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 [email protected]

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