Launching A Wedding Planning Business In India: A Guide

Planning a wedding in India can be an exciting, confusing, and stressful experience. From close-knit receptions to destination weddings, Indian weddings come in various sizes. This means there is a huge demand for wedding planners in India.

If you're thinking of starting a wedding planning business in India, there are several things you need to consider. Firstly, you need to choose a business name and decide on the type of firm or service you want to offer. This is important for attracting clients and determining your future clientele. It's also crucial to have a solid business plan, including financial management, long and short-term goals, and target audience. Getting relevant experience through internships or working with event management firms can also help you understand the industry better.

Other key steps include conducting thorough industry research, assembling a team of reliable vendors, creating a marketing strategy, and tracking your earnings. Additionally, you should familiarise yourself with the legal requirements, such as registering your business and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits.

Starting a wedding planning business in India can be challenging, but with dedication and a clear plan, you can succeed in this exciting industry.

Pick a business name and type

Picking a business name and type is one of the first steps to starting a wedding planning business. The business name will be responsible for attracting clients, while the type of firm or service provided will determine the future clientele.

• Keep it simple: Opt for a name that is unique, easy to remember, and reflects your business. Avoid long names as they can be hard to remember and frustrating for clients.
• Define your business: Choose a name that gives a defining characteristic of your services. It should spark initial thoughts about your business in your client's mind.
• Consider SEO: Select a name that is SEO-friendly and not crowded by other businesses. Use highly searched keywords and ensure the name matches search intent.
• Evoke emotions: Your business name should evoke positive emotions and thoughts in your customers. It should align with your values, mission, and the experience you want to provide.
• Avoid limitations: Pick a name that allows for business growth and diversification. Avoid names tied to a specific location, a single product, or a current trend to provide flexibility for the future.
• Majestic Matrimony Planning
• Grandiose Gatherings
• Aristocratic Affairs
• Regal Rites Wedding Co.
• Imperial Engagements
• Platinum Weddings & Events
• Grandiose Events
• Unique Weddings + Events
• Happy Ever After Wedding
• Precision Planning
• Bourbon and Blush Events
• Infinite Moments Photography
• Dream Weddings Bridal Show
• Plan on Perfection
• Villa Bella Event Venue
• Tide the Knot Beach Wedding
• Bundle Bride
• Down the Aisle
• Coming Up Roses Events
• Say I Do
• Plan And Simple Weddings
• Eventology Weddings
• Maverick Wedding Planner
• Memory Alive Wedding
• White Moon Night Wedding
• Your Unforgettable Day
• ZenBusiness
• The Wedding Specialists
• The Wedding Authority
• Unforgettable Weddings
• Happy Ever After Celebrations
• Love & Lace Weddings
• Black Tie Productions
• Better You Wedding Planner
• Be Our Guest Weddings
• Maverick Wedding Planner
• Memory Alive Wedding
• White Moon Night Wedding
• Your Unforgettable Day
• ZenBusiness

When selecting a business type, consider the different packages you can offer to cater to various budget ranges. This gives couples the option to choose based on their needs. Additionally, having a solid business plan, relevant experience, clear goals, and conducting thorough industry research are crucial steps in establishing a successful wedding planning business in India.

Get relevant experience

Gaining relevant experience is an important step in starting a wedding planning business in India. Here are some ways to get started in the field:

Friends and Family Events

Offer to help plan events for your friends and family, whether it's a birthday party, anniversary, reunion, holiday celebration, or wedding. This is a great way to get some initial experience and build your portfolio. Just remember to set clear expectations and have a contract in place, even if you're offering your services for free.

Local Community Events

Volunteering for local community events is another excellent way to gain experience in event planning. Keep an eye out for any events in your area and reach out to the organisers to see if they could use some extra help. These events are often on a larger scale, so it will give you valuable insight into managing bigger productions.

Styled Shoots

Styled shoots are like mini weddings, giving you a chance to practice planning and coordinating all the different elements. They also provide an opportunity to get professional photos for your website and portfolio.

Work for a Wedding Vendor

Consider working for a catering company or other wedding vendor. This will give you first-hand experience in the wedding industry and expose you to the various logistics involved in managing weddings. You'll also have the chance to meet and network with other wedding vendors.

Assist a Wedding Planner

Reach out to established wedding planners in your area and offer to assist them on the day of a wedding. It can be challenging to break into the industry, but don't be discouraged if you don't hear back from some planners. Keep trying, as this is a great way to learn the ropes and gain valuable experience.

Work for a Banquet or Catering Company

Working for a local catering company, hotel, or venue can provide quick exposure to the world of wedding planning. You'll learn about the logistics involved, work with local vendors, and understand the food service and business side of weddings and events.

