how to start a wedding planning business

Learn How to Start a Wedding Planning Business

What does it take to become a successful wedding planner?

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Wedding planning can be an exciting field. If you're interested in this type of career, you probably have a passion for romance and for the beauty of weddings. You might even have planned your own wedding. But a solid business plan is essential if you want to begin a wedding planning venture that will blossom into a successful business.

Consider Learning the Ropes As an On-Site Coordinator

Learning the business while you're employed by someone else can be a great way to get started in the wedding industry. Of course, you can jump in with both feet and start your own business, but a lot can be said for gaining experience working as an on-site event coordinator for a reception venue or catering company.

Event coordination is an entry-level position with many venues and caterers, and it allows you to gain experience in a stable work environment without immediately taking on the inherent financial risks of business ownership. You'll also have an opportunity to work with a variety of wedding vendors from bands to photographers to cake bakers as you're exposed to a wide variety of weddings and events. Weddings involve many protocols and traditions, and you'll perform most of the essential tasks that a wedding planner is responsible for, such as creating event timelines and managing the vendor team. 

On-site wedding coordination is a viable career path that might serve your interests well, but if and when you decide to launch your own wedding planning business, consider following these five steps.

Get Your Feet Wet With Some Education

Several professional associations offer educational programs and even accreditation in the wedding planning field. Although accreditation won't necessarily guarantee your success, at least by itself, these programs can help you learn more about the various aspects of running your own business.

Some of the more popular associations and programs include the Association of Bridal Consultants , the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants , June Wedding Inc., and Weddings Beautiful Worldwide.

As for hands-on experience, you might have numerous friends and family members who are ready and willing to allow you to plan their weddings if you're fortunate. You can include them in your portfolio.

Otherwise, you'll have to start out by assisting other, more established planners with their events. Many experienced wedding planners feature a "careers" or "internships" section on their websites. Otherwise, just email or call them and ask if they'd be willing to accept your assistance on an event...for free. That usually catches their attention and increases your chances for an affirmative response.

Develop a Company Image That Reflects Your Style

Wedding planning is all about style. Brides are trusting you, your eye, and your ideas to make their weddings beautiful. Your company image from your business name to your logo to the colors and fonts you'll use in your marketing must demonstrate great style and attention to detail. 

Maybe you or someone you know is acquainted with a great graphic designer who can help bring your image to life at a nominal cost. Otherwise, websites like 99designs offer logos, cards, and stationery at a relatively modest cost. Some even create websites.

At the very least, you'll need great-looking business cards and a smartly designed website to start out. Brochures and print ads can come later.

Keep Realistic Financial Goals

You know where you want to go. Now you have to get there. Make sure you have sufficient cash on hand to cover startup costs.

CNBC named wedding planning as one of 27 businesses you can launch into on $1,000 or less in 2018, but many estimates come in higher. You might be better off planning on investing $2,500 or more. At a minimum, you'll need a computer, software, and office supplies and this assumes you can network and market your new business at virtually no cost.

CNBC puts the median pay for wedding planners at $19.89 per hour as of 2018. That means at least half of all planners earn more than this. Not bad, even for an investment of $2,500 or more.

Create a Marketing Strategy That's Low on Cost, High on Returns

Savvy business owners know that the way to reach brides these days is online. Many wedding vendors get great results advertising on WeddingWire and on prestigious local sites.

If your business will be serving a particular niche—maybe ethnic weddings, "indie" brides, or eco-conscious brides—consider targeting your advertising dollars to sites and event planning blogs that cater to that clientele. Otherwise, having a great website that has been properly optimized for search engine rankings will also drive prospective brides to your company.

Finally, be wary of large-scale "bridal shows." These tend to be exorbitantly expensive and they usually have a very low rate of return for wedding planners because planners don't have a tangible service to display the way caterers or dress shops do.

Make Your Business Legitimate and Legal

Consulting with an attorney is always a smart idea when you're starting a business of any kind. He can provide invaluable advice when it comes to determining which business structure will work best for you, whether that's a sole proprietorship, an LLC, or a corporation. In any case, you'll want to register your business name with your state. 

An attorney can also review the documents you plan to use in your business, such as a client contract, or can help you create them. 

Realize That Your Success Depends Upon Building Relationship

Investing your time and energy into developing relationships with other wedding professionals in your area can be well worth the effort. You'll create referral sources for new business, and you'll get an understanding of which vendors are professional and reputable and which might not be worth referring to your own clients.

Consider joining local chapters of the National Association of Catering Executives and the International Special Events Society. They can put you in direct contact with venues, caterers, photographers, videographers, florists, officiants, and more. 

You can also contact wedding vendors directly to set up lunch meetings or get together for coffee. You'll find most professionals are eager to build their networks and learn more about other service providers in their area.

Is It All Worth It?

As a wedding planner, you'll be an artist, a juggler, a referee, and a visionary. It's extremely hard work, but you'll be rewarded for many years to come if you start your business the right way and operate it well.

And the rewards can be significant. Consider that about 2.4 million weddings took place in the U.S. in 2016. It’s a thriving, multibillion-dollar industry. Even at the worst of times and in a bad economy, love isn’t likely to go out of style or become unpopular. ​

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How to Start a Wedding Planning Business in 14 Steps (In-Depth Guide)

Updated:   February 22, 2024

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The global wedding planning business is constantly growing. With an evaluation of $160.5 billion in 2020 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2021 to 2030, now is a great time to get started. The wedding service market could reach $414.2 billion by 2030 at this estimation.

With so many engaged couples looking to tie the knot in style, the demand for professional wedding planners who can turn dreams into reality is booming. But the rewards of launching a wedding planning business go far beyond the financial. Helping create once-in-a-lifetime memories for clients can be incredibly fulfilling.

Through this guide, we’ll explain how to start a wedding planning business. Topics include market research, competitive analysis, registering an EIN, opening a business bank account, and more. Here’s everything you need to know to become a successful wedding planner.

1. Conduct Wedding Planning Market Research

Market research is essential to building a successful wedding planner business plan. To become a wedding planner you need insight on your target market, local market saturation, trends in wedding venues and services, and more.

