Planning A Wedding Business: Where To Begin?

Starting a wedding planning business can be a lucrative venture, with the US wedding industry valued at over $62 billion. If you're interested in starting a wedding planning business, there are several steps you should consider taking. Firstly, it's important to determine the type of wedding planning business you want to build and the specific services you want to offer. This will help guide your business strategy and planning. Developing a business plan is crucial, as it will outline your mission statement, company details, market analysis, products and services, marketing strategies, budget, and estimated earnings. It's also essential to know your ideal clients and understand their values and problems. Building an online presence through social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest is another key aspect of reaching potential clients and showcasing your services. Additionally, you can explore online courses and internships to gain knowledge and experience in the industry.

Vision casting

Ask yourself: What kind of impact do I want to create? What kind of work do I want to do? What is the life I want to have? What is the problem I want to solve?

Write down your vision. Read it and reread it. Highlight it. Prioritize it. Record it and transcribe it. Keep it with you so you can refer to it often.

Share your vision with your team. This includes your staff, volunteers, and anyone else who is helping you build your business. This will help create buy-in and ensure everyone is working towards the same goal.

Finally, invite people to participate. Be clear about your priorities and emphasize that their participation is essential to achieving your vision.

Business plans

To start a wedding planning business, you'll need to write a business plan. This will serve as a roadmap to guide you through the early stages of building your business and making it profitable. There are several elements you should include in your business plan:

• A summary of your business: This includes the vision you have for your business and the strategies you will employ to make that vision a reality. Knowing the kind of business you want will help you outline the steps to get there.
• Market analysis: Research the wedding planning market to understand the industry, including historical and cultural foundations, trends, and best practices. Identify your ideal clients and their specific needs, motivations, and values. This will help you create products and solutions tailored to them.
• Products and services: Decide on the range of services you will offer. Wedding planners can offer various services, from full-service planning to day-of coordination. Be clear about what you will provide to your clients.
• Marketing and sales plan: Develop a strategy to promote your business and attract customers. Consider your pricing, advertising methods, and how you will differentiate yourself in a saturated market.
• Financial plan and projections: Outline your expected income and expenses, including the cost of any vendors or businesses you plan to work with. Create a budget and determine your pricing accordingly.
• Operational details: Include any other relevant information, such as your business location, staff, and day-to-day operations.

Additionally, it is important to consider the legal and tax implications of your business. Choose a business entity that protects you personally from any legal issues, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or a limited liability partnership. Consult a business attorney to ensure you are complying with all necessary regulations and maintaining proper records for tax purposes.

Courses and conferences

While starting a wedding planning business does not require formal training, investing in courses and conferences can strengthen your knowledge of the industry and help you build connections.

Courses

The Association of Bridal Consultants and the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners offer certification courses for wedding planners. The AACWP, for example, offers a four-day training course for $1,500. You can also explore general event planning and business classes, such as marketing, customer service, and financial management.

The QC School is another option, offering a variety of wedding planner-related courses, including Wedding & Event Planning, Destination Wedding Planning, and Wedding Design. The school also links you up with a tutor who owns their own wedding planning business and can mentor you throughout the process.

Conferences

Conferences are a great way to network with other wedding and event planners and learn from business owners. Upcoming conferences for wedding planners include:

• Wedding MBA: November 11-15, 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada
• World of Weddings from the Association of Bridal Consultants: November 3-5, 2025, New Orleans, LA
• Signature CEO Conference: March 25-27, 2025, Tysons Corner, Virginia
• Coterie Retreat: November 17-20, 2025, Nassau, Bahamas
• Engage Summits: Various dates and locations in 2025, including Tuscany, Italy, London, England, Peru, and Santa Barbara, CA

Marketing and advertising

Understand Your Target Audience

Before you begin marketing your wedding planning business, it's crucial to determine your target audience. Are you planning weddings for young couples? Or do you specialize in destination weddings? Understanding your niche will help you tailor your marketing efforts effectively.

Build Relationships with Venues and Vendors

Strategic networking is key. Invest time in building relationships with local venues and vendors. Engage with them on social media by sharing photos, commenting, and sending direct messages. Write reviews and become a genuine supporter of their business. In return, they may refer couples to you, as venue referrals can be a significant source of new business.

Utilize Social Media

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are powerful tools to showcase your past events and engage with potential clients. Share captivating imagery and tell visual stories that reflect the elegance, romance, and bespoke nature of your services. Engage with followers through comments, stories, and live sessions to build a sense of community and trust.

Create a Website

Your website is the heart of your digital presence and the central hub for your business. Ensure it is well-designed, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines. Include an "about" page, photo galleries, a blog, and testimonials to showcase your work and build credibility.

Email Marketing

Email marketing is an effective way to nurture leads and keep potential clients engaged. Craft personalized email campaigns that provide value through tips, trends, and insights into the world of wedding planning.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Word-of-mouth marketing is still vital. Positive experiences can go a long way, so focus on building strong relationships with venues and vendors, as they may recommend you to couples.

Attend Bridal Expos

Participate in bridal expos and promotional events to showcase your business. Offer promotional giveaways that reflect your brand and style.

Creative Advertising

Think creatively about advertising your business. For example, you can offer discounted rates to your first few clients in exchange for feedback and references, or include your name and contact information on tote bags, mugs, and wine glasses used during planning meetings.

Internships and experience

While it is possible to become a wedding planner with no prior experience, internships and courses can help you gain valuable knowledge and build a network in the industry.

Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience in the field of wedding planning. As an intern, you will typically assist a professional wedding planner or provide administrative support to a wedding planning company. Your duties may include coordinating schedules, meeting with the couple to understand their budget and needs, and helping with the setup and breakdown of wedding spaces. Many wedding venues have site coordinators who help facilitate weddings, and interning in such a role can provide you with valuable experience in the industry.

You can also consider taking online courses to supplement your knowledge. The QC School, for example, offers a course that can help you gain the skills needed to work as a wedding planner during the wedding season. Additionally, organizations like the Association of Bridal Consultants offer certification courses for wedding planners, which can strengthen your knowledge of the industry and its current trends.

It is worth noting that some internships may require you to be a current student seeking academic credit, or a recent graduate looking to improve your full-time employment prospects. However, as one source suggests, being honest about your lack of experience and upfront about your pricing can help you gain experience and build a client base.

Frequently asked questions