1. How do I register?
Every student must register with a university or college that offers our courses. GES does not offer courses directly to the public. We work in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide. You must locate a school and contact them for registration information.
2. How much do the courses cost?
Our partner colleges set the prices for the courses they offer. You must locate a school for cost and registration information.
3. Why do I have to locate a school?
GES does not offer courses directly to the public. We work in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide. GES is the content developer for the course, but the schools actually offer the courses and provide the certificates upon completion.
4. Can I register for courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes you can! The International zip code locator will determine which school is nearest you. Simply click here to choose your country, and select the course you wish to take.
5. Do I ever have go to the school I register with?
Not in most cases. Most of our partner schools offer telephone or online registration. All of our courses are delivered entirely online, so you never have to go to a class or travel to the school. Locate a school and contact them for more registration options.
6. What if there is not a school in my area that offers the course I want to take?
You can register with the school that is closest to your zip code (even if it is far away). Since GES courses are online, you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration. Locate a school for more registration information.
7. How long does it take to complete a course?
All of our courses are self-paced and open enrollment. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. When you register for our Wedding Planner program, you are given an initial 6 months to complete the course. If you need more time, you may request a 3-month extension free of charge. The cost for any additional 3-month extensions is $99.
8. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All materials are included. The cost of materials will be covered by your tuition. GES will ship all materials via UPS ground service upon registration.
9. Can I get financial aid?
GES courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Locate a school for more information on this.
o GES also provides a loan opportunity for students. Simply go to www.collegeloanapplication.com to apply for an easier qualifying loan. Click here for more information on this loan program.
10. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school you registered with. You must obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater to be awarded a certificate.
11. Am I guaranteed a job?
GES courses will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the course. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
12. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via email or phone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
13. What do I have to have in order to take an online course, and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (a normal dial-up connection is fine). You can access the course contents from any web-enabled computer. There are no necessary plug-ins. You do not have to use the same computer to log-in to the course every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
14. Can I use a Mac computer for this course?
You can take this class on any computer with internet access. However, there are some supplemental videos within the course that can only be viewed with Windows Media Player. Watching these videos is not required to complete the course, and we are currently working on releasing all videos in a Mac-compatible format.
15. How can I get more information on the course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button below). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the “Ask a question” button below. You may also call us at 1-866-441-5454. We will answer your questions promptly.
16. When can I start the course?
Our courses are all open enrollment. You can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Locate a school for registration information.
17. Will the Certified Wedding Planner Program give me the skills I need?
CWP graduates are better trained and earn a higher income than the average wedding planner. This is the most comprehensive certification program available.
18. What kind of income can I expect to earn as a Certified Wedding Planner?
Run the numbers. Depending on where you live, the population, your performance and offerings, and how many weddings are taking place annually, will determine your earnings potential. Also, whether you plan on working full or part-time will be a major factor.
To calculate your income potential you will need to factor in the following: Contact your local marriage license office to confirm how many marriages are applied for annually. This will give you a true estimate of how much potential business is available in your area. (If there are 5,000 marriage licenses applied for annually, then there are potentially 5,000 clients in your market.) What is the average cost of a wedding in your local area? The national average is just over $22,000, but if you live in a larger market, say Manhattan, NY, a budget of $40,000 would be average. For a smaller market like Raleigh, NC $12-15,000 would be average. Will you be working full or part-time? Ask yourself how many weddings you plan on working on an annual basis. Do you plan on working one wedding per month or one wedding per weekend (52 weddings per year)? Calculate your income. The national average is $22,000, but we'll use $20,000 for our example. Take 10% of $20,000 = $2,000. That percentage is what you can anticipate to earn off of each client…$2,000. Now, how much are you looking to earn annually and divide it by $2,000. If you are looking to earn $30,000 per year, then you will need to book 15 weddings for the year. $30,000 divided by $2,000 = 15. If you are interested in earning $60,000 or more annually you will definitely need to work full-time, and average about 30 - 50 weddings per year. Miscellaneous factors in calculating income. The above is just a guideline. Depending on what you plan on offering in your business, just wedding planning, day of services, your performance, package prices, offering other products/services such as invitations, wedding products (The Wedding Planning Game, planner books etc.), and your marketing efforts, will ultimately determine your income and earnings. The Certification Wedding Planner program will walk you through the process, step-by-step to show you how to figure out what you can earn and how to structure your business model and increase revenue. The program is structured to help the student with all of the above so that they are prepared to start driving revenue right away.
