Course description
Diploma in Event Management, Wedding Planning & Starting your own Business
This is a great opportunity to totally change the direction of your life. Ever fancied being your own boss? Well, now’s the time to make money and have lots of fun at the same time. If you’re hard working, enjoy socialising and are a good organiser, you’ll find that your future career may lie in one of the most exciting and rewarding businesses around – Event Management.
So why study for the nationally accredited Diploma in Event Management from UK Open Learning? Answer in one word: ‘demand’.
You’ll be surprised at just how few professional event planners there are out there, particularly in your area. Suffice it to say, the demand is incredible. As you know, people lead busy lives these days and don’t have the time or want the worry of having to organise a party, christening, business conference or whatever. That’s why they are looking to people like you. Someone who can ‘deliver’ by organising a successful and memorable occasion for them.
Undertaking a Diploma in Event Management from UK Open Learning, one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers, is the first day of the rest of your life. In no time at all, and for very little cost you could soon be running your own successful Event Management business, enjoying the glamour as well as the ‘buzz’ of making other people happy. And the great thing is, you get paid for it!
So what is Event Planning and Management?
Humans are sociable creatures. We all love a ‘do’, whether it’s to celebrate (weddings, birthdays, anniversaries etc.) or to promote something (product launch, political rallies, a fashion show). It could be for educational reasons (conferences, meetings, university graduations) or simply to commemorate loved ones (funerals, memorial services).
Your ‘event’ could be purely social, business-related or simply somewhere in between. Whatever the occasion, it needs someone with your organisational skills, your creativity and your personality to make sure that it is remembered for years to come.
What does Event Planning involve?
As a professional Event Planner you will be responsible for a wide variety of activities. These could include:
* Conducting background research
* Creating a design or ‘theme’ for your event
* Locating a suitable site
* Arranging quality food, decor and entertainment
* Planning transportation to and from the event
* Sending invitations to guest
* Arranging any necessary guest accommodation
* Coordinating the activities of event personnel
* Supervising at the site on the day
* Conducting evaluations of the event
One thing is for sure: this exciting course from UK Open Learning will take you, step-by-step, through the process to make sure you develop the right skills and know-how to do what you really want to do – become a successful Event Planner and Manager.
It’s hard work but a lot of fun too!
There are a thousand and one things to do to ensure your event is a success. Is the food and wine right for the occasion? Is everything ready and in place? Has the entertainment you’ve booked been given the schedule? Is the Champagne on ice? If you’ve booked a celebrity, is he or she happy? Empowering isn’t it!
How the Event Management Course is designed
You take the Diploma in Event Management, Wedding Planning and Business through distance learning. This means you can study at your own pace, in your own time, from the comfort of your own home.
The Diploma in Event Management, Wedding Planning and Business teaches you what you need to know about making your business a success. You will benefit from practical advice about how to start up your business (you’ll be surprised just how small your set up costs actually are) and how to publicise it to potential clients. You’ll also profit from lots of top tips from experienced professionals. While studying, you will have the benefit of an experienced Event Manager as a personal tutor. You’ll also have student advisors at your side to help you and monitor your progress. In fact, once you’ve gained your Diploma in Event
Management, the world is your oyster!
Your Diploma in Event Management and Wedding Planning will cover the following topics:
Unit 1 Introduction to Event Management
* Event Planner Job description
* Types of events you could plan
Unit 2 General Overview of Event Planning
* Where to start and purpose of an event
* Basic Checklists
* Understanding Budgets
* Understanding Timelines
* Site & vendor selection
* Administrative needs
* Promotional / Press Releases
* Meeting Survival Supplies
* Post Event
* Sponsorship
Unit 3 More Basic Planning Information
* Booking Accommodation
* Bar tendering & Wine Service
* Choosing a Theme
* Decorating and Party Supplies
* Hiring a Band
* Questions to Ask the chosen facility
* Selecting Promotional items
* Thank you gifts
Unit 4 Setting Up your Business
* Introduction
* Business Start-up Check List
* Planning Your Marketing
* Basics of Preparing a Business Plan
Unit 5 Event Health & Safety
* Safety of the facilities
* Risk Assessment
* Communications
* Evacuations
* First Aid
* Fire Arrangements
* Security
* Barriers
* Temporary Road Closures
* Facilities for the Disabled
* Signs
* The Environment
* Facilities
* Other Considerations
* What to do when things go wrong
* Event Checklist
* Further Information
* Event Planning Form
* Event Safety & Welfare Form
Unit 6 Understanding Function Supervision & Silver Service
* Supervise a Function
* Planning a Function
* Provide a Silver Service
* Develop Efficient and Organised Work Habits
* Getting Ready for Service
* Meeting Customer Requirements
* Food Service
* Surplus Food and Used Equipment
* Clearing Finished Courses
* Clearing the Table
Unit 7 Information forms
* Client Information Form
* Event Planning Sheet
* Event Budget Planning Sheet
Unit 8 Equipment Hire and Information
* Basic Hire information
* Selections from a Catalogue
* Hire Lists
Unit 9 Planning an Anniversary
* Background Information
* Themes
* Venues
* Contacts
* Equipment
* Staffing
* Special additions
Unit 10 Planning a Baby Shower
* Definition
* Who can have a baby shower?
