business plan for wedding planning business

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Wedding Planning Business Plan

If you are into creating memorable experiences, then planning a picture-perfect wedding for someone would be blissful and rewarding.

Anyone can start a new business, but you need a detailed business plan when it comes to raising funding, applying for loans, and scaling it like a pro!

Need help writing a business plan for your wedding planning business? You’re at the right place. Our wedding planning business plan template will help you get started.

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How to Write A Wedding Planning Business Plan?

Writing a wedding planning business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Wedding planning services:.

Highlight the wedding planning services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of wedding planning company you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following wedding planning businesses:

• Full-service wedding planner
• Destination wedding planner
• Theme wedding planner
• Wedding consultant
• Describe the legal structure of your wedding planning company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future Goals

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the directions.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your wedding consultant business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Wedding Planning Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your services:

Mention the wedding planning services your business will offer. This list may include services like,

• Initial consultation
• Venue selection
• Budget planning & management
• Wedding design & theme development
• Wedding day coordination

Explain the service process:

Additional services.

In short, this section of your wedding planning plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your wedding planning business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your wedding planning business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, equipment & machinery:.

Include the list of equipment and machinery required for wedding planning, such as office supplies, camera & photography equipment, project management software, wedding planning software, social media management tools, file transfer tool, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your wedding planning business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your wedding planning business, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your wedding planner business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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This sample wedding planning business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful wedding planning plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our wedding planning business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a wedding planning business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful wedding planning business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your wedding planning company.

Where to find business plan writers for your wedding planning business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your wedding planning business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your wedding planning business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any wedding planning business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

How do I write a good market analysis in a wedding planning business plan?

Market analysis is one of the key components of your business plan that requires deep research and a thorough understanding of your industry. We can categorize the process of writing a good market analysis section into the following steps:

• Stating the objective of your market analysis—e.g., investor funding.
• Industry study—market size, growth potential, market trends, etc.
• Identifying target market—based on user behavior and demographics.
• Analyzing direct and indirect competitors.
• Calculating market share—understanding TAM, SAM, and SOM.
• Knowing regulations and restrictions
• Organizing data and writing the first draft.

Writing a marketing analysis section can be overwhelming, but using ChatGPT for market research can make things easier.

Can a good wedding planning business plan help me secure funding?

Indeed. A well-crafted wedding planning business plan will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping them make better financial decisions.

So, if you have a profitable and investable business, a comprehensive business plan can certainly help you secure your business funding.

What's the importance of a marketing strategy in a wedding planning business plan?

Marketing strategy is a key component of your wedding planning business plan. Whether it is about achieving certain business goals or helping your investors understand your plan to maximize their return on investment—an impactful marketing strategy is the way to do it!

Here are a few pointers to help you understand the importance of having an impactful marketing strategy:

• It provides your business an edge over your competitors.
• It helps investors better understand your business and growth potential.
• It helps you develop products with the best profit potential.
• It helps you set accurate pricing for your products or services.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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If you love love and have stellar organizational skills, you may have considered starting a business in the wedding industry. When it comes to how to start a wedding planning business, it pays to keep calm and carry on. In fact, these very qualities have helped generate a growing income stream for Eileen Kaden Dean, owner of a successful wedding planning business in the New York City and New Jersey area.

“To be successful in this business, you have to stay calm and realize that a wedding emergency isn't your emergency. You can’t make the stress about you because it’s not your day,” says Kaden Dean, owner of An Affair to Remember and a go-to wedding planner.

Kaden Dean, who opened her company more than a decade ago, is among the many small business owners who make up the nearly $60 billion wedding services industry in the U.S. The lucrative industry covers an array of wedding service providers, including wedding venues, apparel retailers, florists, photographers, and wedding planners, according to market research firm IBISWorld.

The average wedding in the U.S. cost over $44,000 in 2018, according to Brides.com. Wedding costs vary greatly depending on where you live and your budget, but Manhattan is the most expensive place to get married, with the average couple spending a whopping $96,910 according to The Knot.

Although websites like The Knot and WeddingWire make it easier for couples to plan their big day themselves, many still turn to professionals like Kaden Dean. An Affair to Remember helps plan the wedding, deals with vendors, and coordinates the chain of events at the wedding and reception to make sure the day goes off without a hitch. In a nutshell, wedding planners are in the business of creating happiness and keeping everything organized, so the couple doesn’t have to worry about all the little (and big) things, says Kaden Dean.

If you're wondering how to start a wedding planning business, know that there are many moving parts, from picking out a bridal dress and venue to choosing invitations, to hiring a band or DJ, to selecting a menu. And the list goes on. Even small weddings—in vogue right now—aren't as simple to plan as you might think.

“There’s a need for wedding planners as couples are busy doing other things, like looking to buy a house and working long hours in their careers. Having someone to manage things is attractive, and this way couples can enjoy themselves and be present on their wedding day,” says Kaden Dean.

How to start a wedding planning business in 7 steps

There are a ton of different ways you can learn how to start a wedding planning business, but we'll give you a few steps to help you get your business started.

Step 1: Choose the type of wedding business you want to start and a name

Before you can do much else, you need to decide what kind of services you want your wedding planning business to offer. Wedding planners can offer all types of different services, and you should pick which ones you'll offer before you get to the nitty-gritty of planning your business and setting it up. You should also choose a business name during this step, and check with your state's Secretary of State resources to make sure that the name you want is available. You can usually do this using an online database on their website.

Kaden Dean started her wedding planning business out of a bridal dress store in New Jersey and expanded it from there. Her business offers everything from the full package to smaller day-of planning.

Although her clientele is in the greater New York area, Kaden Dean recognizes that not all couples can afford to spend upward of $50,000 on their weddings, which is part of the reason she offers several packages. Deciding what types of services and packages your own wedding planning business will offer will be important as you plan the business, market your services, and meet with potential clients.

For context, An Affair to Remember offers three pricing packages:

1. Full planning

For this most expensive option, Kaden Dean will plan the entire event from soup to nuts. This includes helping couples find the perfect venue, lining up all the vendors, helping choose invitations and centerpieces, and just about everything else. “Sometimes I even help pick the colors of the ties.”

The cost: about $5,000 and up.

2. Day of the wedding

This least expensive option is ideal for couples who want to do the planning themselves, but need some organizational help on the day of the wedding. For a typical wedding where Kaden Dean is hired for the day only, she creates a minute-to-minute timeline of when events will happen, like the hour the flowers will be delivered to the site and the exact time when the bridesmaids will arrive. On the big day, Kaden Dean is there to ensure that all goes according to plan.

She also handles any snafus. “One time a couple in the wedding party left a diaper bag in a taxi with their passports in it.” She went to work and tracked down the diaper bag, so that the couple could participate in the wedding stress-free. An hour later, the bag arrived at the venue.

The cost: about $1,750 to $2,250. The exact pricing depends on the amount of time Kaden Dean puts in, the number of assistants hired, and so on.

3. Day of “plus”

This is An Affair to Remember’s most popular offering. Couples hiring Kaden Dean for this package will plan their own weddings but rely on her to handle events on the wedding day, as well as any last-minute planning issues. “I take everything they have, shake it out, and see what pockets are missing to make sure everything is cohesive.” This package usually entails five hours of consultation time, 12 hours on the day of the wedding, one hour for the rehearsal, and 15 hours of virtual legwork to put all the ducks in a row.

The cost: about $2,500 to $3,000.

How much do you need?

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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.

Step 2: Choose a business entity

The next step in starting a wedding planning business is deciding how you'll structure your business for legal and tax purposes. You'll likely want to choose a business entity that protects you personally from any legal ramifications your wedding planning business might face. A great option for this would be to choose a limited liability company (LLC) as your business entity. An LLC is a registered business in which owners are not personally liable for the business's debts or obligations. You might also choose a limited liability partnership if you want to have a business partner but the protections an LLC can offer you. Once you choose a business entity you can move on to step 3 which is writing your business plan.

You'll also want to register the business with the state once you have the entity and name decided on. Now would be a great time to consult a business attorney familiar with your type of business who can help you make sure everything is up to par and that you aren't missing any steps. This person can also help you choose which business entity is best for your wedding planning business.

Step 3: Write a detailed business plan

If you're starting a wedding planning business, hopefully, you're already a good planner and this step should come naturally to you. You'll need to write a business plan before you can get your business up and running. You can use a business plan template or business plan software to make the process easier, but there are some specific things you should be sure to include in it, no matter how you write it.

You should include a summary of your business in the plan as well as a market analysis, a detailed list of the products and services you'll offer, your marketing and sales plan, your financial plan and projections, and more. Think of your business plan for a roadmap that will lead you through the early stages of building your business and making it profitable.

Your business plan should also include some of the vendors and any other businesses you plan on working with. During the first year of starting her business, Kaden Dean focused on developing such relationships. “It was a challenging first year, but I spent the time introducing myself to the local wedding vendors so I could find people to recommend and work with. I set the groundwork for my business and established myself.”

An Affair to Remember’s start-up costs the first year maxed out at $10,000, including the rent and furniture for the small space in the bridal shop, along with signage, business cards and brochures, a website, and advertising on WeddingWire. Kaden Dean also had to pay to attend bridal shows, hire an assistant to help her track advertising inquiries, and cover her childcare costs. The costs Kaden Dean had are the kind you should plan to face and include in the financial section of your business plan.

Step 4: Get an EIN

If you plan to hire employees to help run your wedding planning business, you'll need to obtain an EIN, also known as an employer identification number. However, even if your business is a one-person show at the moment, you'll likely want to get an employer identification number for your business to make things easier on yourself down the line. The good news is that it's fairly easy to apply for an employer identification number and you can apply online through the IRS' website and get one in a matter of minutes.

An EIN comes with a number of benefits and can be extremely helpful for your business. It can help you when it comes time to file your business taxes, get a business credit card, open a business bank account, or any other number of business necessities.

Step 5: Get a business bank account and business credit card

Now that you have an EIN, you'll use this number when applying to open a business checking account and business credit card . This next step of starting a wedding planning business is crucial, as you'll want to keep your business finances separate from your personal finances. When you're still working on setting up your wedding planning business maybe you'll be working out of your house as a home-based business or maybe you'll have a small storefront. Either way, you'll probably want to spend on some decor, or at least on some marketing products, and you'll likely want a credit card to use for that.

Keeping the business finances completely separate from your personal finances will be huge when it comes time to file your taxes and it will help you boost your business credit score as well.

Step 6: Get any funding you need

The next step in starting a wedding planning business? Funding your new venture. The startup costs associated with opening a wedding planning business don't have to be too high, especially if you're working out of your home or another business's space. However, you will still have some upfront expenses you may not have the savings to cover. In that case, this is the time when you might need to work on getting a business loan or other funding option.

And because you have a great business plan already, you can use that to show potential investors or lenders that you have a well thought out business and a plan for turning a profit quickly. Of course, getting a loan as a new business isn't always easy. If you're finding your options to be limited, you might turn to a 0% introductory APR business credit card as an interest-free loan of sorts. With this type of credit card, you won't pay any interest on the balance you carry over for the length of the introductory offer (this will depend on the card, but at most will be 12 months). Just make sure you have a plan to pay off your balance by the end of this intro period, when a variable APR will set in, or this won't be the most effective funding tool.

Step 7: Market your services and start doing business

Once your wedding planning business is up and running and have the services you're offering laid out, you can start marketing them and hopefully bringing on new business. Consider marketing at trade shows and with any bridal boutiques in your area, or forge relationships with wedding venues to find clients. Once you get your first client, you're off to the races and can consider yourself fully in business.

The brides and grooms you work with will be grateful for your services and you can help them make their special day as stress-free as possible.

"Hiring a planner is so important to your big day," says Kaden Dean. The last thing a bride needs is for someone else to show up to handle the details: “They trust me. When you hire me, you get me. I’ve never missed a wedding.”

And keep in mind, happy customers can provide referrals and word-of-mouth marketing that can give you business the boost it needs to take off.

Start Your Dream Business

The bottom line

If you want to survive and thrive in the wedding planning business, you’ve got to put on a happy face and mean it—all the time. Also, you’ve got to be nice—all the time, says Kaden Dean.

It might seem like a simple recipe for success, but if you do a great job and you’re happy and people know it, the referrals will flow and you’ll stay busy, she says.

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

On a similar note...

How To Write a Successful Wedding Planner Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for wedding planner businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every wedding planner business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Wedding Planner Business Plan?

A wedding planner business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Wedding Planner Business Plan?

A wedding planner business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Wedding Planner Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful wedding planner business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a wedding planner business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your wedding planner company
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your wedding planner business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your wedding planner firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen wedding planner business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a wedding planner business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the wedding planner industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, the customers of a wedding planner business may include:

• Bridal party members
• Family of wedding couple
• Wedding vendors (e.g., caterers, florists, photographers)

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or wedding planner services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your wedding planner business may have:

• Extensive industry knowledge and experience
• Personalized service
• Comprehensive planning and organization
• Creativity and attention to detail
• Value-driven perspective

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your wedding planner business via word-of-mouth marketing.

Operations Plan

This part of your wedding planner business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a wedding planner business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new products or services, expanding to new markets, or hiring new personnel.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific wedding planner industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Wedding Planner Business

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Wedding Planner Business

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup wedding planner business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Wedding Planner Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your wedding planner company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is an essential tool for any wedding planner company. If you are seeking funding from investors or lenders, it’s important to have a polished and professional business plan. Use the template above as a guide as you write your own wedding planner business plan.  

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Here is a free business plan sample for a wedding planning services.

If the allure of orchestrating the perfect wedding day makes your heart flutter, but you're uncertain about how to turn that passion into a profession, you've landed in the perfect spot.

In the passages that follow, we will guide you through a comprehensive sample business plan tailored for a wedding planning business.

As you might already be aware, a meticulously developed business plan is a cornerstone of success for any aspiring entrepreneur, as it outlines your vision, objectives, and strategies for your enterprise.

To craft a winning plan with clarity and precision, feel free to utilize our wedding planner business plan template. Our specialists are also on standby to provide a complimentary review and refinement of your plan.

How to draft a great business plan for your wedding planning services?

A good business plan for a wedding planning business must be tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of the event planning industry.

To start, it's crucial to provide a comprehensive overview of the wedding planning market. This includes up-to-date statistics and an analysis of emerging trends, as illustrated in our wedding planner business plan template .

Your business plan should articulate your vision clearly, define your target clientele (such as luxury, budget-conscious, or destination weddings), and establish your brand's unique value proposition (personalized service, exclusive venues, etc.).

Market analysis is key. You need to understand the competitive landscape, what other wedding planners are offering, and what gaps you can fill. This section should also cover the demographics and psychographics of your target market.

For a wedding planner, services are your products. Describe the range of services you'll offer, from full-service planning to day-of coordination, and how these services cater to the needs and desires of your clients.

The operational plan is vital. It should outline your business structure, the roles of your team members, your approach to vendor partnerships, and the logistics of how you will plan and execute weddings.

Quality of service is paramount in wedding planning. Your plan should detail your approach to ensuring a high standard of customer satisfaction, including communication strategies and contingency planning for unexpected events.

Marketing and sales strategies must be addressed. How will you attract couples and encourage referrals? Consider your promotional tactics, networking, and reputation management.