19. How many weddings and brides does a typical wedding planner work with in a given month or year?
This will ultimately depend on the wedding planner. An individual's work and personal schedule will determine how many clients a wedding planner can handle. Also a planner that is better educated will be more efficient.
20. What is a typical day like for a wedding consultant?
A day in the life of a wedding consultant can be an exciting and rewarding one, but it is also hard work. For a wedding planner, their day will be a combination of phone calls, emails and meetings with brides and/or vendors plus research, and of course planning and designing that special day for clients. The needs of each bride will dictate the day’s events. A large part of the consultant’s job will involve communicating with vendors and researching for your clients. The wedding planner will also be over-seeing day-of-services, and will be there to support the bride on her wedding day. Wedding planners should expect to include evening and weekend hours into their business schedule.
21. What exactly is the Certified Wedding Planner responsible for in working with a bride?
In the initial meeting with the bride a wedding planner will be asking questions and learning more about what the bride would like for her wedding day. Once this information has been gathered, the consultant will then start researching and talking to vendors to see who is available on that date, and will start booking vendors for the couple. If the bride needs a consultant to attend the wedding that day, the consultant will handle all necessary arrangements.
It is the responsibility of the wedding planner to help the bride design her ideal wedding, to guide her in the right direction, and to always look out for her best interest. Ultimately, the bridal couple will dictate what they would like for a wedding planner to help with.
22. What is the difference between a wedding or bridal consultant, wedding planner and a wedding director?
Wedding or Bridal Consultant - Works in partnership with the couple and guides them through the process of wedding decisions. Couples working with a consultant are very much in control of their wedding plans, but can rest assured they have professional guidance and assistance when needed. This allows the couple to enjoy the wedding planning process, making it as fun and stress-free as possible.
Wedding Planner - Generally a person who can take charge and plan the details of a wedding from start to finish. The couple is still involved, but most of the leg work is left to the planner - the couple can trust the professional to make their arrangements for them.
Wedding Director - Coordinates the details, vendors and itinerary on your wedding day. All concerns are placed on the shoulders of the wedding director the day of your wedding. The couple doesn't need to get caught up in the small details and can enjoy their guests and the day's events.
Every student must register with a university or college that offers our courses. GES does not offer courses directly to the public. We work in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide. You must locate a school and contact them for registration information.
2. How much do the courses cost?
Our partner colleges set the prices for the courses they offer. You must locate a school for cost and registration information.
3. Why do I have to locate a school?
GES does not offer courses directly to the public. We work in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide. GES is the content developer for the course, but the schools actually offer the courses and provide the certificates upon completion.
4. Can I register for courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes you can! The International zip code locator will determine which school is nearest you. Simply click here to choose your country, and select the course you wish to take.
5. Do I ever have go to the school I register with?
Not in most cases. Most of our partner schools offer telephone or online registration. All of our courses are delivered entirely online, so you never have to go to a class or travel to the school. Locate a school and contact them for more registration options.
6. What if there is not a school in my area that offers the course I want to take?
You can register with the school that is closest to your zip code (even if it is far away). Since GES courses are online, you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration. Locate a school for more registration information.
7. How long does it take to complete a course?
All of our courses are self-paced and open enrollment. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. When you register for our Wedding Planner program, you are given an initial 6 months to complete the course. If you need more time, you may request a 3-month extension free of charge. The cost for any additional 3-month extensions is $99.
8. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All materials are included. The cost of materials will be covered by your tuition. GES will ship all materials via UPS ground service upon registration.
9. Can I get financial aid?
GES courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Locate a school for more information on this.
o GES also provides a loan opportunity for students. Simply go to www.collegeloanapplication.com to apply for an easier qualifying loan. Click here for more information on this loan program.
10. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school you registered with. You must obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater to be awarded a certificate.
11. Am I guaranteed a job?
GES courses will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the course. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
12. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via email or phone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
13. What do I have to have in order to take an online course, and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (a normal dial-up connection is fine). You can access the course contents from any web-enabled computer. There are no necessary plug-ins. You do not have to use the same computer to log-in to the course every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
14. Can I use a Mac computer for this course?
You can take this class on any computer with internet access. However, there are some supplemental videos within the course that can only be viewed with Windows Media Player. Watching these videos is not required to complete the course, and we are currently working on releasing all videos in a Mac-compatible format.