Some details you’ll learn through wedding planning services market research include:

• While weddings occur year-round, late spring and summer are peak seasons.
• Saturday is the most popular day, accounting for most weddings.
• Most events kick off either late afternoon or early evening.
• The majority of couples have a 12 to 14-month engagement.
• While the industry remains female-dominated, more men are entering the field.
• Offering foreign language services can be a competitive advantage.
• The typical planner handles 20 to 40 weddings per year and earns around $3,000 per wedding.
• The most successful ventures expand into additional wedding services like catering and rentals.

Despite the rise of wedding-planning apps and websites, couples value human creativity, knowledge, and support in planning their big day. For wedding planners who stay organized, develop strong vendor relationships, and provide top-notch customer service, the opportunities are endless.

2. Analyze the Competition

To succeed in the wedding planning industry, you must closely analyze your competition. Examine both local brick-and-mortar planners and those with an online presence in your region. Competitive analysis provides you with details on other successful wedding planners in your area. Learn more about competitors in the following ways.

• Research planners that seem to dominate the local market.
• Review their websites and social media presence.
• Gauge strengths like years in business, reviews and ratings, types of packages offered, and pricing structure.
• Search online directories and platforms like The Knot , WeddingWire , and Zola to analyze customer reviews and feedback for competitors.
• Look for common complaints you could improve upon or services not being offered that present an opportunity.
• Evaluate competitors’ digital marketing strategies.
• Research their social media engagement levels and branding across platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
• Conduct anonymous consultations as a “bride-to-be” to evaluate firsthand their processes, pricing, packages, and customer service experience.

Gauging the competition from all angles will identify service gaps, opportunities to differentiate, and areas where you can gain a competitive advantage in the local wedding market with the right positioning and offerings. Ongoing competitor analysis is key.

3. Costs to Start a Wedding Planning Business

Starting a full wedding planning business requires an investment. From startup costs to ongoing expenses, event planning requires tools, resources, venue connections, and more. Let’s break down costs further.

Start-up Costs

When starting a wedding planning company, you’ll need to budget for various one-time start-up costs. These include:

• Licensing and Permits – Obtaining a business license and permits can cost $50-$500 depending on your state and municipality.
• Business Registration Fees – Expect registration fees of $100-$800 to establish your business entity (LLC, S-corp, etc.).
• Insurance – Liability insurance will likely run $500-$2,000 annually depending on your location and coverage levels.
• Office Supplies – Budget $1,000-$5,000 upfront for basic office furniture, computers, printers, software, phones, and supplies.
• Website Development – Having a professional wedding planning website designed typically costs $2,000-$5,000.
• Branding – Logo design, branding assets, and branded templates can cost $1,000-$3,000.
• Marketing Collateral – Printing business cards, flyers, brochures, etc. will cost around $500-$2,000 to start.
• Training & Education – Wedding planner certification courses range from $400-$1000.

Ongoing Costs

Once up and running, wedding planners also face ongoing operating expenses, including:

• Rent – Leasing a home office or commercial space costs $400-$1,500 monthly. For a more visible location, expect closer to $2,500-$5,000 per month.
• Utilities – Gas, electricity, internet, etc can run $200-$500 monthly for a small office.
• Phone & Internet – Basic business phone and internet will cost approximately $150 per month.
• Association Fees – Joining a local or national wedding association provides referrals and credibility for $200-$500 annually.
• Software Subscriptions – CRM, invoicing, project management, and email marketing software will cost $100-$300 monthly.
• Insurance – General business liability insurance ranges from $30-$150 per month.
• Advertising – Paid ads and sponsored posts on wedding platforms will run $500-$2,000+ monthly.
• Credit Card Processing Fees – Transaction fees of 2-4% will tally $100+ every month.
• Continuing Education – Ongoing training courses and conferences average $500-$2,000 annually.
• Taxes & Accounting – Expect to spend $300-$1,000 monthly on bookkeeping, payroll services, quarterly taxes, and annual accounting.

Careful planning and realistic budgeting for both start-up and ongoing costs are imperative to launch and sustain a successful wedding planning venture long-term. Adjust estimates to suit your specific business model and location.

4. Form a Legal Business Entity

When starting a wedding planning company, the legal structure you choose is an important decision. The four main options—sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and corporation—each have pros and cons to weigh.

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest, with pass-through taxation. However, the owner is personally liable for debts and lawsuits. This substantial risk makes a sole proprietorship ill-advised for wedding planners.

Partnership

Forming a general partnership allows multiple owners to share control. However each partner is also personally liable for the actions of the other, and partnerships can be complex to establish and dissolve.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company (LLC) provides personal liability protection like a corporation without double taxation. Profits and losses pass through to the owners’ tax returns.

LLCs also allow tremendous flexibility. Wedding planners can start as sole owners and easily add members later. Overall, an LLC offers the best pass-through taxation benefits and liability protections for this industry.

Corporation

C-corporations limit owner liability but have complex regulations, including double taxation of profits. An S-corporation offers pass-through taxation but limits ownership to 100 shareholders. Unless wedding planners plan to raise funding and issue stock down the road, an LLC remains preferable over incorporating.

5. Register Your Business For Taxes

Once you form your wedding planning LLC, the next vital legal step is obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

An EIN acts like a social security number for your business. It uniquely identifies your company for tax and reporting purposes.

While sole proprietors can use their SSNs, having an EIN is crucial for liability protection with an LLC. It also allows you to easily open business bank accounts and apply for any required licenses and permits.

The good news is applying for an EIN is free and fast directly through the IRS website.

Simply go to IRS.gov and navigate to the EIN Assistant. Answer a few questions about your LLC and owners.

The site will then provide your EIN immediately. The whole process typically takes under 10 minutes.

Just be sure to have your LLC documentation handy. The IRS will ask for your official name, address, and filing date.

You’ll also need to provide owner information, including legal name, SSN, and address. For multiple-member LLCs, list the primary owner first.

