Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Weddings are not just for smitten couples. Lovers who do not want to leave their nuptial bliss to chance usually seek out wedding planners. And the figures show there is demand, especially for those who are qualified.
In 2008 alone, about 47,300 couples tied the knot. Up to a fifth of them will resort to wedding planners.If, as government marriage portal ESDLife calculates, the average spending on a wedding banquet is HK$130,000, then the planner is looking at between HK$10,000 to HK$20,000 per job. And, as with most jobs in Hong Kong, paper qualification tells. So it doesn't hurt to get one. The Open University is offering a certificate course in wedding planning management. The part-time program teaches wedding history, etiquette and customs, event management, bridal image design, running a wedding planning business and the skills needed to be a master of ceremonies.
Katemagg Chau Lo-sin is the program's instructor as well as a professional. She says demand for wedding planners has shot up since people were allowed to hold marriage ceremonies outside the Marriage Registry and churches in 2006.
"Generally speaking, I believe 20 to 25 percent of Hong Kong couples seek the help of wedding planners. In the United States, it's 30 to 40 percent. So it's a market with great potential."
The course takes 90 hours and costs HK$16,800. Graduates can take an exam and be accredited with the Association of Bridal Consultants. Chau also offers students the opportunity to shadow her in planning an actual wedding. There is money to be made in weddings, said Chau. "On average, wedding planners charge 10 to 15 percent of the total cost of the wedding banquet, depending on their involvement. For instance, some clients ask us to plan the whole wedding while some only need us to manage the big day," she says.
Lu Chan, 30, decided to try her hand at it after completing her studies in August. "Wedding planning is a challenging career," said Chan. She should know: she has been managing events for 10 years. "You need to be able to think fast and multi-task. On the big day, a person might complain the microphone is not working, while another might tell you the food is not properly prepared. I need to understand the situation, come up with solutions, present the options to the couple and let them decide because, after all, it's their wedding." She said the program has given her the opportunity to be of service while improving her own skills. "My communication skills have improved and I have learned to be thoughtful and meticulous because I know a mistake can ruin the most important moment in someone's life."
Courses start in April, June and September. Visit www.ouhk.edu.hk/ lipace for details and to enroll.
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