15. How can I get more information on the course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button below). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the “Ask a question” button below. You may also call us at 1-866-441-5454. We will answer your questions promptly.
16. When can I start the course?
Our courses are all open enrollment. You can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Locate a school for registration information.
17. Will the Certified Wedding Planner Program give me the skills I need?
CWP graduates are better trained and earn a higher income than the average wedding planner. This is the most comprehensive certification program available.
18. What kind of income can I expect to earn as a Certified Wedding Planner?
Run the numbers. Depending on where you live, the population, your performance and offerings, and how many weddings are taking place annually, will determine your earnings potential. Also, whether you plan on working full or part-time will be a major factor.
To calculate your income potential you will need to factor in the following: Contact your local marriage license office to confirm how many marriages are applied for annually. This will give you a true estimate of how much potential business is available in your area. (If there are 5,000 marriage licenses applied for annually, then there are potentially 5,000 clients in your market.) What is the average cost of a wedding in your local area? The national average is just over $22,000, but if you live in a larger market, say Manhattan, NY, a budget of $40,000 would be average. For a smaller market like Raleigh, NC $12-15,000 would be average. Will you be working full or part-time? Ask yourself how many weddings you plan on working on an annual basis. Do you plan on working one wedding per month or one wedding per weekend (52 weddings per year)? Calculate your income. The national average is $22,000, but we'll use $20,000 for our example. Take 10% of $20,000 = $2,000. That percentage is what you can anticipate to earn off of each client…$2,000. Now, how much are you looking to earn annually and divide it by $2,000. If you are looking to earn $30,000 per year, then you will need to book 15 weddings for the year. $30,000 divided by $2,000 = 15. If you are interested in earning $60,000 or more annually you will definitely need to work full-time, and average about 30 - 50 weddings per year. Miscellaneous factors in calculating income. The above is just a guideline. Depending on what you plan on offering in your business, just wedding planning, day of services, your performance, package prices, offering other products/services such as invitations, wedding products (The Wedding Planning Game, planner books etc.), and your marketing efforts, will ultimately determine your income and earnings. The Certification Wedding Planner program will walk you through the process, step-by-step to show you how to figure out what you can earn and how to structure your business model and increase revenue. The program is structured to help the student with all of the above so that they are prepared to start driving revenue right away.
19. How many weddings and brides does a typical wedding planner work with in a given month or year?
This will ultimately depend on the wedding planner. An individual's work and personal schedule will determine how many clients a wedding planner can handle. Also a planner that is better educated will be more efficient.
20. What is a typical day like for a wedding consultant?
A day in the life of a wedding consultant can be an exciting and rewarding one, but it is also hard work. For a wedding planner, their day will be a combination of phone calls, emails and meetings with brides and/or vendors plus research, and of course planning and designing that special day for clients. The needs of each bride will dictate the day’s events. A large part of the consultant’s job will involve communicating with vendors and researching for your clients. The wedding planner will also be over-seeing day-of-services, and will be there to support the bride on her wedding day. Wedding planners should expect to include evening and weekend hours into their business schedule.
21. What exactly is the Certified Wedding Planner responsible for in working with a bride?
In the initial meeting with the bride a wedding planner will be asking questions and learning more about what the bride would like for her wedding day. Once this information has been gathered, the consultant will then start researching and talking to vendors to see who is available on that date, and will start booking vendors for the couple. If the bride needs a consultant to attend the wedding that day, the consultant will handle all necessary arrangements.
It is the responsibility of the wedding planner to help the bride design her ideal wedding, to guide her in the right direction, and to always look out for her best interest. Ultimately, the bridal couple will dictate what they would like for a wedding planner to help with.
22. What is the difference between a wedding or bridal consultant, wedding planner and a wedding director?
Wedding or Bridal Consultant - Works in partnership with the couple and guides them through the process of wedding decisions. Couples working with a consultant are very much in control of their wedding plans, but can rest assured they have professional guidance and assistance when needed. This allows the couple to enjoy the wedding planning process, making it as fun and stress-free as possible.
Wedding Planner - Generally a person who can take charge and plan the details of a wedding from start to finish. The couple is still involved, but most of the leg work is left to the planner - the couple can trust the professional to make their arrangements for them.
Wedding Director - Coordinates the details, vendors and itinerary on your wedding day. All concerns are placed on the shoulders of the wedding director the day of your wedding. The couple doesn't need to get caught up in the small details and can enjoy their guests and the day's events.
