Wedding Planning

I have coordinated several large events and a couple weddings and have a real desire to begin my own business in wedding and event planning. I'm considering staying home with my newborn baby to persue my dream of having a home based business. My question is, what is the best way to get the word out and advertise for wedding and event planning?

Lisa in Austin, Texas said: I have coordinated several large events and a couple weddings and have a real desire to begin my own business in wedding and event planning. I'm considering staying home with my newborn baby to persue my dream of having a home based business. My question is, what is the best way to get the word out and advertise for wedding and event planning?

I'm in exactly the same situation. I'd love to correspond with you as you begin this journey. I am still working full time but have the summer off. My daughter is 5 months old. My dream is to have a successful wedding and event planning business from home.

I am looking to start an events planning business as well. How did you get the few events you did? I would love to hear more about your journey.

Hello Joy! I would love to correspond with you where we can share ideas as to how to promote our businesses, build our clientele and share what efforts may happened to not have been as successful as we may of hoped. Please feel frree to email me at Events_Extraordinaire@live.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Ladies,

I'm an event planner based in atlanta, ga but I travel all over the world to plan events. The way I started out was by doing events for free for my family and close friends. You have to get your name out there someway. That was the best way for me. I say this because you never know who will be attending the event and we all know news travels fast. As you start planning your events make alliances with different venues and caterers, etc. It's really easy. You would be surprised how many people are looking for event planners. Please feel free to contact me if I can be if any assistance to you, alexisbwesley@yahoo.com

Lisa in Austin, Texas said: I have coordinated several large events and a couple weddings and have a real desire to begin my own business in wedding and event planning. I'm considering staying home with my newborn baby to persue my dream of having a home based business. My question is, what is the best way to get the word out and advertise for wedding and event planning?

I just thought of starting a event/wedding planner business. It doesn't look like there are any planners here in Inverness and if there are I haven't seen or met any. My one friend loves to plan parties and I like to mingle with people so I think we would make a good team. If ya'll have any do's or don'ts of the business I would like to hear them.

I have a passion for this wedding planning business and for any of you out there who would like to do this type of a business in Botswawna the please contact me at ttkowa@yahoo.com.

Lisa in Austin, Texas said: I have coordinated several large events and a couple weddings and have a real desire to begin my own business in wedding and event planning. I'm considering staying home with my newborn baby to persue my dream of having a home based business. My question is, what is the best way to get the word out and advertise for wedding and event planning?

hi
i am new to this forum. what is meant by marriage event job? how it is work?
Is it successful business

Alexis Wesley pls contact me at ttkowa@yahoo.com. I have tried with all to email you but all my emails fail. please

Lisa in Austin, Texas said: Hello Joy! I would love to correspond with you where we can share ideas as to how to promote our businesses, build our clientele and share what efforts may happened to not have been as successful as we may of hoped. Please feel frree to email me at Events_Extraordinaire@live.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

HEllo there Lisa

I really think this comment was so useful and its nice to know that there are professionals out there who would like to help other in this industry. I will be so happy to start communicating with you about business as i have just registered a catering and Events management company. THanx my email add is ttkowa@yahoo.com

Hello! How is your catering and event management business going? What avenues have you taken to try and advertise your business?

jen in Hainesport, New Jersey said: I am looking to start an events planning business as well. How did you get the few events you did? I would love to hear more about your journey.

Hello Jen. You asked how I obtained the few events that I've done prior to starting my own business. I volunteered as the event coordinator for the singles group at my church and for some of my friends who needed a place for a birthday party and a small wedding, we used my parents home which has a lovely and large backyard. The other events I simply volunteered to help my family or friends with their birthday parties, showers and graduation parties.

thanks for the reply

thanks for the reply it is very use ful for me once again thank yiou

Lisa~

i too just had a baby and have been racking my brain about how to make enough money and stay home with him. i'm single and don't have another income to help me out. do you think starting my own business would bring in enough funds to support myself and my child?

