As a wedding decorator, you will be responsible for decorating entire wedding events. Creativity is essential to wedding decorating since you must turn a client's vision into reality. You need to be capable of seeing the potential in a particular venue and helping your client see it, too. The venue is the canvas and you are responsible for designing and styling it to suit the client's desires. Professional wedding decorators have some flexibility in deciding how to establish themselves. Since you are offering a service, you will need to promote yourself and your services.

Get Certified

There are no federal licensing or certification requirements necessary to become a wedding decorator. You could choose to complete a certification course, however, to learn more about wedding and event planning. Not only will a certification help set you apart from the crowd, but courses can teach you new and innovative techniques and approaches you can apply to your wedding decorating.

Join an Association

You do not have to be in an association to be a wedding decorator, but membership can help boost your reputation. New wedding decorators may also benefit from the support, resources, information and networking an association offers members. A variety of organizations cater to wedding decorators, such as the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners, National Association of Wedding Professionals and the Wedding Industry Professionals Association.

Follow the Licensing Requirements

Wedding decorators are often self-employed, but you could also choose to work for a wedding planning company as the decorator. Although you do not need a license to be a wedding decorator, you may need a license to operate as a business owner. Even if you run the business from your home office, your city or state may require business tax registration and licensing.

Market Your Services

You can create a portfolio to show your work to potential clients or employers. To reach a broad range of potential clients, you can create a website displaying your information and previous events you have decorated. If you are not tech savvy or want to keep costs down, blogs are often free and do not require any web design skills. If you do not have experience and want to gain exposure, you might want to volunteer your services to decorate an event thrown by a local charity or organization.

Spread the Word

Word of mouth is an effective and free form of advertising for new wedding decorators. Your reputation is essential to a successful wedding decorating career. If you have any experience decorating for weddings or any other events, such as birthday parties or baby showers, share the photos and encourage others to share them as well. You can visit local bridal shops and florists to inquire about displaying your business cards. Attending bridal shows or expos also gives you the opportunity to market your services directly to future brides and other vendors.