Sincerely: how do I start my own event planning business?
Hi there!
I’m interested in starting my own event planning business, but am unsure how to go about finding all the resources I need. I have done a few weddings but there is still SO much I don’t know. I am still in the process of getting a degree in education but my heart really loves wedding planning and I am struggling with what road to follow. So here are my questions:
- How did you find all the resources you need to start and run a business?
- Would you recommend trying to find an internship with an already established event planner?
- Do you think that an event planning business is a LOGICAL business to prioritize?
- Would you recommend starting event planning as a side business or should I just go all for it?
Sincerely,
Unsure
First thing is first, starting my event planning business was probably the best decision I’ve ever made and it wasn’t for all the wealth and the glory (because there isn’t a lot of that at first) but it was for the fact it made me so happy. And we all deserve happiness!
BUT that doesn’t mean it was easy and there wasn’t a lot of tears along the way – in fact sometimes there is still a lot of tears, frustrations, hard conversations and family and friends not understanding why I work all the time.
How did you find all the resources you need to start and run a business?
A whole lot of trial, error, googling and conversations with other event professionals and small business owners. Unfortunately there isn’t a manual and you may have to do things the hard way in the beginning, but I think it makes you value those resources more once you finally find them. Below are a few things I recommend for getting you started.
- Attend a retreat, workshop or conference for creative business owners.
- Find an experienced mentor to meet with regularly or a business owner that is willing to sit down and chat with you.
- Join your local Rising Tide Society Tuesdays Together chapter. You can find the different chapters here.
- Follow other business owners that you admire on social media and read there blogs, because a lot of us are already sharing lots of tips and information. I highly recommend reading Jenna Kutcher’s blog or listen to the Goal Digger podcast.
Would you recommend trying to find an internship with an already established event planner?
Yes, I personally do! To shed a little light on my background, I went to college knowing I wanted to be an event planner (I wasn’t convinced I wanted to do weddings then) and I did over 1,000 hours interning in the world of hospitality and weddings and continued to work in the wedding world though college. So when I did decide I wanted to start my own wedding planning company I already had a pretty good understanding of the pros and cons to the industry and felt I had real experience to share when potential clients asked me about it.
Now, just because that is what I did – doesn’t mean it is what you have to do. I’ve met a lot of successful business owners that didn’t have any formal experience or intern hours in their industry before starting their business. But I do think that experiencing the good, bad and ugly of the industry may help you when it comes time to starting your business.
Do you think that an event planning business is a LOGICAL business to prioritize?
This really depends on what your motivators are. My motivation is time. I love owning an event planning company because I have a flexible schedule and get to spend more time with my friends and family compared to my corporate job. And slowly as my business grows and I build a team or take fewer weddings I will get more and more time.
Ask yourself these questions: What are my motivators? Do my motivators align with opening a business?
Would you recommend starting event planning as a side business or should I just go all for it?
I started my business as a side hustle with the hopes it would turn into a career. I worked a full-time job on top of running my business for 11 months before quitting to go full-time with my business. Those 11 months were TOUGH, but going through those hard months has made me appreciate this company and value my time so much more. If I could have financially been able to go full-time with Stellaluna right away I would have – but I needed to make money when Stellaluna was barely making any and when I was unsure if it would even be successful or owning a business was the right thing for me.
It totally depends on your financial situation and what your end goal is.
My end all advice is to trust your gut, follow your heart and do what is going to make you truly happy!
