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Wedding Planning Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Wedding Planning Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Wedding Planning business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Wedding Planning businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Wedding Planning business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Elegant Weddings is a wedding planning company founded by Carrie Goode in 2023. It is located in Milford, Massachusetts and the company primarily plans weddings for couples who want a luxurious wedding. Carrie has been a wedding planner since 1999 and uses her decades of experience to offer the most prestigious, elegant surroundings and wedding services available within Massachusetts. Carrie is highly-skilled at communicating extensively with wedding couples, assisting in making selections based on those communications, and recommending the best of every vendor for select weddings.

When Carrie opened her business, she recruited from her former colleague, an assistant wedding planner, Danielle Woods, to support the efforts of the company in meeting the needs of Gen Z couples and those who are looking for “less than traditional” ceremonies and settings. Danielle has ten years of experience and enjoys providing wedding plans that cover every item wedding couples want.

Product Offering

The following are the services that Elegant Weddings will provide:

  • Introduction luncheon with wedding planner and couple
  • Pre-wedding scheduling and calendar-setting
  • Pre-wedding vendor event with selections and tastings
  • Pre-wedding honeymoon planning
  • Wedding Day and Reception management, coverage and 24/7 attendance
  • Post-wedding consultation and luncheon with couple
  • Day-to-day management of the wedding and reception processes

Customer Focus

Elegant Weddings will target clients who are considering a wedding or are already planning a wedding. Elegant Weddings will also target couples who are engaged, but have not yet confirmed a season or date for marriage. Secondary targets will include couples who aren’t engaged, but who are considering possibly becoming engaged and marrying. Also, the parents and friends of engaged couples within the Massachusetts region will be targeted.

Management Team

Carrie Goode holds a master’s degree in business development and has been employed as a wedding consultant for over 20 years. Her experience as a wedding planner has earned her hundreds of clients and, as a result, hundreds of recommendations by former clients to engaged couples who are beginning to plan weddings.

Carrie Goode, president of Elegant Weddings, left her former place of employment in 2022 to begin building her idea for her own company, which is scheduled to open in 2023. She recruited a former associate, Danielle Woods, also a wedding planner, to join her in the new company. Danielle will support Carrie in her business while she grows her own clientele base with her new title of Senior Wedding Planner.

In addition to the above, Janice Parker has joined the company as the Office Manager, assisting with onboarding wedding coordinators and vendors who partner with the company. She will handle phone calls, social media, website updates and other administrative tasks.

Success Factors

Elegant Weddings will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly-qualified team of Elegant Weddings.
  • A minimum of two private luncheons: initially with engaged couples to determine needs and wants and, second, to analyze at a post-wedding luncheon
  • Thorough and extensive attention offered to details determined by wedding couples.
  • Wedding software for exclusive use of the wedding party, parents and planner.
  • Guaranteed vendor experiences for clients (or refunds are issued).
  • Elegant Weddings offers the best pricing in the “luxury” category of weddings. Their pricing structure is the most cost-effective when compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Elegant Weddings is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its company. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and marketing costs. The breakout of the funding is below:

  • Office space build-out: $20,000
  • Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
  • Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
  • Marketing costs: $10,000
  • Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Elegant Weddings.

Elegant Weddings Pro Forma Projections

Company Overview

Who is “elegant weddings”.

Elegant Weddings is a newly established, full-service wedding planning business based in Milford, Massachusetts. Elegant Weddings will be the most prestigious, communicative and luxury-oriented wedding planner choice for engaged couples in Massachusetts. Elegant Weddings will provide a comprehensive menu of wedding planning services for any engaged couple to utilize. Their full-service approach includes a pre-wedding, private luncheon with the wedding planner and a post-wedding wrap-up luncheon with their wedding planner.

  Elegant Weddings will be able to plan and prepare for luxurious and elegant weddings to suit all couples. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in luxury weddings and in the most capable and efficient vendors. Elegant Weddings removes all headaches and issues of the wedding and reception and ensures all issues are taken care of expeditiously while delivering the best client service. In addition, if a guaranteed and vetted vendor fails to perform to expectations, refunds are given to the wedding couple.