Honestly...a business takes time to build any reliable income. I'm making some great contacts and have some brides & clients I'm working with but not an actual pay check yet. I would recommend continue working even if it's just part time somewhere to allow you an income but time to begin a business on the side till it's a bit more dependable. Best of luck; let me know how things turn-out.

I have been an event planner for a caterer and for a manufacturing Co. and for a the President of a financial planning Co. for the past 15 years. I am looking to work for a company, planning their events and travel from my home. I bring organization, responsibility and experience to the table.If anyone knows of a co. looking for such aperson, please pas the info on to me, thanks.

truly,
Lindsay in Boston, MA

Lisa in Austin, Texas said: Honestly...a business takes time to build any reliable income. I'm making some great contacts and have some brides & clients I'm working with but not an actual pay check yet. I would recommend continue working even if it's just part time somewhere to allow you an income but time to begin a business on the side till it's a bit more dependable. Best of luck; let me know how things turn-out.

Hi Lisa!

How is your business developing? I am a meeting planner in the Austin area with over nine years of experience, and I am exploring the desire to expand my skills to wedding and event planning. I would love to hear more about your journey!

Sincerely,

Judith

Lisa in Austin, Texas said: I have coordinated several large events and a couple weddings and have a real desire to begin my own business in wedding and event planning. I'm considering staying home with my newborn baby to persue my dream of having a home based business. My question is, what is the best way to get the word out and advertise for wedding and event planning?

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Hi everyone!

I have been an event planner for over fifteen years, and felt I needed to chime in to help those of you who are just starting out. I want to let you know that I have an entire website dedicated to people who desperately want to break into the world of event planning but don't know how. I am not selling anything, so this is not a shameless plug - but there is just so much information and so many questions, that I can't cover it all in one post. That's why I created a website, to help "pay it forward" after a wise mentor helped me get started so long ago.

My website is: www.careers-in-event-planning.com

* If you're wondering how to start out with your own company in event or wedding planning, be sure to click on this page: www.careers-in-event-planning.com/event-planning-business.html

* If you're not even sure about the industry and want to learn more, start with "What is Event Planning?" and read every page from there.

There's so much more info, and limited space; but if you're truly ready to do what it takes to get into the business (it won't happen overnight), take a look at my site and be SURE to sign up for my newsletter. I send out weekly tips and hints on how exactly to start your career in events. When you subscribe, I also send you a free report that lists 25 Job Sites that post job openings in event planning.

Good luck and never give up!

Sirena
www.careers-in-event-planning.com

Hi there people,
I need a wedding planning college in Texas. Please if any one has information on such a college please contact me ttkowa@yahoo.com
I need an admission for the year 2009.
Thanx

Hey I am in almost all of your situations. I work full time and I am getting married in march so I really want to start my own event coordinating buisness... Im just not sure how to promote it...Do any of you think its a good idea to promote it at catering halls?

I started my event planning business last year and had two clients but they both called off the wedding. I got a little discouraged but I have decided to try it again. I have a fulltime job but have decided to just take on events for free so I can get my name out there. If anyone know's a bride or company that needs services please let me know and contact me @ ernestinej@hotmail.com.

Thanks and good luck!!!!

I read all of your comments with great interest. I am an officiate (not a planner) who would love to connect with planners to perhaps coordinate weddings together. I have my own website, which has helped bring in some customers. Also, I am listed on some wedding planning websites....which has helped tremendously. Please visit me on my website at www.crystalministries.org

I'd love to hear some ideas as well as see how we might work together!

Blessings,
Rev. Jeanne

heya i stay in India ... far away from ur place :)

rev.jeanne in New Bern, North Carolina said: I read all of your comments with great interest. I am an officiate (not a planner) who would love to connect with planners to perhaps coordinate weddings together. I have my own website, which has helped bring in some customers. Also, I am listed on some wedding planning websites....which has helped tremendously. Please visit me on my website at www.crystalministries.org

I'd love to hear some ideas as well as see how we might work together!