Embracing digital strategies is also crucial, such as maintaining a well-designed website, engaging on social media, and leveraging online reviews and testimonials.

The financial section is a cornerstone of your plan. It should include startup costs, pricing strategies, sales projections, operational expenses, and the break-even analysis.

In wedding planning, margins can vary greatly depending on the type of service offered, so a thorough understanding of your financials is essential. For assistance, refer to our financial forecast for wedding planners .

Compared to other business plans, a wedding planner's plan must pay special attention to client relationship management, the customization of services, and the ability to handle high-stress situations.

A well-crafted business plan will not only help you clarify your business strategy but also attract investors or secure loans.

Lenders and investors are looking for detailed market research, realistic financial projections, and a clear plan for client acquisition and event execution.

By presenting a comprehensive and convincing business plan, you show your dedication to the success of your wedding planning business.

To achieve these goals efficiently, you can start with our wedding planner business plan template .

A free example of business plan for a wedding planning services

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for a wedding planner .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market data and figures.

The wedding industry is a significant and resilient market that continues to flourish.

Recent studies have valued the global wedding market at over 300 billion dollars, with expectations for steady growth as couples continue to invest in their special day. In the United States alone, there are over 2 million weddings annually, contributing to a substantial market with a wide array of services and products.

These statistics underscore the wedding industry's robust nature and its substantial contribution to the economy.

The wedding planning landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends and preferences emerging each year.

Personalization is at the forefront, with couples seeking unique and tailored experiences that reflect their personalities and love stories. There is a growing trend towards destination weddings, where couples and their guests travel to picturesque locations to celebrate the occasion.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important, with eco-friendly weddings that minimize environmental impact gaining popularity. This includes the use of locally-sourced materials, digital invitations, and conscious choices in catering and decor.

Technology plays a significant role, with virtual reality tours of venues, live streaming services for guests who cannot attend, and the use of wedding planning apps and online platforms to organize and manage the event.

Moreover, inclusivity is a key trend, with wedding planners offering services that cater to diverse cultures, traditions, and orientations, ensuring that every couple's needs are met.

These trends highlight the dynamic nature of the wedding industry and the importance of staying current to meet the evolving desires of couples.

Success Factors

Several critical factors contribute to the success of a wedding planning business.

First and foremost, attention to detail is paramount. A wedding planner who can meticulously organize and execute every aspect of the event will build a reputation for reliability and excellence.

Creativity and the ability to design memorable and distinctive weddings are also vital. Planners who can offer innovative ideas and themes will stand out in a crowded market.

Networking with vendors and venues is crucial, as strong relationships can lead to better service and pricing for clients.

Exceptional interpersonal skills are necessary to understand and meet the expectations of couples, ensuring a stress-free planning process and a successful wedding day.

Lastly, adaptability is essential, as wedding planners must be able to navigate the unexpected and manage any challenges that arise with poise and professionalism.

By focusing on these success factors, a wedding planner can establish a thriving business that resonates with couples looking to celebrate their union in a special and personalized way.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our wedding planning business is designed to cater to couples looking for a stress-free and memorable wedding experience. Situated in a region known for its picturesque venues and vibrant wedding industry, our service will offer comprehensive wedding planning, from venue selection and theme development to vendor coordination and day-of execution. We will specialize in creating bespoke weddings that reflect each couple's unique style and personality, ensuring their special day is as flawless and distinctive as their love story.

We will focus on meticulous attention to detail, creative design, and seamless execution to deliver a wedding that not only meets but exceeds our clients' expectations.

As wedding planning professionals, we aim to become the go-to experts for couples who desire a personalized, elegant, and well-organized wedding celebration.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our wedding planning business is centered on delivering a personalized and hassle-free wedding experience. We understand that each couple is unique, and we are dedicated to creating a celebration that is tailored to their individual vision and desires.

Our commitment to excellence, combined with our extensive network of high-quality vendors and our expertise in event management, ensures that every aspect of the wedding is handled with care and professionalism.

We strive to make the wedding planning process enjoyable and exciting for our clients, allowing them to savor every moment of their engagement without the stress of managing the myriad details of their big day.

Our wedding planning service is committed to transforming our clients' dreams into reality, making their wedding day an unforgettable and joyous occasion.

Project Owner

The project owner is a seasoned wedding planner with a passion for creating magical and memorable wedding experiences. With a background in event management and a keen eye for detail, she has the expertise to bring any wedding vision to life.

Her experience in the wedding industry has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of wedding planning, from the initial consultation to the final send-off.

Driven by a love for romance and a desire to deliver perfection, she is dedicated to providing exceptional service and creating bespoke weddings that reflect the personal style and essence of each couple.

Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to her clients' happiness make her the ideal leader for this wedding planning venture, with the goal of making every couple's wedding day as beautiful and unique as their love story.

The Market Study

Market segments.

The market segments for our wedding planning business are diverse and multifaceted.

Firstly, we cater to engaged couples looking for a comprehensive, stress-free wedding planning experience. This includes those who have demanding careers and lack the time to plan their wedding.

Secondly, we serve destination wedding clients who require local expertise and resources to plan their wedding from afar.

Additionally, we target clients who desire unique or themed weddings that require specialized planning and creative execution.

Lastly, we also appeal to clients who are seeking luxury wedding experiences, where attention to detail and exclusivity are paramount.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis of our wedding planning business highlights several factors.

Strengths include a strong network of vendors and venues, extensive experience in event planning, and a reputation for delivering personalized and memorable weddings.

Weaknesses might involve the high-stress nature of the job, which can lead to burnout, and the seasonal fluctuations in wedding bookings.

Opportunities can be found in the growing trend of personalized and non-traditional weddings, as well as the potential to expand services to include other life events.

Threats could encompass economic downturns affecting clients' wedding budgets and the increasing number of DIY wedding planning resources available online.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis in the wedding planning industry indicates a competitive landscape.

Direct competitors include other local wedding planners, event management companies, and venue-specific coordinators.

These competitors vie for clients by offering a range of services, from full-service planning to day-of coordination.

Potential competitive advantages for our business include our personalized approach, strong vendor relationships, and a portfolio of successfully executed weddings that showcase our expertise.

Understanding the unique selling propositions and service gaps of our competitors is crucial for carving out our niche and ensuring client satisfaction.

Competitive Advantages

Our wedding planning business prides itself on our meticulous attention to detail and our personalized service that caters to each couple's unique vision.

We offer a comprehensive suite of services, from venue selection to vendor coordination, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable wedding experience.

Our dedication to staying ahead of wedding trends and our ability to adapt to each couple's needs set us apart in the industry.

Moreover, our established relationships with top-tier vendors and venues enable us to provide exclusive benefits and competitive pricing to our clients.

You can also read our articles about: - how to offer wedding planning services: a complete guide - the customer segments of a wedding planning services - the competition study for a wedding planning services

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the wedding planning business is designed to establish us as a premier choice for couples.

In the first year, we will concentrate on building a strong local reputation for excellence and reliability, with a focus on creating bespoke, memorable weddings.

The second year will be geared towards expanding our services to include destination weddings and forming partnerships with exclusive venues.

In the third year, we aim to diversify our offerings by introducing wedding consultancy and coordination services for other wedding-related events such as rehearsal dinners and post-wedding brunches.

Throughout this period, we will uphold our dedication to personalization, attention to detail, and seamless execution to exceed the expectations of our clients and secure our place in the industry.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our wedding planning business targets couples looking for a stress-free, personalized wedding experience.

Our value proposition lies in our expertise in creating unique and tailored wedding experiences, supported by our extensive network of vendors and venues.

We offer our services through consultations, online platforms, and personal interactions, utilizing our key resources such as our experienced planning team and vendor relationships.

Key activities include event design, vendor coordination, and client relationship management.

Our revenue streams are generated from wedding planning packages, coordination fees, and consultancy services, while our costs are mainly associated with staffing, marketing, and operations.

Access a complete and editable real Business Model Canvas in our business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is centered on personalization and creating emotional connections.

We aim to engage our target audience by showcasing our ability to create unique and unforgettable weddings. Our approach includes leveraging testimonials, showcasing real weddings, and providing valuable content on wedding planning.

We will also build partnerships with wedding venues and vendors to offer exclusive packages.

Additionally, we will harness the power of social media and influencer collaborations to reach a wider audience and establish our brand as a leader in the wedding planning industry.

Risk Policy

The risk policy for our wedding planning business is focused on mitigating risks associated with event planning, vendor reliability, and client satisfaction.

We implement thorough vetting processes for all vendors and maintain contingency plans for unforeseen events. Regular communication and detailed contracts with clients help manage expectations and responsibilities.

We also maintain a strict budget management policy to prevent financial overruns. Furthermore, we carry comprehensive liability insurance to protect against potential legal issues.

Our priority is to deliver flawless wedding experiences while safeguarding our business and our clients' interests.

Why Our Project is Viable

We are passionate about creating unforgettable wedding experiences that reflect each couple's unique story.

With our focus on customization, quality service, and industry expertise, we are poised to capture the hearts of those embarking on the journey of marriage.

We are committed to adapting to the evolving needs of our clients and to the trends of the wedding industry, ensuring the longevity and success of our wedding planning business.

We are excited to embark on this venture and are confident in the viability and future success of our wedding planning services.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of a wedding planning services - the marketing strategy for a wedding planning services

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for a wedding planner and our financial plan for a wedding planner .

Initial expenses for our wedding planning business include securing a workspace, investing in planning software, creating an attractive and functional website, marketing to attract clients, and building a portfolio of vendors and venues. We will also allocate funds for insurance, legal fees, and staff training to ensure a high level of professionalism and service quality.

Our revenue assumptions are based on an in-depth analysis of the local wedding market, taking into account the number of weddings per year, average wedding budgets, and the demand for personalized wedding planning services.

We expect a steady growth in clientele, beginning with a conservative number of contracts and expanding as our reputation for creating memorable weddings spreads.

The projected income statement outlines expected revenues from our wedding planning services, costs of goods sold (such as subcontractor fees, materials), and operating expenses (office rent, marketing, salaries, etc.).

This results in a forecasted net profit that is essential for assessing the long-term viability of our wedding planning business.

The projected balance sheet provides a snapshot of our business's financial standing, including assets such as office equipment and software, and liabilities like business loans or accounts payable.

It will display the net worth of our wedding planning business at the end of each fiscal period.

Our projected cash flow statement will detail the cash inflows from our services and outflows for business expenses, helping us to ensure we have sufficient cash on hand to meet our obligations and invest in growth opportunities.

The projected financing plan outlines the sources of funding we intend to tap into for covering our initial costs, such as personal savings, bank loans, or investments from partners.

The working capital requirement will be carefully managed to maintain the liquidity needed to cover day-to-day operations, including vendor payments, marketing initiatives, and staff wages.

The break-even analysis will show the number of weddings we need to plan to cover all our costs and begin generating a profit, marking the point at which our business becomes sustainable.

Key performance indicators we will monitor include the average revenue per wedding, client satisfaction ratings, the ratio of repeat to new business, and the return on investment for our marketing efforts.

These metrics will guide us in measuring the financial performance and overall success of our wedding planning business.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for a wedding planning services .

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How to start a wedding planning business

February 28, 2022

• Before you say “I do”...
• Create a business plan

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Did you grow up dreaming of your wedding day? If you’ve had a scrapbook or Pinterest filled with pictures of dresses and floral displays for as long as you can remember, you may be ready to dream beyond your own wedding ceremony and begin a career as a wedding planner.

Luckily, there’s no required training or licensure to become a wedding planner. And getting started on a new career path always takes time and perseverance. However, if you have a passion for helping other couples make their wedding picture-perfect, all you need to get started is a little know-how. This wedding planning business guide gives it to you.

Before you say “I do”…

As any great wedding planner knows, the key to a successful event is making sure you understand the requirements (and expectations) of the job. If you’re thinking of starting your own wedding planning business, you know that the job isn’t all cake tastings and champagne toasts.

If you’re just starting out and don’t have experience in event planning, it may be helpful to get a start working as an assistant to an experienced wedding or event planner. An experienced planner will teach you the lessons they learned early on so you hopefully don’t repeat their same mistakes.

Planning a wedding requires the following traits:

• Great communication skills – Understand the couple’s tastes and preferences, and communicate clearly with your clients, your staff, and your subcontractors.
• Creativity – Everyone wants a unique wedding. Can you come up with a creative, unique solution for each client?
• An eye for detail – A couple is hiring you so they don’t have to worry about the details. It’s important to cross your t’s and dot your i’s. This includes outlining a crisis plan.

When it comes to how to start a wedding planning business, you may need to secure some start-up funding. Even if you have enough cash on-hand to begin marketing and promoting your services, it’s important to begin with a clear, detailed plan so that you know exactly what you hope to accomplish in your first year of business (and beyond).

A strong business plan will help you with everything from pitching yourself to potential clients to taking on a manageable number of ceremonies. It should answer:

What are your goals and vision? – How does your wedding planning business stand out from your competitors? Do you cater to a niche market, offer flat-rate packages, or have a particular design focus that can woo customers?

What steps will you take to achieve your goals? – Do you have potential business partners? Potential customers? How will you market and promote your services?

What is your budget? – How much money do you need to cover your costs until your business becomes profitable? How many ceremonies will you need to plan before your business turns a profit?

How will you structure your business? – Creating a legal business entity like an LLC can help to protect you from some liability. What other steps will you take to legitimize your business and protect yourself from risk?

Having a clear business plan helps you to set achievable goals and take concrete steps towards them.

A website is the first step in your online marketing campaign and will be your digital portfolio. Thankfully, smart website builders such as Wix and Squarespace make it easier than ever to create an attractive site that reflects your style without needing a development background.

The key elements of any good business website are:

Design – A big part of your job as a wedding planner is creating a ceremony to remember. Make sure your website reflects your style.

Your bio – clients want a planner they can relate to as they’re entrusting their big day in your hands. Your bio should reflect your style and personality – include some fun facts to help you stand out.

Portfolio & client reviews – Clients want to be able to imagine their wedding. Consider planning a friend’s wedding, or even staging a mock wedding with a photographer you’d hire for future events. This can help you to convey professionalism and experience as you’re getting started.

Contact information & form – you need a way for prospective clients to easily contact you. Include a phone number and form so people can submit their details. Don’t forget to call prospective clients back as soon as possible – ideally 24-48 hours.

Social proof – Include links to your profiles on industry organizations or websites such as Wedding Wire or The Knot to help potential clients know you’re legitimate. And, if you’ve received any awards or badges, make sure to include those on your website. Additionally, make sure to link to your social profiles.

SEO – Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is how to help your website show up in the search results. The basic setup doesn’t take a marketing degree: simply follow your website builder’s instructions for adding page descriptions, and be sure to include keywords related to your local area so you can show up in local search results.

Once you have a site, start showing it off to your network and updating your social profiles with a link to your website.

Once you land your first gig, it’s important to make sure your business is protected in the event that something goes wrong. As you start your new venture, you’re likely excited, even giddy—but it’s important to come down from cloud nine and assess your risks.

Any time people gather together, there’s the risk that an accident could hurt someone or damage their property. And when it comes to their wedding day, people can become especially litigious. The cost of legal fees alone might burn through your start-up budget.

