Things You'll Need:
- A computer with Internet access
- A phone
- Determination
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Step 1
Do some research on your local market. Who are the top planners? Who are the top venues and caterers?
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Step 2
Pick a name for your company. If you plan to add a staff later, don't name it after yourself ("Jane Jones Weddings"). Do extensive searches online to be sure your name doesn't conflict with other existing companies. Also check your state's business register to be sure your name is not already taken in your state or county. Most states have this available online.
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Step 3
Register your business! Your state's corporation commission website should have the forms you need to fill out. If not, call your local county office and be directed to the office that registers new businesses. You will need to register with your county or city, your state, and the federal government.
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Step 4
Come up with your service offerings and pricing. Remember you cannot compete with the established planners in the area if you have little to no professional experience. You'll be better off aiming for budget brides who cannot afford those planners but still want someone to help out. Pricing yourself affordably will help you sell your services in the beginning. Remember -- you can raise your rates in the future.
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Step 5
Create a contract. This is the document you'll use to create relationships between you and your brides. It should include your company name, address, phone number, the list of services you'll provide to the bride, and the list of terms. Most contracts detail when payments are to be made, how often meetings will take place, what happens when the contract isn't fulfilled, and other restrictions. You can find simple generic templates online but I recommend you work with a legal professional.
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Step 6
Create an accounting system. Most small businesses use Quickbooks software because it's simple to set up and is as easy to use as a checkbook register.
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Step 7
Create a website. Put information about yourself and your wedding planning services online. There are several free website programs that make websites easy. Google Pages is one. You can also hire a freelancer to create a website for you. Elance.com is my favorite resource.
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Step 8
Print business cards. You can pick up a pack of printable business cards from your local office supply store. They come in perforated sheets you can run through your home printer. Otherwise you can also order your cards online. VistaPrint.com and OvernightPrints.com are two cheap and reliable resources.
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Step 9
Market your business! Share your website link with message boards that are full of local brides. Nearly every popular wedding website has local message boards for brides to connect with each other. List your website on free directories like PartyPop.com and WeddingWire.com. Craigslist.org is also a great way to promote your business for free. Calling around to local vendors and introducing yourself is a perfect way to meet your new industry's community (and hopefully future coworkers).
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Step 10
Wait for the phone to ring! Don't be frustrated if the first few months go by without a client. Be sure to follow up on all your inquiries as soon as possible.
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Step 11
After you complete a wedding, ask the bride to review you online in all the places you marketed yourself. Local bridal message boards are the very best place to spread positive word of mouth. Review sites like WeddingWire.com are a perfect venue for your bride to share her thoughts.
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Step 12
Ask the wedding photographer for the rights to use their images on your website and in your portfolio. Usually if you give them credit and a link back to their site, they'll let you do this for free. Building a portfolio is a great way to show prospective clients what you can do.
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Step 13
Work hard! Starting and running a business is no easy feat. Determination and some common sense will get you far.
Comments
tylena2004 said
on 9/4/2009 I like this article!!!
smilesatme1 said
on 11/10/2008 Good tips! Well explained and very helpful guides!