Once you have your EIN, submit it when applying for any business licenses, permits, bank accounts, and insurance plans required in your state and county.

You’ll also need to set up tax accounts with state agencies to collect and remit any sales tax on your services. Registering for sales tax certificates is typically done through your state revenue or taxation department website and incurs minimal fees.

6. Setup Your Accounting

As a busy wedding planner, it can be tempting to put bookkeeping and accounting on the back burner. But meticulous financial records are crucial right from the start.

Accounting Software

After each event or consultation, log all income and expenses – from venue deposits to flower arrangements. Using accounting software like QuickBooks can automate the categorization and tracking as transactions flow through your business bank account and credit card.

Hire an Accountant

Consider partnering with an accountant from the outset. For roughly $300-$500 per month, an accountant can handle tasks like monthly reconciliation and bookkeeping, freeing you to focus on events.

At tax time, your accountant can prepare and file returns, guide tax planning, and assist if you ever face an audit. Expect fees of $1,000 or more for annual tax prep. But armed with meticulous records, your likelihood of audit decreases.

Open a Business Bank Account

To simplify accounting, establish a dedicated business bank account and credit card. Reserve your finances for non-business spending. Cleanly separating expenses avoids commingling funds and eases reporting.

Apply for a Business Credit Card

Apply for a business credit card to keep wedding-related spending separate. Issuers will request your EIN and business documentation to determine approval and credit limits.

7. Obtain Licenses and Permits

Starting a wedding planning company involves more than just forming a legal business entity. Check the U.S. Small Business Administration for federal licensure. The SBA also offers insight into state and city permits through its local search tool.

First, secure a general business license from your city or county. These licenses allow businesses to operate within a jurisdiction and levy annual fees based on company size and industry. In some areas, a home occupation permit may be required if you’ll work from home. Expect to pay $50-$500 for these basic permissions.

Next, many regions mandate that wedding planners carry a surety bond of $5,000-$25,000 or more to protect clients financially in case of disputes or failure to provide services. Shop specialty brokers to find an affordable premium.

If you plan to sell any food or beverages during planning sessions or at events, a food handling permit is also often compulsory. These ensure proper food safety precautions are implemented. County health departments oversee the application process.

States with sales tax will require wedding planners to complete tax registration. You’ll need to charge applicable state and local sales tax on your services and remit collected amounts periodically. Fines can result in non-compliance.

Some regions mandate that wedding pros carry commercial auto insurance if they utilize vehicles for business purposes. Make sure your policy covers any accidents that occur during client meetings or events.

8. Get Business Insurance

Even with an LLC, wedding planners face substantial risks from disputes, accidents, natural disasters, and other losses. Having proper insurance coverage is crucial to protect your company should the unthinkable occur.

For example, imagine a reception venue unexpectedly closes before a booked event. Without event cancellation insurance, you could face six-figure out-of-pocket costs. Or what if a client slips and falls at a wedding, threatening to sue you? Liability insurance can be a lifesaver.

Other risks like lost deposits, vendor no-shows, contract disputes, and damaged equipment can also spell financial disaster without insurance to reimburse you.

To get covered, start by speaking with business insurance brokers like CoverWallet .

Describe your business model, location, number of events, liability risks, and assets. They will tailor a policy with key protections like general liability, event/weather cancellation, equipment coverage, and more.

9. Create an Office Space

Having a professional office space lends credibility when meeting with clients and provides room to handle the administrative aspects of orchestrating events. But the right option depends on your budget and workflow.

Home Office

A dedicated home office works for sole planners. Expect costs of $100-$500 for basic furniture and upgrades like soundproofing. The ability to deduct mortgage and utility costs helps offset taxes. However, hosting clients in your residence may seem less official.

Coworking Office

Coworking spaces like WeWork offer stylish, modern locales to meet clients starting at $300-$600 monthly. Open layouts facilitate collaborating with other small business owners too. However, you’ll lack private office space and the flexibility of being home.

Retail Office

For planners working closely with retail vendors, securing space in a bridal shop or event venue can provide built-in referrals. Renting a few hundred square feet would run $800-$2,000 monthly. But retail spaces limit flexibility if you change focus.

Commercial Office

Leasing traditional office space in a business complex enables branding your suite as your own. Expect monthly rents of $1,000-$5,000 based on location, size, finishes, and terms. Hiring staff is easier with dedicated space but costs are higher.

10. Source Your Equipment

From decor to technology, wedding planners need certain equipment to successfully coordinate events. Here are the top options to acquire the necessary items for your new company:

For the latest models and reliability, purchase new equipment from retailers like B&H , Amazon Business , and WebstaurantStore . Invest in a fast computer, high-quality printer, long-range walkie-talkies, and wireless microphones to start. Expect costs of $1,500-$5,000 to outfit your office.

Save substantially by buying gently used equipment from other planners or vendors. Check industry forums, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay for reliable deals on printers, lighting, furniture, and AV equipment. Budget $500-$2,000 for essentials.

Rather than buying specialty items like chiavari chairs or tenting, renting allows flexibility. Platforms like RentMyWedding and Rentals Unlimited offer everything from linens to lounge furniture, with free delivery. Pay per rental with no long-term commitment.

Leasing business technology through companies enables access to new equipment annually with maintenance included. While monthly fees add up, you avoid large upfront costs. Use leasing for key tech like computers, printers, and photo booths you want to update regularly.

11. Establish Your Brand Assets

Crafting a strong brand is crucial for wedding pros to stand out in a crowded market. By investing in branded assets upfront, couples instantly recognize your company as professional, polished, and trustworthy.

Get a Business Phone Number

Start with an official business phone line using a service like RingCentral . Choose a custom toll-free or local vanity number clients can easily recall.

Design a Logo

Work with a designer to create a memorable logo that captures your brand identity. Outline fonts, colors, and icons you love. Looka makes custom, affordable logos tailored to your vision.

From your logo, develop cohesive brand assets – fonts, colors, patterns, graphics, and photography styles that reinforce your look across platforms.

