Event Management, Wedding Planning and Business Diploma

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 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.  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 course in Event Management from UK Open Learning, one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers, could be one of the best decisions you will make. 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, parades etc. or to promote something such as a product launch or a fashion show). It could be for educational reasons such as conferences, meetings, or graduations, or simply to commemorate loved ones at 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.
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? Exciting isn’t it!
How the Event Management Course is designed
You take Event Management, Wedding Planning and Business course 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 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 to help you and monitor your progress. In fact, once you’ve gained your certificate in Event Management, Wedding Planning and Business, the world is your oyster!
The course is in five sections:
Part A:         General Information on Event Management and Planning
Part B:         Arranging special events
Part C:         Wedding planning
Part D:           Resources
Part E:         Profit from business
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 the purpose of an event


• 
  Basic checklists


• 
  Understanding budgets


• 
  Understanding timelines


• 
  Site and vendor selection


• 
  Administrative needs


• 
  Promotional / Press Releases


• 
  Meeting survival supplies


• 
  Post event


• 
  Sponsorship

Unit 3 More Basic Planning Information

• 
  Booking accommodation


• 
  Bar tendering and 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 and Safety

• 
  Safety of the facilities


• 
  Risk Assessment


• 
  Communications


• 
  Evacuations


• 
  First Aid


• 
  Fire arrangements


• 
  Security


• 
  Barrier


• 
  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 and welfare Form

Unit 6 Understanding Function Supervision and Silver Service

• 
  Supervising a Function


• 
  Planning a Function


• 
  Providing a Silver Service


• 
  Developing 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

• 
  Information form


• 
  Event planning sheet


• 
  Event Budget Planning Sheet

Unit 8 Equipment hire and information

• 
  Basic hire information


• 
  Selections from a catalogue


• 
  Hire lists

PART B Arranging a special event
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


• 
  Timeline 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?


• 
  Shower 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

Introduction to Part B
PART C Wedding Planning
Part C Introduction
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 and 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 and Planning

• 
  Timeline


• 
  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 at 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                 


• 
  The cost of Wedding Transport


• 
  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 Handbook


• 
  Conference facilities locator

Starting Your Own Business
Your course covers the following syllabus:

Unit One - Starting A Starting Your Own Business

The aims of this unit are to enable you to:

• 
  Think about the benefits and problems of starting a business


• 
  Took at the practical aspects of setting up in business


• 
  Took at the qualities you will need to succeed

Unit Two - Ways of Starting a Business

The aims of this unit are to enable you to: 

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  Think about the legal aspects of setting up a business


• 
  Look at the different possible ways of buying a existing business


• 
  Consider franchise and multi-level marketing operations


• 
  Understand the difference between multi-level marketing and pyramid selling


• 
  Look at how best to protect and exploit an original invention

Unit Three - Recruiting Staff
The aims of this unit are to enable you to:

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  Know when you need to take on staff


• 
  Consider the problems and advantages of working with people you know


• 
  understand the recruitment process


• 
  Learn to write a Job Description and Person Specification


• 
  Learn to select employees successfully by interview


• 
  Know what to put in a contract

Unit Four - Dealing with Staff
The aims of this unit are to enable you to:

• 
  Determine appropriate pay rates and methods for staff


• 
  Look at providing benefits


• 
  Understand the importance of obeying the law on employment


• 
  Consider the issues of discrimination and trade unions

Unit Five - Fraud and Theft

The aims of this unit are to enable you to:

• 
  Spot whether your business is vulnerable to fraud


• 
  Prevent employees having the opportunity to commit fraud


• 
  Set up financial controls


• 
  Prevent theft of stock and equipment


• 
  Protect intellectually property


• 
  Promote your business

Unit Six – Marketing

The aims of this unit are to enable you to:

• 
  Understand what is meant by marketing


• 
  Analyse your market


• 
  Understand market research procedures


• 
  Develop, price and package your product


• 
  Work out a marketing plan

Unit Seven – Advertising

The aims of this unit are to enable you to:

• 
  Know what advertising is


• 
  Recognise different types of advertising


• 
  Know the rules governing advertising

Unit Eight - The Business Plan

The aims of this unit are to enable you to:

• 
  Understand the role of a business plan


• 
  List several reasons for developing a Business plan


• 
  Identify sources to get help in developing a business plan


• 
  Identify the type of information to include a business plan


• 
  Prepare an outline of a business plan

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.
Qualification
Level 3 Award in Event Management, Wedding Planning and Business. Plus a UK Open Learning Diploma. 
At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Level 32 NCFE Award certificate of achievement. That means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland'
Awarding Body Information
NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.
Further information
www.ncfe.org.uk

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.
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 sen