Bridal Consulting Programs

Bridal consultants are event managers that look after various aspects of a wedding, especially those involving the bride herself. They determine the rules of etiquette that will be observed, select wedding party's attire, venue, and other aspects of the event. They also put together a guest list and select a caterer. The employment of bridal consultants along with other event, meeting and convention planners is expected to grow 44% during this decade, much faster than the average of all occupations. This profession has also made the list of the Top Jobs for 2013 as published by Forbes. Though organizing events such as weddings has several challenges, it is a fulfilling job and one that can help you build a steady career.

As a bridal consultant, you will be responsible for turning the couple's wedding ideas into reality while also keeping the entire event with the couple's budget. You will be required to identify the scope of the wedding such as its time, location, and cost. Coordinate wedding services such as transportation, and food service, monitoring wedding activities and reviewing event bills are some other tasks you will be required to carry out.

Bridal Consulting Programs

To become a bridal consultant, you will have to earn a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, marketing, public relations or a related field. Many employers prefer to hire bridal consultants with a bachelor's degree and related work experience. You can gain experience through internships or you can look for jobs in a respective occupation, such as a catering coordinator.

Certificate programs are also available for the ones who want to become bridal consultants. Some of the programs of study you can pursue are planning social functions, designing events and managing parties. The coursework may also include topics such as human resource management, international tourism and hospitality information technology.

Online Programs

Aspiring bridal consultants can also pursue a degree program online. A number of distance learning schools offer hospitality management programs online that help students to earn a degree remotely. These programs are self-paced and help students maintain the balance between their personal and professional life. The ones who are already in the field and seek advanced credentials to improve their career prospects can enroll in the online programs and study without giving up their current job.

Skills for Bridal Consultants

Bridal consultants should be creative and imaginative. Time management skills are fundamental. Strong communication and organizational skills are absolutely essential to this line of work. These event planners should also be patient and demonstrate leadership skills.

Career Outlook

According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), jobs for bridal consultants, which are categorized under event planners’ jobs, are expected to grow much faster than other occupations. These professionals made a median annual income of $46,490 in May 2014. Most of these professionals work full-time and many are required to work long hours. They may also have to work on weekends.

Job prospects are typically better for bridal consultants with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management as well as those who are Certified Meeting Planners. Event planners with extensive experience usually have the best opportunities.