Volunteer for a Nonprofit Organisation

Inquire about volunteer opportunities with local nonprofit organisations. Planning events, galas, and meetings for nonprofits will not only give you valuable experience but also allow you to network and make connections that could benefit your future career as a wedding planner.

Have a solid business plan

A business plan is essential for the long-term success of your wedding planning business in India. This is a crucial step that will help you secure funding and protect your branding. It should include the following:

• Business name: Choose a name that will attract clients and be responsible for future clientele.
• Financial management: Determine your start-up costs, which may range from 5 lakh to 15 lakh rupees. Consider your anticipated, fixed, and variable expenses.
• Goals: Define your long- and short-term goals. Are you aiming for local celebrations or something bigger?
• Target audience: Identify your target clientele and create different packages to cater to various budgets.
• Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy to spread the word about your business. Utilise word-of-mouth, create a website, and invest in social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
• Competition: Outline steps to stay ahead of your rivals, such as using ISO Certification, Logo Registration, and digital marketing.
• Team: Decide on the team you will need for each wedding, including decorators, caterers, venues, travel arrangements, musicians, choreographers, Mehendi artists, and clothing options. Consider hiring freelancers instead of a full-time team to save costs.
• Legal and tax compliance: Structure your business as an LLC (Limited Liability Company) to protect yourself from judicial repercussions. Obtain necessary registrations, such as GST Registration, and ensure timely compliance with filings to maintain legality and avoid penalties.

Be clear with your goals

When starting a wedding planning business in India, it is important to be clear about your goals. While goals may change over time, consistency in dedication is key. Ask yourself: do you want to organise celebrations for the local crowd, or do you want to reach out to the big leagues someday? Figuring out your niche will help you get more organised in planning.

A well-thought-out business plan is the best way to ensure your company's long-term success. This includes choosing a business name, financial management, long and short-term goals, and target clientele. A business plan will also help you secure a small business loan to meet your funding requirements. It should also include strategies to overcome competition, such as using ISO certification, logo registration, and digital marketing.

Additionally, you should consider ways to market your business and protect your branding through trademark registration. Providing excellent customer service and building a strong professional network are critical to success. Working with a team and gaining relevant experience in the field before starting your business will also help you better understand the process and build connections.

Conduct industry research

Conducting a thorough industry analysis is crucial before starting a wedding planning business in India. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate this process:

Market Size and Growth:

The wedding planning market in India has experienced significant growth in recent years. Between fiscal years 2010 and 2015, the market grew at a CAGR of about ~%, and it is projected to continue expanding. The number of weddings in India is expected to increase, with an estimated ~ million weddings by FY 2020. This growth presents a lucrative opportunity for wedding planners.

Market Segmentation:

Understanding the different segments within the wedding planning market is essential. The market can be segmented by geography, with Delhi NCR, Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and other regions having their unique wedding traditions and preferences. Additionally, considering venue options is crucial, as farmhouses, open gardens, destination weddings, hotels, and banquets are all popular choices among couples.

Competition Analysis:

The wedding planning market in India has a mix of organized and unorganized players. Organized wedding planners captured a larger share of the market in FY 2015, with ~% of revenues, while unorganized planners held the remaining ~%. Popular wedding planning companies in India include Fern N Petals, L'amore Weddings, Elite Wedding Planners, and Reynold Wedding Planners, known for their tailor-made services. Analyzing their business strategies, pricing, and unique selling points will help you differentiate your business.

Customer Analysis:

Identifying your target customers is vital. Consider factors such as occupation, religion, and annual income when defining your ideal client. For instance, in FY 2015, the professional class accounted for ~% of total weddings managed by wedding planners, while the business class occupied ~%. Understanding your target market will help you tailor your services accordingly.

Industry Trends:

Staying updated with the latest trends in the wedding planning industry is essential. One notable trend is the rise of intimate weddings, with a decrease in the number of functions and guests. Additionally, destination weddings are gaining popularity, with about 80% of Indian families preferring them. Another trend is the increasing importance of wedding planners, as spending on weddings is often associated with social status.

SWOT Analysis:

Conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the wedding planning industry. Consider factors such as the increasing expenses on wedding events, the rise of online matchmaking and wedding planning platforms, and the impact of the pandemic on the industry.

Regulatory Environment:

Understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. In the past, the wedding planning industry in India has been largely unregulated, with a lack of licensing requirements. However, structuring your business as a legal entity, such as an LLC (Limited Liability Company), is essential to comply with legal and tax obligations.

In summary, conducting thorough industry research will provide you with valuable insights into the wedding planning market in India. It will help you understand the market dynamics, customer preferences, competitive landscape, and industry trends. This knowledge will enable you to make informed decisions when starting and growing your wedding planning business in India.

Frequently asked questions