WAHM Forums

Hey WAHM, I have been interested in Event Planning for some time now. I am now a stay at home mom and I think this will be a good time for me to begin focusing on starting an event planning business. Is there any online courses I can take to obtain a certificate or any classes in my area. I live in Tampa Bay, FL. If you have any information on websites, schools, etc, please let me know, thanks!!!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

check out the wedding and event planner post

Thanks ldc, but I have checked that out arleady, came up short. I look over it again though see what I find.

Hi.... I read your post and As per mine i would suggest you that so many evening planning are there just check out the free and payable web site also you can do that wedding and catering business or online clicking so it will more useful to you.... Thanks for sharing your link.....

Hi Indie,

Event planning is a good area to get into... Its fun and can be very rewarding... Hard work but rewarding... A few suggestions to you is to read read read.... Go to the library and get books on wedding and event planning... Research the wedding and event planning industry.... Decide what area of expertise you want to attack.... What will set you apart from the rest.... Do you want to specialize in weddings, children parties or themed events, etc.? Whatever it may be learn all you can... Plan events for your family and friends to get your feet wet... There are several home-study programs for wedding and event planning.... I went through International Correspondence Schools which is now Penn Foster... Very good program... You can go at your pace and they give you about two years to complete the program... I finished mines in eight months... Other programs are PCDI also know as Ashworth,

Bridal Consulting - Ashworth College (http://www.ashworthcollege.edu/programs/career-diploma/bridal-consulting/),

Here’s Penn Foster's link Penn Foster Career School | Self-Paced, Distance Education Programs (http://www.pennfoster.com)

Below I’ve listed a few sites you may want to take a look at; the associations are good to get certification but can be pricey....

Event Planning Jobs - Become an Event Planner - Start an Event Planning Business (http://www.fabjob.com/EventPlanner1.asp)
Become a Wedding Planner - How to Become a Wedding Planner - Start a Wedding Planning Business (http://www.fabjob.com/WeddingPlanner.asp)
ACPWC (http://www.acpwc.com/)
Association of Bridal Consultants (http://www.bridalassn.com)
ISES - International Special Events Society (http://www.ises.com)
www.weddingsbeautiful.com

Also, if you want to get in depth George Washington University has a great online program.

GW Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management (http://www.gwutourism.org) (The George Washington University) Event Management Program

Here are two books I suggest;

How to Start a Home-Based Event Planning Business, 2nd (Home-Based Business Series) by Jill Moran

Start Your Own Event Planning Business: Your Step by Step Guide to Success by Krista Turner


I hope that helps... Let me know, if you have any other questions.

Good Luck

Event Planning Sounds Great..
Good luck to you..

Hi,

I am in Tampa Bay too and I am going to be taking a class for 5 weeks in january 2010 at SPC.

You may want to call them and see if there is still time to join :)