Business, General Tips, Your Event Career
How to Start An Event Planning Business in 5 Steps
Updated 2025.
Key Points
- By 2035, the global events industry is projected to reach a value of USD $2.5 TRILLION by 2035 (with a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 – 2035).
- Before starting your event planning business, ensure to check off the following 7 tasks first:
- Create a business plan;
- Determine your target market;
- Obtain necessary permits and licenses;
- Research your competitors;
- Develop a pricing strategy;
- Learn local tax laws and business filing protocol;
- And polish your pitch.
- The 5 steps for how to start an event planning business are:
- Getting trained and certified as an event planner;
- Figuring out what you want your business to look like and be named;
- Building your business website and social media channels;
- Establishing how you plan to get clients and market yourself;
- Networking and getting real-world experience as an event planner.
- In the first year of operations, the average small business owner can expect to spend upwards of USD $40,000.
- The average microbusiness can expect to spend between USD $2000 – $5000 to initially get their business started and off the ground.
- Some tips for starting an event planning business with no money include:
- Using free marketing tactics;
- Offering free services in exchange for testimonials;
- Starting with smaller projects that have lower budgets, etc.
- QC Event School offers self-paced, online wedding and event planning certification training that can be completed in as little as 12 weeks (or less).
- QC Event School has helped over 30,000+ students and grads launch successful careers in the events industry.
Introduction
Starting a new business in event planning can be a very profitable venture. In fact, statistics indicate that the global events industry is projected to reach a whopping value of USD $2.5 TRILLION by 2035 (with a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2035)! That said, starting a brand-new business takes a lot of hard work and dedication – especially in the beginning. In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to start an event planning business from scratch in 6 easy steps! We’ll also provide tips on how to market your new company, advice on what services to offer your clients, the type of training you should get, and more.
So, if you’re ready to start your dream career, keep reading to learn how to start an event planning business!
Starting an Event Planning Business Checklist
Before starting any business, it’s important to have a plan in place. Below is a checklist of the 7 essential steps you should take when starting an event planning business:
- Create a Business Plan – The first step to starting any business is to create a thorough and detailed business plan. This will serve as your roadmap and guide for your company, outlining your goals, target market, services offered, financial projections, and more. It will also be crucial if you plan on seeking funding or investors for your business.
- Determine Your Target Market – It’s important to identify who your target market is before launching your event planning business. Are you targeting corporate clients? Weddings? Social events? By understanding who your ideal clients are, you can tailor your services and marketing efforts accordingly.
- Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses – Check with your local government to see what permits and licenses are required for starting an event planning business in your area. This may include a business license, tax ID number, or insurance.
- Research Your Competitors – Knowing who your competitors are and what they offer can help you set yourself apart in the market. Look at their services, pricing, and marketing strategies to see how you can differentiate yourself and stand out from the competition.
- Develop a Pricing Strategy – Pricing is key when it comes to running a successful event planning business. Research the rates of other event planners in your area and determine how much you will charge for your services based on factors such as experience, overhead costs, and industry standards.
- Learn Your Local Tax Laws and Business Filing Protocols – It’s important to understand the tax laws and business filing protocols in your area to ensure you are compliant with all regulations. Consider consulting with a tax professional or accountant to help you navigate this aspect of starting a business.
- Polish Your Pitch – When starting an event planning business, it’s important to have a strong and compelling sales pitch for potential clients. This should highlight your unique selling points, services offered, and the value you can provide to your clients. So, take the time to perfect your pitch and make it stand out!
How To Start an Event Planning Business in 5 Steps
Step One: Get Trained and Certified as an Event Planner
First thing’s first, you’re going to need training in this industry. Although technically, event planning isn’t a regulated industry, this does NOT mean you won’t be much better off with proper training under your belt. In fact, we’d even argue that getting professionally certified is the single BEST way to become an event planner and achieve success!
