How to Become a Wedding and Event Planner in Texas

The best way to ease into a booming event planning career in Texas is to fortify yourself with the right skills and credibility. While it is an exciting and gratifying job, wedding and event planning can take a toll on a person, especially when things don’t go according to plan. Although wedding and event planning can be tasking, becoming successful is relatively straightforward and becomes second nature as your experience grows.

Requirement for Becoming an Event Planner in Texas

Your job at its core entails taking complex tasks (event planning) off your clients’ hands and turning their wishes into reality. in Texas, you don’t need any formal training to become an event planner. However, getting a degree or certification in specific fields will enhance your career journey. for example, a degree in human resources will give you the necessary skills to handle your workers well.

Apart from degrees and certifications, you’ll need to develop some interpersonal skills to help you communicate and get along with people from all walks of life. These skills are essential for handling your clients, workers and business. for example, you need strong communication skills to listen and understand people’s needs. Some other skills that you should develop to thrive in this industry include:

Proper Time management
An eye for detail
Strong organization skills
The ability and willingness to handle pressure
A sense of humor and the ability to entertain people

Education Programs in Texas

In Texas, event planning is a popular career choice, so several universities and colleges offer programs that help people get started on their path. Below are some popular options to consider:

Texas A&M University, College Station: The 4-year certificate program in professional event management is open to students enrolled in a degree program at the university.
University of Texas Arlington: The university offers a 40-hour Wedding and Event Planner Certification program. The program (CWEP) helps educate you on best practices, techniques, methods, and working systems in the industry.
Austin Community College: The Meeting and Event planning certificate program is a two-year diploma program. The programs cover marketing, unique event designs, legal, and several areas of event planning.
University of North Texas, Denton: Through its School of Merchandising and Hospitality Management, the university offers undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in event management. There is also an online option available for those who wish to study remotely.
Collin College: The college’s Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Education offers a certificate program specializing in meeting and event management. The programs cover areas like food and beverage management, marketing and meeting management.

Besides these educational programs, there are several online courses and training available for event planners.

Relevant Professional Qualifications to Become a Wedding and Event Planner in Texas

Professional certifications are a great way to build your credibility as an event planner. Here are some certifications to consider in the event planning industry.

The Certified Meeting Planner: You must have worked in the industry for at least three years to qualify and must pass the exam before you’re certified. The Certificate Meeting Planner is awarded by the Event Industry Council.
The Certified Meeting Professional: The Event Industry Council also offers this certification and is recognized as a badge of excellence for event planners. Before you’re certified, you must have at least 3 years of experience and pass the rigorous exam.
Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP): CGMP is designed for planners who work with the federal, state or local government. to get this credential, you must complete the course and pass the examination.
Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA): The CFEA is awarded by the Texas Festivals and Events Association (TFEA).

Career (Job Growth) Outlook and Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 7,400 event planners in Texas, one of the highest in the country.

Event planners in Texas, on average, earn $24 per hour and $50,840 annually. High earners (the 90th percentile) make as high as $77,870. But as a newbie, you might start with an average annual pay of $24,740.

Working As an Event and Wedding Planner in Texas

As an event planner, you can decide to be an independent contractor or work with a planning company. As an independent contractor, you can either create your agency or continue to work as a freelancer.

Regardless of how you want to earn, you must first build your portfolio and gain valuable experience. You can do that through internships and volunteering.With persistence and a willingness to learn, you’ll have the skills and knowledge base to build a thriving career as a wedding and event planner in Texas.