IMO its a damned if you do, damned if you dont situation. as an amateur togger trying to break into portraits and interested in wedding photography, i look at things from the am and pro sides before coming to a decision on things, as far as i can tell, compiled from the divesity of the posts so far, an aspiring wedding tog wishing to try there hand at a wedding must either: do courses, workshops first - first do some 2nd toggin - go for it you never know till you try - free work to start you on your journey is fine and the only way to go.
MUST NOT: do workshops as you arent taught anything - go in for it, leave it to the pros - do it for free is wrong as your killing the industry.
OR.....the other musts are not vaible cos when posting to ask to be a 2nd tog in most cases are ignored or slated or made fun of in other threads. Courses what ever the price are either too expensive or unable to be unattended due to work commitments or location, most ams will hold down a full time job and will have to fit and budge these things in aroumd them which makes it harder for them to break into pro work.
I personally would love to 2nd tog on a wedding or 3, hell ive even posted in the relevet section on TP but after 40 odd views, nuthin, im on photoassist as well, i have contacted nearly every wedding tog in my area, also nuthin, so i am trying, its as rare as rocking horse p00 though, i have been asked to do a small 20 people wedding from a work collegue who has seen my work, i have excepted and am charging a fee to cover costs, he has signed a waiver knowing im not a pro. i havent done courses, i dont have qualifications, i just have my technical experiance, confidence and a positive attitude.
everyone has a starting point, this wil be mine.
sink or swim, well find out next september, oh and i will post my pictures, good or bad.