Elegant Weddings History

Elegant Weddings is owned by Carrie Goode, who is the president of the new company. She has been a wedding planner since 1999 and, while employed formerly in the industry, consulted with hundreds of engaged couples who thought so highly of her services that they recommended her to several hundred additional engaged couples. Carrie is known throughout the east coast as an exemplary wedding planner who brings true “luxury” to the “luxury wedding sector of the industry.” Carrie has recruited former associates, Danielle Woods, to the be Senior Wedding Planner and Janice Parker to be the Office Manager.

Elegant Weddings is founded on the concept that all weddings should include at least a touch of elegance to mark the symbolism of a wedding. This may mean the wedding planner includes a few touches of distinctive beauty to a wedding, or if the engaged couple chooses, the planner can include something whimsical or of special note to the engaged couple, as long as the items add to the “elegance” of the ceremony itself. This practice has built successfully over the years into the development of the concept for Elegant Weddings.

Since incorporation, Elegant Weddings has achieved the following milestones:

  • Registered Elegant Weddings, LLC to transact business in the state of Massachusetts.
  • Has a contract in place for a 10,000 square foot office at one of the midtown buildings
  • Reached out to numerous contacts to include Elegant Weddings in their portfolios.
  • Began recruiting a staff of three and two office personnel to work at Elegant Weddings

Elegant Weddings Services

The following will be the services Elegant Weddings will provide:

  • Day to day management of the wedding and reception processes

Industry Analysis

The wedding planning industry is expected to grow over the next five years to over $1.6 billion. This growth and increase in the market is based on the east coast region of the U.S., where wedding planners are traditionally employed for all weddings, versus the west coast, where more weddings are viewed as casual affairs to be conducted informally and without a typical reception. The growth has more heavily been in the “luxurious” or “elegant” wedding categories, as those who opt for weddings choose to have memorable and large wedding experiences overall.

Costs will likely be reduced as innovation continues to create more convenience and comfort for the engaged couples, including reservations for honeymoon adventures, software that tracks wedding gift receipts, 3D printing that assists in creating unique invitations, and other inventive touches.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

Elegant Weddings will primarily target the following customer profiles:

  • Engaged couples with a wedding date
  • Engaged couples who do not yet have a season or date
  • Couples who are not engaged, but are considering marriage
  • Parents of engaged couples who are seeking professional counsel

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Elegant Weddings will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Cherished Moments

Cherished Moments is an established wedding planning company founded in 2010 by Bridgette Inqvist and Lars Solene. Bridgette and Lars were wedding consultants with a national chain bridal store for over ten years when they formed Cherished Moments as a wedding planning company focused on “partial wedding planning.” A partial wedding planner assists with certain elements of the wedding that are especially crucial to the clients, such as the venue selection, vendor coordination, or design and decor. These areas are visible to guests and make or break the wedding overall and, as such, many engaged couples want help in these areas only while they handle the remaining wedding details.

Cherished Moments provides partial wedding planning with event venue selections and design and decor elements of any wedding, including outdoor and themed weddings. Bridgette and Lars do not conduct pre-wedding consultations, preferring to communicate via online conversations and they have engaged couples complete thorough instruction lists for their services that list everything needed or wanted on paper.

Backyard Wedding Planners

Billie Seevers and Jonnie Taylor formed their company, Backyard Wedding Planners, after each had an informal backyard wedding in 2020 and 2021. Their experiences led to conversations and a partnership that focuses strictly on fun, informal backyard weddings. This may mean the wedding couple serves a barbecue meal from the grill or the meal is served by a fast food delivery truck. Events usually include outdoor games for the guests, group singing (with guitar) and informal dancing on the lawn.

The premise of Backyard Wedding Planners is that formal weddings are too difficult and expensive; weddings should be reminiscent of a backyard gathering that is fun. Couples choose from a variety of decor options and settings and vendors are offered for the elements of the wedding that couples choose. The company currently has two employees, Billie and Jonnie.