When it comes to obtaining a solid event planning education, there’s no better option than to enroll in an accredited, internationally-recognized school! QC Event School, for instance, offers a variety of courses in multiple different areas of professional planning. The best part? All of our programs can be completed at your own pace and right from the comfort of home.
Plus, our courses aren’t only geared towards those already working within the industry (who are looking to upskill or add additional services to their company). They’ve also been carefully designed for entrepreneurs who want to start their own business, too. In fact, this is why all of our courses offer an entire unit specifically dedicated to business training.
This means that regardless of your skill level or past experience, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and expertise offered in QC’s wedding and event planning courses! And once you’ve completed our course(s), you’ll receive an internationally-recognized certification that’ll demonstrate your skills and knowledge as an event planner. How awesome is that? Talk about taking your resume to the next level!
FACT: QC Event School has helped over 30,000+ students and grads launch successful careers in the events and wedding industry. Check out our full list of online certification courses!
Step Two: Figure Out What You Want Your Business to Look Like
How will you structure your event planning business? How much money are you willing to invest in getting it started up and running smoothly (as well as how long)? Do you eventually want to hire on fellow team members/staff, etc.?
Now is also a great time for some self-reflection! Ask yourself:
- What kind of events am I really interested in planning and coordinating (i.e., weddings, corporate events, social parties etc.)?
- How flexible am I when it comes to working evenings and weekends during event season(s)?
- Do I have enough money saved up to get this business started and support myself while I’m in the beginning stages?
- How much money do I need/want to make?
- How many hours am I willing to work per week, month, or year?
- What are my short-term and long-term goals for the business (i.e., what do you want it to look like a few years down the road)?
Your Business Name and Brand
You’ll also want to start thinking up some ideas for your company name. This can be both fun and stressful, so don’t sweat it too much if you’re struggling with coming up with one. If all else fails, try using an online business name generator. There are lots of great ones out there that can really help jump start the process! Importantly, once you’ve chosen your business name, don’t forget to get it legally registered. That way, no one else can swoop in and take it from you.
Lastly, you’ll also want to figure out what you want your brand to be. What do you want your business to look like? How do you want people to perceive it? What kind of vibe(s) are you going for (i.e., fun, elegant, modern etc.)?
Do some research and figure out what would work well with the audience(s) that you’ll be working with! The key is to find something that you feel comfortable with and will allow you to stand out from the crowd. And if you need some help developing your brand, this article will guide you through the process.
Step Three: Build Your Event Planning Business Website and Social Media Presence
Once your business plan is complete, it’s time to start building your website and social media presence. This is where you’ll be able to showcase all of your amazing work, as well as give potential clients a little taste of what they can expect from you. If you’ve never built a professional website before, or run social media channels for a business, we’ve got some great tips in our blog article, “How to Get Clients as an Event Planner“, to help you get started!
Remember: the key here is to make sure your website and social media accounts are up-to-date and reflect the brand that you’ve been working so hard on in step three.
Step Four: Establish How You’ll Get Clients and Market Your Event Planning Business
From here, it’s time to think about how you’ll actually get customers. How will people know that you’re an event planner – and even more importantly, that they should hire YOU for their next big celebration? What kind of marketing materials will you need to create (e.g., a website, business cards, online ad marketing, email campaigns, print marketing, social media profiles, etc.)? From there, how often will you need to update these things?
A great place to start would be creating a list of potential referral partners or affiliates. Do some research and compile a list of wedding venues, catering companies, florists, photographers, and other event service providers in your area that might be interested in working together. You can also meet with these businesses in-person to discuss how you can help each other out.
Online marketing will also be your best friend when it comes to getting your business seen. After all, that’s the point of a website and social media presence. Establishing a budget for your marketing efforts is always a smart idea, too. Start this by asking yourself how often you’ll be able to put money towards advertising. Then figure out the answers to these additional questions:
- How much do you have available each month or quarter?
- How can this amount help get people interested in what you’re offering?
- What do you know about SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?
