You've probably spent hours scrolling through Pinterest, looking at tablescapes and thinking, "I could totally do this." Maybe you’re the friend who organized every bachelorette party and bridal shower since 2018. It feels like a dream job, right? Champagne, flowers, and love. But let’s be real for a second. How to start a wedding planning business isn't just about picking out the perfect shade of dusty rose linens. It's about logistics. It's about contracts. It’s about being the only person in the room who isn't crying when the cake tips over in the back of a delivery van.
Starting out is messy. Most people think they need a fancy office and a staff of five to begin. Honestly? You don't. You need a laptop, a very reliable phone, and the ability to stay calm when a mother-in-law starts arguing about the seating chart.
The Boring Legal Stuff Nobody Tells You
Before you even think about a logo, you have to handle the paperwork. This is where most people get bored and quit. Don't be that person. You need to decide if you’re a Sole Proprietorship or an LLC. Most planners go the LLC route because, frankly, you don't want someone suing your personal bank account because the florist forgot the peonies. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), choosing the right legal structure affects everything from your taxes to your personal liability. It’s a big deal.
Get a contract. I mean a real one. Not something you found on a random blog for free. You need a document that covers "Acts of God"—that’s legal speak for hurricanes, fires, or global pandemics. If you don't have a solid contract, you’re basically working on a prayer. Look into resources like The Contract Shop or consult a local attorney who understands the events industry. It's an investment, but it's cheaper than a lawsuit.
Then there's insurance. General liability insurance is non-negotiable. Most high-end venues won't even let you step foot on the property without a Certificate of Insurance (COI). If a guest trips over your extension cord, you want to be covered. It's just smart business.
Finding Your Niche and Your Voice
The wedding industry is crowded. Like, really crowded. If you try to be the "wedding planner for everyone," you’ll end up being the planner for no one. You have to find your "vibe." Are you the person for "dark academia" library weddings? Or are you the go-to for high-energy, 300-person Greek celebrations?
Think about your ideal client. What do they drink? Where do they shop? If they’re buying their clothes at REI and spending their weekends hiking, they probably don't want a ballroom wedding with crystal chandeliers. They want a forest. They want wood-fired pizza. Talk to them in your marketing. Use their language.
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Why Pricing Is the Hardest Part
Everyone underprices themselves at the start. It’s a classic mistake. You think, "I'll just charge $500 to get some experience." Stop. Right now.
When you charge $500 for a "Day of Coordination" (which, by the way, doesn't actually exist—it's more like "Month of Coordination"), you are likely earning about $2 an hour after you account for the meetings, the emails, and the 14-hour wedding day. Most experienced planners, like those recognized by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), suggest starting with a flat fee or a percentage of the total budget.
There are three main ways to charge:
- Flat Fee: You set a price for the package. Simple.
- Percentage: You take 10-15% of the total wedding budget. This is great for high-end weddings but can be tricky if the couple is budget-conscious.
- Hourly: Rare for full planning, but okay for consultations.
Be transparent. People appreciate knowing what they’re paying for. If you’re charging $3,000, show them the value. Show them the 200 hours you’re going to spend making sure their wedding doesn't suck.
Building a Portfolio When You Have Zero Weddings
This is the "chicken and the egg" problem. How do you get hired without a portfolio, and how do you get a portfolio without being hired?
Styled shoots.
Basically, you gather a group of vendors—a photographer, a florist, a baker, and a stationery designer—and you create a "fake" wedding setup. You all chip in, you all get the photos, and suddenly your website looks like you've been doing this for years. It’s a collaborative effort. Just make sure you credit everyone involved. Honesty matters.
Networking is your secret weapon. Go to industry mixers. Meet the venue managers. When a venue manager likes you, they put you on their "Preferred Vendor List." That is gold. Absolute gold. Most couples pick their venue first and then ask the manager who they should hire. If your name is on that list, half your marketing work is done.
How to Start a Wedding Planning Business That Actually Scales
Scaling is about systems. If you’re doing everything manually—sending every email from scratch, tracking budgets in a messy notebook—you will burn out. Fast.
Invest in software. Tools like Aisle Planner, HoneyBook, or Rock Paper Coin are designed specifically for this. They handle your contracts, your invoicing, and your floor plans. They make you look professional. When a client gets a sleek, branded invoice instead of a random PayPal link, their trust in you triples.
Don't forget the tech side of things. Your website needs to be fast and mobile-friendly. According to Google's Core Web Vitals, if your site takes more than a few seconds to load those high-res floral photos, people are going to bounce. Use a platform like Showit or Squarespace that allows for big imagery without killing your load speeds.
The Reality of the "Day Of"
Let’s talk about the wedding day itself. You’re the first one there and the last one to leave. You’ll be carrying an "Emergency Kit" that includes everything from safety pins and Ibuprofen to a tide pen and extra boutonniere pins.
You are the gatekeeper. Your job is to make sure the couple never knows that the DJ is stuck in traffic or that the florist forgot the flower girl's petals. You solve problems quietly. You’re a ninja in a blazer.
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Marketing Beyond Instagram
Instagram is great for pretty pictures, but SEO is where the real leads come from. When someone types "wedding planner in [Your City]" into Google, you want to be there.
Blog about local venues. Write about "The Best 5 Outdoor Wedding Spots in Austin" or "What to Do if it Rains at Your Garden Wedding." This shows you know your local market. It builds authority. Google loves local expertise.
Also, don't ignore Pinterest. It's a search engine, not just a social media site. Pin your styled shoots. Link them back to your website. People use Pinterest to plan, and if they find your work there, they’re already halfway to hiring you.
Actionable Steps to Take Right Now
If you’re serious about this, stop dreaming and start doing. Here is your immediate checklist:
- Register your business name. Check your Secretary of State’s website to make sure the name isn't taken.
- Secure your domain and social handles. Even if you aren't ready to launch, park the names so no one else grabs them.
- Open a business bank account. Never, ever mix your personal money with your business money. It’s a tax nightmare.
- Reach out to one local photographer. Ask them to grab coffee. Start building those relationships now.
- Draft your initial service offerings. What are you actually selling? Partial planning? Full service? Figure it out.
Success in this industry isn't about having the most followers. It's about being the most reliable person in the room. It’s about being the person who remembers the bride’s grandmother needs a chair with a cushion, and the person who knows exactly how to fix a broken bustle in thirty seconds. It’s a hard job, but if you love it, there’s nothing better.
Start small. Be consistent. Keep your overhead low. Focus on the client experience above everything else, and the word-of-mouth referrals will eventually do the heavy lifting for you.