Most wedding planners can benefit from the following kinds of insurance policies:

General liability insurance provides coverage against client and third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and advertising injury.

Professional liability insurance , also called errors & omission (E&O) insurance, provides coverage against claims of negligence and errors related to your work.

In addition, make sure you’re working with venues and vendors that carry their own insurance policies.

When you’re just getting started, you may only have a single wedding to plan in the months ahead. It may seem like an annual insurance policy just isn’t worth it or a cost you can spare.

But you don’t have to pay for insurance when you’re not working. That’s why there’s Thimble’s Wedding Planner Insurance . Our fast, flexible policies go by the hour, day, or month. You can take out insurance just for an afternoon of venue tours with your clients, or for an entire wedding weekend.

And while a wedding may take months to plan, you can get insurance in just 60 seconds. All you have to do is enter a few details about your business, and we’ll generate your free quote. Click purchase, and your proof of insurance will arrive in your email inbox right away.

Starting a business can be scary, but with the right steps, you can look forward to a long and happy career as a wedding planner. Remember to:

• Understand the job requirements
• Build your online portfolio (your website)
• Protect yourself from risk with insurance

Pop the champagne—you’re ready to be your own boss!

Written on February 28, 2022

Our editorial content is intended for informational purposes only and is not written by a licensed insurance agent. Terms and conditions for rate and coverage may vary by class of business and state.

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Business Plan Template for Wedding Planner

• Great for beginners
• Ready-to-use, fully customizable Subcategory
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Planning a wedding is a labor of love, but running a wedding planning business requires careful strategy and organization. That's where ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners comes in!

With this template, you can create a comprehensive business plan that will help you:

• Outline your strategies and goals for success in the competitive wedding industry
• Identify your target market and tailor your services to meet their needs
• Calculate financial forecasts and budgets to ensure profitability
• Define your unique value proposition and set yourself apart from the competition

Take your wedding planning business to the next level with ClickUp's Business Plan Template and position yourself for success in the ever-romantic world of weddings!

Business Plan Template for Wedding Planner Benefits

Planning a successful wedding planning business requires careful strategy and preparation. By using a business plan template, wedding planners can:

• Outline their business goals and objectives, ensuring clarity and focus
• Identify their target market and tailor their services to meet their needs
• Calculate financial forecasts, helping to manage expenses and maximize profitability
• Define their unique value proposition, setting themselves apart from competitors
• Guide their operations, making informed decisions and minimizing risks
• Position themselves for success in the competitive wedding industry, attracting more clients and growing their business.

Main Elements of Wedding Planner Business Plan Template

Are you a wedding planner looking to streamline your business planning process? ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners has got you covered!

With this template, you'll have all the essential elements to create a comprehensive and effective business plan:

• Custom Statuses: Track the progress of each section of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do, ensuring that every aspect is accounted for and on track.
• Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to add relevant details and keep your business plan organized and easily accessible.
• Custom Views: Explore different perspectives with five unique views, including Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide, allowing you to focus on specific aspects of your plan or get an overview of the entire document.

By using ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you can efficiently outline your strategies, set goals, and stay on top of your wedding planning business, ensuring success in the competitive wedding industry.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with the help of a comprehensive business plan template in ClickUp, you can stay organized and ensure a successful event. Follow these steps to effectively use the Business Plan Template for a Wedding Planner:

1. Define your vision and mission

Start by clearly defining your vision and mission for your wedding planning business. What sets you apart from other planners? What type of weddings do you specialize in? Your vision and mission will guide your business decisions and help you attract the right clients.

Use the Docs feature in ClickUp to outline your vision and mission statement.

2. Analyze the market and competition

Conduct thorough market research to understand the wedding planning industry in your area. Identify your target market, analyze the demand for wedding planning services, and study your competition. This information will help you position your business and develop effective marketing strategies.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to gather and analyze market data, competitor information, and target audience demographics.

3. Develop your services and pricing

Determine the range of services you will offer as a wedding planner. Will you provide full-service planning, coordination, or day-of coordination? Define your packages and outline what each service includes. Additionally, establish your pricing structure based on market research, competitor analysis, and your desired profit margin.

Create custom fields in ClickUp to track and organize your services, packages, and pricing details.

4. Create a marketing and sales plan

Outline your marketing and sales strategies to attract and retain clients. Identify the most effective marketing channels for reaching your target audience, such as social media, wedding directories, and local advertising. Develop a strong online presence and leverage customer testimonials and reviews to build credibility.

Use the Calendar view in ClickUp to schedule and plan your marketing and sales activities, including social media posts, blog content, and networking events.

By following these steps and utilizing ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners, you'll be well-equipped to create a successful and thriving wedding planning business.

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Wedding Planner

Wedding planning companies can use the Business Plan Template for Wedding Planner to create a comprehensive plan that outlines their strategies, goals, and financial forecasts.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a successful business plan:

• Use the Topics View to organize your plan into different sections such as marketing, operations, and finances
• The Status View will help you track the progress of each section, whether it's complete, in progress, needs revision, or still to do
• The Timeline View will give you a visual representation of your plan's milestones and deadlines
• Use the Business Plan View to have a comprehensive overview of your entire plan, including goals, strategies, and financial forecasts
• The Getting Started Guide View will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to use the template effectively
• Customize the template by adding custom fields such as Reference, Approved, and Section to provide additional information and track progress
• Update statuses and custom fields as you work on each section to keep team members informed of progress
• Monitor and analyze your plan to ensure it aligns with your business goals and objectives.
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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to start a wedding business

• Rachel Bistricer

If you're passionate about creating unforgettable moments and have a flair for organizing special events, starting a wedding business could be an exciting venture for you. This guide will take you through the steps of initiating and operating a successful wedding business, including the advantages and challenges involved in starting a business , how to go about creating a business website  and strategies for generating revenue in the wedding industry.

What is a wedding business?

A wedding business is a service-oriented business  that offers a range of services related to wedding planning and execution. Wedding businesses typically provide services such as:

Wedding planning and coordination

Venue selection and decoration

Catering and menu planning

Floral arrangements and event design

Photography and videography services

Entertainment and music coordination

Bridal and groom attire consultation

Beauty and grooming services

Why start a wedding business?

The wedding industry outlook points to healthy growth on the horizon, with projections forecasting a compound annual growth rate of 4.8% through 2030 . As engaged couples increasingly seek to personalize their special day and create memorable wedding experiences, they are willing to invest substantially in bringing their perfect wedding to life. This presents ample opportunities for wedding-focused businesses to provide customized products and services tailored to discerning couples. By staying on top of wedding industry trends and gaining insights into what engaged couples are looking for, you can strategically position a new wedding business.

How to start a wedding business in 6 steps

Create a business plan

Select a business structure

Obtain business financing or capital

Set up accounting and bookkeeping services

Source specific wedding equipment

Register your wedding business

01. Create a business plan

Develop a comprehensive business plan  that addresses key aspects of your wedding business idea 's strategy, such as your target market, executive summary, marketing strategy  and financial projections. This plan acts as a guide for your business, helping to communicate your vision to potential investors during fundraising efforts. It should also include other important business information such as the type of business  you plan to start and your choice of a business name . 

Here’s a wedding business plan template to get you started:

Wedding business plan template

Executive Summary

Business Name:  [Your Wedding Business Name]

Business Structure:  [Sole Proprietorship/Partnership/LLC/Corporation]

Location:  [City, State]

Founding Date:  [Month, Year]

Founders/Owners:  [Names]

Mission Statement:  [Concise statement of the business’s purpose]

Business Description

Overview:  Briefly describe your wedding business, highlighting key features, services, and specialties.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):  Clearly define what sets your business apart from competitors.

Target Market:  Identify your primary client demographic and market segment.

Services and Specialties

List and describe the wedding services and specialties your business will offer.

Include areas such as wedding planning, venue selection, catering, photography, and entertainment.

Market Analysis

Industry Overview:  Provide an overview of the wedding industry, including trends and growth projections.

Competitor Analysis:  Identify key competitors, analyze their strengths and weaknesses.

Target Audience:  Define your target client profile and their preferences.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

Marketing Plan:  Outline your strategies for promoting the business, both online and offline.

Pricing Strategy:  Detail your pricing structure and any promotional pricing.

Sales Tactics:  Describe how you will attract clients and secure wedding projects.

Operational Plan

Location and Facilities:  Describe your office location and facilities.

Suppliers:  List and describe key suppliers for goods and services.

Staffing:  Outline your staffing plan, including roles and responsibilities.

Financial Plan

Startup Costs:  Detail initial investment requirements and startup expenses.

Revenue Projections:  Provide realistic revenue projections for the first 3-5 years.

Operating Costs:  Outline ongoing operating expenses, including utilities, software, and staff salaries.

Funding Requirements:  Specify any funding needed and potential sources (loans, investors).

Funding Proposal

Purpose of Funding:  Clearly state how the funds will be utilized.

Amount Needed:  Specify the amount of funding required.

Repayment Plan:  Outline the proposed repayment plan for loans or investments.

Risk Analysis

Identify potential risks and challenges that may impact the success of your wedding business.

Develop strategies to mitigate and manage these risks.

Include any additional documents or information relevant to your business plan.

Examples: Portfolio samples, resumes of key team members and mock-ups of design proposals.

Summarize the key points of your business plan and highlight the potential success of your wedding business.

Conclude with a call to action or next steps.

Note: This template serves as a general guide. Adjust and expand sections based on your specific business model and goals.

02. Select a business structure

Choose an appropriate business entity  or structure for your wedding business, whether it’s a sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC ) or corporation . Each structure comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so select the one that aligns with your business objectives.

Learn more: How to start an LLC

03. Obtain business financing or capital

Starting a wedding business involves initial costs. Secure financing through methods like bank loans, grants, or investments from stakeholders to launch and sustain your business.

Costs that you’ll need to factor in when securing financing for your business include:

Office space and utilities

Marketing and advertising campaigns

Making a website  and its maintenance

Event planning software and technology infrastructure

Initial salaries and benefits for employees

Professional memberships and certifications

Insurance coverage (liability, professional indemnity)

Legal fees for contracts and compliance

04. Set up accounting and bookkeeping systems

Establish robust accounting and bookkeeping systems from the beginning to track income, expenses, and ensure financial viability. This includes managing tax obligations if applicable.

05. Source specific wedding equipment

Acquire the necessary equipment for your wedding business, including event planning software, computers, and design tools. Ensure that your technology infrastructure supports efficient event coordination and communication. Some more specific examples of this include:

Event planning software for collaboration

Computers and design tools

Printers and scanners for document preparation

Furniture for the office workspace

Photography and videography equipment

Decorative items and props for event styling

Catering and serving equipment

06. Register your wedding business

Register your wedding business in compliance with local regulations, obtain the required licenses and secure appropriate insurance coverage including liability and professional indemnity insurance.

Learn more: How to register a business , How to get a business license

Tips for managing your wedding business for profitability

Once you’ve got your wedding business off the ground, you’ll need to understand how to properly run and manage it in order to make sure it’s profitable. Here are some general tips on how to achieve that. 

Research your industry and gain a deep understanding of the wedding industry, including market competition, target demographics and client preferences. Gain practical experience by working with established wedding planners or participating in relevant events.

Develop a robust marketing strategy from the beginning to proactively promote your wedding business. Create a professional website showcasing your portfolio, services, and client testimonials. Utilize social media platforms for targeted marketing.

Exceptional customer service is crucial for success in the wedding industry. Ensure open communication, meet client expectations, and go the extra mile to create a memorable experience.

Wedding businesses to inspire (all built on Wix)

Shreeji weddings.

Design team planning wedding ceremony decorations to provide a unique design and experience. 

Emily Rose Weddings

Personal wedding coordinator With experience in wedding day planning, preparation, supplier liaison and client support. 

Applewood Farms

Wedding venue offering a wide variety of customizable menus and design options.

Benefits of starting a wedding business

Operating a wedding business allows you to turn your passion for events into a thriving career. You have the flexibility to be your own boss, set your schedule, and contribute to the creation of memorable moments for couples.

Challenges of running a wedding business

Wedding planning requires diverse skills, including organization, creativity, and effective communication. Coordinating multiple elements of a wedding, managing client expectations, and handling unforeseen challenges are common challenges in the industry.

How profitable is a wedding business?

The profitability of a wedding business depends on factors such as location, market demand, competition, pricing strategies, and service quality. Building a reputation for delivering exceptional events and streamlining business processes can contribute to higher profitability.

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OK – you've made this HUGE decision that you want to start a wedding planning business. But not just ANY kind of wedding planning business. You want to build a business that gets amazing clients, is successful, and allows you to build and grow something that's YOURS.

You want to plan gorgeous weddings, work with incredible clients, get featured in magazines, and spend your days obsessing over linen swatches, pretty flowers, candles, and of course, the logistics that make all the pretty happen.

In this blog post, I've put together my 12+ years of experience in running a profitable, multi six figure, multi-country wedding planning & design business so you can learn how to start a wedding planning business you love quicker, faster, and better.

First, let me say how delighted I am for you. In other words, when I started my wedding planning and design company back in 2007, I had the same feelings you did about creating the life and career I wanted.

I was excited, nervous, energized, and willing to consume any information on starting a wedding planning business.

(Back in 2007, that information was hard to come by. There were not a lot of resources on how to start a wedding planning business. However, you've got a lot of information on hand to guide you.)

I'm going to break down how to start a wedding planning business–but not just any kind of wedding planning business–one that will be profitable and scalable.

Here are the 11 steps you need to take to start and grow your new wedding planning business:

Step 1: Know What Kind Of Wedding Planning Business You Want to Build

Before you do anything, knowing what kind of wedding planning business you want is the first step. I've got an easy exercise for you to figure this out, too.

We call it vision casting.

It's important to know what kind of business you want, which will help you write strategies to make that business come to life.

In addition, we can't know what we're really building until we see the destination we want to arrive at, right?

That's what vision casting is. It's knowing the destination you want to arrive at–the business that you want.

To make this even easier for you, I've recorded an entire podcast episode on how to vision cast for your business. 👇

Episode 42 of my podcast for wedding pros, The Power in Purpose Podcast gives you step-by-step guidance and action on how to start your wedding planning biz with vision casting.

Everyone is building a different kind of business under different circumstances. For instance, you might want to have a career that allows you to raise your family at the same time. Or, you might want to build a million-dollar empire.

This is why it's important to know what kind of business YOU want so that you can reverse engineer the strategies that it will take to get there.

Don't skip this step. And listen to this podcast episode to get started.

Step 2: Write A Business Plan For Your Wedding Planning Business

Yes, I know you wanted to skip this part–biz plans are so 2007, aren't they?

No. They're essential. To build the wedding planning business YOU want (the one you're going to vision cast for!), you have to write a strategy to get there.

That's what a business plan is: an overarching strategy for getting from where you are today to where you want to go. And it cannot be overlooked.

Writing your business plan doesn't have to be challenging or overwhelming. You don't need an MBA or a fancy degree to start a business.

Instead, you just need to discover a problem that needs solving, and then your business becomes the solution.

With that said, I know that writing a business plan isn't the easiest (or sexiest) task.

That's why I've created my Free Business Plan Outline + Guide , a way to jumpstart your efforts and get you to write a plan for your wedding planning business.

