Event Planning Business

I have been trying to look into starting my own event planning company but don't know where to start any suggestions?

Thank you, that comment is so helpful

I hope you don't have any bills or plan on retiring. Event Planning in a recession, not wise

Catherine, I've been in the event planning business for over fifteen years; and you ask a great, and very common, question.

My first advice is something you might not want to hear; you can not start a business doing something you've never done before. I strongly suggest you get at least three to five years of experience working for other event planners; so that you can learn the ropes before putting your own neck on the line! There is a LOT more to planning than people realize; and if you take it all on too soon, you will only end up frustrated, broke, and might possibly get sued.

However, it's not as easy to find entry-level event planning positions as you might think. It's a competitive industry, and so you must do a few things to stand out from the rest.

First, you need to learn the industry, Be cautious of many of the event planning courses out there; anyone who groups "event planning" together with "party planning" and "starting your own business" is usually not the best path, because that's not realistic. The most realistic way to get into events is to work in corporate meetings & events. As I always say, Microsoft has a much bigger budget for its annual meetings than Mrs. Jones does for her five-year-old's birthday party.

Read books on event planning. Learn everything you can.

Then, using your knowledge, volunteer your time and help out with some events in your area. Get some experience.

And finally, network! Your resume will never stand out from the hundreds of others with more experience. Planners are 99% more likely to hire an assistant that they've met or that a friend has met.

After a few years of experience, then you can open your own company.

I hope this helps; it's not an easy path, but it's worth it!
~Sirena Evans

P.S. In regards to the person who said that it's not wise right now since there's a recession....

While times have definitely been tough in the event planning industry (especially '09 and '10), things are picking up quite noticeably this year. And, if you focus your attention on corporate events, meetings, and incentives, then you will never be out of work.

While "non-necessity" event planning (parties and weddings) will fall by the wayside because people can't afford to pay someone else to plan those kinds of events, corporations will ALWAYS have meetings. It might not seem as glamorous as "events," but I have seen some pretty incredible things and have been to some amazing places (including 25 countries) in the last fifteen years of planning corporate meetings.

I have two clients who just had their best years EVER, and are doubling their typical number of meetings in order to train all the new people they have brought on.

So yes, if you sit around in negativity and listen to what the media and naysayers say, then you WILL have a tough time; and will create your own self-fulfilling prophecy.

If, on the other hand, you are willing to keep a good attitude and work really, really hard, success will find you. It's all up to you.

~Sirena

For anyone considering this field I would like to recommend this book. HOw to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Wedding Consultant and Planning Business by John N. Peragine Jr.. I got mine from Amazon and it will give you a different view of the usual I love weddings and all the glitz and glamour ideas most have when considering this field. Its takes real business know how and in more ways than just the basic gowns and invites. The section on taxes made me take a pause lol.

Aside from getting some good meat and potatoes of the biz it will also offer helpful websites and comes with a CD. I bought mine used but it came brand new with an unused CD. Two of the schools I got certified in are in this book so that just reinforced my belief in the fact that I chose the right schools to get certified with. Some of the info I learned in my courses but this book took it a few steps farther.

I suggest don't just stop with choosing a school surf the web for great deals on books to further your knowledge. Amazon and Barnes and Nobles makes that very affordable.

I've been an event consultant for a long time, and I have to say that although we are in a recession, there are still many people who are spending money. The ultra-rich always seems to benefit during recessions, and right now they are having a hard time spending their money.
Global event consultants, the ones who plan mega-events like the royal wedding, are in such high demand that they cannot keep up with the work.
To become an event consultant planning parties for the ultra-rich and celebrities is almost something you must be born into. They must be able to assume their roles in such a closed society.