Certified Wedding Planner
GES 204 -- 300 hours
FAQs
1. How do I register?
Every student must register with a university or college that offers our courses. GES does not offer courses directly to the public. We work in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide. You must locate a school and contact them for registration information.
2. How much do the courses cost?
Our partner colleges set the prices for the courses they offer. You must locate a school for cost and registration information.
3. Why do I have to locate a school?
GES does not offer courses directly to the public. We work in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide. GES is the content developer for the course, but the schools actually offer the courses and provide the certificates upon completion.
4. Can I register for courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes you can! The International zip code locator will determine which school is nearest you. Simply click here to choose your country, and select the course you wish to take.
5. Do I ever have go to the school I register with?
Not in most cases. Most of our partner schools offer telephone or online registration. All of our courses are delivered entirely online, so you never have to go to a class or travel to the school. Locate a school and contact them for more registration options.
6. What if there is not a school in my area that offers the course I want to take?
You can register with the school that is closest to your zip code (even if it is far away). Since GES courses are online, you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration. Locate a school for more registration information.
7. How long does it take to complete a course?
All of our courses are self-paced and open enrollment. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. When you register for our Wedding Planner program, you are given an initial 6 months to complete the course. If you need more time, you may request a 3-month extension free of charge. The cost for any additional 3-month extensions is $99.
8. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All materials are included. The cost of materials will be covered by your tuition. GES will ship all materials via UPS ground service upon registration.
9. Can I get financial aid?
GES courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Locate a school for more information on this.
o GES also provides a loan opportunity for students. Simply go to www.collegeloanapplication.com to apply for an easier qualifying loan. Click here for more information on this loan program.
10. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school you registered with. You must obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater to be awarded a certificate.
11. Am I guaranteed a job?
GES courses will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the course. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
12. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via email or phone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
13. What do I have to have in order to take an online course, and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (a normal dial-up connection is fine). You can access the course contents from any web-enabled computer. There are no necessary plug-ins. You do not have to use the same computer to log-in to the course every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
14. Can I use a Mac computer for this course?
You can take this class on any computer with internet access. However, there are some supplemental videos within the course that can only be viewed with Windows Media Player. Watching these videos is not required to complete the course, and we are currently working on releasing all videos in a Mac-compatible format.
15. How can I get more information on the course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button below). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the “Ask a question” button below. You may also call us at 1-866-441-5454. We will answer your questions promptly.
16. When can I start the course?
Our courses are all open enrollment. You can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Locate a school for registration information.
17. Will the Certified Wedding Planner Program give me the skills I need?
CWP graduates are better trained and earn a higher income than the average wedding planner. This is the most comprehensive certification program available.
18. What kind of income can I expect to earn as a Certified Wedding Planner?
Run the numbers. Depending on where you live, the population, your performance and offerings, and how many weddings are taking place annually, will determine your earnings potential. Also, whether you plan on working full or part-time will be a major factor.
To calculate your income potential you will need to factor in the following: Contact your local marriage license office to confirm how many marriages are applied for annually. This will give you a true estimate of how much potential business is available in your area. (If there are 5,000 marriage licenses applied for annually, then there are potentially 5,000 clients in your market.) What is the average cost of a wedding in your local area? The national average is just over $22,000, but if you live in a larger market, say Manhattan, NY, a budget of $40,000 would be average. For a smaller market like Raleigh, NC $12-15,000 would be average. Will you be working full or part-time? Ask yourself how many weddings you plan on working on an annual basis. Do you plan on working one wedding per month or one wedding per weekend (52 weddings per year)? Calculate your income. The national average is $22,000, but we'll use $20,000 for our example. Take 10% of $20,000 = $2,000. That percentage is what you can anticipate to earn off of each client…$2,000. Now, how much are you looking to earn annually and divide it by $2,000. If you are looking to earn $30,000 per year, then you will need to book 15 weddings for the year. $30,000 divided by $2,000 = 15. If you are interested in earning $60,000 or more annually you will definitely need to work full-time, and average about 30 - 50 weddings per year. Miscellaneous factors in calculating income. The above is just a guideline. Depending on what you plan on offering in your business, just wedding planning, day of services, your performance, package prices, offering other products/services such as invitations, wedding products (The Wedding Planning Game, planner books etc.), and your marketing efforts, will ultimately determine your income and earnings. The Certification Wedding Planner program will walk you through the process, step-by-step to show you how to figure out what you can earn and how to structure your business model and increase revenue. The program is structured to help the student with all of the above so that they are prepared to start driving revenue right away.