Write a wedding planner business plan with this free guidebook and outline. It'll take you from stuck to start. I take all the guesswork out of how to write a business plan and even teach you some strategies. Plus, it's free! That's why I want to make sure you grab it.

Step 3: Know The “Ideal Clients” Your Wedding Planning Business Will Serve

The #1 reason why businesses fail is they don't know who their customers are. They don't really, truly, and personally know their customers. 

Their values.

Their problems.

However, this isn't going to be you; you're here to learn how to start a wedding planning business–and a crucial step is knowing your ideal clients!

Instead, you're going to create a business that fully understands who your ideal clients are so that you can solve their problems quicker, faster, and better than anyone else.

You must get specific about your ideal clients and why they need you to solve their problems. Knowing more about what motivates them, what they value, what challenges they face, and yes, what problems they have means you can position yourself as the solution.

I want to clarify that knowing your ideal clients is more than knowing what kind of car they drive, their favorite color, and their age range. Moreover, those things are essential but only tell you part of the story.

If you want to book high-end clients in the wedding industry, you need to check out The Client Cocktail . In this mini-training, I teach you how to call in dreamy clients and magazine-worthy weddings.

When you start your business, you'll be tempted to serve everyone and anyone. That's one of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make: they reason they'll cast a wide net, increasing their chances of customers. After all, the wider the net, the more you can catch, right?

What ends up happening is you become too watered down, too unspecific, and too generic. However, by appealing to everyone, you appeal to no one because no one can really connect with your company.

They don't look at what you offer, your message, and say, “This is for me.”

Step 4: Create A Wedding Planning Brand That Gets Noticed

There are a lot of wedding planners out there. What makes you different?

One of the cornerstones of marketing is that people buy with their eyes, and your brand–aka the visual manifestation of your company–is what sets you apart.

You need to create a visual brand that gets noticed.

One that makes YOUR ideal client stop in their tracks.

One that makes your perfect client buy with their eye.

Your visual branding helps to accelerate the know/like/trust factor with your customers. The couple who wants to hire someone like you lands on your website or sees some of your marketing, and because of its polished nature and overall experience, they want to know more.

After you've set a vision and written your business plan, don't let it all fall apart by having a bad logo and website.

Your clients will notice immediately that your business doesn't live up to what it offers. And they will click off.

You have a matter of seconds to capture someone's attention (sometimes, it's a fraction of that number!). How will you capture the attention of your ideal clients with your marketing and branding?

Here are some quick resources for you to start creating a kick-ass wedding planning brand from DAY ONE (bc that's how we roll!)

• Showit Website Platform : To create a GORGEOUS website (it's my website platform!)
• Sourced Co : For incredible stock images created JUST for wedding pros. You can find images for marketing and your website, making it easy to start without a portfolio. Use code PLAYBOOK to get a special discount.
• Hautestock : Use code CANDICE for 15% off gorgeous stock images that don't look stock. Firstly, Hautestock's images are great for your website to fill in the gaps where you might not have a portfolio. Secondly, they make perfect social media posts so you can start marketing TODAY – even if you don't have any clients or work!
• Styled Stock : Another fantastic styled stock membership for beautiful stock images that don't look like “stock images.”

Step 5: Work More On Your Wedding Planning Business Than In It

You had the idea to start a wedding planning business because you want to be a wedding planner. However, when you decide to open up your own company, you're a business owner first. Wedding planner, second.

They say that businesses fail not only because they don't know their ideal clients but because the owner of that business doesn't work on their business. 

You toil away at being the best wedding planner, focusing all your time on planning weddings and serving your clients, but what about the business owner side? 

I want you to work more ON your business than IN your business. Consider yourself a business owner above all other roles you might have in your business.

Owning a business is like having a classic car: it needs love, care, and attention. It needs you to tune it, fix what's broken, and invest in its care.

If you're serious about owning a wedding planning business, consider yourself an entrepreneur first and a business owner second.

My advice? Seek education to help you build and grow your wedding planning business from the ground up correctly. Find mentors and business owners who are where you want to be and hire them to help you.

In addition, you should invest in courses , conferences, and other educational avenues to learn all you can and speed up your results.

Always learning, always moving forward. That's my motto.

Step 6: Network With The Right People

The wedding industry is mostly about connections, and some of the most incredible business comes from referrals (if you sign up for The Client Cocktail , you'll know how important this is!).

You have to seek out new connections as much as possible–but not just any old “links”–and focus on the right ones.

As you set out to market your business, you must get in front of the right people. Ideally, the people and companies that are already in front of your ideal clients.

They have the power to refer to you and to help lift your business alongside theirs.

Do you want to know one of the first things I did when I started my business?

I networked my butt off. Networking with the right people was one of the first things I did when I started my business, which paid off. I was armed with my biz plan, a vision for the future, and a nice-looking brand/website. I sought out businesses that were already in front of my ideal clients.

And it paid off in dividends. 

Step 7: Know Your Marketing Message And Market Your Wedding Planning Business As Much As You Can

Marketing is simply sharing your message so that it reaches the right people. What's your message?

Your company's mission, vision, and purpose are vital. They connect you to your customers and ground you when the going gets tough.

You need to have a clear, concise message about what your company does, how life looks for your customers after you do it, and why you do it in the first place.

Step 8: Make Mistakes, Try New Things & Do It Your Way

When you start a business, you follow the same path as those you admire. No doubt you've rapidly followed a bunch of people on the ‘gram who are killing it in their wedding planning biz right now.

And you're probably thinking: I need to do it this way too.

Maybe. Or maybe not. Don't fall into the trap of copying what other folks are doing. That's their business–their vision–not yours.

I want you to feel empowered to do it YOUR way. Sure, you can seek out roadmaps and blueprints on how to build your business, but make sure you adapt what you learn as it fits your unique circumstances.

Don't build someone else's business. Build yours.

If you want to hear some of my epic wedding planning mistakes, check out my tales from the clipboard email series.

Step 9: Give Your Business Time To Grow & Take Root

As a business coach for wedding planners and pros, I've seen biz owners quit just when the going gets going. Owning a wedding planning business is a marathon and not a sprint. It takes time for your efforts to start to take root.

When I started my company, it took me six months to land my first client. Imagine if I had quit five months and two weeks in? 

I want you to know that things take time. Give your business time to take root. It will happen with consistency and perseverance. Don't quit at the first failure. 

Remember, your failures lead you toward your successes.

Patience is necessary for business (just like with most things in life). The strategies you implement today may not show results for 3-6 months. But they will see results if you give them a chance. 

Step 10: Hire A Wedding Planning Mentor And Learn, Learn, Learn

Let me ask you a serious question. Why not hire someone to help you do all the above and teach you the ropes so that you can accelerate your business quicker and faster?

There is no greater gift you can give your biz than enlisting the help of someone who has been where you want to go.

As a wedding industry business coach and mentor , of course, I will advocate for what I do. And that's because I've seen the results my expertise brings to those that I humbly help.

If you're serious about starting a wedding planning business, pay for an expert to teach you the road to success. 

I want you to be open to learning as much as you can from trusted sources as you navigate the tricky road of entrepreneurship. Recognize that you don't know everything, be 100% coachable, and apply what you learn in your business.

The truth is, you'll achieve the results you want quicker, better, and faster than you had expected.

Step 11: Believe In Yourself

Finally, I want you to believe in yourself because you were put on this earth for great things.

No, seriously, I want you to believe in your abilities to design a business you love, a business YOU want. While you may lack experience in certain areas, you have a wealth of knowledge about how things work.

You're smart. You're driven. And you're here for the right reasons. Believe in your abilities to learn as you go and apply your knowledge and unique life experiences to the services and products you provide.

For instance, too many people quit because they lack the confidence and belief in themselves to do what they want to do. I don't want you to be one of those people. 

I believe in you. So believe in yourself. All things are possible, and you CAN design a business that you love–and one that gives back to your meaningful life.

And if you're ready to take your wedding planning dreams to the next level, I want to invite you to check out my coaching program for wedding planners .

The Planner's Playbook is your secret weapon for planning, designing, and coordinating high-end weddings like a pro. The doors to this program are open now for a limited time. Click here to learn more about The Planner's Playbook!

Not ready for that? Then grab my free course on how to start your wedding planning business!

Let's summarize this post so you can start your wedding planning business:

How do I start a wedding planning business?

Follow these steps to start and launch your wedding planning business:

It's important to know what kind of business YOU want so that you can reverse engineer the strategies that it will take to get there. Don't skip this step.

Every business needs a strategy to grow and scale. Sit down and write your business plan using your vision as a guide for the strategies you'll create in marketing, sales, services, and pricing.

Businesses exist to serve their customers. Who are you serving? Know your ideal client as well as you know your BFF–and then create products and solutions that help them.

The wedding industry is a saturated market. You'll need to create a brand that stands out from the competition and gets noticed. How will you be different from the rest?

Initially, it'll be easy because you won't have many clients. But as your business grows, it's important to continue working on it more than in it.

The wedding industry is a people industry. Form relationships and connections with the right people–the businesses already in front of your dreamy clients–and watch your biz grow.

Marketing is simply sharing your message so it reaches the right people. Know your message and watch your ICAs start knocking on your door.

Resist the temptation to copy others and be confident that you can do things your way. A signature way of doing anything for your customers will set you apart from the competition.

Nothing happens overnight. It could take months to land your first wedding, so give your business time to take root. Don't rush the brush, so to speak. That moment you feel like quitting? Keep going.

Why try and figure this out all on your own when you could hire someone to help you achieve your goals quicker, faster, and better? Hire a mentor who has been where you want to go and watch how quickly you scale.

A little confidence goes a long way. Believe in your worthiness, experience, creativity, and capabilities. You can do this.

If you're serious about starting your wedding planning business, here are some resources I offer to help:

• Free Business Plan Outline + Guide
• Free Course To Launch Your Wedding Planning Business
• The Client Cocktail
• The Planner's Playbook
• WeddingPro Insiders
• Wedding Planner Business Tools

Know that I'm cheering you on and believing in you. 

Explore More Wedding Industry Resources

• How To Become A Wedding Planner With No Experience
• 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Wedding Planning Business

The Ultimate Wedding Planner Templates in 2024

Why you should write a business plan in 2024 for your wedding business.

• How To Prepare For Your First Wedding As A Wedding Planner
• 6 Things You Need To Include In Your Wedding Planner Process
• How To Build Your Portfolio As A Wedding Planner When You’re Just Starting Out
• Why You Need To Create A Client Journey As A Wedding Planner
• How To Get Wedding Clients When You’re Just Starting Out
• Day of Coordination: The Pros and Cons as a Wedding Planner
• How Much Should You Charge As A Wedding Planner? Learn How To Figure Out Your Wedding Planner Pricing
• 5 Contracts Every Wedding Planner Must Have To Be Legally Set
• The #1 Reason Why You’re Not Booking The Right Wedding Clients (And How To Fix It)
• 5 Online Wedding Planning Tools You Need to Use

How To Become A Destination Wedding Planner

• 4 Strategies That Will Help You Book MORE Of Your Ideal Clients
• 5 Tips On Crafting a Business Plan To Book Out Your Biz With Your Ideal Clients And Get Paid
• What A Business Plan Will REALLY Reveal About Your Business
• 6 Reasons Why I Recommend Asana for Wedding Planners
• Are You a Disorganized Wedding Planner? Let’s Fix That With These Organized Wedding Planner Tips!

For More Wedding Planner Business Secrets Follow Me On Instagram

What’s my delusional main character energy? Swipe to see 👉🏻 If you saw my email this morning, then you already know what this #FridayIntroductions post is about! I heard this phrase the other day while scrolling social media and I literally gasped, lol. I was like OMG, I love that. And it got me thinking about delusional main character energy, and how our businesses probably need an infusion of it from time to time.  So today, I wanted to share which delusional main character’s energy I’m channeling these days! I’ll admit, this one took me a while. I even polled Jason, my husband, to get his take on it. He suggested Tony Soprano?? LOL! 🤔🤷‍♀️ I LIVE for The Golden Girls and the older I get, the less fucks I give - like our good Sicilian girl Sophia Petrillo. I love her honesty, quick wit, and how she doesn’t take any shit. Plus that rattan purse? Iconic!!!!! I’m in my “picture it” era. ✨ Here’s some encouragement today to introduce yourself on social media and share which delusional main character’s energy you’re channeling these days! Tag me - I wanna see. I truly believe that the more you can show up as the owner of your business - with your full personality, style, hot takes, and fun quirks - the better your marketing will be. And when your marketing is good, your business grows in exposure, branding, clientele, sales, and impact. XO! #smallbusinessowner #maincharacterenergy #weddingpros #weddingindustry #candicecoppola #weddingproinsiders #theplannersplaybook #weddingplanner #weddingblog #weddingbusiness #honeybook #theressomethingabouther #baddiefriends

Can a podcast help grow your wedding industry business - and could it help you grow your brand, leads, and generate more revenue? 🤔 That’s the question we are asking today on the latest episode of The Power in Purpose with my special guest! Desiree Adams of @verveeventco and @asktheplannerpodcast shares a real BTS look at how she launched her podcast, what hosting a podcast involves, and if it’s *actually* helped her grow her business. Plus, we discuss how it led to launching a digital shop of templates and tools! 👇🏻 Comment below 131 and I’ll DM you the link to my convo with Des. You’re going to be SURPRISED by her insights ❤️ #thepowerinpurposepodcast #asktheplanner #podcasting #weddingindustry #weddingindustrymarketing #weddingpros #weddingpro #weddingprofessionals #weddingplanners #weddingplanning #weddingphotography #businessmarketing #podcastersofinstagram

This is a gratitude post. For YOU. 🫶🏼✨💕 I can’t tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of you who hang out with me here on the internet, and in real life. Thanks for inviting me into your feed, inbox, ears, and business. I feel immensely grateful that I get the opportunity to help other people realize their own dreams. Thanks for trusting lil ole me with your amazing business. I promise that you’re in good hands, and I’ll never (intentionally) steer you wrong! So cheers to you. Thanks for letting me be part of your circle. 💕❤️✨🫶🏼 #gratitude #candicecoppola #weddingpros #givethanks #weddingindustry #weddingpro #weddingindustryeducation #weddingindustryexperts #weddingbusiness #businesscoach #businesscoaching

Unlimited is unattainable. If you want to stop scope creep in your wedding industry business, you need to do a few things - including removing services like “unlimited email communications” and “unlimited phone calls.” I think scope creep is one of the BIGGEST problems service based businesses face and it’s the quickest way to burn out AND unhappy clients. If you’re saying yes to things outside your scope of work, then ✨ comment below the term SCOPE CREEP ✨ and I’ll send you the link to my latest YouTube video, where I break down how wedding pros can reduce or eliminate scope creep from their business. Scope creep is like death by a thousand paper cuts. It’s small yeses that over time, take over your work. But with a few tweaks, you can get back on the right track! #candicecoppola #weddingpros #weddingpro #weddingindustry #weddingindustryeducation #weddingindustryexperts #businesstips #productivity #weddingbusiness #weddingmba #engage #engagesummits #weddingproinsiders #theplannersociety #theplannersplaybook #plannersplaybook

Want more? Check out this video on my YouTube channel ↓

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Wedding planning business can be very successful career, if you work properly before establishing it. Many people learn the basic etiquettes about wedding planning while event planning course. If you want to get basic knowledge you can also get a course from a good institution and start up your business. Though it is a very interesting and joyful business for those, who love thrill and fun, but at the same time it demands commitment lots of energy and stress. Before starting up your business for wedding planning if you follow some important points, you can get better result in start and get good grip over your business soon.

