Online Wedding Planner Schools: How to Choose

Numerous schools offer wedding planner certificate programs that can be completed entirely online. Individuals seeking an associate's degree might choose to complete a 2-year program in a wedding-related discipline, such as event planning or hospitality management. Students should consider personal achievement goals, as well as content delivery systems, when choosing an online wedding planner school.

How to Choose an Online Wedding Planner School

Award Levels

Wedding planners often pursue certificate or associate's degree programs that focus on weddings, event planning and hospitality. Certificate programs hone in on specific wedding-planning details, such as conceptualization, contract development, budgeting, etiquette and ceremony details. Many are offered online and prepare students to test for national certification through the Wedding Planning Institute and other professional organizations. Associate's degree programs offer broader event planning and hospitality management coursework that may be delivered online, on-campus or in hybrid format.

Program Type

Students choosing online wedding planner schools should consider content delivery methods. Lectures and assignments for these programs are completed online, so it's essential that students own or have access to a high-speed, Internet-ready computer with e-mail and live chat capabilities. Online certificate courses also generally utilize message boards, which allow students and faculty to stay in touch. Additionally, students may be encouraged to peruse online bridal networking and career development sites.
Hybrid programs blend online and on-campus elements. While students might attend virtual lectures and manage assignments via online course management systems, they also might be required to attend on-campus orientations, departmental meetings or select bridal trade events. Therefore, it's important for students to meet technological requirements, in addition to securing transportation to on-site events.

List of Online Wedding Planner Programs

Certificate in Wedding Planning

Many schools offer online courses that prepare students for national wedding planner certification. These courses delve into bridal industry protocol and offer students a roadmap for launching their own wedding planning businesses. Coursework often addresses business contracts and practices, wedding etiquette and customs, flowers, music and gown selection, day-of-ceremony details, marketing and trade secrets. Students also learn about creating profitable business packages and visually appealing design and fabric board displays. They typically communicate with faculty and classmates via e-mail and message boards and often have access to online libraries.

Associate's Degree in Event Planning

Aspiring wedding planners who are seeking an associate's degree might pursue a discipline like event planning or hospitality management. Online degree programs typically offer general education courses in business management, English and marketing, as well as industry-related courses in legal contracts, catering and event coordination. Students should be comfortable using message boards and submitting assignments through online content management systems, such as Blackboard.