Destination Dream Weddings

Pat Roberson and Clint Dory formed Destination Dream Weddings while employed as travel agents in 2009. Together they created a format for wedding planning that includes everything destination weddings might require. This means health insurance for the bride and groom are included (in the event of food poisoning, etc), hotels are fully vetted by Destination Dream Weddings, fees are prepaid and costs are set and guaranteed. Destination Dream Weddings often include the wedding parents, grandparents, siblings and friends of the wedding couple, which leads to large-scale planning of multiple people traveling from various points to the destination. Planning is key for Destination Dream Weddings. Pat and Clint have hired one office manager to oversee communication; however, most of their planning services are conducted online and via email communication. They do not travel to the wedding destinations as a rule.

Competitive Advantage

Elegant Weddings will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Elegant Weddings will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

  • Highly-qualified team of skilled employees who offer personal, detailed planning with wedding couples from pre-wedding parties through to the end of the reception.
  • Private luncheons before and after the wedding with the wedding planner.
  • Guaranteed results from preferred vendors or money is refunded by Elegant Weddings.
  • Wedding software for exclusive use of the engaged couple, parents and planner.
  • Unbeatable pricing for their clients in the “luxury wedding” category.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Elegant Weddings is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Elegant Weddings has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to their previous clients. Their contacts and clients will follow them to their new company and help spread the word of Elegant Weddings.

Professional Associations and Networking

Networking will take place at industry events, bridal fairs, personal meetings, and professionally-associated organizations. Private events for parents and selected referrals will be hosted by Elegant Weddings.

Print Advertising

Direct mail pieces will be sent to attendees of bridal fairs and other industry events. Special offers will be given in the direct mail pieces when engaged couples meet with Elegant Wedding planners.

Website/SEO Marketing

Elegant Weddings will fully utilize their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that Elegant Weddings provides. The website will also list their contact information and offer sample photos of elegant weddings and wedding couples. The website will engage in SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “wedding planning company” or “luxury weddings near me,” Elegant Weddings will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Elegant Weddings will be on the high end of the wedding planning industry; however, it will be on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Elegant Weddings. Operation Functions:

  • Carrie Goode will be the owner and President of the company. She will oversee all business development and manage client relations. Carrie has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
  • Danielle Woods will become the Senior Wedding Planner and oversee staff, handle phone calls and social media.
  • Janice Parker will also join the staff as the Office Manager, overseeing all scheduling, calendar events and tracking engaged couples through the process of planning. She will onboard new employees, as well.

Milestones:

Elegant Weddings will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

  • 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space
  • 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Elegant Weddings
  • 6/1/202X – Finalize contracts for Elegant Weddings clients
  • 6/15/202X – Begin networking at industry events
  • 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Elegant Weddings office
  • 7/1/202X – Elegant Weddings opens its doors for business

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Elegant Weddings are the fees they will charge to clients for their services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff Elegant Weddings. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

  • Number of clients per Month: 20
  • Average revenue per Month: $27,500.
  • Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, wedding planning business plan faqs, what is a wedding planning business plan.

A wedding planning business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your wedding planning business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Wedding Planning business plan using our Wedding Planning Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Wedding Planning Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of wedding planning businesses , some examples include: Traditional, Extreme wedding planning, Destination, Luxury, and Budget-saving wedding planning.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Wedding Planning Business Plan?

Wedding Planning businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Wedding Planning Business?

Starting a wedding planning business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

  • Develop A Wedding Planning Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed wedding planning business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  
  • Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your wedding planning business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your wedding planning business is in compliance with local laws.
  • Register Your Wedding Planning Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your wedding planning business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 
  • Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your wedding planning business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 
  • Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 
  • Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 
  • Acquire Necessary Wedding Planning Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your wedding planning business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 
  • Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your wedding planning business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful wedding planning business:

  • How to Start a Wedding Planning Business
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If you love love and have stellar organizational skills, you may have considered starting a business in the wedding industry. When it comes to how to start a wedding planning business, it pays to keep calm and carry on. In fact, these very qualities have helped generate a growing income stream for Eileen Kaden Dean, owner of a successful wedding planning business in the New York City and New Jersey area.

“To be successful in this business, you have to stay calm and realize that a wedding emergency isn't your emergency. You can’t make the stress about you because it’s not your day,” says Kaden Dean, owner of An Affair to Remember and a go-to wedding planner.