Blessings,
Rev. Jeanne

That would be wonderful. I just started my buisness and I really need some great tips where I can advertise. I am on a few websites and I also have my own website which is www.perfectionatlast.vpweb.com. Maybe you could help me promote?

For all of you new planners trying to get into the business, join your local chapter of ISES. Go to the mixers, take the courses. It is where all the event vendors create relationships. From experience, planners are the queens of the ball. www.ises.com

Kristina in Brooklyn, New York said: Hey I am in almost all of your situations. I work full time and I am getting married in march so I really want to start my own event coordinating buisness... Im just not sure how to promote it...Do any of you think its a good idea to promote it at catering halls?

HiKristina
Lately I cannot think about anything else but starting an event planning, wedding coordinating business but like you don't know where to start or have training yet. I was thinking about purchasing one of those online courses. Feel free to email me at karzie1109@yahoo.com

I'm very interested in starting my own business in the wedding industry and I was looking for tips on how to advertise my business. Right now there are no wedding planners in my area and I feel I could help lots of brides by starting my own wedding services to our community. Also how much should I charge for my services? I thought that my first two brides I would do it for free,but I don't know what to base prices off of.
Thanks for your help
Nicole of Marion, NC

Nicole P. in Marion, North Carolina said: I'm very interested in starting my own business in the wedding industry and I was looking for tips on how to advertise my business. Right now there are no wedding planners in my area and I feel I could help lots of brides by starting my own wedding services to our community. Also how much should I charge for my services? I thought that my first two brides I would do it for free,but I don't know what to base prices off of.
Thanks for your help
Nicole of Marion, NC

Hi Nicole,

Have you planned any weddings before? Its a great idea especially if there are no wedding planners in your area. There are different ways to charge your custermers. The typical wedding planner charges 10-15% of the total budget. More experienced planners charge 20% of the budget. I am currently planning a wedding for a client.bbI suggest you plan a couple of weddings for free so you can get your feet wet and understand the business.

Hi Nicole,
There's a couple of ways I think you can get started...the post above is a good idea for pricing (which can be challenging to begin with.) One thing, besides making a great web page, is to send out introduction letter with biz cards to area photographers, bakers, caterers, etc. to let them know you are in the area. Also, check with the chamber of commerce to see if there is a wedding planning group (or something to do with weddings) in the area. If there isn't, starting one to get everyone together is another good idea. Also, if you'd like, we can link to one another (best way is via webpages) and help couples that might be looking for someone to help, since I'm on the coast and your near Asheville. I just had to turn someone away because they were somewhere near you!

Anyway, that's some ideas....advertising certainly seems to be the bugga boo!
Rev. Jeanne

Nicole P. in Marion, North Carolina said: I'm very interested in starting my own business in the wedding industry and I was looking for tips on how to advertise my business. Right now there are no wedding planners in my area and I feel I could help lots of brides by starting my own wedding services to our community. Also how much should I charge for my services? I thought that my first two brides I would do it for free,but I don't know what to base prices off of.
Thanks for your help
Nicole of Marion, NC

Hi Nicole,

If you are going to work for free to try and gain experience, I would suggest offering that to your friends and family. That will help you get your foot in the door.

If you do get hired by a client, then you should charge something, even a minimal amount. You could also start out by only being responsible for part of the wedding. For example, charge a small fee to be the wedding day director where they do all of the planning and you are just there on the actual day to coordinate and make sure things go smoothly. You can always build up from there. Hope that helps!

Stephanie
Event Planner
www.masterplanit.com

hey guys m really really intrstd in goin into dis field but as i hv juz finsd my MBA so wanna go for a job first but only in dis field n only in New Delhi India. so if any Indian or der relatives r readin dis den plzzz hire me.thanks

Hello, i am looking for part time experiential learning in the wedding planning field and i am willing to do it for free for as long as i get experience as i am so passionate about the career. I am a graduate i n the field of Public Relations and also have a Diploma in Events Management. I am currently working towards my Business Admin so anyone in Ireland, Dublin or if yo know anyone then please let me know.

