Starting a wedding planning business
Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
The wedding business is booming! Each year nearly 2.5 million couples marry in the United States, spending an average $ 20,000 a couple – making it an industry 72 billion U.S. dollars. Planning and organizing a wedding is always a big company and many couples simply do not have to spend time – and are more than happy to leave the planning to a professional.
The demand for wedding planners is growing – an estimated 15% of couples now the services of a professional wedding planner. As a wedding planner you can be your own boss, it’s a job that most people see as fun and rewarding – and there are no special qualifications or training. Be around 10,000 people in the United States calls on professional wedding planners.
As a wedding planner, you are responsible for all aspects of the wedding – flowers, photography, food and maybe accommodation for guests of the city. You must also work with people, because that’s basically what you do most of the time, like a wedding planner. And perhaps one of the most important qualities is just too well organized and efficient – you do not want to see that you forget the book catering for the big day!
From a business of marriage is not very different from that of other companies – even though the startup costs are minimal in the rule. You must work from a small office or a quiet space in your home – remember, your customers can meet you there. You’ll need as the foundation, a separate phone line, fax machine and business cards and you must register your business in your community or state. After your site is also essential.
A portfolio is also a great thing to show to potential customers. If you are unsure where to start, offer your services to family and friends in exchange for the opportunity and take pictures. Your portfolio should have pictures of wedding you helped to plan – everything from flowers and the table, the food and the choice of venue. Testimonials from some satisfied customers are always a nice touch.
The best way to learn how a wedding planner, it is what you can learn more about weddings – and what makes them successful. Visit marriages, talking to people involved that the caterers, photographers and florists. Try to get as many contacts as possible – you’ll need later. It is also worth trying to negotiate discounts with some of your contacts. And if you want to go to school – you can use classes that teach you all take on the profession.
So now you’re a wedding planner – but where to find your customers? One of the most effective ways to find potential customers, the network of industry contacts. Make sure your business cards visible caterers, florists and wedding shops are. You may want to advertise in the local newspaper and show your card at places such as libraries, community centers and jobs. And like any small business owner knows – Word of mouth is often the most effective advertising available.
And one of the best things that make a wedding planner? You have the satisfaction of helping to plan, considering that many people will be the happiest day of his life.
