VCU news

By Patrick Kane

Weddings are big business, with numerous vendors to assess and endless decisions to ponder before saying, “I do.” According to the website CostofWedding.com, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $26,444.

More couples are turning to wedding planners to help manage their big day. In partnership with Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute, VCU’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education now offers a certificate in Wedding and Event Planning.

One Tuesday evening this spring, instructor Angela Parker shared before and after photos of a posh wedding held at the John Marshall Hotel. No detail went without scrutiny from her business, Angela’s Elegant Events, from dramatically lighting the two-story room to reflecting the bride’s hobbies in a custom wedding cake.

Parker encourages her students to consider the costs of doing business.

“You can’t make ends meet by giving away your services for free and undervaluing your services. Time is money,” she said.

The class breaks down a lot of information on planning and starting your own business.

Launching a small business is one of many topics in the course, which also touches on marketing, wedding cultures and traditions, contracts and negotiations, bridal shows and the importance of good communication and organizational skills.

"I’ve learned a lot in a short period of time,” said student Michelle Brooks. “The class breaks down a lot of information on planning and starting your own business. If you are looking to start your own business or find information on event planning, this is the class.”

OCPE studied the labor market for wedding and event planners, finding a fast-growing field nationally and in the commonwealth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the number of event planners in Virginia will rise from 4,200 in 2012 to 6,060 in 2022, a 44 percent increase.

“With low barriers to entry, this can be a business operated from the home and done on a part-time, full-time or seasonal basis,” said OCPE’s Aimée P. Walters. Research indicates that planners are hired by people of average means, not just affluent couples.

Students are traveling to attend this semester’s program from as far away as Virginia Beach and Fredericksburg. They include entrepreneurs, event planners for local businesses – and even a few VCU staff members.

"Enrolling in the Wedding and Event Planning program is a rewarding experience, especially for budding or aspiring entrepreneurs," said student DeShandria Pitt.

Coursework includes lectures from industry experts, field trips for hands-on learning and more. The aim is for students to network, learn, and ultimately provide dream weddings to Virginians. These skills apply for anniversaries, birthday parties, baby showers and other important events.

Additional programs are scheduled for this summer and fall: Corporate Event Planning, Signature Wedding and Event Design and two sessions of the Certificate in Wedding and Event Planning.

Classes are held at the VCU Office of Continuing and Professional Education, which is now located at 9 W. Cary St., just past the VCU Brandcenter.

Certificate in Wedding and Event Planning
Tuesdays June 7-Aug. 16
6 pm - 9:30 pm
Course fee: $999 (up until two weeks before class starts)
$1,050 (one week prior to course start date)
$1,100 (one week after course has started)

Tuesdays Oct. 4-Dec. 6
6 pm - 9:30 pm
Course fee: $999 (up until two weeks before class starts)
$1,050 (one week prior to course start date)
$1,100 (one week after course has started)

Corporate Event Planning Course
Thursdays Sept. 22-Dec. 1
6 pm - 9:30 pm
Course fee: $999 (up until two weeks before class starts)
$1,050 (one week prior to course start date)
$1,100 (one week after course has started)

Signature Wedding and Event Design
Thursdays June 2-Aug. 11
6 pm - 9:30 pm
Course fee: $1,295.00

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