Print Business Cards

Print professional business cards, folders, and branded welcome packs from Vistaprint . Hand these out at in-person consultations and include them in client welcome gifts. Carry cards at industry networking events.

If securing office space, install external signage so couples can easily locate their workspace for meetings. Match signage font and colors to your logo.

Buy a Domain Name

Register a domain name that aligns with your brand for a custom email address and website. Check availability by searching Namecheap before settling on the perfect name.

Design a Website

Build a stunning website with your branding on platforms like Wix or hire a Fiverr pro to handle development. Showcase photos, packages, and reviews.

12. Join Associations and Groups

Joining regional organizations and online communities provides invaluable connections in the wedding industry. Surround yourself with fellow pros who graciously share advice and referrals.

Local Associations

Seek out established local associations like the Association of Bridal Consultants that offer training programs and networking. Attend association conferences to gain formal instruction and mingle with experienced planners eager to help newcomers. Regional groups also share job leads and vendor recommendations.

Local Meetups

Attend a local wedding or small business meetups and trade shows to make connections. Use Meetup to find regular gatherings of industry peers in your city. Exchange ideas in person and partner with photographers, caterers, and venues eager to work with up-and-coming planners.

Facebook Groups

Dive into Facebook Groups like the Wedding Planning Support Group . In national online groups, glean advice from thousands of planners across the globe. Post questions and browse extensive idea libraries 24/7. Review how other planners handle challenges.

13. How to Market a Wedding Planning Business

Implementing an ongoing marketing strategy is essential for wedding planners to continually attract new clients. While you’ll rely heavily on referrals at first, also focus on digital and traditional tactics to expand your reach and visibility.

Personal Networking

Leverage your personal and professional network to spread the word that you’ve launched a wedding planning company. Offer discounts to early customers who provide testimonials and referrals. One glowing recommendation on your website or reviews can influence many couples.

Digital Marketing

For digital marketing:

• Run Google Ads campaigns so your services appear at the top when local couples search for wedding planners. Target keywords like “affordable wedding planner [your city].”
• Create Facebook and Instagram ads showcasing your services. Target newly engaged demographics and location. Feature great photos of events you coordinate.
• Start a YouTube channel sharing wedding planning tips and vendor spotlights. Include a strong call-to-action to subscribe and book you.
• Write blog posts about wedding trends and planning advice. Optimize posts for SEO by including relevant keywords couples search for.
• Send email newsletters with wedding inspiration, vendor sales, and promotional offers to stay top of mind. Provide value and specials to subscribers.

Traditional Marketing

For traditional marketing:

• Design professional flyers and menus to display at local bridal shops, florists, venues, etc.
• Partner with venues, photographers, caterers, and bakeries to cross-promote one another. Offer referral fees.
• Sponsor local bridal shows and events related to weddings. Have an eye-catching booth and network.
• Advertise on radio stations and podcasts popular with your target brides. Focus ad copy on the experiences you create.
• For planners with retail space, utilize signage, window displays, and curb appeal to attract foot traffic.

Consistently investing time and budget into marketing expands your visibility and client base. Track results to double down on the most effective tactics over time.

14. Focus on the Customer

Providing an incredible client experience is crucial for wedding planners. Your business depends on referrals and reviews. Just one poor customer service interaction can deter dozens of potential clients. Some ways to improve customer focus as a wedding business include:

• Respond promptly to all inquiries with thoughtful guidance.
• Set clients at ease during the planning process, resolving issues quickly.
• Check in frequently as their big day approaches.
• On the wedding day itself, ensure everything flows seamlessly behind the scenes.
• Greet guests with enthusiasm. Resolve any emergencies discreetly without the couple knowing.
• Post-wedding, follow up to get candid feedback.
• Send anniversary gifts and incentives for reviews. Deliver photos and videos promptly.
• Couples have endless planner options for their most important day.
• For example, notice when a bride seems stressed and provides a shoulder massage.
• Surprise couples with a favorite bottle of champagne.
• Handwrite thoughtful notes demonstrating your care.

With close attention and personal touches, you create delightful experiences and invaluable word-of-mouth referrals. Consistently wowing couples must be a top priority.

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Wedding Planning Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Wedding Planning Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Wedding Planning business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Wedding Planning businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Wedding Planning business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Elegant Weddings is a wedding planning company founded by Carrie Goode in 2023. It is located in Milford, Massachusetts and the company primarily plans weddings for couples who want a luxurious wedding. Carrie has been a wedding planner since 1999 and uses her decades of experience to offer the most prestigious, elegant surroundings and wedding services available within Massachusetts. Carrie is highly-skilled at communicating extensively with wedding couples, assisting in making selections based on those communications, and recommending the best of every vendor for select weddings.

When Carrie opened her business, she recruited from her former colleague, an assistant wedding planner, Danielle Woods, to support the efforts of the company in meeting the needs of Gen Z couples and those who are looking for “less than traditional” ceremonies and settings. Danielle has ten years of experience and enjoys providing wedding plans that cover every item wedding couples want.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Elegant Weddings will provide:

• Introduction luncheon with wedding planner and couple
• Pre-wedding scheduling and calendar-setting
• Pre-wedding vendor event with selections and tastings
• Pre-wedding honeymoon planning
• Wedding Day and Reception management, coverage and 24/7 attendance
• Post-wedding consultation and luncheon with couple
• Day-to-day management of the wedding and reception processes

Customer Focus

Elegant Weddings will target clients who are considering a wedding or are already planning a wedding. Elegant Weddings will also target couples who are engaged, but have not yet confirmed a season or date for marriage. Secondary targets will include couples who aren’t engaged, but who are considering possibly becoming engaged and marrying. Also, the parents and friends of engaged couples within the Massachusetts region will be targeted.

Management Team

Carrie Goode holds a master’s degree in business development and has been employed as a wedding consultant for over 20 years. Her experience as a wedding planner has earned her hundreds of clients and, as a result, hundreds of recommendations by former clients to engaged couples who are beginning to plan weddings.