Great post! I read your blog fairly often and you’re always coming out with some great stuff. I shared this on my Facebook and my followers loved it! Keep up the good work. 🙂

Nice post. I just found this article while searching for ways to improve my wedding business. This is not only helpful for people looking to start a wedding business, I got a lot out of it after being in business for nearly 20 years. Thanks for the great info!

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How to Start a Wedding Planning Business

How to become a wedding planner and hit the ground running

If you’re organized, creative, and have volunteered to plan every party since you were a kid, you might have thought about how great it would be to plan events professionally. Pair that with the fact that you might have already helped more than a few friends plan their weddings and you could be seriously considering it. But, as much as you want to jump headfirst into the deep end, the part of you that always thinks ahead wants to make sure you have all of your proverbial ducks in a row (you are naturally organized after all). So today, we wanted to help you map out what you need to make that fun and fulfilling career choice a reality by walking you through the steps it takes to start a wedding planning business . From making sure you’re filing all the necessary paperwork to building a brand that attracts your dream clients, grab your to-do list and take all the notes you need to get your business off the ground.

“How do I start a wedding planning business?”

In the moments after you decided that becoming a wedding planner was what you wanted to pursue, you likely asked yourself, “ How do I start a wedding planning business?” And you’re not alone in wondering this—many successful wedding planners don’t have a background in business and started searching for answers to the same question. Lucky for you, you’re here reading this article and we’ve already mapped out most of your first steps for you. 

If you want to start a wedding planning business , read this first.

The piece we linked covers a lot of the fundamental tasks you need to take care of as you start your own business in the wedding industry. From making sure you’ve completed the necessary filings (to make sure your business is legit) and what’s important to have in your contracts to our favorite small business software and marketing tips to get you started, the article is more than worth the read (and a bookmark for future reference).

Invest in your education

While you don’t have to get a 4-year degree, it is still important to invest in your education because there is so much to being a professional wedding planner (read: it is very different from planning a family member or friend’s wedding). You need to know how to onboard your clients , run a ceremony rehearsal, and create a wedding day timeline (just to name a few)—so investing in an educational course, workshop or certification is highly recommended.

Pro-tip : WeddingPro Educators Lindsay Longacre and Heather Hoesch put their 20+ years of wedding planning experience to work and created the Planner Life Academy online course for wedding planners . If you’re looking for a great way to learn from home and get tons of templates to build your business from, this course is it.

In addition to learning how to become a wedding planner in a more traditional sense, it’s important to get some hands-on experience before taking on clients of your own. You can ask more established planners if they are looking for interns or day-of assistants or simply ask to shadow them to see more of what goes into a successful wedding day.  

Create a business plan

A business plan is a fundamental document for any wedding business, and it is one that often gets overlooked since most pros in the industry didn’t go to business school. But you don’t have to (nor should you) skip this important step in planning just because you don’t know where to start! A business plan is simply a document that describes what you do as a business, outlines your business goals as well as how you plan to achieve them—and you should learn what goes into creating a 5-year plan for your business before diving into anything else.

Pro-tip : You might realize there are people you need help from as you work to start a wedding planning business and reach your goals. Here are 8 business resources you need to have on speed dial.

Define your ideal clients

Once you’ve spent time thinking about your business goals and have started to plan out what you need to do to reach them, it’s a great time to start defining your ideal clients . Sure, you might be in the phase of business where you’ll book just about any couple who comes your way (truthfully, this is where most pros start), but having a clear understanding of who your clients are now and who they will be in the future will help you plan for growth and success. Block some time on your calendar to create client avatars for:

• The couples you want to attract and book as your clients in your first 1-2 years in business
• The couples you want to grow into booking more of (these details will be tied to the goals you have mapped out for about your 3 rd year in business)
• The couples who are your most ideal client—nothing says you can’t book ideal clients right out of the gate, but for many new wedding planners, it is something they have to grow into

Creating your packages and price your services

Because weddings take months (sometimes more than a year) to plan, it can be overwhelming to develop your service packages and price them to be profitable. The good news is that there are 4 common types of wedding planning services, and your job is to mainly define what yours will include:

• Full-service wedding planning
• Partial wedding planning services
• Wedding management
• Wedding coordination

How you price your services will depend on your market and will be influenced by your experience. You should learn more about these pricing strategies before finalizing yours, and while you might want to set your prices a bit lower because you are just starting out, don’t start so low that you are undercutting others or making your path to higher prices a longer one. 

Pro-tip : Your pricing is fluid, and you should review it every year. Here are 4 reasons to raise your prices annually .

Build a brand and name your business

A lot of people are tempted to start their business planning with branding, but the truth of the matter is, you have to know what your business is doing and who it is doing it for before you can build the right brand for it. The good news is—this is the part of becoming a wedding planner that is fun for a lot of folks. You’ll want to start by coming up with a business name, purchasing a domain for your website, and securing your social media handles once you’ve landed on “the one.” From there, you might consider filing for a trademark on your business name in order to legally protect it. Which brings you to the creative part of the branding process: 

• Familiarize yourself with the brand archetypes to help you define your brand’s personality (in a way that complements what your couples are looking for in a wedding planner)
• Work with a professional graphic designer to create a brand that is unique to you and speaks to your potential clients
• Create a set of brand guidelines so your brand is being displayed consistently

Build your portfolio and create marketing materials 

If there was one part of the how-to-become-a-wedding-planner equation that perplexed people, it would be this. Because you can go through all of the steps we’ve just talked about only to feel stuck over the fact that you don’t have a portfolio or images to market your new business with. No need to stress—there are solutions to this problem. The first is to know that your portfolio includes so much more than just photos from weddings you’ve planned. It also includes your design boards, sketches, client reviews, and certifications—all of which you can use to build your wedding planner portfolio . The second thing to know is that coordinating a styled shoot as you go to launch your business is a strategic thing to do and a great way to set yourself up with images that embody your brand and speak to your ideal clients.

Pro-tip : Be sure to read this piece about styled shoots to help you pitch them and protect yourself accordingly.

Book your first client

Learning how to become a wedding planner and start a wedding planning business is a true labor of love—and you start to reap the rewards when you book for first clients. And, while some new wedding planners book family and friends to start, advertising with The Knot and WeddingWire is a great way to start building your brand and establishing yourself as a trusted professional. If you want to complement the marketing efforts you are taking with an advertising strategy that can connect you with couples looking to hire a wedding planner just like you, simply fill out this form and we’ll help get you started!

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• 2024 Wedding Trends: What You Need to Know as a Pro
• Introducing the Fellowship for Change Class of 2024

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Start A Wedding Planning Business Guide

So you have a passion for weddings and a knack for organization? Starting your own wedding planning business could be the perfect career path for you! With couples seeking assistance to ensure their special day goes off without a hitch, the demand for wedding planners has never been higher. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to start a successful wedding planning business from scratch.

Step 1: Identifying Your Niche in the Wedding Planning Industry

The first step in starting your wedding planning business is to identify your niche within the industry. Consider narrowing down your target market by specializing in a specific wedding type or theme. Do you excel in planning lavish destination weddings? Or are you more drawn to intimate backyard ceremonies? By identifying your niche, you can position yourself as an expert in that particular area and attract clients who are looking for your unique expertise.

Additionally, it is essential to research the market demand and competition. Analyze what other wedding planners are offering and identify gaps in the market that you could fill. This will help you differentiate yourself and stand out in a crowded industry.

Step 2: Creating a Business Plan for Your Wedding Planning Business

Creating a business plan is crucial for the success of any venture, including your wedding planning business. Start by outlining your business vision and mission. What sets your wedding planning services apart? Define your services and pricing structure, taking into consideration the market rates and your target audience’s budget. Conduct market research to identify your key competitors and determine your differentiating factors.

By developing a well-thought-out business plan, you will have a clear roadmap to follow and a solid foundation for your wedding planning business.

Step 3: Registering Your Wedding Planning Business

Now that you have a business plan in place, it’s time to register your wedding planning business. Choose a unique business name that reflects your brand and check its availability. Decide on a legal structure for your business, such as sole proprietorship or LLC, and register it accordingly.

Make sure to research and obtain any necessary licenses and permits required in your area. Consult with a local business advisor or attorney to ensure you meet all legal obligations. Additionally, set up a business bank account and obtain the necessary insurance coverage to protect your business and clients.

Step 4: Developing Your Wedding Planning Skills and Knowledge

To excel in the wedding planning industry, it’s important to continuously develop your skills and knowledge. Gain practical experience by seeking internships or shadowing opportunities with established wedding planners. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights into the day-to-day operations and challenges of the industry.

Investing in wedding planning courses or certification programs can also enhance your credibility and expertise. Look for reputable programs that cover a wide range of topics, such as event logistics, vendor management, budgeting, and design. As you acquire new skills, build a portfolio of wedding projects and client testimonials to showcase your capabilities.

Step 5: Building an Online Presence for Your Wedding Planning Business

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any business, including a wedding planning business. Start by creating a professional website that showcases your services, portfolio, and client testimonials. Make sure your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly.

Utilize social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to reach your target audience. Share photos and stories from weddings you have planned, provide helpful tips and advice, and engage with potential clients. Implement effective SEO strategies to improve your online visibility, such as using relevant keywords, optimizing your website for search engines, and creating quality content.

Step 6: Networking and Collaborating with Other Wedding Professionals

Networking and collaboration play a vital role in the wedding planning industry. Attend wedding expos, industry events, and networking groups to connect with fellow professionals, vendors, and venues. Establishing relationships with trusted partners will not only expand your network but also allow you to offer comprehensive services to your clients.

Join professional associations and organizations in the wedding industry, such as the Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA) or the National Association for Wedding Professionals (NAWP). These associations provide valuable resources, educational opportunities, and a community of like-minded individuals to learn from and collaborate with.

Step 7: Developing a Marketing Strategy to Attract Clients

Now that you have laid the groundwork for your wedding planning business, it’s time to develop a marketing strategy to attract clients. Start by identifying your target audience and creating buyer personas. Determine their preferences, needs, and pain points to tailor your marketing efforts effectively.

Utilize both online and offline marketing channels to reach potential clients. Leverage social media advertising, Google Ads, and content marketing to generate leads online. Offline tactics such as attending bridal shows, partnering with local wedding vendors, and hosting workshops or webinars can also be effective in attracting clients.

Implement referral programs and leverage word-of-mouth marketing. Satisfied clients can be your best advocates, so encourage them to refer your services to their friends and family. Offer incentives such as discounts or bonuses for referrals to incentivize your clients.

Step 8: Providing Exceptional Customer Service and Delivering Memorable Weddings

As a wedding planner, providing exceptional customer service is paramount to your success. Building strong relationships with clients through clear communication, responsiveness, and attention to detail is key. Manage client expectations from the start and address any concerns or questions promptly.

Go above and beyond to create personalized and unforgettable experiences for your clients. Tailor your services to their unique vision and preferences. Remember, a happy couple will result in positive reviews, referrals, and a reputable brand image.

Step 9: Scaling and Growing Your Wedding Planning Business

Once your wedding planning business is up and running successfully, you may consider scaling and growing your operations. Hiring additional staff or subcontractors can help you handle larger projects and increase your capacity to serve more clients.

Consider expanding your service offerings to cater to different wedding needs. This could include offering design services, coordinating rehearsals, or providing destination wedding planning services. Stay updated with the latest trends in the industry and adapt your business accordingly to stay competitive.

Implement effective systems and processes to ensure efficiency as your business expands. This may involve utilizing project management tools, automating certain tasks, or implementing client management software to streamline operations.

Starting a wedding planning business can be a fulfilling and profitable venture for individuals with a passion for weddings and a flair for organization. By identifying your niche, creating a solid business plan, building an online presence, networking with industry professionals, and providing exceptional customer service, you can establish a successful and reputable wedding planning business. Remember, success in this industry comes with dedication, creativity, and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for your clients.

Jessica Rankin

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Wedding Planning Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Wedding Planning Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on February 7, 2022 Updated on May 23, 2024

Investment range

$2,250 - $7,600

Revenue potential

$36,000 - $120,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$32,000 - $72,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Oh, that big day that children dream about. The day when they get to be the star and marry the person of their dreams. It has to be perfect!  But planning that perfect day can be a monumental task. In comes the wedding planner to (hopefully) make it the best day of their lives. If you’re someone who loves that planning process, why not turn it into money in your pocket? You can start your own wedding planning business for just a small investment. 

First, however, you have to go through the planning process for your business. You’ll need knowledge about the process to do so, and it’s your lucky day! This step-by-step guide is chock full of tips and insights to put you on the path to becoming a successful wedding planner.

Step by Step Business values real-life experience above all. Through our  Entrepreneur Spotlight Series , we interview business leaders from diverse industries, providing readers with firsthand insights.

Uncover wedding planning tips in our interview with Epic Elopements’ founder, Amber Sironen-Massey.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Starting a wedding planning business has pros and cons to consider before deciding if it’s right for you.

• Bring Joy to Brides! – Make wedding dreams come true
• Good Money – Get paid 10% to 20% of the total wedding cost
• Flexibility – Run the business from home
• Bridezillas – The wedding day has to be perfect!
• Weekend Work – Long weekend wedding days

Wedding planning industry trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth – The US wedding planning industry is valued at just under $900 million. The industry has decreased annually by 7% per year for the last five years but is still big enough to offer opportunities.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/wedding-planners-united-states/ ))  
• Growth forecast – The global wedding services market, which includes planning, is predicted to grow around 5% yearly through 2030.(( https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/wedding-services-market-A15864 )) 
• Number of businesses – More than 20,000 wedding planners operate in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/wedding-planners-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 25,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/wedding-planners-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends in wedding planning include:

• Wedding themes are being influenced by pop culture, including shows like Bridgerton. 
• Weddings are becoming increasingly non-traditional, sometimes with “wear what you want” rules. 
• Unsurprisingly, eco-friendly weddings are trending, with recyclable materials used for as many wedding accoutrements as possible. 

Challenges in the wedding planning industry include:

• In the wake of the pandemic, people are opting for smaller guest lists, reducing fees for wedding planners.
• Many online wedding planning sites have popped up, creating new competition for traditional wedding planners.

What kind of people work as wedding planners?

• Gender – 90% of wedding planners in the US are female, while 10% are male.(( https://www.zippia.com/wedding-planner-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – 71% have a bachelor’s degree and 13% hold an associate degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/wedding-planner-jobs/demographics/#degree-level-types ))
• Average age – The average age of a wedding planner is 37 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/wedding-planner-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a wedding planning business?

Startup costs for a wedding planning business range from $2,000 to $5,000. The largest costs are for a website and an initial marketing budget.

How much can you earn from a wedding planning business?

