Wedding and Party Consultants

Bridal magazines publish many articles on wedding planning, traditions, and trends. Subscribe to a bridal magazine, such as Brides, Bridal Guide, or Martha Stewart Weddings to get a sense of what's involved in wedding consulting. Visit the Web sites of professional associations, as well as the Web sites of wedding planners. Sites featuring questions and answers from professionals can give you a lot of insight into the business.

For more hands-on experience, contact the professional organizations for the names of consultants in your area and pay them a visit. Some consultants hire assistants occasionally to help with large weddings. A part-time job with a florist, caterer, or photographer can also give you a lot of experience in wedding and party planning.