* Who hosts a baby shower?
* Who is invited to a baby shower?
* What themes can be chosen?
* What games can be played?
* What catering is required?
* Gifts
* Time line for planning
Unit 11 Planning a Hen / Stag Party
* Background Information
* Themes
* Check List for Planning
* Venues
* Contacts
* Portfolio
Unit 12 Planning a Baptism
* Background Information
* Gifts
* The Baptism Party
* Catering
* Themes
* Non-Religious naming ceremony
* Registering a birth (for information)
* Portfolio
Unit 13 Planning a Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah
* Background Information
* About the process
* Checklist and Timeline
* Gifts
* Portfolio
Unit 14 Planning a Birthday Party
* Background Information
* Birthday Traditions around the World
* Themes
* Venues
* Contacts
* Equipment
* Timeline for Party Planning
* Guest List master sheet
Unit 15 Planning a Bridal Shower
* Background Information
* Who should host a Bridal Shower?
* Showed Etiquette
* Bridal Shower Gift List
* Portfolio
Unit 16 Planning an Engagement Party
* Background Information
* Themes
* Announcing the Engagement
* Budget for Engagement
* Portfolio
Unit 17 Planning a Reunion
* Background Information
* Reunion checklist
* Venues
* Planning Timeline
Unit 18 Planning a Funeral
* Introduction
* Timeline
* Funerals According to Customs
* Funeral Planning Checklist
* Portfolio
Unit 19 Planning a Corporate Event
* Introduction
* Event Planning Timeline
* Selecting the Best venue
* Selecting the Right Speaker
* Theme for a Special Event
* Things not to do?
* Corporate Event Planning Checklist
* Menu Planning Ideas
* Venues
* Portfolio
Unit 20 Many different weddings
* The History of Weddings
* The Law of the Land
Unit 21 Starting Your Wedding Planning Career
* The Business of Wedding Planning
* Approach
* Challenges and Rewards
* The Wedding Planner Test
* Tips on how to Start
* Wedding Planning Skills
Unit 22 Preparing your portfolio
* What should be in your Portfolio
* Examples of Wedding planning packages
* Bridal & wedding publications
* Your Costing
* Paperwork
Unit 23 Meeting your clients
* Code of Ethics
* First contact
* Your first meeting overview
* Get the details
* Write up the Brief
* Hand over a Contract
Unit 24 Budgeting & Planning
* Time line
* Breakdown of the Budget
* Insurance Planning
Unit 25 Venues
* Introduction
* What to look out for in a wedding venue
* The Law Regarding Licensed Venues
* Choice of Venues
Unit 26 Wedding Themes
* Introduction
* How to choose a wedding theme
* Theme Invitations
* Things to consider about a Theme Wedding
* Theme Ideas
Unit 27 Catering
* Introduction
* Sample menus
* What to Consider when Catering a Wedding
* Choosing a Wedding Cake
* Types of Wedding Cakes
Unit 28 The Wedding Dress
* Introduction
* East versus West in Wedding Dresses
* Choosing a Wedding Dress
* Selection of Dresses
* Where to Shop for Wedding Dresses
* What the Bridal Party should be wearing
* Checklist
Unit 29 Flowers
* Introduction
* Planning the Flowers
* Flower Ideas
* What Flowers does a wedding need?