Carrie Goode, president of Elegant Weddings, left her former place of employment in 2022 to begin building her idea for her own company, which is scheduled to open in 2023. She recruited a former associate, Danielle Woods, also a wedding planner, to join her in the new company. Danielle will support Carrie in her business while she grows her own clientele base with her new title of Senior Wedding Planner.

In addition to the above, Janice Parker has joined the company as the Office Manager, assisting with onboarding wedding coordinators and vendors who partner with the company. She will handle phone calls, social media, website updates and other administrative tasks.

Success Factors

Elegant Weddings will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of Elegant Weddings.
• A minimum of two private luncheons: initially with engaged couples to determine needs and wants and, second, to analyze at a post-wedding luncheon
• Thorough and extensive attention offered to details determined by wedding couples.
• Wedding software for exclusive use of the wedding party, parents and planner.
• Guaranteed vendor experiences for clients (or refunds are issued).
• Elegant Weddings offers the best pricing in the “luxury” category of weddings. Their pricing structure is the most cost-effective when compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Elegant Weddings is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its company. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Elegant Weddings.

Company Overview

Who is “elegant weddings”.

Elegant Weddings is a newly established, full-service wedding planning business based in Milford, Massachusetts. Elegant Weddings will be the most prestigious, communicative and luxury-oriented wedding planner choice for engaged couples in Massachusetts. Elegant Weddings will provide a comprehensive menu of wedding planning services for any engaged couple to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a pre-wedding, private luncheon with the wedding planner and a post-wedding wrap-up luncheon with their wedding planner.

  Elegant Weddings will be able to plan and prepare for luxurious and elegant weddings to suit all couples. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in luxury weddings and in the most capable and efficient vendors. Elegant Weddings removes all headaches and issues of the wedding and reception and ensures all issues are taken care of expeditiously while delivering the best client service. In addition, if a guaranteed and vetted vendor fails to perform to expectations, refunds are given to the wedding couple.

Elegant Weddings History

Elegant Weddings is owned by Carrie Goode, who is the president of the new company. She has been a wedding planner since 1999 and, while employed formerly in the industry, consulted with hundreds of engaged couples who thought so highly of her services that they recommended her to several hundred additional engaged couples. Carrie is known throughout the east coast as an exemplary wedding planner who brings true “luxury” to the “luxury wedding sector of the industry.” Carrie has recruited former associates, Danielle Woods, to the be Senior Wedding Planner and Janice Parker to be the Office Manager.

Elegant Weddings is founded on the concept that all weddings should include at least a touch of elegance to mark the symbolism of a wedding. This may mean the wedding planner includes a few touches of distinctive beauty to a wedding, or if the engaged couple chooses, the planner can include something whimsical or of special note to the engaged couple, as long as the items add to the “elegance” of the ceremony itself. This practice has built successfully over the years into the development of the concept for Elegant Weddings.

Since incorporation, Elegant Weddings has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Elegant Weddings, LLC to transact business in the state of Massachusetts.
• Has a contract in place for a 10,000 square foot office at one of the midtown buildings
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include Elegant Weddings in their portfolios.
• Began recruiting a staff of three and two office personnel to work at Elegant Weddings

Elegant Weddings Services

The following will be the services Elegant Weddings will provide:

• Day to day management of the wedding and reception processes

Industry Analysis

The wedding planning industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $1.6 billion. This growth and increase in the market is based on the east coast region of the U.S., where wedding planners are traditionally employed for all weddings, versus the west coast, where more weddings are viewed as casual affairs to be conducted informally and without a typical reception. The growth has more heavily been in the “luxurious” or “elegant” wedding categories, as those who opt for weddings choose to have memorable and large wedding experiences overall.

Costs will likely be reduced as innovation continues to create more convenience and comfort for the engaged couples, including reservations for honeymoon adventures, software that tracks wedding gift receipts, 3D printing that assists in creating unique invitations, and other inventive touches.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

Elegant Weddings will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Engaged couples with a wedding date
• Engaged couples who do not yet have a season or date
• Couples who are not engaged, but are considering marriage
• Parents of engaged couples who are seeking professional counsel

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Elegant Weddings will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Cherished Moments

Cherished Moments is an established wedding planning company founded in 2010 by Bridgette Inqvist and Lars Solene. Bridgette and Lars were wedding consultants with a national chain bridal store for over ten years when they formed Cherished Moments as a wedding planning company focused on “partial wedding planning.” A partial wedding planner assists with certain elements of the wedding that are especially crucial to the clients, such as the venue selection, vendor coordination, or design and decor. These areas are visible to guests and make or break the wedding overall and, as such, many engaged couples want help in these areas only while they handle the remaining wedding details.

Cherished Moments provides partial wedding planning with event venue selections and design and decor elements of any wedding, including outdoor and themed weddings. Bridgette and Lars do not conduct pre-wedding consultations, preferring to communicate via online conversations and they have engaged couples complete thorough instruction lists for their services that list everything needed or wanted on paper.

Backyard Wedding Planners

Billie Seevers and Jonnie Taylor formed their company, Backyard Wedding Planners, after each had an informal backyard wedding in 2020 and 2021. Their experiences led to conversations and a partnership that focuses strictly on fun, informal backyard weddings. This may mean the wedding couple serves a barbecue meal from the grill or the meal is served by a fast food delivery truck. Events usually include outdoor games for the guests, group singing (with guitar) and informal dancing on the lawn.

The premise of Backyard Wedding Planners is that formal weddings are too difficult and expensive; weddings should be reminiscent of a backyard gathering that is fun. Couples choose from a variety of decor options and settings and vendors are offered for the elements of the wedding that couples choose. The company currently has two employees, Billie and Jonnie.

Destination Dream Weddings

Pat Roberson and Clint Dory formed Destination Dream Weddings while employed as travel agents in 2009. Together they created a format for wedding planning that includes everything destination weddings might require. This means health insurance for the bride and groom are included (in the event of food poisoning, etc), hotels are fully vetted by Destination Dream Weddings, fees are prepaid and costs are set and guaranteed. Destination Dream Weddings often include the wedding parents, grandparents, siblings and friends of the wedding couple, which leads to large-scale planning of multiple people traveling from various points to the destination. Planning is key for Destination Dream Weddings. Pat and Clint have hired one office manager to oversee communication; however, most of their planning services are conducted online and via email communication. They do not travel to the wedding destinations as a rule.