Kaden Dean, who opened her company more than a decade ago, is among the many small business owners who make up the nearly $60 billion wedding services industry in the U.S. The lucrative industry covers an array of wedding service providers, including wedding venues, apparel retailers, florists, photographers, and wedding planners, according to market research firm IBISWorld.

The average wedding in the U.S. cost over $44,000 in 2018, according to Brides.com. Wedding costs vary greatly depending on where you live and your budget, but Manhattan is the most expensive place to get married, with the average couple spending a whopping $96,910 according to The Knot.

Although websites like The Knot and WeddingWire make it easier for couples to plan their big day themselves, many still turn to professionals like Kaden Dean. An Affair to Remember helps plan the wedding, deals with vendors, and coordinates the chain of events at the wedding and reception to make sure the day goes off without a hitch. In a nutshell, wedding planners are in the business of creating happiness and keeping everything organized, so the couple doesn’t have to worry about all the little (and big) things, says Kaden Dean.

If you're wondering how to start a wedding planning business, know that there are many moving parts, from picking out a bridal dress and venue to choosing invitations, to hiring a band or DJ, to selecting a menu. And the list goes on. Even small weddings—in vogue right now—aren't as simple to plan as you might think.

“There’s a need for wedding planners as couples are busy doing other things, like looking to buy a house and working long hours in their careers. Having someone to manage things is attractive, and this way couples can enjoy themselves and be present on their wedding day,” says Kaden Dean.

business plan for wedding planner services

How to start a wedding planning business in 7 steps

There are a ton of different ways you can learn how to start a wedding planning business, but we'll give you a few steps to help you get your business started.

Step 1: Choose the type of wedding business you want to start and a name

Before you can do much else, you need to decide what kind of services you want your wedding planning business to offer. Wedding planners can offer all types of different services, and you should pick which ones you'll offer before you get to the nitty-gritty of planning your business and setting it up. You should also choose a business name during this step, and check with your state's Secretary of State resources to make sure that the name you want is available. You can usually do this using an online database on their website.

Kaden Dean started her wedding planning business out of a bridal dress store in New Jersey and expanded it from there. Her business offers everything from the full package to smaller day-of planning.

Although her clientele is in the greater New York area, Kaden Dean recognizes that not all couples can afford to spend upward of $50,000 on their weddings, which is part of the reason she offers several packages. Deciding what types of services and packages your own wedding planning business will offer will be important as you plan the business, market your services, and meet with potential clients.

For context, An Affair to Remember offers three pricing packages:

1. Full planning

For this most expensive option, Kaden Dean will plan the entire event from soup to nuts. This includes helping couples find the perfect venue, lining up all the vendors, helping choose invitations and centerpieces, and just about everything else. “Sometimes I even help pick the colors of the ties.”

The cost: about $5,000 and up.

2. Day of the wedding

This least expensive option is ideal for couples who want to do the planning themselves, but need some organizational help on the day of the wedding. For a typical wedding where Kaden Dean is hired for the day only, she creates a minute-to-minute timeline of when events will happen, like the hour the flowers will be delivered to the site and the exact time when the bridesmaids will arrive. On the big day, Kaden Dean is there to ensure that all goes according to plan.

She also handles any snafus. “One time a couple in the wedding party left a diaper bag in a taxi with their passports in it.” She went to work and tracked down the diaper bag, so that the couple could participate in the wedding stress-free. An hour later, the bag arrived at the venue.

The cost: about $1,750 to $2,250. The exact pricing depends on the amount of time Kaden Dean puts in, the number of assistants hired, and so on.

3. Day of “plus”

This is An Affair to Remember’s most popular offering. Couples hiring Kaden Dean for this package will plan their own weddings but rely on her to handle events on the wedding day, as well as any last-minute planning issues. “I take everything they have, shake it out, and see what pockets are missing to make sure everything is cohesive.” This package usually entails five hours of consultation time, 12 hours on the day of the wedding, one hour for the rehearsal, and 15 hours of virtual legwork to put all the ducks in a row.

The cost: about $2,500 to $3,000.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

Step 2: Choose a business entity

The next step in starting a wedding planning business is deciding how you'll structure your business for legal and tax purposes. You'll likely want to choose a business entity that protects you personally from any legal ramifications your wedding planning business might face. A great option for this would be to choose a limited liability company (LLC) as your business entity. An LLC is a registered business in which owners are not personally liable for the business's debts or obligations. You might also choose a limited liability partnership if you want to have a business partner but the protections an LLC can offer you. Once you choose a business entity you can move on to step 3 which is writing your business plan.