* What different Flowers Mean
* Selecting the right Florist
Unit 30 Transport
* Introduction
* What to look for in hiring a Limousine
* How much does Wedding Transport cost
* Alternative Means of Transport
Unit 31 Invitations
* Introduction
* The Correct wording
* Who to Invite
* Wedding Invitation Designs
Unit 32 Wedding Hire
* Introduction
* Tips on Hiring
* Marquees
* Ceremony Hire Package
* Hire catalogues
Unit 33 Photographers
* How to Select a Photographer
* What Photographs Should be Taken
* Fun Pictures
Unit 34 Entertainment
* Bands
* DJs
* Soloists
* Praise Singers
Unit 35 Gifts
* How to arrange a Gift List service
* How to Select a Gift List
* The Gift check list
Unit 36 The Big Day
* Duties of the Bridal party
* Wedding Day traditions
* Checking the Event is Ready
* Smooth Flow for the Day
* Clearing Up
* What to do Next
Part D Resources
* Site Inspection Hand Book
* Conference Facilities Locator
Starting Your Own Business
Your course covers the following syllabus:
Unit 1 Starting A Starting Your Own Business
* Type of Business
* Are Business Successful?
* Finance
* Hours
* Know Yourself!
Unit 2 Ways of Starting a Business
* Starting a Business from Scratch
* How much is a Business Worth?
* Outright Purchase
* Phased-In-Purchase
* Lease Management
* Marketing Agreement
* Licensing Contract
* Management Contract
* Buying a Franchise
Unit 3 Recruiting Staff
* Recruiting People you Know
* Recruitment Process
* The Vacancy
* Attracting Applicants
* Selection
* References
* The Contract
Unit 4 Dealing with Staff
* Rates of Pay
* Benefits
* Training and Development
* Employment and the Law
* Wages
* Discrimination
* Health and Safety
* Trade Unions
* Taxation
Unit 5 Fraud and Theft
* Vulnerable to Fraud and Theft
* Financial Controls
* Books
* Terminated Employees
* Passwords
* Non-Disclosure Agreement
* Keys
Unit 6 Marketing
* What is Marketing?
* Market Environment
* Market Research
* Packaging and Pricing Your Product
* Distribution Methods
* Promotion, Advertising and PR
Unit 7 Advertising
* The Press
* Free Distribution Publications
* Consumer Magazines
* Readership
* Television
* Radio
* Direct Mail
* Cinema
* Regulations
Unit 8 The Business Plan
* Business Plan Outline
* The Business Description
* What your Product is
* The Marketing Plan
* Competition
* Pricing and Sales
* The Financial Management Plan
* Pro-forma Cash Flow
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q. I have no experience of Event Management or have never worked for myself. Would this course be suitable?
A. Yes we will teach you all you need to know to start your own business in Event Management and Wedding Planning.
Q. What type of support will I receive?
A. You will be allocated an experienced tutor who will guide you through the course, mark your assignments and generally help you with any problems you may have. Your tutors can be contacted via email and post. If you need to speak to a student advisor, you can telephone UK Open Learning. This will last for 12 months, to complete this course it will take in the region of 100 study hours which can be spread over a 12 month period to suit the student.
Q. Is the course properly accredited?
A. Yes. The Diploma in Event Management & Wedding Planning is accredited by the National Open College Network (OCN) which is approved as an awarding body with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
This qualification carries 12 learning credits which can be carried forward to further learning at a College or University unlike some qualifications that do not carry learning credits and all the different topics you have studied are listed on your diploma.
Q. What are Credits and Levels?
A. Your credit transcript, (otherwise known as a credit record, unit transcript, record of achievement, or summary of achievement), will show the value of your achievements. This will appear on your certificate as credits and levels. Credits indicate the quantity of your learning achievements, which will be awarded at one or more levels.
Q. What can I do with my credits?
A. OCN credits are generally accepted as a means of entry to further study by further and higher education providers, and by a large number of employers and trainers.
You can use your credits to demonstrate your achievements and prove that you have knowledge and skills in a wide range of subjects. Depending on which level of course you take, you can use the credits to progress onto other courses. Contact your local colleges or UK Open Learning to find out more about what opportunities are open to you.
Q. Can is use letters after my name?
A. Yes, you can use the initials Dip. EMWP.
Q. How do I send in my work?
A. You can post or email your assignments for marking.
Q. If I fail an assignment can I retake it?
A. Yes, your tutor will ask you to resubmit your assignment and give you some pointers as to where you could improve.
Q. What do I receive once I order the course?
A. We will send you ALL the course materials. This consists of a 500-page course delivered to your door within 48 hours. You can start your studies straight away.
Q. Is there a time limit or any deadlines?
A. We do like you to complete the course within 12 months but we can extend this if you check with your tutor. If you allow 100 study hours this will give you a good guide as to how long much time you need to study. There are no deadlines to meet.
