 8 percent.
Working as a Wedding and Event Planner in Oklahoma
After deciding to enter the field of event planning, you can now take a couple of paths to further your career. You can choose to establish your own business by providing event planning services to your clients, or you can work for another company.
Because there are not many event planners practicing in Oklahoma, professionals are currently in very high demand. a number of companies are now looking to hire competent event planners and managers in Oklahoma, Tulsa and Norman.