You can charge between 10% to 20% of the total cost of the wedding, for an average of 15%. The average wedding costs $20,000, so you should earn about $3,000 per wedding. Your expenses will be limited, so you should expect a profit margin of about 90%.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and plan 12 weddings, bringing in $36,000 in annual revenue. This would mean over $32,000 in clear profit, assuming that 90% margin. As you begin to get traction and referrals, that could increase to 40 weddings a year. At this stage, you might hire a staff, reducing your profit margin to 60%. With annual revenue of $120,000, you would make a cool $72,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a wedding planning business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Having great planning skills
• Facing competition, particularly from online wedding planning services

Related Business Ideas

How to Start an Event Planning Business

How to Open a Wedding Venue

How to Start a Bridal Shop

Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a wedding planning business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research wedding planning businesses in your area to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a wedding planner who handles deliveries to the event.

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as non-traditional weddings.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your services

Make a list of all the tasks that you will handle for the wedding. You might consider making different packages of services at different price points. 

How much should you charge for wedding planning?

Generally, wedding planners are paid 10% to 20% of the total cost of the wedding. Your expenses will be limited to marketing and fuel for travel. You should aim for a profit margin of about 90%. 

Once you know your costs, you can use our profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price point. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be primarily brides and parents of the bride, which makes it a very broad market. You should spread out your marketing to include sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office. Find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Wedding Planning Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “wedding planner” or “wedding planning”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Dream Day Planners” over “Vintage Vows Wedding Planning”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Wedding Planning Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: Highlight the main goals and strategies of your wedding planning business, focusing on offering personalized, comprehensive wedding coordination services.
• Business Overview: Describe your business’s focus on planning and organizing weddings, including venue selection, vendor coordination, and event design.
• Product and Services: Detail the range of services offered, such as full wedding planning, day-of coordination, and consultation services for couples.
• Market Analysis: Assess the demand for wedding planning services, identifying target markets like engaged couples, wedding venues, or event suppliers.
• Competitive Analysis: Compare your services to other local wedding planners, focusing on your unique offerings like specialized themes, personalized service, or budget management.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategy for attracting clients, using methods like bridal shows, social media marketing, or partnerships with wedding vendors.
• Management Team: Highlight the experience and qualifications of your team, especially in event planning, customer service, and vendor relations.
• Operations Plan: Describe the operational process of planning weddings, from initial consultations and concept development to execution on the wedding day.
• Financial Plan: Provide an overview of financial aspects, including startup costs, pricing strategy, and income projections.
• Appendix: Include supplementary documents such as portfolio photos, client testimonials, or vendor agreements to support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to wedding planning businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your wedding planning business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have. 

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a wedding planning business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.  

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Starting a wedding planning business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your wedding planning business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as HoneyBook , Aisle Planner , or bloom , to manage bookings, workflows, contracts, and payments.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google.

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Social Media Campaigns: Leverage platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your portfolio, share real wedding stories, and engage with potential clients through visually appealing content.
• Collaborate with Local Vendors: Forge partnerships with local florists, photographers, and catering services, creating a mutually beneficial referral network that enhances your credibility and widens your reach.
• Host Free Workshops or Webinars: Position yourself as an expert by organizing workshops or webinars on wedding planning tips, trends, and budgeting, establishing trust with potential clients and showcasing your expertise.
• Offer Limited-Time Promotions: Create a sense of urgency and attract clients by offering limited-time promotions or discounts for early bookings or bundled services, encouraging couples to secure your services promptly.
• Collect and Showcase Testimonials: Encourage satisfied clients to leave testimonials and reviews, then strategically showcase them on your marketing materials and social media to build trust and credibility with potential clients.
• Targeted Local Advertising: Invest in targeted online and offline advertising in local publications, community boards, or social media groups to specifically reach your target audience in the geographical area you serve.
• Participate in Bridal Shows: Set up a booth at bridal shows to directly engage with couples planning their weddings, offering them a glimpse of your services, and collecting leads for future follow-ups.
• Create a Blog: Share valuable content on a blog related to wedding planning, offering advice, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes insights to establish yourself as an authority in the industry and improve your website’s SEO.
• Utilize Influencer Marketing: Collaborate with local influencers or bloggers in the wedding industry to reach a wider audience and gain credibility through their endorsement of your services.
• Implement a Referral Program: Encourage satisfied clients to refer your services by implementing a referral program, rewarding them for each successful referral, thereby creating a word-of-mouth marketing engine for your business.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your wedding planning business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your wedding planning business could be: 

• Non-traditional weddings to fit your unique style
• Eco-friendly weddings to keep our earth healthy
• Short timeline? The perfect wedding on time, guaranteed

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a wedding planning business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in wedding planning for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in wedding planning. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a wedding planning business include:

• Wedding Assistants – assist with planning, wedding setup
• Delivery Drivers – deliver items to weddings
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Wedding Planning Business – Start Making Money!

Making a client’s wedding day perfect can be a very rewarding experience. You take care of the details, and let the bride be the star. A wedding planning business can be a very lucrative venture, and as your business grows you can make some good money. You could even have a whole team working for you while you handle the high-level details and supervise the events from the rehearsal dinner to the wedding day and the next day brunch.

Now you’re prepared, so you can put your plans into action and get ready to launch your wedding planning adventure!

• Wedding Planning Business FAQs

Yes, a wedding planning business can be profitable. You’ll need to market yourself before you start to make money, but once you get some traction, you’ll have very few expenses so most of the money you make will stay in your pocket.

To stay organized and manage multiple weddings simultaneously, create a detailed timeline and checklist for each event, and use project management tools and software to track progress and deadlines. Communicate clearly with clients, vendors, and staff, and delegate tasks effectively to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal.

The key skills and qualities needed to become a successful wedding planner include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, creativity , problem-solving skills, time management, and the ability to work under pressure.

To differentiate your wedding planning business from competitors in the market, focus on developing a unique brand identity and marketing strategy that highlights your strengths and values. Offer personalized and customized services that cater to the specific needs and preferences of each client, and provide exceptional customer service and support throughout the planning process. 

Yes, you can start a wedding planning business on the side by identifying your target market, developing a service offering and pricing strategy, and creating a strong online presence. Build a portfolio of work samples and showcase your expertise through online marketing and networking. Ensure that you can balance your time and resources effectively between your full-time job and your side business, and consider hiring assistants or coordinators to help with the workload.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Wedding Planning Business Name
• Create a Wedding Planning Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Licenses/Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Wedding Planning Business - Start Making Money!

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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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April 9, 2024

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Wedding Venue Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Wedding Venue Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their wedding and event venues. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a wedding venue business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Wedding Venue Business Plan Template here >

What is a Wedding Venue Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your wedding venue business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Wedding Venue

If you’re looking to start a wedding venue business or grow your existing wedding venue you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your wedding venue in order to improve your chances of success. Your business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Wedding Venues

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a wedding venue business are bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a wedding venue is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a wedding venue.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a wedding venue.

Your business plan should include 10 key sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of wedding venue you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a wedding venue that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of wedding and event venues.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent key sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the wedding venue industry. Discuss the type of wedding venue business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of wedding venue business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Banquet hall : this type of wedding venue is typically a one-stop-shop for weddings, and may offer catering and other services in house.
• Farm/Barn : These venues offer rustic charm and an innately casual feel, plus scenic backdrops for photos.
• Loft/Modern Event Space : These wedding venues are often referred to as “blank slates,” meaning relatively empty rooms that allow customers to decorate as they like.

In addition to explaining the type of wedding venue you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

Also referred as the market analysis, in this section you need to provide an overview of your wedding venue business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the wedding venue industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards garden weddings, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for an outdoor event space.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry or market analysis section of your business plan:

• How big is the wedding venue business (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your wedding venue. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: engaged couples, older couples reaching milestone anniversaries, corporations, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of wedding venue business you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want a different atmosphere, pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than millennials.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most wedding venues primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target audience. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other wedding venues.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes restaurants, hotels, houses of worship, etc. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who gets married does so in a wedding venue.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other wedding venues with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be wedding venues located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What products/services do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to reach out to customers of your competitors and ask them what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide superior services?
• Will you provide amenities that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to book your venue?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a wedding venue, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of wedding venue that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to ceremony space, will you offer catering, wedding planning, etc.?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the options you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your wedding venue. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your wedding venue business located in a historical building, or have you refurbished an old barn, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your wedding venue marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Partnerships with local organizations (e.g., partner with vendors to provide wedding packages at a discount over a la carte services)
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues
• Social media advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier key sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your wedding venue such as serving customers, procuring supplies, keeping the venue clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 25th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

Management Team

To demonstrate your wedding venue’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the wedding venue business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in wedding venues and/or successfully running small businesses.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you run one wedding per day/weekend, or is there space enough for multiple weddings in a single day? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your wedding venue, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a wedding venue:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like decor, AV systems, lighting, etc.
• Cost of ingredients (if you also cater) and maintaining an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Putting together a business plan for your wedding venue is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the wedding venue business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful wedding venue.  

Wedding Venue Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my wedding venue business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Wedding Venue Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete a business plan for your wedding venue.

Where Can I Download a Wedding Venue Business Plan PDF?

You can download our wedding venue business plan PDF template here . This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

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Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

How to Start a Wedding Planning Business

A wedding planning business may help couples with any and every aspect of planning for the wedding. This may include helping pick clothing for all parties, creating thematic decorations and décor, picking a wedding cake, handling photography and video, and more.

You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas .

Learn how to start your own Wedding Planning Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a wedding planning business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Wedding Planning Business
• Form your Wedding Planning Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Wedding Planning Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Wedding Planning Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Wedding Planning Business
• Get Wedding Planning Business Insurance
• Define your Wedding Planning Business Brand
• Create your Wedding Planning Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your wedding planning business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Wedding Planning Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your wedding planning business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a wedding planning business.

One of the most exciting aspects of a wedding planning is that many planners start by working out of their own homes. This effectively sidesteps the need for an expensive monthly office lease, related utilities, and so on. Because of that, most of the costs involved in opening your business involve advertisement. It's important to have a highly professional-looking website, and either hire a professional or design it yourself. It's possible to set up good-looking website using templates you can buy and use for under $1,000. If you have to hire designers or others to help provide content, it may cost between $500 to $5,000 extra, though you can potentially do all (or most) of this yourself. Beyond that, it is worth establishing a social media presence on sites such as Facebook (this is free) and doing traditional advertising (newspapers, radio, and possibly television), which should cost between $1,000 to $5,000 depending on how you advertise and how much you advertise.

What are the ongoing expenses for a wedding planning business?

Another highly attractive feature of being a wedding planner is that there are almost no ongoing expenses. The various costs related to vendors for the wedding are paid for by the couple, and if you are operating out of your home or meeting clients at their own homes, the only real ongoing cost is your advertising. After the initial advertising push, you should probably spend less than $500 on advertisements each month, as your social media advertising and positive word-of-mouth, along with your website, will handle much of this for you.

Who is the target market?

In general, the best customers that wedding planners can have are those who are both flexible and realistic. Sometimes, customers may have their fixed ideas of a “perfect wedding” that do not mesh well with their budget or location. Therefore, customers who are realistic about how far their money can go and flexible enough to listen to alternative suggestions make for the best customers.

How does a wedding planning business make money?

On the most basic level, a wedding planning business makes money by charging money for the planning and execution of the wedding itself. However, there is great flexibility in how you charge customers. Some planners charge a flat fee, whereas others might charge a percentage based on the overall cost of the wedding. You may even simply charge clients by the hour. An additional way to make money is that some wedding planners also negotiate and receive a certain percentage of the amount that clients pay to different vendors (between ten and twenty percent). However, this effectively ends up making the different vendors cost more, so building a fee structure that doesn't seem like it has hidden costs may go over better with your customers.

How much you charge, and how you charge, is usually contingent on how much you have to do. For customers who merely want a consultation to help them with their own plans, charging between $40-$60 per hour is appropriate. For people who have their own wedding somewhat planned but want assistance finalizing the plan, conducting the rehearsal, and coordinating the day of the wedding, you could charge between $600 to $1,800 (variances typically reflect differences in regional economy and level of work involved for you). For a full-service package, in which you plan everything, coordinate with all vendors, develop the theme and décor, and help coordinate the day of the wedding, you may charge between $2,000-$10,000 (variances reflect differences in regional economy and whether the client is involved and helps out with anything).

How much profit can a wedding planning business make?

How much profit you make is mostly a matter of mathematics. For instance, many wedding planners only choose to do “full-service” packages, so you can essentially multiply the cost of that full-service package times the number of weddings you conduct per year. Thus, someone charging $5,000 per wedding and conducting 20 weddings a year could easily crack six figures, though you will likely be making less as you are starting out and establishing your name. Plus, more rural areas or areas with a slower economy will likely necessitate charging closer to the $2,000 for full-service packages.

How can you make your business more profitable?

To make your business more profitable, offer incentives or prizes to people who refer friends to you. Consider sponsoring monthly parties where you talk about how people can have a perfect wedding, and offer them a chance to win a nice door prize for attending. Aside from ideas like these, the best thing you can do is to do the best job possible on the weddings you plan and let positive word of mouth do the rest!

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your wedding planning business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

In most states, it is necessary to obtain a business license. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

For more information about local licenses and permits:

• Check with your town, city or county clerk’s office
• Get assistance from one of the local associations listed in US Small Business Associations directory of local business resources

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Services Contract

Wedding planning businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project. RocketLawyers Make your Free Wedding Planner Agreement clarifies clients expectations and minimizes the risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions in advance.  Here is an example service agreement.

Recommended: Rocket Lawyer makes it easy to create a professional service agreement for your wedding planning business when you sign up for their premium membership. For $39.95 per month, members receive access to hundreds of legal agreements and on call attorneys to get complimentary legal advice.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Wedding Planning Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Wedding Planning Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a wedding planning business

The key ways to market and promote have already been mentioned. You should use a combination of a professional-looking website, social media presence, and advertisements via newspapers, radio, and television. Flyers, business cards, and other print advertisements at locations like florists and hotels can also help to catch the eye of couples looking for a planner.

How to keep customers coming back

In addition to using the advertisement methods above, you should run contests via social media where people can win things like dresses and discounts from your affiliated vendors. To add to the impact of such contests, part of the free entry should be customers writing sweet poems or stories about how they met their significant others. People get excited about the prize but quickly come to associate your business as a place that understands and cares about why people fall in love. This helps spread word of your business and its contests via traditional word-of-mouth advertising.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

This business is good for those who thrive on interactions with new people. It is also good for those who grew up playing “matchmaker” and get a thrill out of helping bring two lives together. Much of the planning business is visual, so those with a flair for design and/or a good eye for stylish clothing and skill at creating a unique atmosphere in any room will do very well.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a wedding planning business?

The nature of a wedding planning business is that each day may involve different tasks. Some of those activities, however, include helping the couple set a realistic budget, taking the couple to different places in town that will suit their needs, and creating a detailed plan for pretty much every moment of the wedding. You will also have to call, email, and otherwise coordinate with various bands or DJs, photographers, caterers, florists, and any other vendors the couple may require. This requires a lot of contracts for the couple to sign, so much time will be devoted to walking them through the finer points of the paperwork. You may also help design and distribute wedding invitations and serve as a kind of liaison and supervisor of the various parties during the actual day of the wedding.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful wedding planning business?