Competitive Advantage

Elegant Weddings will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Elegant Weddings will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who offer personal, detailed planning with wedding couples from pre-wedding parties through to the end of the reception.
• Private luncheons before and after the wedding with the wedding planner.
• Guaranteed results from preferred vendors or money is refunded by Elegant Weddings.
• Wedding software for exclusive use of the engaged couple, parents and planner.
• Unbeatable pricing for their clients in the “luxury wedding” category.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Elegant Weddings is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Elegant Weddings has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to their previous clients. Their contacts and clients will follow them to their new company and help spread the word of Elegant Weddings.

Professional Associations and Networking

Networking will take place at industry events, bridal fairs, personal meetings, and professionally-associated organizations. Private events for parents and selected referrals will be hosted by Elegant Weddings.

Print Advertising

Direct mail pieces will be sent to attendees of bridal fairs and other industry events. Special offers will be given in the direct mail pieces when engaged couples meet with Elegant Wedding planners.

Website/SEO Marketing

Elegant Weddings will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Elegant Weddings provides. The website will also list their contact information and offer sample photos of elegant weddings and wedding couples. The website will engage in SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “wedding planning company” or “luxury weddings near me,” Elegant Weddings will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Elegant Weddings will be on the high end of the wedding planning industry; however, it will be on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Elegant Weddings. Operation Functions:

• Carrie Goode will be the owner and President of the company. She will oversee all business development and manage client relations. Carrie has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Danielle Woods will become the Senior Wedding Planner and oversee staff, handle phone calls and social media.
• Janice Parker will also join the staff as the Office Manager, overseeing all scheduling, calendar events and tracking engaged couples through the process of planning. She will onboard new employees, as well.

Milestones:

Elegant Weddings will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Elegant Weddings
• 6/1/202X – Finalize contracts for Elegant Weddings clients
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Elegant Weddings office
• 7/1/202X – Elegant Weddings opens its doors for business

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Elegant Weddings are the fees they will charge to clients for their services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Elegant Weddings. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of clients per Month: 20
• Average revenue per Month: $27,500.
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, wedding planning business plan faqs, what is a wedding planning business plan.

A wedding planning business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your wedding planning business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Wedding Planning business plan using our Wedding Planning Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Wedding Planning Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of wedding planning businesses , some examples include: Traditional, Extreme wedding planning, Destination, Luxury, and Budget-saving wedding planning.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Wedding Planning Business Plan?

Wedding Planning businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Wedding Planning Business?

Starting a wedding planning business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

• Develop A Wedding Planning Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed wedding planning business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  
• Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your wedding planning business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your wedding planning business is in compliance with local laws.
• Register Your Wedding Planning Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your wedding planning business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 
• Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your wedding planning business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 
• Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 
• Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 
• Acquire Necessary Wedding Planning Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your wedding planning business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 
• Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your wedding planning business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful wedding planning business:

• How to Start a Wedding Planning Business

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How to Start a Wedding Venue in 6 Easy Steps

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Whether you're a wedding professional, real estate investor, or simply an entrepreneur interested in the wedding industry, starting a wedding venue can be a big business opportunity. But it's also a big commitment. Learning how to start a wedding venue means you'll have to be undeterred by the idea of navigating zoning committees, renovation costs, and financing.

Because, even as changing trends sweep through the industry (ball jars one week, kraft paper another...), in reality, a great wedding venue doesn’t need a ton of bells and whistles to host fantastic weddings. So, if you're a fearless entrepreneur, starting a wedding venue just might be the perfect opportunity to open your first business, or expand an existing one.

These six steps should help you get on your way to starting the wedding venue of your (and many future couples’) dreams.

Start a wedding venue with these 6 steps

Once you’ve decided to start a wedding venue business, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the industry. It’s a good idea to make connections with wedding vendors, who can provide helpful advice and recommendations throughout the process.

After you’ve set up a reliable network, the real work begins: You’ll need to assess your current finances, scout and renovate properties, and of course, secure financing.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

1. Assess your current finances

A thorough understanding of your current financial health, and your predicted expenses, should guide all major decisions when you start a wedding venue. A few questions to ask yourself are:

Are you looking to purchase a property or lease one?

Do you have enough cash on hand for a down payment or will you require financing?

Are you building a new structure or touching up an existing building?

These questions, among others, will help you determine what type of small business loan you’ll need to apply for, and in what amount. While you’re at it, you should find out your credit score and create an organized, complete financial portfolio, which will be essential to securing a loan. Wherever you are financially, it’s crucial to start the process with a realistic estimate of the investment you’re able to make. With a handle on how much capital you can contribute, and how much additional capital you’ll need, you’re ready to start exploring potential properties.

2. Location, location... Which location?

With your finances in order, you can look for a property to convert into the perfect wedding venue.

If you’re interested in rural properties, keep in mind that a barn could require $250,000 in renovations just to be brought up to code. On the other hand, with an outdoor property, you can start by hosting events under a tent—a quality 100-person tent with a liner should cost less than $5,000, for instance—while you complete work on pre-built structures.

For leasing or purchasing in urban areas, your property costs will largely depend on the location and the state of the building you rent. You'll also want to look into the size of the wedding market in your area to gauge local demand.

Look for inspiration, too

As funny as it might sound, Pinterest can really be a great ally here—and not just for wedding party members. Try browsing popular pins to get ideas for your project. Before you reach out to a wholesaler, auctioneer, broker, or your personal connections in real estate, answer these questions about your ideal venue:

Are you looking for a rural or urban location?

An indoor or outdoor structure?

A multi-use space or a dedicated wedding venue?

Research local laws

In a location-driven business like a wedding venue, local zoning laws and building regulations determine much of what you’re able to do—and how quickly. If you’re not a property owner, or plan to open your wedding venue in a different county than where you live, start your search with a specific place in mind. Then, call the county where your prospective property is located, and ask for zoning information and code requirements for event spaces before making a down payment.