19. How many weddings and brides does a typical wedding planner work with in a given month or year?
This will ultimately depend on the wedding planner. An individual's work and personal schedule will determine how many clients a wedding planner can handle. Also a planner that is better educated will be more efficient.
20. What is a typical day like for a wedding consultant?
A day in the life of a wedding consultant can be an exciting and rewarding one, but it is also hard work. For a wedding planner, their day will be a combination of phone calls, emails and meetings with brides and/or vendors plus research, and of course planning and designing that special day for clients. The needs of each bride will dictate the day’s events. A large part of the consultant’s job will involve communicating with vendors and researching for your clients. The wedding planner will also be over-seeing day-of-services, and will be there to support the bride on her wedding day. Wedding planners should expect to include evening and weekend hours into their business schedule.
21. What exactly is the Certified Wedding Planner responsible for in working with a bride?
In the initial meeting with the bride a wedding planner will be asking questions and learning more about what the bride would like for her wedding day. Once this information has been gathered, the consultant will then start researching and talking to vendors to see who is available on that date, and will start booking vendors for the couple. If the bride needs a consultant to attend the wedding that day, the consultant will handle all necessary arrangements.
It is the responsibility of the wedding planner to help the bride design her ideal wedding, to guide her in the right direction, and to always look out for her best interest. Ultimately, the bridal couple will dictate what they would like for a wedding planner to help with.
22. What is the difference between a wedding or bridal consultant, wedding planner and a wedding director?
Wedding or Bridal Consultant - Works in partnership with the couple and guides them through the process of wedding decisions. Couples working with a consultant are very much in control of their wedding plans, but can rest assured they have professional guidance and assistance when needed. This allows the couple to enjoy the wedding planning process, making it as fun and stress-free as possible.
Wedding Planner - Generally a person who can take charge and plan the details of a wedding from start to finish. The couple is still involved, but most of the leg work is left to the planner - the couple can trust the professional to make their arrangements for them.
Wedding Director - Coordinates the details, vendors and itinerary on your wedding day. All concerns are placed on the shoulders of the wedding director the day of your wedding. The couple doesn't need to get caught up in the small details and can enjoy their guests and the day's events.
Every student must register with a university or college that offers our courses. GES does not offer courses directly to the public. We work in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide. You must locate a school and contact them for registration information.
2. How much do the courses cost?
Our partner colleges set the prices for the courses they offer. You must locate a school for cost and registration information.
3. Why do I have to locate a school?
GES does not offer courses directly to the public. We work in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide. GES is the content developer for the course, but the schools actually offer the courses and provide the certificates upon completion.
4. Can I register for courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes you can! The International zip code locator will determine which school is nearest you. Simply click here to choose your country, and select the course you wish to take.
5. Do I ever have go to the school I register with?
Not in most cases. Most of our partner schools offer telephone or online registration. All of our courses are delivered entirely online, so you never have to go to a class or travel to the school. Locate a school and contact them for more registration options.
6. What if there is not a school in my area that offers the course I want to take?
You can register with the school that is closest to your zip code (even if it is far away). Since GES courses are online, you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration. Locate a school for more registration information.
7. How long does it take to complete a course?
All of our courses are self-paced and open enrollment. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. When you register for our Wedding Planner program, you are given an initial 6 months to complete the course. If you need more time, you may request a 3-month extension free of charge. The cost for any additional 3-month extensions is $99.
8. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All materials are included. The cost of materials will be covered by your tuition. GES will ship all materials via UPS ground service upon registration.
9. Can I get financial aid?
GES courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Locate a school for more information on this.
o GES also provides a loan opportunity for students. Simply go to www.collegeloanapplication.com to apply for an easier qualifying loan. Click here for more information on this loan program.
10. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school you registered with. You must obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater to be awarded a certificate.
11. Am I guaranteed a job?
GES courses will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the course. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
12. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via email or phone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.
13. What do I have to have in order to take an online course, and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (a normal dial-up connection is fine). You can access the course contents from any web-enabled computer. There are no necessary plug-ins. You do not have to use the same computer to log-in to the course every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.
14. Can I use a Mac computer for this course?
You can take this class on any computer with internet access. However, there are some supplemental videos within the course that can only be viewed with Windows Media Player. Watching these videos is not required to complete the course, and we are currently working on releasing all videos in a Mac-compatible format.