Dear Priyata,

You've got to be kidding. No one on a professional business site like this is even going to consider hiring someone who posts texts like a dyslexic teenager. If you want to get a job in the hip-hop field, that might be cute, but you make yourself out to be a complete amateur. You have an MBA? Your post makes everyone mistrust you immediately. If you're serious about getting a job, then learn how to communicate like a professional. Your country has a rich history of proper business English - I suggest you take a crash course immediately.

QUOTE who="priyata in Gurgaon, India"]hey guys m really really intrstd in goin into dis field but as i hv juz finsd my MBA so wanna go for a job first but only in dis field n only in New Delhi India. so if any Indian or der relatives r readin dis den plzzz hire me.thanks

Buster Maxwell in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said: Dear Priyata,

You've got to be kidding. No one on a professional business site like this is even going to consider hiring someone who posts texts like a dyslexic teenager. If you want to get a job in the hip-hop field, that might be cute, but you make yourself out to be a complete amateur. You have an MBA? Your post makes everyone mistrust you immediately. If you're serious about getting a job, then learn how to communicate like a professional. Your country has a rich history of proper business English - I suggest you take a crash course immediately.

QUOTE who="priyata in Gurgaon, India"]hey guys m really really intrstd in goin into dis field but as i hv juz finsd my MBA so wanna go for a job first but only in dis field n only in New Delhi India. so if any Indian or der relatives r readin dis den plzzz hire me.thanks

Buster....a little harsh, but very true!

Hey I think you sent a message to the wrong person. I was not the person who couldnt speak english lol.

Lisa in Austin, Texas said: I have coordinated several large events and a couple weddings and have a real desire to begin my own business in wedding and event planning. I'm considering staying home with my newborn baby to persue my dream of having a home based business. My question is, what is the best way to get the word out and advertise for wedding and event planning?

It is nice to read that I am not alone in this dream that I hope can be a reality in starting my own wedding/event planner business. I currently plan little parties at work and for my family. I believe I can and would be good at planning larger events given the chance. I am even willing to plan a wedding or an event for free. So do anyone have any advice for a girl living in the NY area or do anyone know somebody that is looking for an entry level wedding/event planner to plan their event. I am hands on and very determine to take my goals and dreams to the next level. My private email is phenomenalynn@hotmail.com

hi,
Thanks for Your suggestions but I wrote like that because this is not a professional website.And I am professional only where i need to be .Anyways again thanks for your reply.Take Care
Thanks
Priyata

Lisa in Austin, Texas said: I have coordinated several large events and a couple weddings and have a real desire to begin my own business in wedding and event planning. I'm considering staying home with my newborn baby to persue my dream of having a home based business. My question is, what is the best way to get the word out and advertise for wedding and event planning?

I too am looking to start my own wedding/party planning business. I just don't know where to get started. I see that you too are in Texas. Do you have any tips on how to get started on this?

Hi there!
I'm Jason Hennessey, President of 1weddingsource.com, a wedding planning directory that caters to all the needs of every bride in the USA. The site is filled with useful information and wedding favors for every bride and grooms taste.

You can check my site here: www.1weddingsource.com/store

Alexis Wesley in Lithonia, Georgia said: Hi Ladies,

I'm an event planner based in atlanta, ga but I travel all over the world to plan events. The way I started out was by doing events for free for my family and close friends. You have to get your name out there someway. That was the best way for me. I say this because you never know who will be attending the event and we all know news travels fast. As you start planning your events make alliances with different venues and caterers, etc. It's really easy. You would be surprised how many people are looking for event planners. Please feel free to contact me if I can be if any assistance to you, alexisbwesley@yahoo.com

Thank you for the opportunity to correspond with you re event planning. I am a stay at home mom of 5. My eldest (16) is an accomplished hula dancer, dancing with a troupe. They have asked me to contact persons, companies to introduce their services and thereby earning a commission/finders fee. Any advice you offer will be appreciated, such as writing intro letters, what to say, etc. I two years college, but little business experience. Thanks again. Stacy
email is ograc@earthlink.net

Hi Lisa,

Lisa in Austin, Texas said: I have coordinated several large events and a couple weddings and have a real desire to begin my own business in wedding and event planning. I'm considering staying home with my newborn baby to persue my dream of having a home based business. My question is, what is the best way to get the word out and advertise for wedding and event planning?

