On average, couples spend $33,900 on planning the perfect wedding. The costs include the engagement ring, the ceremony, and the reception. For many couples, the most challenging part of planning their wedding is defining a budget and sticking to it. Minimalist wedding receptions, especially in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, are a popular option. Yet, we can expect large receptions to grow in popularity again as health risks decline, and a COVID vaccine becomes available. And this is good news!
Indeed, weddings are a fantastic income-generating opportunity for a variety of professionals. Most couples think of hiring professional musicians and a professional photographer for the reception. However, many more experts can completely transform the mood and the party on your wedding day. If you are in the process of launching your freelancing career, it’s essential to consider specialist plans and services for weddings. Believe it or not, but you don’t need to be a talented photographer to find yourself a job at the next wedding. There are plenty of roles that are suitable for medical experts, therapists, and even administrative enthusiasts, and that can provide valuable support to the happy couple. Here are 7 surprising jobs you don’t expect to see at a party, but that prove indispensable!
The form translator
There’s an essential step between your dream wedding and the reality: Being able to translate what you want into practical and actionable pieces of information. When it comes to dealing with suppliers, the main skill you need is how to fill forms appropriately so that everybody is on the same page even though they may not share the same values, culture, or even jargon. Typically, it’s the role of a wedding planner, but you can also find administrative assistants who support couples with administrative steps, such as helping them to fill a banquet event order that translates the menu for their big day into quantities, items, and schedules.
The childminder
Parents or relatives are always keen to include their kids in the wedding ceremony. Making children feel part of your big day is important, as it symbolizes one big inclusive family. However, as much as children want to take part in the adventure and have an active role to play, it can be unfair to expect a 5-year old to stay focused, quiet, and calm for the whole duration of the reception. Having a dedicated childminder working with you and your child to prepare for the wedding day and assists during the ceremony and reception can transform the experience. Besides, bringing a professional to look after the kids also ensures that guests can relax and have a nice time while someone is there to provide child-friendly activities and games!
The pet stylist
Pets, just like kids, can be part of your big day. Can there be anything more romantic than walking down the aisle with your labrador Toby at your side? Toby is part of your life as a couple, and it is only natural to want him to join the ceremony. But when couples have got a lot to prepare before the wedding, a pet groomer and stylist can
provide bespoke services for each wedding. A pet groomer can help keep wedding themes and colors together: Safe, pet-friendly dyes can give Toby a pinkish hue to match the decor, for instance. Besides, a neat trim and a sweet-smelling fur are also a lovely addition for any wedding pet!
The seniors’ medic friend
Most couples are eager to invite the whole family to their party, and that includes grandparents, great-grandparents, and the elderly neighbor who’s looked after them when they were young. However, including senior guests to a wedding reception can lead to problems for seniors who need to stick to a routine. If the routine gets disrupted, they might get confused or frightened or forget their medications. A qualified nurse can be part of large family receptions, ensuring seniors stay healthy and happy during the party. More importantly, medical professionals can also offer life-saving guidance in case of health issues, ranging from minor falls – a frequent risk for seniors – to mental confusion.
The sober companion/barman
How much does the typical wedding guest drink? The answer is too much. A lot of guests take advantage of open bar services and can get rowdy and unmanageable during the reception. Rather than hiring a professional barman/barmaid to serve cocktails, you may look for a professional who knows when to stop serving enthusiastic guests. The sober bartender can be briefed about some guests so that they know how to avoid conflicts. If your cousin Sharon is going through a tough breakup right now, it’s a good idea to keep the bartender in the loop, so Sharon doesn’t drown her sorrows in the wine! Instead, she’ll regularly get a glass of water or a vitamin-rich mocktail.
The casual therapist
Everybody needs a therapist who can advise on your relationships and choices in life. But most people don’t realize they could need guidance in some areas of their lives. Inviting a professional life coach or counselor to help defuse potential conflicts or problems during the party can provide valuable help. Imagine inviting friends who used to date in the past and are not over their former relationship. A counselor can offer friendly tips to make peace on the day.
The choreographer
For a lot of guests, wedding parties can be a source of stress. Not everyone is feeling confident enough to hit the dance floor in a social situation. More often than not, the couple has had plenty of time to practice their opening dance. But when it comes to guests, many feel frozen in place by anxiety. That’s precisely why it can be a good idea to organize a free dance class directly during the reception. You can invite a professional to teach beginners’ moves to put your guests at ease. It’s also a great opportunity to get kids involved; many love to take on the dance floor but lack a willing partner. They could learn moves to do alone to the music.
It takes a village to raise a child, and similarly, it takes a whole business to throw a wedding party. For independent professionals, there are plenty of opportunities to provide their services to the happy couples. Whether you’re a pet groomer or a relationship counselor, you can help couples make their wedding day unforgettable.