15. How can I get more information on the course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button below). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the “Ask a question” button below. You may also call us at 1-866-441-5454. We will answer your questions promptly.
16. When can I start the course?
Our courses are all open enrollment. You can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Locate a school for registration information.
17. Will the Certified Wedding Planner Program give me the skills I need?
CWP graduates are better trained and earn a higher income than the average wedding planner. This is the most comprehensive certification program available.
18. What kind of income can I expect to earn as a Certified Wedding Planner?
Run the numbers. Depending on where you live, the population, your performance and offerings, and how many weddings are taking place annually, will determine your earnings potential. Also, whether you plan on working full or part-time will be a major factor.
To calculate your income potential you will need to factor in the following: Contact your local marriage license office to confirm how many marriages are applied for annually. This will give you a true estimate of how much potential business is available in your area. (If there are 5,000 marriage licenses applied for annually, then there are potentially 5,000 clients in your market.) What is the average cost of a wedding in your local area? The national average is just over $22,000, but if you live in a larger market, say Manhattan, NY, a budget of $40,000 would be average. For a smaller market like Raleigh, NC $12-15,000 would be average. Will you be working full or part-time? Ask yourself how many weddings you plan on working on an annual basis. Do you plan on working one wedding per month or one wedding per weekend (52 weddings per year)? Calculate your income. The national average is $22,000, but we'll use $20,000 for our example. Take 10% of $20,000 = $2,000. That percentage is what you can anticipate to earn off of each client…$2,000. Now, how much are you looking to earn annually and divide it by $2,000. If you are looking to earn $30,000 per year, then you will need to book 15 weddings for the year. $30,000 divided by $2,000 = 15. If you are interested in earning $60,000 or more annually you will definitely need to work full-time, and average about 30 - 50 weddings per year. Miscellaneous factors in calculating income. The above is just a guideline. Depending on what you plan on offering in your business, just wedding planning, day of services, your performance, package prices, offering other products/services such as invitations, wedding products (The Wedding Planning Game, planner books etc.), and your marketing efforts, will ultimately determine your income and earnings. The Certification Wedding Planner program will walk you through the process, step-by-step to show you how to figure out what you can earn and how to structure your business model and increase revenue. The program is structured to help the student with all of the above so that they are prepared to start driving revenue right away.
19. How many weddings and brides does a typical wedding planner work with in a given month or year?
This will ultimately depend on the wedding planner. An individual's work and personal schedule will determine how many clients a wedding planner can handle. Also a planner that is better educated will be more efficient.
20. What is a typical day like for a wedding consultant?
A day in the life of a wedding consultant can be an exciting and rewarding one, but it is also hard work. For a wedding planner, their day will be a combination of phone calls, emails and meetings with brides and/or vendors plus research, and of course planning and designing that special day for clients. The needs of each bride will dictate the day’s events. A large part of the consultant’s job will involve communicating with vendors and researching for your clients. The wedding planner will also be over-seeing day-of-services, and will be there to support the bride on her wedding day. Wedding planners should expect to include evening and weekend hours into their business schedule.
21. What exactly is the Certified Wedding Planner responsible for in working with a bride?
In the initial meeting with the bride a wedding planner will be asking questions and learning more about what the bride would like for her wedding day. Once this information has been gathered, the consultant will then start researching and talking to vendors to see who is available on that date, and will start booking vendors for the couple. If the bride needs a consultant to attend the wedding that day, the consultant will handle all necessary arrangements.
It is the responsibility of the wedding planner to help the bride design her ideal wedding, to guide her in the right direction, and to always look out for her best interest. Ultimately, the bridal couple will dictate what they would like for a wedding planner to help with.
22. What is the difference between a wedding or bridal consultant, wedding planner and a wedding director?
Wedding or Bridal Consultant - Works in partnership with the couple and guides them through the process of wedding decisions. Couples working with a consultant are very much in control of their wedding plans, but can rest assured they have professional guidance and assistance when needed. This allows the couple to enjoy the wedding planning process, making it as fun and stress-free as possible.
Wedding Planner - Generally a person who can take charge and plan the details of a wedding from start to finish. The couple is still involved, but most of the leg work is left to the planner - the couple can trust the professional to make their arrangements for them.
Wedding Director - Coordinates the details, vendors and itinerary on your wedding day. All concerns are placed on the shoulders of the wedding director the day of your wedding. The couple doesn't need to get caught up in the small details and can enjoy their guests and the day's events.