Once you’ve secured your location, conduct an audit of the property. Make preliminary decisions about how much renovation you’ll need to take on to bring your building up to code.

Finally, decide if your venue will provide any additional services. If you are currently active in the wedding industry, this could mean tying in a service you or a partner already provide. Otherwise, focus on finding a property with great potential, and worry about additional services once you have a business plan in place.

3. Decide what to renovate—and what can wait

Your financial plan is set, you’ve locked down a venue—and now you’re ready for financing... right? Well, not quite. Before you apply for a small business loan, you'll need to get an on-location estimate for the repairs, renovations, or additions you plan to make on your venue. It's important to know the number so you can figure it into the cost of the capital you'll need to invest.

Consult a contractor or architect about the cost of your initial renovations. Depending on your finances and time constraints, you might not be able to complete all of your ideal renovations in one fell swoop. To get your wedding venue up to snuff ASAP, prioritize the following projects:

Water and utilities. Identify a water supply and connect utilities. If your space is outdoors, this could require working with the city or county water works, and renting or purchasing a generator.

Bathrooms. Restrooms are essential to making your event space usable and code-compliant. If restroom facilities are not already on the premises, get estimates for installing plumbing, or seek a temporary solution, like rented portable restrooms.

Catering space. An onsite food preparation area is ideal for a wedding venue. But if your venue doesn’t have an existing kitchen, start by creating a place where caterers can set up and serve. Make sure it’s accessible to the reception area. Remember that different types of food prep and service have different types of permitting required—so you'll want to look into what permits you're willing to pursue in tandem.

Shelter. For outdoor venues, having a weather contingency plan is non negotiable. Depending on the structures available, this might mean investing in a tent.

Venue size. Another detail to keep in mind while handling zoning and code compliance for your venue property is maximum occupation or capacity.

Parking. No one will show up if there’s nowhere to park. Whether it’s a field with parking cones, or an adjacent parking garage, make sure you know how guests will park.

Bonus: Is it Instagram-ready?

Photography should definitely be a consideration in choosing a location and specifying renovations. If you envision a wedding venue as a visual and experiential backdrop for a couple’s special memories (including their posts), you’ll get a good idea of what makes some spaces so picture perfect.

4. Finance your venue

Okay: Now you’re ready to secure financing to get your wedding venue off the ground.

Depending on your available capital, and the work you need to conduct on your venue right off the bat, you might want to take an incremental approach to financing. Focus first on obtaining a loan to purchase or lease the property, then bringing the space up to code. Then you can start thinking about further additions, like changing rooms or a dance floor, which might require a different type of loan.

Start your search with these four options, which suit a variety of financial profiles and needs for your soon-to-be wedding venue.

Personal loans for business

If starting a wedding venue is your very first business endeavor, it’s unlikely that you’ll have the financial stats—like existing annual revenue and profitability—that most lenders want to see before extending you a loan. In that case, you might want to consider a personal loan for business. Personal loans are easier for new businesses with limited business history to obtain, since lenders use your personal credit score and finances to determine your eligibility and loan amount.

Heads up: Even though you can use your personal loan for business purposes, this loan blurs the line between your personal and business finances. For so many reasons, we recommend keeping your personal and business finances separate (not the least of which is avoiding a tax-season headache).

But if a personal loan for business is your only option, you can take the loan and work on building business credit in the meantime. That way, you can position yourself for an even better business loan down the line.

Short-term loan

For entrepreneurs who have already been in business for a year and have established credit, there's a wider variety of financing options. For instance, if this wedding venue is an expansion of an existing wedding business or service that generates revenue, you might be a good candidate for a short-term loan. Before deciding which financing option is best for you, find out more about business loan requirements, so you have an idea of the information you need to have ready before taking financial action.

The time it takes to get your venue up and running is a big factor in choosing a loan. If you’re in a time crunch, a short-term loan provides the financing you need within a compatible timeline, since repayment terms generally range between three and 18 months.

Short-term products are good options if you need a relatively small amount of funding—the average short-term loan amount is $20,000. So, if you own a venue with existing structures and plumbing, you might consider a short-term loan to cover your remaining, urgent expenses.

Business line of credit

Many wedding professionals move into event spaces as a natural complement to an existing catering, photography, or wedding-planning business. For business owners with demonstrable revenue and credit history, a business line of credit can give you access to the capital you need to run a wedding venue. Pull down on this revolving pool of resources whenever you want or need—say, for hiring employees, major equipment rentals, or installing a kitchen—and only pay for the funds you use.

Business credit card

Paying for major renovations and labor will likely require a loan, but you can take care of most daily expenses with a business credit card . For new business owners looking to refurbish an existing building or space, a business credit card gives you spending flexibility and helps you build credit for your business.

5. Improve on the go

One great thing about a wedding venue is that you can continue to make improvements while you conduct business—as long as you take the right precautions to ensure renovations never interfere with events.

Particularly for rural or outdoor spaces, you can start showing and renting the space as soon as you’ve finished foundational improvements and met code requirements, and continue to make incremental improvements as you begin to generate revenue. If you’re waiting on major structural renovations, but your bathrooms, parking, and utilities are squared away, consider renting or purchasing a large tent so you can rent your space ASAP.

Indoor spaces are less amenable to opening with ongoing work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your remodeling period. While you wait on renovations or inspections to be completed, use your time to expand your professional network and invite vendors and prospective clients to preview the space. An informal event or open house is an unparalleled opportunity to get industry and clientele feedback.

6. Keep the couple in mind

In the wedding industry, the customer—namely, the couple-to-be—really is always right. Because the wedding planning process is so personal, keep your target audience in mind when scouting locations, choosing improvements to prioritize, marketing your event space, and planning what kind of amenities you’ll provide.

Here are three places to start when marketing your wedding venue:

Website: Consider your website an outpost for your wedding venue, where potential clients will visit before deciding to view your space in person.

