If you have what it takes to organize a complex event, wedding planning may be your calling. Romance, the promise of a life together, extravagant venues, gorgeous flowers, delicious food—these are all great motivators to start your own wedding planning business.
But a lot goes into creating a successful wedding planning business, from having a clear plan to offering what clients want to networking. Once you’ve got your business ready to go, you will need high-grade wedding planning software to help you stay on track with each client’s wedding details.
But before we get to that, our event planning experts will outline what you need to jumpstart your very own wedding planning business!
With any business, you need to create a solid business plan that outlines:
Some small business owners start a wedding planning business to expand their bridal dress shop offerings. Whether you’re diving into a start-up business or have been in the wedding industry for a while, you will want to create wedding service packages as a way to accommodate the needs of various clients.
When you start a new business, you need to decide on its structure for legal and tax purposes. For example, a limited liability company (LLC) protects owners from being personally liable for their wedding planning business’ debts and obligations. If you want a business partner, then a limited liability partnership would be the best business structure.
While you’re choosing the structure and verifying the availability of your business name, you may want to consult with a business lawyer. This will ensure that your wedding planning business has a strong foundation. They can review your business plan and provide legal expertise if you’re missing anything.
Some couples want to plan everything while others want help from the beginning. Here are some ideas about the packages you can offer:
Depending on your situation, you may not have the means to offer some services.
You will need to register your business no matter the country you live in. If you start a wedding planning business in the United States, you need to register the business name, making sure the one you want isn’t already taken. If you plan to have employees, you will need to get an employee identification number (EIN). It’s a fairly simple process that can be explored online on the IRS’ website.
If you’re not sure about hiring employees at this time, it’s still a good idea to register now, so your business can move forward later on. An EIN is needed for filing business taxes, opening a business bank account, getting a business credit card, and more. Purchasing business insurance is also a good idea in case you experience accidents or other types of risks.
Some small business owners won’t have high startup costs when they’re working out of their home or already using a commercial space. But there are various upfront costs to cover, such as registration fees and marketing materials. Getting a business loan may be your next step.
If you have a great business plan, you will be able to show this to potential investors and lenders, which will strengthen their confidence in your wedding planning business. Just be sure you do your research and go with a reputable lender, whether online or in-person.
Successful wedding planners need to make themselves known, and they can do this by meeting and talking with other wedding professionals, including:
What’s the benefit of networking? You will stay on top of the latest wedding industry trends, seeing what’s selling and what’s left on the shelf. When you have clients, you can promote these same items and contacts, which will strengthen your business relationships.
Additionally, these wedding service providers are more likely to also recommend your business, thereby helping to extend your wedding planner career. Business relationships are a two-way street.
Yes, it can be if you follow the right steps in setting up your own business. Moreover, wedding planners may want to offer incentives or rewards to people who provide you with referrals. You can also sponsor monthly parties as a way to generate awareness of your business and expertise with door prizes for attendance
Make sure you have business cards ready to be handed out. In any type of event planning, you want to find ways to stand out, and that can even including joining TikTok! Ready to become a successful wedding planner? You’re missing one final thing: wedding planning software.
Creating your own business and keeping it running smoothly takes time and patience, but it’s easier when you’re organized. With EventPro’s software, you will be able to manage the venue, catering, and staff, as well as have a solid itinerary, floor plans, and much more. Today’s wedding planners trust EventPro.
Knowledge is power, so now that you know how to start a wedding planning business, book a demo today!