It a great idea but you do need good advice and in the right direction. I have come across a very dependable organization and they helped my aunt set up her business. They do all the planning for you and help you to locate the business that is right for you. Please get in touch with: www.businessforsmarties.com and take off on a new venture.

Thelma in Gaborone, Botswana said: HEllo there Lisa

I really think this comment was so useful and its nice to know that there are professionals out there who would like to help other in this industry. I will be so happy to start communicating with you about business as i have just registered a catering and Events management company. THanx my email add is ttkowa@yahoo.com

Hi,

Where is your business located and how did you go about starting it?
clark41186@yahoo.com

I have always had a passion for party planning. I make custom favors, pins, candies, do all the decorations and planning for family events for free. My career is in education, and I am off during the summers. My husband, who is very supportive, convinced me that I should be getting paid for what I do, so I decided to start my own event planning business. I made business cards, and promotional cd's with photos and narration of the events I have coordinated, and have now hit a rock. I am not sure where to begin as far as introduction letters, and who, where, and how to send them out. Any advice that is provided is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact me at melancee@live.com. Also, please see my website at www.melancee.weebly.com. Any comments or suggestions regarding my questions and/or website are very much appreciated.

Cathy Richards
Founder/Lead Coordinator
Melancee Event Planning
Event Planning at its Best!!
melancee@live.com
www.melancee.weebly.com

Good Afternoon All,

My sister and I have finally set up our own Wedding planning company, we are in the process of having our website made (be up in 3-4days max) we are having our business cards made, along with leafets to send out to local vendors.

We've called venues and got brochures along with contact names, this has all been done in the past 2 days (we signed the business docs on Tues). We've also managed to book some appointments to go along and meet some vendors.

Could anyone give us some more advice on what we should be doing other than that? Have we missed something? Would be really good to have advice from someone who has been successful in this field. Also we are aware that Wedding Planners are more fashionable in the States than here in the UK, so we will have our work cut out for us!

Thank you all in Advance.

Debbie.

Word of Mouth is always the best. Also plan and event and invite local wedding venues. business, and find out who is getting married and send them an invite to the invite. Show them that you have what it takes to have a successful event

Alexis Wesley in Lithonia, Georgia said: Hi Ladies,

I'm an event planner based in atlanta, ga but I travel all over the world to plan events. The way I started out was by doing events for free for my family and close friends. You have to get your name out there someway. That was the best way for me. I say this because you never know who will be attending the event and we all know news travels fast. As you start planning your events make alliances with different venues and caterers, etc. It's really easy. You would be surprised how many people are looking for event planners. Please feel free to contact me if I can be if any assistance to you, alexisbwesley@yahoo.com

Alexis, I would love the opportunity to discuss any contacts you may know that are currently looking for event planners. Please email me at belanger.erica@gmail.com Thanks!

Alexis Wesley in Lithonia, Georgia said: Hi Ladies,

I'm an event planner based in atlanta, ga but I travel all over the world to plan events. The way I started out was by doing events for free for my family and close friends. You have to get your name out there someway. That was the best way for me. I say this because you never know who will be attending the event and we all know news travels fast. As you start planning your events make alliances with different venues and caterers, etc. It's really easy. You would be surprised how many people are looking for event planners. Please feel free to contact me if I can be if any assistance to you, alexisbwesley@yahoo.com

I'm just starting to get into the wedding planning bussiness. A few of my friends are gettting married and I am offering my services to get my name out there. I have only been doing this for a little while, and I just want to know if I need a degree or certification to really go at it full force or if just getting my name out there is enough? If I should get a degree or certificate do you know any types of schools that have good programs for that line of work?