Working on a team is far more rewarding than doing a wedding solo. Assistants can be a tremendous help on the day of the wedding. They are a planner’s extra hands. They are also the eyes and ears in a whirlwind of chaos. When a planner gets tunnel vision with the task at hand, a good assistant is able to take over confidently or work independently on another high priority task without question. To be a good assistant, a lot is required.

 

• Able to listen and take direction well
• Able to lift 30 or more pounds
• Strong work ethic
• Great decision-making skills
• Organized, able to think logically
• Creative problem-solver
• Professional and organized
• Reliable and punctual
• Attention to detail
• Can work well with minimal direction
• Quick learner
• Skilled with Facebook + Instagram
• Ability to communicate well with the team, staff, and guests
• Responsibility for their work
• Conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times
• Must have their own source of transportation

Don’t be surprised if a wedding planner has a set of guidelines they would like you to follow. Guidelines set boundaries and help manage expectations. I have provided you with some examples of guidelines a planner might have, but they are just examples. If your planner doesn’t offer you set of guidelines, it’s a good practice to adopt these.

 

Know Your Role

I know this sounds unpleasant, but the truth is that to be a successful assistant, you need to know your role. Remember, you are not the owner of the company. You haven’t spent hours upon hours of blood, sweat, and tears to manage one of the most important days of the client’s life. If your goal is to become a wedding planner, this is not the time to push your aspirations forward. This is the time to learn.

 

Own a Wedding Biz

If you currently have your own wedding planning business but you’re just starting out, take this opportunity to learn. Don’t second guess the planner, share your business card with guests, or talk to wedding party members about your business. Your goal at this time shouldn’t be to establish yourself as a planner, but instead, to be a good colleague who wants to see your ally succeed. Keep in mind that you might need an assistant later down the road, so don’t burn that bridge.

 

Using Wedding Pictures

If you own your own wedding planner business, you should not be using their event in your portfolio. Meaning, just because you helped set up and break down the event does not mean you get to claim this wedding as your own. Do not upload pictures to your social media without tagging the planner and mentioning all her hard work.

 

Drinking

It is never okay to drink while working. Even if the bride and groom try to pressure you to have a drink, politely decline. We all know that alcohol can impair judgment, so it’s best to avoid any opportunity to let the couple down. We want everyone to get home safe and sound.

 

Personal Conduct

You are expected to think before you act. Weddings are stressful and sometimes emotions run high, but you must keep calm and act in a rational manner. Never engage in gossip with a bridal party member or with other vendors. This can be tempting because you may feel as if it will create a bond between you, but it will only make the planner’s company look bad. Find another way to connect.

 

Social Media

Posting pictures to social media is something you need to talk through with the planner. If you get the go-ahead, be sure to use a little common sense when it comes to sharing pictures. Never insult a bride or show “what not to do” pictures. Also, wait to post a picture of the bride in her dress until after the ceremony. That surprise is for the guests.