- Are you willing to learn about it and put in regular efforts to maintain high-ranking SEO for your company?
- What sort of online marketing are you interested in utilizing (e.g. paid ads on Google and/or social media, email campaigns, monthly newsletters, etc.)?
You might even want to consider a marketing budget at the start of each new year so you have time to plan ahead!
Speaking of budgeting – did you know that QC Event School offers a low monthly payment plan? Learn more about how the online training process works at QC!
Step Five: Start Networking and Getting Real-World Experience as an Event Planner
Networking and getting hands-on experience can be done in a variety of ways, such as:
- Attending industry events and meetups;
- Participating in online forums or communities related to event planning;
- Volunteering your time with local charities or non-profit organizations that host events;
- Offering free consultations to friends or family who are having a party or event soon;
- Collaborating with other industry experts in your area on a stylized photoshoot, etc.
The more you put yourself out there, the more people will know about your business – and the better your chances of landing some great clients! And don’t forget to network with other event/wedding planners in your area as well. Although they’re technically you’re “competition”, the fact is, there’s always room for more than one planner in the events industry. If anything, you’ll quickly come to realize that your fellow planners will actually make for some of the greatest friends and allies as you navigate life as an event planning business owner!
How To Start an Event Planning Business FAQ
Q: How much does it cost to start an event planning business?
A: According to this article by Business News Daily, the initial startup costs for microbusinesses typically ranges from USD $2000 – $5000. Of course, the cost of starting YOUR business can vary, depending on a number of factors – such as the size of your company and the services you want to offer. Ultimately, how much you end up spending on start-up costs will largely depend on your specific needs and budget.
In general, you’ll need to invest in some basic start-up costs, such as:
- A computer and/or laptop;
- Printer;
- Telephone line and headset;
- Business cards;
- And a business website.
In an article published by Shopify (based off 2024 data), it was stated that in an entrepreneur’s first year of business, they’re likely to spend an average of approximately USD $40,000. Keep in mind that many of Shopify’s customers are business owners selling and shipping physical products from an online store. So, some of the data within this article may not necessarily apply to an event planning business owner. Still, the data within this blog post is definitely worth the read!
Pro Tip: You may also want to consider purchasing software that can help streamline your event planning process, such as wedding or event management software!
Q: How can I start an event planning business with no money?
A: It is possible to start an event planning business with little to no money, but it will require a LOT of hard work and determination. Here are some potential options you can consider:
- Start small: Instead of starting with large-scale events, focus on smaller projects that have a lower budget.
- Use free marketing tactics: Utilize social media platforms, create a website using a free hosting service, and network within your local community.
- Offer your services for free in exchange for testimonials: This will not only help build your portfolio and credibility, but also allow you to gain experience without investing any money upfront.
- Partner up with other businesses or vendors: By collaborating with other industry professionals in your area, you can share resources and potentially save on start-up costs.
- Start a payment plan for your training: As mentioned earlier, QC Event School offers a monthly payment option for their courses, making it easier to manage the cost of your education.
Ultimately, starting an event planning business with no money will require a lot of hard work and creativity. But with determination and drive, it is possible to turn your passion into a successful business venture!
Q: What does an event-planning entrepreneur do on a daily basis?
A: In general, an event planner is responsible for the organization and execution of a wide variety of events. This may include everything from weddings and corporate functions, to birthday parties and charity galas. An event planner will typically work with clients to get a clear understanding of their vision and budget, then develop a plan of action that meets both requirements. Moreover, they’ll also be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the event on the day-of, from coordinating vendors to ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
It’s important to note that the job duties of an event planner can vary, depending on their level of experience and specialty. For example: if you’re just starting out in this industry, you may only have limited experience working with specific types of events. In this case, you might want to focus your business on providing services such as event planning consultation, venue scouting, or contract negotiation. As you gain more experience, you can then expand your services to include things like catering coordination, decor design, and even budget management.
