Dreaming of starting your own event planning business? Whether you’re passionate about weddings, corporate events, or social gatherings, becoming a professional event planner is an exciting journey that requires passion, planning, and persistence. But where do you start?

In today’s post, I’ll walk you through the essentials of launching your event planning business, helping you set yourself up for success right from the beginning. 

First, what makes me qualified to give this advice? I’ve successfully ran an event planning business for 12 years while working Full Time. You CAN pursue your passions and Corporate America if you choose! Let’s dive in!

 1. Get Goals

Before diving into logistics, take a step back and ask yourself *why* you want to start an event planning business. Is it the joy of bringing people together? The creativity of designing memorable experiences? Or maybe you’ve attended events and thought, “I could do this better!” 

Once you’ve got your “why,” write it down and post it somewhere you can see it daily. Your goals will keep you grounded and disciplined—especially during those days when the workload feels heavy or things aren’t going as smoothly as planned. Think of it as your compass, guiding every decision you make as you build and grow your business.

Pro Tip: Set both short-term and long-term goals. Maybe your short-term goal is to book your first 5 clients within the next six months, while your long-term goal might be to become a go-to planner in your city. Remember, it’s the big picture that keeps you motivated on the tough days!

 2. Get informed

Beyoncé was on to something when she said, “get in formation!” 💁‍♀️ Starting a business is all about getting your ducks in a row. Here’s what that looks like in the world of event planning:

– Choose a Business Structure: Will you operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, S-Corp, or something else? The best way to decide is to explore the options through trusted sources like the Small Business Administration (SBA) and your local business development resources. Each structure has different implications for taxes, liability, and paperwork, so pick the one that fits your needs and goals.

– Open a Business Account: Once you’ve chosen your business structure, it’s time to open a separate business bank account. Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for clear accounting and a professional image.

– Develop Your Offerings, Pricing, and Customer Experience: Now, it’s time to outline your services. What kind of events do you want to plan? Do you have packages, or will you work on a custom basis? Think about how you’ll price your services—hourly, flat fee, or percentage of the event budget. Make sure to also map out what your client experience will look like, from their first inquiry to their event day and follow-up. 

Pro Tip: Having clear packages and pricing makes it easier for potential clients to understand what you offer and what to expect, streamlining the booking process for both sides.

 3. Get Educated

I’m really passionate about this one, both personally and professionally. Once your business foundation is laid, it’s time to educate yourself on all the aspects of running a business. Even though you may be great at organizing events, there’s a lot more to an event planning business than just planning the perfect wedding or corporate party. Here are some key areas to focus on:

– Sales & Marketing: Learn how to pitch your services, connect with potential clients, and build a brand that attracts your ideal market. Understanding how to market yourself—whether through social media, networking events, or referrals—is essential to growing your business.

– Website Building, Blogging, & SEO: Having an online presence is no longer optional; it’s a must. Learn how to build a professional-looking website (or hire someone to do it). Blogging and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) are great ways to drive traffic to your site and showcase your expertise. You want clients to be able to find you and learn about your services quickly.

– Shadowing a Senior Planner: There’s no better way to learn than from someone who has already walked the path. Reach out to experienced planners and ask if you can shadow them or assist on an event. This will give you invaluable hands-on experience and insights into the event planning world—things you won’t learn from a textbook.

Pro Tip: Never stop learning! Even after your business is off the ground, keep up with industry trends, attend workshops, and stay curious. The more you grow, the better you’ll serve your clients.

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Starting an event planning business is an exciting journey, but it requires more than just a love for planning and organizing. By getting clear on your goals, establishing a solid business foundation, and learning the ins and outs of the industry, you’ll set yourself up for success.

 Ready to Get Started? Let’s Chat!

Are you ready to take your passion for event planning to the next level? Let’s schedule a consultation to discuss your business goals and how you can start off strong and maybe even tag alon with me to get a front row seat to the life of event planning. I can’t wait to help you bring your event planning dreams to life!