How to Start an Event Decorating Business

A decorated event venue

If you have a knack for making parties and events look spectacular, consider starting your own event-decorating business. You can work for many types of clients, and the start-up cost is relatively low. This can be a fun and lucrative business, as long as you take care to plan your venture before starting it.

Things You'll Need

• Website
• Meeting space
• Print and online ads

Instructions

1. Choose a niche, such as wedding décor, convention or conference décor, birthday party themes, or decorating for family events. That will help you narrow down the type of customers you should target and keep you focused.

2. Develop a website. This will be one of your most useful marketing tools. Your site should list your contact information, the services you offer, your rates (if you plan to use flat-rate pricing) and photos of the work you've done.

3. Get a portfolio together for potential clients. If you don't have photos of work you've done for previous clients, ask family members if you can decorate for their events or perform a couple of free jobs just to get the photos.

4. Pick a site to hold client meetings. This can be inside your home if you have an area suitable for meeting clients, a rented business office, or you can even choose to hold client meetings at an appropriate restaurant.

5. Advertise your services in print, online and by word of mouth. It helps if you offer a discount to go along with your advertisements. Be sure to put your website address on all ads.

6. Decide if you want to rent decorations. Commonly rented decorations include helium tanks to fill balloons, archways and columns for weddings, and silk floral centerpieces. That is another way to add income to your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you file for a business license, such as a sole proprietor license and a DBA, or "doing business as," license.

References

• Holiday and Event Decoration
• Opening an Event Decorating Services Business
• Event Decorating Academy