For even more information on this particular subject, check out our blog article all about a day in the life of a wedding planner!
Q: How can I start an event planning business with no experience?
A: Starting an event planning business with no experience can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible! In fact, many successful entrepreneurs got their start in the event planning industry by starting small and gradually building their business over time. One way to gain experience in the field is to volunteer your time at local events. This will allow you to learn about different types of events, as well as the logistics involved in putting together a successful event.
You can also network with other professionals in the industry, attend workshops and webinars, and/or read books and articles on event planning. Another option is to take online courses that specialize in event planning. These courses will teach you everything from how to plan corporate events, to wedding etiquette, to event decoration. They can also help you get started by providing tips on marketing strategies and business management. Furthermore, completing an accredited online course will also arm you with a reputable certification to add to your resume!
Q: How much should I charge for event planning services?
A: There are many factors that go into pricing your event planning services. Some of the questions we recommend asking yourself include (but aren’t limited to):
- How long have you been in business?
- What are your qualifications as an event planner?
- How much in-field experience do you currently have?
- How many clients do you have at the moment?
- What type of events will you be working with (i.e. weddings, private parties, corporate functions, etc.)?
- Are you planning to launch your business with a team, or solo?
- If the former, how experienced are your staff members/team members when it comes to planning events?
- Do you specialize in any sought-after niches, or intend to?
- How much time does each client take up per month or year?
- How profitable is this particular industry within your region/niche market space right now?
Once these questions have answered, then you can better determine how much money it would cost you to run your company over a set period of time, such as the first year, years 2-5, and beyond. To learn about how much you should charge for your event planning services, check out this guide for further info!
Q: What type(s) of services do I want to offer my clients?
A: When starting an event planning business, it’s important to decide which services you want to offer your clients. For example, will you be specializing in weddings? Corporate events? Social events?
You don’t have to limit yourself to one area! In fact, many event planners offer a variety of services – such as wedding coordination, theme design, catering management, and more. Either way, it’s important to choose the services that you’re comfortable with and that you know you can deliver on successfully. Here are just some of the services you can offer your customers:
- Private event planning
- Wedding planning
- Destination wedding planning
- Luxury wedding and/or event planning
- Event decor
- Floral design
- Virtual event and/or wedding planning
- Corporate event planning
- Promotional event planning
- Travel and tourism services
- Festival and live event planning, etc.
Q: What should be in my event planning startup kit?
A: Your event planning startup kit should include all the necessary tools and resources you need to successfully plan events for your clients. This may include things like:
- A business plan;
- Marketing materials (business cards, brochures, etc.);
- Contracts and agreements templates;
- Event planning software or project management tools;
- Budgeting worksheets and templates;
- Vendor contact list/database;
- Event checklist templates (for different types of events), etc.
You can also consider investing in professional attire for client meetings, a reliable laptop or tablet, a good camera for taking photos at events, and other office supplies. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have some emergency kits on hand – such as safety pins, sewing kits, stain removers, and other essentials – in case any unexpected mishaps happen at an event. Overall, the key is to have everything you need to effectively plan and execute events for your clients! So, make sure to keep your toolkit organized and up-to-date as your business grows.
Helpful Resources To Bookmark
- Should YOU Start an Event Planning Business?
- How To Start an Event Planning Business While Still in School
- The 10 Must-Have Skills EVERY Event Planner Needs
- Do You Need a License To Be an Event Planner?
- 10 Reasons Why Your Business Isn’t Making Money
- How To Boost Revenue For Your Business
- The Best Tools To Grow Your Event Planning Business
- 11 Niche Ideas For an Event Planning Business
- 20 Terrible Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Your Event Planning Contract
- 20 Tips for Working with Difficult Clients as an Event Planner
Conclusion
We hope this article has been helpful in outlining how to start an event planning business in 6 easy steps. Just remember to be patient, do your research, and have fun. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day… and neither will your business be. Thanks for reading!