Because of the nature of the work, a college degree in fields such as Public Relations or Communications can help you with the coordination of various different entities related to this job. Prior experience as an intern or other kind of worker that helped plan weddings can be invaluable. While there are certifications for things like wedding planning, they offer little to no practical, real-world experience.

What is the growth potential for a wedding planning business?

The growth potential for a wedding planning business is steady, though there can be variances according to region and time of year. Overall, though, about 6,200 weddings happen each day, and many of them are getting married for a second (or even third) time, so the market is steady. Weddings are more common in warmer months (the most popular month for weddings is June), and the costs of the wedding can vary, ranging from an average of just over $15,000 in Utah to just over $31,000 in Manhattan. Those differences can affect how much you get paid and when you are likelier to be busier.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a wedding planning business?

If possible, volunteer or get permission to “shadow” successful wedding planners in other cities in order to figure out how to make your own business highly successful. Try to get to know various vendors, hotel managers, and others you will work with as soon as possible in order to make your future business successful. Make sure that your website has a dedicated place for you to feature customer testimonials about successful weddings you've helped with before.

How and when to build a team

Most wedding planners start out on their own. This makes it easier to create a cohesive vision for weddings and to make sure everybody sticks to a set game plan. However, there will always be more weddings than you can reasonably work, so when you have more interested clients than you have time to serve them, it may be time to hire a partner or a team. While this can make things a little harder to organize, it does give you the flexibility of hiring people that are naturally better at some of the aspects of the job you are weaker at (such as hiring someone who studied graphic design and making sure they are in charge of creating invitations and wedding programs).

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• American Academy of Wedding Professionals
• Association for Wedding Professionals International

Real World Examples

• California-based wedding planning business

Further Reading

• Advice from successful wedding planner
• Wedding Planning Business Plan
• Information on the wedding planning industry

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

How to Build Your Wedding Coordinator Business Plan

• November 8, 2021

When you know better, you do better. Having a business plan for your wedding coordinator business is “knowing better.” As you learn how to become a wedding planner, planing the business side of the equation your business is the first foundation step. 

Statistics show that entrepreneurs who plan their business are more likely to succeed . 

Since your business is planning (for weddings), you should prove your mettle with an effective business plan to help you scale your wedding coordination business.

Just like you would plan each individual wedding for your clients, a business plan takes care of the nitty-gritty for your consultancy. 

6 Benefits of Having a Wedding Coordinator Business Plan in 2022 

Benjamin Franklin famously said that “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” 

As a wedding planner and coordinator, you are in the planning business. By not planning your business, you are leaving room for unknown factors that may ruin your business. 

The benefits of having a plan for your wedding coordinator business is even more far-reaching than a business plan for the average consultancy. 

Consider that planning your business path has these six benefits:

1. Raise Funds and Attract Investors 

Nobody will give you money without some well-laid plans. Simply knowing you want to make a living from coordinating weddings is not enough. 

You need to create a life plan for your business that will prove you have the goods to be financially successful in the long-term. 

A comprehensive business plan helps you attract the right investors (should you choose to go this route). 

2. Prove Your Business Smarts

Being business smart is not just about calculating finances. You need to be able to handle issues, resolve challenges, and manage all the resources at your disposal. 

By being smart, you ensure your investors find value.

3. Spot Issues Before They Appear

If you can see the edge before you fall, you can avoid weakness. Generate industry insights by consulting with people in your field and people who have used planners in the past. What issues to they experience? What mistakes do they think should be addressed? Learn from others, so that you don’t make this same mistake.

4. Become an Effective Communicator

With your business plan, you can show investors precisely what you want to achieve, and you can explain clearly what you want from them. 

You can use it as proof to convince people to work with you, securing supplier credit and attracting new customers.

5. Gain New Insights 

A business plan isn’t set in stone once it is written. Instead, see it as a living document that helps you think creatively about how to start and grow a wedding planning business. 

If you come across a challenge, use this opportunity to update your plan. Keep adding and subtracting as you iron our services, firm up mission statements, and pivot target audience.

6. Business to Action Plan

With a business plan, your wedding planning business can schedule action items, future steps, and forthcoming activities to show you where you need to focus and expand. 

Create an outline, fleshing it out as you learn about wedding planning and ask the right questions. 

The Elements of Wedding Planner Business Plan 

The wedding coordinator business plan is where you gather all your thoughts, ideas, and future budget so you can plan how you will address issues and reach goals. 

The aspects of a comprehensive business plan are: 

The Structure of Your Wedding Planning Business 

As part of your strategy on how to become a wedding planner, you should look at the legal aspects of your business, such as the legal name of the consultancy and whether you will be operating as a sole proprietor or even enter into a partnership with a fellow coordinator. 

You can also include all the relevant contact information and a brief professional bio for each of you. Valuable should you seek investors, or for adopting as a part of your website.

Your Mission and Goals 

Your business should strive to become a recognizable brand in your local wedding industry. To do this, you need to stand apart from the flock. 

You should evaluate the economic trends and patterns of expansion in the wedding industry. Use these insights to craft a mission statement, and set specific goals you wish to accomplish. You missio statement should be powerful and dialled in. “Planning weddings for couples” is not good enough.

The Services You Provide 

Not all wedding planners provide a full-stack service. You can choose to be a one-stop-shop for your clients or specialize in offering partial wedding planning packages . 

Full wedding planning includes coordinating everything from concept design up until the wedding event (and even the honeymoon). 

Partial wedding planning involves helping the happy couple with their wedding timeline. You may also be asked to manage the wedding day and ensure everything flows smoothly. 

Then there are also wedding consultation services. If you choose to offer this service, you are only responsible for providing recommendations to the bride- and groom-to-be. 

Suppliers, Vendors, and Contractors Your Business Will Use 

By identifying contractors and future suppliers you will regularly use, you will build a reference list to help you make estimates for services, fees, and contracts.

Turnaround Times and Delivery Methods for Each Wedding 

Often, your investors will be actual clients too, and by having methods to plan the turnaround times for each project, you can explain how you intend to meet deadlines, schedule deliveries, and set milestones for your clients and investors.

Your Target Market 

Every business needs to know their target market. 

While you should consider the profile of your bride and groom, and whether you want to help all couples or those in a certain income bracket, you should also check out your competitors. 

Knowing what your competitors are doing well and where there are gaps can help you set your wedding planning business apart.  

Your Marketing Strategy

Identify what methods you will use to find clients. This is your marketing approach. 

Investigate different marketing verticals such as traditional advertisements and digital alternatives like social media and search engine marketing. 

With the right keywords in your website or blog, you can attract clients through Google search. 

Be sure to have the information ready to answer client questions. A price list, commission rates, and a list of services will come in handy. Lead the industry with blogs that predict wedding trends and showcase your work. 

Generate social oomph with resources such as Pinterest , TikTok, and Twitter. Attend conventions as a vendor or speaker and be noticed. 

Financial Aspects of Your Business

Become financially responsible, balancing your bank statements, accurately reporting your expenses and income, and showing you can manage your cash flow effectively. 

These all boost investor confidence and help clients trust you to manage their wedding budgets too. 

The Executive Summary 

With a business plan, just like with a wedding, presentation is everything. 

The executive summary is the icing on the wedding business cake . This is where you draw everything together, presenting a succinct and coherent business statement, vision, goals, and mission statement. 

You need to prove you know exactly what you want for your wedding coordination business and that you know how to overcome challenges to get there. 

Entirely based on your executive summary, investors may decide to invest or not, and this is often the first impression your business plan will make. 

An executive summary is also a great way for you to touch base with your original business intentions, keep yourself on track, and keep pushing for success.  

Final Thoughts on How to Become a Wedding Planner

Your wedding coordinator business plan is one important aspect in your journey of how to become a wedding planner. 

Use the document as a roadmap to show you where you are and where you want to be, with detailed planning, issue spotting, and solution finding.    

Annette Corrie

Our ‘Certificate of Professional Wedding Planning Course’ is here to help you through the process, by providing a step-by-step guide to getting started and becoming successful in your new career. This course will help you gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to oversee all the details of a wedding. This course will help you prepare a successful and magnificent event!

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Wedding Planning Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Entertainment Industry » Event Planning

Are you about starting a wedding planning company? If YES, here is a complete sample wedding planning business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE. Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a wedding planning company .

We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample wedding planning service marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for wedding planning companies. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Wedding planning is a business that anyone with the necessary soft skills (i.e. organizing skills) can venture into. Wedding planning requires that you take off the burden of planning a wedding off the shoulders of your clients. Therefore, you would need an eye for details in addition to the eye you have got.

Confused? Do not be, that was on a lighter note. Now, the truth is that you would need to be extremely detailed. You do not want to come across your clients as one who leaves some kills important details out. If you do not possess this skill now, you may consider building it up.

Starting a wedding planning company is not too expensive except for the money required to rent and furnish an office space. The key to a successful wedding event is to ensure that all that is listed in your wedding event planning checklists is ticked.

As a matter of fact, if you undergo wedding cum event planning training, you are going to be taught how to draft event planning checklists for various events and key components that must be listed in your checklists.

One good thing about wedding planning is that most often than not, weddings are done during weekends and if you are lucky not to be working during weekends, you can successfully test run a wedding planning business. The truth is that, most of the basic skills needed to effectively run a wedding planning business are some of the soft skills you are likely going to acquire in your workplace.

If you are truly convinced that starting a wedding planning company is the right business for you to do, then you need to write your own business plan. Below is a sample wedding planning company business plan template that will help you successfully write yours with little or no stress;

A Sample Wedding Planning Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Wedding planners organize and design marriage ceremonies and receptions. A wedding planner ensures that they work with the stipulated budget of their clients and ensure that they deliver a successful wedding event as agreed. In some cases, it is the responsibility of the wedding planner to draw – up a budget for the client once they get a brief of the nature of the wedding event to be hosted.

A close study of happenings in the Wedding Planners industry in the united states shows that the industry has experienced remarkable growth and this is due to stronger economic conditions. It is normal that with increase in disposable incomes, there will be encouragement for more couples to marry, and to spend more on wedding planning or services related to their weddings.

So also, increased internet usage has made wedding planners more accessible to clients, decreasing the industry’s marketing costs and boosting profit margins.

These trends will offset the impact on the industry of changing social norms that have led couples to postpone marriage longer. No doubt, as the economy continues to strengthen, the growth in the wedding planners industry is expected to accelerate.

The Wedding Planners Industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Holland, Nigeria, Switzerland, Australia and Canada et al.

Statistics has it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 39,643 registered and licensed wedding planning company scattered all across the United States responsible for employing about 41,714 and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $1 billion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at -1.9 percent annual growth within 2011 and 2016. It is important to state that there is no establishment in this industry that has a lion market share.

A recent report published by IBISWORLD shows that the Wedding Planners industry is highly fragmented and largely distributed proportionally with population in the United States. The report stated that in 2015, the Southeast held the most industry establishments of any region, at 29.7 percent of the total. New England and the Rocky Mountains are expected to hold the least, at 4.4 percent each.

The Southeast region is expected to have 29.7 percent of industry establishments. This region also includes the state with the most establishments, Florida, which has an estimated 13.7 percent of industry establishments. The report further stated that States like Florida are population destination wedding locations.

Locations such as Disney World are very popular for weddings, which is why the number of establishment outpaces the proportion of population located in the region.

Lastly, one thing is certain about starting a wedding planner company, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to secure clients because there are always individuals (bachelors and spinsters) who would want to hire your services when they are about getting married. Just ensure that the business is properly located and you have the right business network.

2. Executive Summary

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is a standard and licensed professional wedding planning company that will be based in Panama City – Florida. We have been able to secure a standard and well – positioned office facility in a business district in the heart of the city.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will handle all aspect of wedding planning such as wedding coordination, wedding shower / Bachelor’s eve, manage client’s time constraints, manage client’s budget, day-of-coordination services, conceptualization and design, full coordination services, and month of direction et al.

We are aware that to run a standard wedding planner company can be demanding which is why we are well trained, licensed and equipped to perform excellently well.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is a client-focused and result driven wedding planner company that provides broad-based services at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.  We will offer a standard wedding planner services to all to our clients at local, state, national, and international level.

We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass our clients’ expectations whenever they contract their wedding planning to us.

Our client’s best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professionals who are well experienced in the Wedding Planners industry cum event planning industry.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our plan is to position the business to become the leading brand in the professional wedding planners’ line of business in the whole of Panama City – Florida, and also to be amongst the top 20 professional wedding planner companies in the United States of America within the first 10 years of launching the business.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our market research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Panama City – Florida is the right place to launch our wedding planner company before spreading to other parts of The United States.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is a private registered business that is owned by Mrs. Cloe Davenport and her immediate family members.

Mrs. Cloe Davenport has well over 10 years of experience working at various capacities within the wedding planners cum Event Planners industry in the United States of America.  She will work with a team of other core professionals to help build Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC to become a top brand in the Event Planners industry.

3. Our Products and Services

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the Wedding Planners industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our wedding planner company is to favorably compete with leading players in the Wedding Planners industry both in the United States of America and in the world at large.

We are well prepared to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the United States to achieve our business goals, aim and ambition. Our business offerings are listed below;

• Wedding coordination
• Wedding shower / Bachelor’s eve
• Manage client’s time constraints
• Manage client’s budget
• Day-of-coordination services
• Conceptualization and design
• Full coordination services
• Month of direction
• Wedding planning consulting and advisory services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a professional wedding planner company brand that will become one of the preferred choices for about to wed couples in the whole of Panama City – Florida and every other city where our services will be advertised. Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
• Our mission is to provide professional and trusted wedding planners services that assist our clients in achieving their personal goals as it relates to their wedding event. We are going to position the business to become one of the leading brands in the wedding planner line of business in the whole of Panama City – Florida, and also to be amongst the top 20 professional wedding planner companies in the United States of America within the first 10 years of launching the business.

Our Business Structure

Normally we would have settled for two or three full – time staff members, but as part of our plan to build a standard professional wedding planner company in Panama City – Florida, we have perfected plans to get it right from the beginning which is why we are going the extra mile to ensure that we have competent, honest and hardworking employees to occupy all the available positions in our organization.

The picture of the kind of professional wedding planner company we intend building and the business goals we want to achieve is what informed the amount we are ready to pay for the best hands available in and around Panama City – Florida.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer / Principal Partner

Wedding / Event Planning Consultant

Admin and HR Manager

• Business Developer / Marketing and Sales Executive
• Customer Care Executives

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer / Principal Partner:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Organizes wedding and other events from start to finish
• Responsible for interviewing and hiring vendors, selecting and ordering materials, negotiating rates, coordinating the sequence of wedding events, following up with guests and vendors and producing full-scale events.
• Plans, designs and produces wedding events while managing all project delivery elements within time limits
• Liaises with clients to identify their needs and to ensure customer satisfaction
• Conduct market research, gather information and negotiate contracts prior to closing any deals
• Provides feedback and periodic reports to stakeholders
• Propose ideas to improve provided services and wedding event quality
• Organizes facilities and manages all wedding event’s details such as decor, catering, entertainment, transportation, location, invitee list, special guests, equipment, promotional material etc.
• Ensures compliance with insurance, legal, health and safety obligations
• Specify staff requirements and coordinate their activities
• Cooperate with marketing and PR to promote and publicize wedding event as requested by our client
• Proactively handle any arising issues and troubleshoot any emerging problems on the wedding event day
• Conducts pre- and post – wedding event evaluations and report on outcomes
• Research market, identify wedding event opportunities and generate interes
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Marketing Executive / Business Developers

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
• Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• create reports from the information concerning the financial transactions recorded by the bookkeeper
• Prepares the income statement and balance sheet using the trial balance and ledgers prepared by the bookkeeper.
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for the company
• Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the line manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Going by our vision, our mission and the kind of business we want to set – up, we don’t have any other option than to follow due process. Following due process involves hiring business consultant to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our business.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC hired the services of a seasoned business consultant with bias in start – ups in the United States to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to guide us in formulating other business strategies that will help us grow our business and favorable compete in the Wedding Planners industry.

