Academic title* UK Open Learning Diploma in Event Management and Wedding Planning
* OCN Level 3 Award in Event Management and Wedding Planning with 6 Learning credits.
Course descriptionAre you a good organiser and enjoy working hard? Do you love helping to arrange parties for friends? Are you sociable? Do you fancy being your own boss?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to the above, 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’d be amazed at just how few professional event planners there are out there – and the demand is absolutely incredible. People lead busy lives these days and don’t want the worry or don’t have the time to organise a party, christening, business event etc. That’s why they are looking to people like you. Someone who can organise 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, mixing with celebrities and enjoying 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, parades etc.) or to promote something (product launch, political rallies, or a fashion show). It could be for educational reasons (conferences, meetings, or graduations) or simply to commemorate loved ones (funerals or memorial services).
Your ‘event’ could be purely social, business related or simply somewhere in between. It could be happy, it could be solemn. It could be small and intimate, or huge and sensational. 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.
It’s hard work but a lot of fun too!
Can you picture yourself smartly dressed, visiting luxury hotels? Checking that the food and wine is right and that everything is in place? Has the band or orchestra you’ve booked been briefed? Are the fireworks ready? Is the Champagne on ice? And just imagine the excitement of chatting away to any celebrities who may be attending or booked for the event. Empowering isn’t it!
Sure, at the end of the day you’ll be exhausted. But you’ll be exhilarated too, knowing that you’ve created something very special. Something the guests will remember forever.
How the Event Management Course is designed
You take the Diploma in Event Management & Wedding Planning through distance learning. This means you can study at your own pace, in your own time, from the comfort of your own home.
The course teaches you all the techniques and tools of the trade you need to make your business a success. You will benefit from advice about how to start up your business, how to market it, how to launch it, and how to get clients. It’s packed full of tips and advice 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.
Your Diploma in Event Management will cover the following topics:
PART A General Event Management and Planning
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
* Extras
* Colour Wheel
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
* Feedback Forms
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. Do you send all the course materials in one pack even if I pay in installments?
A. Yes unlike some companies you receive ALL your course materials together.
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 6 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.
OCN’s work with the organisation providing your learning to ensure that the content of your course and the way it is assessed is of the highest quality and it is suitable for the people who wish to take it.
As a learner on an OCN approved course you are entitled to earn credits for the work that you do. For each successful course you complete, you will be awarded a certificate detailing the number of credits you have achieved.
You can then use your credits to move to a higher level of learning, or to prove to an employer or anyone else that you have obtained new skills and knowledge. OCN credits are generally accepted as a means of entry to further study by Further and Higher Education providers and by a larger 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 to find out more about what opportunities are open to you.
Q. Can I 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. It is best to send your assignments in one at a time so the tutor can mark one and give you the feedback and give you comments if there is any.
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 600-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 There are no deadlines to meet.
Q. Is there a word count for my assignments?
No, there is no specific word count but you have to prove to the tutor that you have fully understood the questions. One sentence answers will not be accepted, your tutor will send them back to you and ask you to redo them.
Q. Do I need a computer to take the course?
A. No, but if you have one, you will receive tutor support and results of your assignments faster.
Q. Can you help me promote my services?
A. Yes we will list your services on our Event Management Directory free of charge using our specialist Web Design team who will submit your details to dozens of sites comes in sturdy folders.