Wedding Planner

**Afterglow Weddings \& Events \| Chicago, IL** About Afterglow Afterglow Weddings \& Events is a Chicago\-based wedding planning and coordination company creating thoughtfully planned weddings for modern romantics. We believe wedding planning should feel organized, personal, and genuinely enjoyable, with a calm and elevated experience from start to finish. As Afterglow continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced **Contract Wedding Planner** to join our team and lead the planning and execution of assigned weddings. About the Role This is a **1099 independent contractor position** designed for an experienced wedding planner who is confident working independently and comfortable managing their own clients and events. You will be responsible for managing your assigned clients and events from the initial planning process through wedding day execution. The ideal candidate is highly self\-sufficient, proactive, organized, and comfortable making decisions and solving problems without needing constant direction. This position can be **full\-time or part\-time**, depending on the planner's desired workload and availability. What You'll Do **Client \& Wedding Management** * Serve as the primary point of contact for your assigned clients * Lead client meetings, planning calls, and consultations * Guide couples through the planning process from booking through wedding day * Manage client communication and expectations in a timely, professional manner * Build strong, genuine relationships with clients, vendors, and venue partners * Create and manage detailed timelines, planning documents, floor plans, and logistical plans * Keep clients on track with planning deadlines and decisions * Research and recommend vendors based on each couple's needs, priorities, and budget * Review vendor contracts and assist clients with understanding logistics and responsibilities * Coordinate venue walkthroughs, rehearsals, tastings, and other planning appointments as needed * Manage wedding day logistics from setup through breakdown * Oversee vendor arrivals, setup, timeline execution, guest flow, and transitions * Troubleshoot problems calmly and confidently throughout the wedding day * Lead and direct assistants or additional event staff as needed * Represent Afterglow Weddings \& Events professionally at all client and vendor interactions **Business Development** * **Build and maintain strong relationships** with venues, vendors, past clients, and other industry professionals to represent and grow the Afterglow brand * **Participate in networking and industry opportunities** that strengthen Afterglow's presence and relationships within the wedding community * **Manage assigned leads from inquiry through booking**, including conducting consultations, following up with prospective clients, and confidently selling Afterglow's services. Afterglow provides the lead and tools, while the planner is responsible for closing the sale. What We're Looking For We're looking for someone who is already comfortable being a **planner, not an assistant**. The ideal candidate is: * **Experienced:** At least 2 years of professional experience in wedding planning, wedding coordination, venue, catering, hospitality, or a related event role * **Self\-sufficient:** Able to take ownership of a client and wedding without needing constant oversight * **Organized:** Excellent at managing details, deadlines, communication, and multiple moving pieces * **Confident:** Comfortable leading client meetings, directing vendors, and making decisions independently * **Calm under pressure:** Able to troubleshoot quickly while maintaining a professional and positive presence * **Personable:** Warm, professional, and genuinely enjoys building relationships * **Proactive:** Sees what needs to be done and takes initiative rather than waiting for direction * **Client\-focused:** Committed to creating an exceptional experience for every couple * **Flexible:** Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and throughout the wedding season * **Team\-oriented:** Enjoys collaborating with the Afterglow team and vendor partners Qualifications * Minimum 2 years of professional experience in **wedding planning, wedding coordination, venue management, catering, or a related hospitality/event role** * Experience independently managing weddings from planning through execution * Strong understanding of wedding timelines, logistics, vendor management, and event flow * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Strong organizational and time\-management skills * Ability to confidently manage multiple clients and events at once * Comfortable leading client consultations and sales conversations * Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout the Chicago area * Availability to take client calls and meetings during the week, as well as work weddings primarily on weekends * Proficiency with Google Workspace * Experience with planning software, CRM systems, Canva, or similar tools is a plus Compensation \& Structure * **1099 independent contractor** * **Commission\-based compensation** * Compensation is tied to the planning services and weddings you manage * Flexible workload with the ability to work **full\-time or part\-time** * Opportunity to take on additional weddings based on your availability and desired workload * Support, systems, and resources provided by Afterglow while maintaining a high level of independence Who This Role Is For This role is a great fit for a planner who has gained experience working in the wedding industry and is ready for more ownership. You may currently be working for another planning company, venue, caterer, or independently and want the opportunity to manage your own clients and weddings while working under an established brand. We're looking for someone who wants the flexibility of an independent contractor role while having the support and established reputation of the Afterglow brand behind them. **This is not a traditional assistant or coordinator role.** You should be comfortable taking ownership, leading clients, making decisions, and managing the planning process independently. How to Apply Please send your resume and a brief introduction to olivia@afterglowweddingsandevents.com In your message, tell us: * Your experience in the wedding and events industry * Why you're interested in working with Afterglow Pay: $40,000\.00 \- $80,000\.00 per year Benefits: * Flexible schedule Application Question(s): * Are you aware that this is a 1099 independent contractor position, and are you comfortable with this employment structure? Experience: * Wedding Industry: 2 years (Required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60610