As a company, we look forward to maximizing our strength and opportunities and also to work around our weaknesses and threats. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC.

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in the Wedding Planners industry.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected team members and our strong online presence, Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is well positioned in a city with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of corporate and individual clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new professional wedding planner company in Panama City – Florida, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated Wedding Planners industry; that is perhaps our major weakness.

So also, we may not have the required money to give the business the kind of publicity that we would love to give the business.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities available in the Wedding Planners industry is massive considering the number of wedding and other events that takes places on a daily basis in the United States. As a standard and licensed professional wedding planner company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a professional wedding planner company operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies , the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The Wedding Planners industry is in a continuous state of evolution and as such, ground breaking strategies and ideas that are once highly successful are no longer as productive as they were in time past. Close observation of the trend in the industry reveals that the past few years have seen the rise and proliferation of social media and new tech tools.

The trend also extends to increased attention paid to engagement and new market segments, adopting eco-friendly measures and sustainability when planning wedding events, and of course increases in demands from wedding event sponsors.

Although operators in the Wedding Planners industry are increasingly investing in computers and software to engage members and market their organizations online, the industry remains highly labor intensive. The research further states that wedding planner companies rely much more heavily on labor than technology to conduct their operations.

As a matter of fact, social media has now become one of the most important tools wedding event planners leverage on to disseminate information about their wedding events, interact with attendees, solicit feedback, and create year-round engagement with their target audience.

Furthermore, new software apps and emerging technology have made it easier for wedding planners to gather all the needed data and information that will help them plan and project for the future.

In recent time, mobile event apps are becoming more popular; wedding cum event planner can now successfully market their services via social media platforms / online platforms. In the United States for example, there several vendors providing mobile apps with more wedding cum event planners patronizing the apps.

Over and above, increased internet usage has made wedding planners more accessible to clients, decreasing the industry’s marketing costs and boosting profit margins.

These trends will offset the impact on the industry of changing social norms that have led couples to postpone marriage longer. No doubt, as the economy continues to strengthen, the growth in the Wedding Planners industry is expected to accelerate.

8. Our Target Market

Even though Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will initially serve clients within the location where our business is, but that does not in any way stop us from growing to be able to compete with the leading professional wedding planner companies in the United States.

As a standard and licensed professional wedding planner company, Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC offers a wide range of services as it relates to wedding planning hence we are well trained and equipped to services a wide range of clientele base.

Our target market cuts across people of different class and people from all walks of life, local and international clients as well.

We are coming into the industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the highly – placed people (celebrities and public figures et al) and at the same with the lowly placed people. Below is a list of the people that we have specifically design our products and services for;

• About to wed couples
• Religious organizations
• Celebrities and public figures who are still singles and are getting set to wed

Our competitive advantage

No doubt, the Wedding Planners industry is indeed a very prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients will only hire your services if they know that you can successfully help them organize their wedding events and take away the stress from them.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the Wedding Planners industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your clients should be fell less stress or no stress at all and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC might be a new professional wedding planner company in the Wedding Planners industry, but the management team and the owner of the business are considered gurus in the industry, professional who have what it takes to grow a business from scratch to become a top brand within the shortest time possible.

They are people who are core professionals; licensed and highly qualified, people that can successfully help their clients organize successful wedding events. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us. Aside from our robust experience and expertise of our team of experts, we have a very strong online presence that will enable us attract clients from any part of the world

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups wedding planner companies in the United States) in the industry.

It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives. We will also engage freelance marketing agents on a commission level to help us market our services.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Wedding Planners industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will generate income by offering the following services to individual clients and for corporate organizations;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be about to wed couples who would always need the services for professional wedding planners and also there would always be parties and events in the United States of America and as such the services of professional wedding planners cum event planners companies will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Panama City – Florida and of course throughout out the United States of America and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond Panama City to other cities in Florida and other states in the U.S.

We have been able to critically examine the professional wedding planner market space and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Panama City – Florida.

Below are the sales projections for Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and the wide range of wedding planning services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $150,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $350,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. There won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competitions amongst professional wedding planner companies in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the Wedding Planners industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.

We will also ensure that our excellent job deliveries speak for us in the market place; we want to build a standard professional wedding planner business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow our professional wedding planner company to become one of the top 20 professional wedding planner companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in the Panama City – Florida, but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, religious organizations, households and key stake holders in Panama City and other cities in Florida.
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality wedding planning services to them
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
• Join local chambers of commerce and industries with the aim of networking and marketing our services

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to take the Wedding Planners industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our company. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and events related magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Panama City – Florida
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations and religious organizations by calling them up and informing them of Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC and the services we offer
• List our professional wedding planning firm in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our professional wedding planning company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Just like in consulting business, hourly billing for wedding planning / event management / training services is also a long – time tradition in the industry. However, for some types of professional wedding planning services flat fees make more sense because they allow clients to better predict the overall service charges.

As a result of this, Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will charge our clients both flat fee and hourly billing as long as it favors both parties.

At Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to our clients from time to time especially when they recommend clients to us.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need regular access to professional wedding planning consultancy and advisory services and assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our professional wedding planning services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our professional wedding planning services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Starting a professional wedding planner business can be cost effective; this is so because on the average, you are not expected to acquire expensive machines and equipment.

Basically, what you should be concerned about is the amount needed to secure a standard office facility in a good and busy business district, the amount needed to furniture and equip the office, the amount to purchase the required software applications, the amount needed to pay bills, promote the business and obtain the appropriate business license and certifications.

However, this is what it would cost us to start our own standard and world class professional wedding planner company in the United States of America;

• Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
• Acquiring an office space that will accommodate the number of employees we intend employing for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
• The budget for liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The cost for accounting software, event planning apps, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
• Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
• Phone and Utilities (gas, sewer, water and electric) deposits – ( $3,500 ).
• Launching an official website will cost – $500
• Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000
• Miscellaneous – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about one hundred and fifty thousand ( 150,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard professional wedding planner company in the United States of America. Please note that the salary for the payment of staff members for the first 3 months is included.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is a partnership business that will be owned by Mrs. Cloe Davenport and her immediate family members. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 ( Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our professional wedding planning services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Leasing a standard office facility in a good location plus reconstruction: In progress
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the school: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating awareness for the business in Smethport – Pennsylvania: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress

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Wedding Consultant Business Plan

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TLC Wedding Consultants

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

TLC Wedding Consultants is a full service company that provides complete consulting services for weddings, holy unions and anniversaries. Our consultants are experienced and dedicated professionals with many years of event planning experience. TLC is unique in that we give our clients our undivided attention. We listen to their needs and work with them to create the event of their dreams. Our clients’ wishes become our commands. So whether our client wants a Western, Tropical, Las Vegas or more traditional wedding, we can help. Our services include weddings, honeymoons, receptions, anniversary consultations, budget planning, answers to etiquette questions, as well as full-service referrals to florists, hair stylists, entertainers, musicians, etc.

1.1 Mission

TLC Wedding Consultants is a full service company that provides complete consulting services for weddings, holy unions and anniversaries. Our consultants are experienced and dedicated professionals with many years of event planning experience. TLC is unique in that we give our clients our undivided attention. We listen to their needs and work with them to create the event of their dreams. Our clients’ wishes become our commands. So whether our client wants a Western, Tropical, Las Vegas or more traditional wedding or anniversary party, we can help. Our services include weddings, honeymoons, receptions, anniversary consultations, budget planning, answers to etiquette questions, as well as full-service referrals to florists, hair stylists, entertainers, musicians, etc.

1.2 Objectives

Whether this is our client’s first wedding, a renewal of their vows or their anniversary, we want every detail of their event to be both a pleasurable and a memorable experience. Therefore we offer a host of packages and services specifically tailored to the needs of each couple. We are confident that this business venture will be a success and we estimate that our net income will increase modestly by the second year.

1.3 Keys to Success

The keys to our success are as follows:

• Maintain a professional image at all times.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

TLC Wedding Consultants is a start-up company that provides wedding, holy union, and anniversary consulting services to brides, grooms and other family members. We are a full-service bridal consulting group and our goal is to put the “fun” back into planning a wedding, holy union or anniversary party. Too many people become overly stressed and frustrated when planning these wonderful events. We are experienced and professional consultants and will use our expertise to help create memorable and stress free events for our customers. By doing this, our clients can sit back and enjoy their event. The result? We create events suited to the couple’s unique style–a true expression of their relationship and individuality as a couple.

2.1 Company Ownership

This business will start out as a simple proprietorship, owned by its founders, Darla and Micah Johnson. As the operation grows, the owners will consider re-registering as a limited liability company or as a corporation, whichever will better suite the future business needs.

2.2 Start-up Summary

The company founders, Darla and Micah Johnson, will handle day-to-day operations of the plan and will work collaboratively to ensure that this business venture is a success.

We estimate that our start-up costs will be $3,000 (including legal costs, logo design, advertising, direct mail, and related expenses). An additional $5,000 will be required in the bank account as an operating capital for the first two months of operation. The start-up costs are to be financed in equal portions by the owners’ personal funds (i.e., Darla and Micah Johnson are investing $4,000 each).

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

Initially this will be a home-based business; however, by Year 5, we intend to expand our facilities into a well-equipped and operational office.

We are a full-service wedding consultant group and provide the following services: etiquette advice, event scheduling, discounted invitations and products, vendor confirmation, rehearsal attendance, supervision of both ceremony and reception setup and budget planning.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Nearly $35 billion are spent every year on weddings and receptions. Therefore, professional wedding consultants are a commodity, not a calamity. TLC Wedding Consultants are full-service wedding consultants that offer a variety of services to our clients. We pride ourselves on being professional and courteous at all times and we have packages to suit everyone’s needs.

As previously stated, marriage is a billion dollar industry, therefore, just about everyone we meet is a potential client. However, we mostly advertise to brides, grooms, and family members.

4.1 Market Segmentation

Although the flash and excitement of impending nuptials can be intoxicating, it can also be overwhelming. Therefore, we primarily market our services to the people who need them most–brides and grooms. In 1997, 2.4 million marriages took place in the United States. According to the Encarta Encyclopedia, the current US marriage rate of nine marriages per 1,000 people is still the highest rate among the industrialized countries. This marriage rate is expected to remain at the same level in the near future. In the Eugene, OR area where TLC Wedding Consultants plans to operate their business, over 1,500 marriages are registered each year, which creates a sizable market potential for this line of business.

Another customer segment is represented by the numerous family members and guests attending weddings, anniversaries, and similar events. This segment requires event preparation services like gift ideas, etiquette tips, etc.

Besides the wedding arrangements, which TLC Wedding Consultants believe to be their major client assignments, other events the company will provide services to include corporate retreats, etiquette training, etc. This customer segment is estimated to have the annual volume of 1,000 orders in the Eugene, OR area.

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

TLC Wedding Consultants will offer its services mostly to the brides and grooms, as well as to the family members. The company will position itself as an experienced provider of wedding planning services. Unlike most of its competitors, TLC will be offering a full range of services and thus provide the convenience of one-stop shopping for its clients. This will significantly reduce the customers’ time and efforts preparing for such an important event as a wedding. Moreover, by utilizing numerous supplier contacts that the company owners have established and economies of scale, TLC Wedding Consultants will be able to pass on to its customers sizable cost savings.

4.2.1 Market Needs

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4.3 Service Business Analysis

The wedding services market is fragmented with the overwhelming majority of the incumbents offering only a limited line of services. There are numerous florists, hair stylists, and caterers to choose from. However, there are almost no companies that will provide the full range of services associated with the wedding planning and execution.

4.3.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

Competitive analysis conducted by the company owners has shown that there are 20 companies currently offering some sort of wedding planning services in the Eugene area. However, the majority of the incumbent competitors offer only a limited line of services like catering, flower arrangements or gifts. In fact, of these 25 competitors only three offered a range of services comparable with what TLC Wedding Consultants plan to offer to its customers. The following is the list of the major competitors with a brief description of their services:

• Lafayette Wedding offers its clients entertaining, catering, floral design and hair styling services.

The market research has also shown that customers anticipate the complete wedding consulting services to be expensive and they budget accordingly. In fact, lower prices are very often associated with poor service quality. By aggregating a complete range of wedding services under one roof, TLC Wedding Consultants will offer its customers the ease of one-stop shopping.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Our strategy is simple: we intend to provide our customers with a wide range of services custom tailored to their individual needs. Therefore, whether they require a complete package, or simply consulting on a particular service, we can help.

5.1 Competitive Edge

By aggregating a complete range of wedding services under one roof, TLC Wedding Consultants will offer its customers the ease of one-stop shopping. The company will leverage its owners’ expertise in planning such events to competitively position itself as a premier provider of wedding services. Both owners have very strong communication skills that will help develop the ‘buzz’ about the high quality of the services offered by TLC Wedding Consultants.

5.2 Sales Strategy

The company’s sales strategy will be based on the following elements:

• Word of mouth referrals – generating sales leads in the local community through customer referrals.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Our wedding consultants are Darla and Micah Johnson. Collaboratively they have planned and serviced over 150 weddings and receptions. They are knowledgeable about all areas of planning, decorating, as well as budgeting. Darla has a BS in Communications and a minor in Interior Decorating. She has been a wedding consultant for five years and became interested in providing consultant services when she successfully planned her first five weddings for family and friends. Since then, Darla has received extensive training in wedding planning and her certification from the National Association of Wedding Consultants and Professional Wedding Planners. Micah has an Associates Degree in Fashion Design, and, like Darla, she became interested in becoming a consultant when she successfully planned her first three weddings. Micah received her certification from the National Association of Wedding Consultants and has been a wedding planner for three years. Micah enjoys all aspects of planning traditional and nontraditional weddings.

6.1 Personnel Plan

Initially, TLC Wedding Consultants’ personnel will include only the two owners, both of whom will be working full time. As the personnel plan shows, we expect to hire an additional wedding consultant in the next year This person will work full time, but will not be included in the management decisions.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following subtopics represent the financial plan of TLC Wedding Consultants.

7.1 Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart summarize our break-even analysis.

7.2 Projected Profit and Loss

Our projected profit and loss is shown in the following table.

7.3 Projected Cash Flow

The following chart and table show our cash flow projections.

7.4 Projected Balance Sheet

Three years of annual totals are presented in the Projected Balance Sheet below. First year monthly figures are included in the appendix.

7.5 Business Ratios

The following table outlines some of the more important ratios from the Personal Services industry. The final column, Industry Profile, details specific ratios based on the industry as it is classified by the Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code, 7299.

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