Gain the skills to excel in the growing wedding industry. Learn the tricks of the trade through a flexible program designed for busy adults and stand out by adding nationally-recognized university training to your resume.
Cal State East Bay’s Certificate in Wedding Planning is the only program of its kind offered on a university campus. The program provides you with the industry skills, required knowledge, and practical training needed to pursue a career in wedding and event management.
CSUEB is proud to empower hospitality professionals with the Wedding Planner Certificate training
With convenient offerings both online and in-class, you are free to choose what learning option works best for you. Whether you prefer the 11-week online program or the in-person course that spans across a four-month period, you’ll receive the same exceptional training from nationally recognized program director and instructor Joyce Scardina Becker.
Endorsed by the Northern California Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES)
Internationally recognized by event professionals
Taught by award-winning hospitality industry veteran Joyce Scardina Becker
I enrolled in the program because I want to explore opportunities in the wedding industry. I completed the program and believe I am well prepared for my new adventure. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment upon completing the course.
This program provided a great foundation for event/wedding planning. Before completing the course, I was blindly planning events. Now I have structure and guidelines that allow me to produce successful events.
The knowledge needed to enter and excel in the challenging and rewarding field of wedding planning.
A thorough understanding of the myriad aspects of researching, designing, planning, producing, and evaluating weddings.
The skills to work as an independent wedding planner or seek employment as a wedding and event specialist for a hotel, resort, caterer, or event management company.
Where else can you find a career that constantly surrounds you with happiness and celebration? The wedding and event management industry is indeed an exciting and rewarding field. Wedding planners are able to lend their talent and creativity to an industry that is constantly bringing in new ideas and trends, updating itself with each and every season. Wedding planners can expect to work on everything from budgeting and timeline development to selecting and managing bakers, caterers, florists, musicians, lighting designers, photographers, videographers, and more.
Your job: Making dreams come true
Employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow 10.4 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
—QCEW Employees - Emsi
The wedding business is a $165 billion industry, with over 2.4 million weddings every year, just in the United States alone.
—Association of Bridal Consultants
In 2020, event planners earned a median annual income of $51,560, with the top 10% of earners making more than $88,360 per year.
—Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
As challenging as this class was, all the hours of studying and work truly paid off. I am now far more knowledgeable than I was before taking this class, and it has given me a competitive edge in this industry.
Distinguish yourself from the many wedding planners in the field today by earning your Certificate in Wedding Planning from an accredited university. Professional certification from Cal State East Bay informs your clients or potential employers that you have expert knowledge in all aspects of wedding planning and management.
After you complete the program, there is a sense of pride and confidence that will take you through your work. During the program when you are working long hours and putting together your Staging Guide, take a step back and recognize what you have accomplished and this community you have joined. This is just the beginning, and this program can shape you and your business into what you want it to be.
In fact, many successful graduates have used this program as a starting point for their careers. Upon completion of the program, students have launched their own wedding planning businesses or secured leading positions with wineries, hotels, and private venues in their wedding and special event departments. Others have pursued their interests with caterers, rental companies, entertainment companies, or other service providers in the wedding industry as directors of sales.
Your job possibilities are endless. With a comprehensive and dynamic education in the field of wedding and event management, you’ll be equipped to excel even in the most challenging opportunities.
I went into the program knowing little to nothing about the wedding planning and food and beverage industry, but I knew I had an interest in wedding planning. I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from the program. It has truly helped me get jobs in that industry and helped me to succeed at those jobs.
Having taken the online program, I didn't expect Joyce (as well as Dana, her husband) to be so hands on and involved in the program! Anytime I had any questions, Joyce was readily available to give answers, assistance, and feedback. Even after the program has ended, Joyce continues to engage with us and sends us correspondence in regards to opportunities in the field!
I was in the industry for over 8 years before I decided to enroll in this program. The program has made me understand many aspects of the industry which builds my self confidence which in return provides me with happy clientele. I would recommend this program to anyone starting out or anyone who has been in the industry. You will be shocked at how much there is to know!
You’ll have the option to earn the Certificate in Wedding Planning in one of two convenient ways:
Have the flexibility to work at your own pace with the online format. The 11-week course is offered in fall and spring semesters, so you can start the program when it best fits your schedule.
If you prefer learning in a classroom and working with the instructor and classmates face-to-face, the in-class option is ideal for you. The course format is organized into six Saturday sessions over a four-month period, making it an easy fit for your busy schedule. Each session is eight hours in length.
In addition to participating in all in-class or online sessions of the course, you will demonstrate your wedding planning knowledge by:
You can be certain that you will learn everything and anything that has to do with the wedding and event industry. Below are some highlights of what you will be learning:
All interested students who can satisfactorily complete the program coursework are invited to enroll.
Term | Program Format |
---|---|
Spring 2023 | Online |
At Cal State East Bay, we pride ourselves on putting students first, from the moment you inquire until you graduate. We hope you've found answers to your questions in this support center, but if not, please get in touch.
Area of Study: Certificate in Wedding Planner
Ideal for: Professionals who wish to enter the wedding and special events industry, either as a planner, catering sales manager, or any other position in the industry
Wedding planners, event coordinators, or catering sales managers seeking to improve skills and marketability
Program format: Online or In-Class at Hayward Campus
Number of courses: 1 course
Program length:
Online: 11 weeks
In-person: Six Saturday sessions over a four-month period
Tuition Cost: $2,900 (Tuition fees are subject to change at any time.) Forever Pioneer discount is available for Cal State East Bay alumni.
Please let us know if we can answer any questions about the Wedding Planner program. Many answers can also be found in our online Support Center.