Focus on creating an attractive, easy-to-navigate user experience that reflects the positive experience your venue offers.

Think about writing blog posts on your site, which will also increase visibility without costing you extra marketing dollars. (Tip: This can be done in advance and posted later.)

Search: Make your business easy to find—think carefully about a searchable name—and then spread it as much as you can on your personal social media and within your existing business network.

Do a Google search for wedding venues in your area, and notice how you can set your venue apart.

Search for terms you would like to appear for (i.e. “Memphis outdoor wedding” or “converted barn venue”) and see what kind of businesses or websites appear. Later, this might be a strategy for identifying good terms for paid search on AdWords or with Facebook ads.

Social: You’re working on opening a great venue—before opening your doors, get a head start on social media to gain exposure and engage with potential clients.

Create Facebook and Instagram accounts for your venue. Even if you don't plan on using social media, your business needs a location on Facebook in order to be tagged in future posts. Instagram or Facebook posts with your geo-tag is a great way for clients to find you.

Start posting—now! Even before your venue is open for business, posting early and often will cultivate an audience and kickstart engagement with your business.

Remember, too, that the wedding industry relies heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations, and a happy couple is your best marketing asset (followed by a network of reliable vendors). Ask happy customers to write positive reviews on WeddingWire, the Knot, or social media when you can.

Start Your Dream Business

Start your wedding venue and get the word out

Starting a successful wedding venue is a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be frustrating. If you choose a property based on your experience and resources, and focus on preparing your venue to open, you can continue to make improvements while you bring in revenue. Because a venue space is adaptable by nature, you have more flexibility, which presents a great opportunity for investors ready to start a business. Throughout this process, one of the best ways to ensure that you keep expectations realistic is consulting other wedding professionals when possible.

Assess your finances. Get a clear understanding of your credit, as well as the size of investment you are in a position to make.

Find a location . If possible, tour local wedding venues, and try to identify an unsatisfied need. Visit different potential properties, and determine what kind of venue you want to open based on availability, price, and the degree of renovation you're equipped to oversee.

Identify improvements and estimate costs. With a firm grasp on your finances and the kind of wedding venue space you're looking for, you’re ready to start looking for properties and sizing up necessary functional renovations and value-adding additions, like a bridal lounge or catering kitchen. Before you seek financing for your wedding venue, consult an expert—a general contractor, venue owner, or experienced property flipper—to assess any necessary repairs, and estimate the cost and time for renovations.

Pick a financing plan. After getting remodeling estimates and determining how much financing your venue requires to get up and running, you’ll be able to choose the appropriate financial product and payment schedule.

Adapt as you go. Once you start working on the venue, you can make a roadmap for further improvements, and adjust your business plan to reflect work schedules and inspection appointments. Continue to make improvements—and potentially seek further financing—after opening your wedding venue, incorporating feedback from clients into planning new additions.

Focus on your clientele. When choosing between properties, renovations to prioritize, and venue decor, keep the couples in mind. Attend a wedding expo as a visitor, and talk to other visitors and vendors about what kind of wedding venue they are looking for.

Now that you have a clear idea of how to open a wedding venue, it’s time to start researching and reaching out to relevant connections—recently married couples, wedding vendors, or event space owners. You can even get a head start on marketing as you move through the process of checking your finances, viewing properties, and applying for funding.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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How to Start a Wedding Planning Business

If you love everything that has to do with weddings, you should consider starting your own wedding planning business. According to the Association of Bridal Consulting , there are 2.4 million weddings each year in the United States, where it is a $165 billion industry. Do you want a piece of the cake – which you expertly recommended to the happy couple? Here are some tips on starting your own wedding planning business:

Have a passion for weddings Planning what some consider to be the most important days of their lives means a lot is resting on your shoulders. Wedding planning can be stressful. You have to think on your feet and try to please everyone at the same time. You will have to play the part of referee and be the voice of reason. However, if you enjoy what you are doing, planning weddings can be fun and rewarding. You need strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail, as well as a level head and the patience to deal with the emotional ups and downs that start weeks before the Big Day. No matter how well you plan, things are going to go wrong. The florist might send the wrong flowers or the maid of honor’s shoes might break. You need to set things right and make sure the day runs smoothly.

It helps to gain wedding-related experience. Go to as many weddings as you can and build a network. Get to know different caterers, florists, photographers in terms of cost, specialty and reliability. Learn which venues are booked for the next five years and which ones are usually reasonable and available. If a friend or family member is getting married, see if you can shadow the planner. If not, pay extra close attention to everything going on behind the scenes.

Keep up with wedding trends. Read bridal magazines and scour wedding websites. Know what kinds of weddings are popular in your area. Many cities and regions have their own specialized editions of bridal magazines.

Get certified See if a local college or university offers wedding or event planning and consulting classes. Some institutes offer full certification programs. There are many other ways to get your certification, which is not required but makes you more credible and serves as a means by which you get a crash course in planning. Decide if you would rather attend a two-day workshop or spread it out. Certification programs can be on the pricey side, so decide what you are looking for in your course and shop around to find your best option. Make a plan Decide how you are going to structure your business and what services you will offer. Are you going to plan entire weddings or act as a sounding board for the bride and groom when they are looking for a venue? Think of a name for your new business. Make it one that is clever and easy to remember.

More On This...

As a wedding planner, you put in the man hours so the bride and groom don’t have to. Keep this in mind when trying to figure out if you want your wedding planning business to become a full-time or part-time job. It may take years for your bridal business to get off the ground, and even longer before you start turning a profit. Can you afford a dip in income if you decide to work full time? Once you start with clients, will you be able to do your own bookkeeping? How well can you stick to a budget? These are all things to consider.

Put yourself out there Advertise your business. Let your friends and family members know about your new business and politely ask them to drop your name if they happen to be part of a conversation about weddings. Build a website with your contact information, past work and specializations. Having a website might make potential customers more at ease when choosing you because they can see what you are all about. Print up business cards and keep track of all of the contacts you make. Develop a portfolio to show potential clients. The more experience you get, the better your portfolio will become and the more in-demand your services will become.