Newest RSO is in the business of weddings, event planning
A new registered student organization has students hearing wedding bells.
The Society of Future Wedding Planners aims to teach students about what goes into preparing a venue and the details behind the bride’s big day. The 10-person RSO is still in the process of becoming registered, but expects it to become official by the end of next week.
“Years ago, I really wanted an organization on campus that focused on weddings," said Algonac senior Stacy Rix, founder and president of the organization. "CMU is good at teaching about event planning, but doesn’t focus on the nitty-gritty wedding details."
Rix wants to use this platform to provide students with information that is not taught in the classroom.
“You can’t really go to school for wedding planning. It’s just not possible," she said. "We’re here to learn those things about weddings that you won’t learn in college."
Grand Rapids senior Grace Wismer became a member to explore career options after graduation.
“I went into the event management minor wanting to see what was out there," Wismer said. "Since I was young, I’ve wanted to be a wedding planner, but I never learned anything realistic about it. We learn about what real world professionals do at meetings.”
During meetings, the group focuses on trends in the bridal world such as flowers, dresses and seasonal colors, as well as banquet halls, how to create a contract and ways to save money while planning.
“All of our meetings are really different. It’s really our choice of what we want to do," Rix said. "We want to bring in speakers who are connected to the industry for advice and real world experience stories."
Having the industry and trend knowledge that is taught at meetings will help students when they enter the field.
“Even if it’s not in the job description, brides expect you to know what is in style. It’s something employers are definitely looking at now. They want people who are on top of their game,” Rix said.
The Society of Future Wedding Planners expect to participate in group socials, Pinterest nights and Bridal Shows in the future.
“We are trying to partner with Classic Fare Catering to volunteer and help set up at their catering jobs and at banquet halls to see how it all works," Wismer said. "We want anything we can get our hands on for experience."
The RSO is open to everyone, from event majors and minors to students who are looking to learn more about weddings before they begin planning their own.
The group of seniors hopes to see more underclassmen at meetings who will carry on the program after spring.
“We can’t be the only 10 people on campus who want to be a wedding designer,” Wismer said. “I hope to see it grow. It would be awesome to continue to be a part of campus.”