You'll also want to register the business with the state once you have the entity and name decided on. Now would be a great time to consult a business attorney familiar with your type of business who can help you make sure everything is up to par and that you aren't missing any steps. This person can also help you choose which business entity is best for your wedding planning business.

Step 3: Write a detailed business plan

If you're starting a wedding planning business, hopefully, you're already a good planner and this step should come naturally to you. You'll need to write a business plan before you can get your business up and running. You can use a business plan template or business plan software to make the process easier, but there are some specific things you should be sure to include in it, no matter how you write it.

You should include a summary of your business in the plan as well as a market analysis, a detailed list of the products and services you'll offer, your marketing and sales plan, your financial plan and projections, and more. Think of your business plan for a roadmap that will lead you through the early stages of building your business and making it profitable.

Your business plan should also include some of the vendors and any other businesses you plan on working with. During the first year of starting her business, Kaden Dean focused on developing such relationships. “It was a challenging first year, but I spent the time introducing myself to the local wedding vendors so I could find people to recommend and work with. I set the groundwork for my business and established myself.”

An Affair to Remember’s start-up costs the first year maxed out at $10,000, including the rent and furniture for the small space in the bridal shop, along with signage, business cards and brochures, a website, and advertising on WeddingWire. Kaden Dean also had to pay to attend bridal shows, hire an assistant to help her track advertising inquiries, and cover her childcare costs. The costs Kaden Dean had are the kind you should plan to face and include in the financial section of your business plan.

Step 4: Get an EIN

If you plan to hire employees to help run your wedding planning business, you'll need to obtain an EIN, also known as an employer identification number. However, even if your business is a one-person show at the moment, you'll likely want to get an employer identification number for your business to make things easier on yourself down the line. The good news is that it's fairly easy to apply for an employer identification number and you can apply online through the IRS' website and get one in a matter of minutes.

An EIN comes with a number of benefits and can be extremely helpful for your business. It can help you when it comes time to file your business taxes, get a business credit card, open a business bank account, or any other number of business necessities.

Step 5: Get a business bank account and business credit card

Now that you have an EIN, you'll use this number when applying to open a business checking account and business credit card . This next step of starting a wedding planning business is crucial, as you'll want to keep your business finances separate from your personal finances. When you're still working on setting up your wedding planning business maybe you'll be working out of your house as a home-based business or maybe you'll have a small storefront. Either way, you'll probably want to spend on some decor, or at least on some marketing products, and you'll likely want a credit card to use for that.

Keeping the business finances completely separate from your personal finances will be huge when it comes time to file your taxes and it will help you boost your business credit score as well.

Step 6: Get any funding you need

The next step in starting a wedding planning business? Funding your new venture. The startup costs associated with opening a wedding planning business don't have to be too high, especially if you're working out of your home or another business's space. However, you will still have some upfront expenses you may not have the savings to cover. In that case, this is the time when you might need to work on getting a business loan or other funding option.

And because you have a great business plan already, you can use that to show potential investors or lenders that you have a well thought out business and a plan for turning a profit quickly. Of course, getting a loan as a new business isn't always easy. If you're finding your options to be limited, you might turn to a 0% introductory APR business credit card as an interest-free loan of sorts. With this type of credit card, you won't pay any interest on the balance you carry over for the length of the introductory offer (this will depend on the card, but at most will be 12 months). Just make sure you have a plan to pay off your balance by the end of this intro period, when a variable APR will set in, or this won't be the most effective funding tool.

Step 7: Market your services and start doing business

Once your wedding planning business is up and running and have the services you're offering laid out, you can start marketing them and hopefully bringing on new business. Consider marketing at trade shows and with any bridal boutiques in your area, or forge relationships with wedding venues to find clients. Once you get your first client, you're off to the races and can consider yourself fully in business.

The brides and grooms you work with will be grateful for your services and you can help them make their special day as stress-free as possible.

"Hiring a planner is so important to your big day," says Kaden Dean. The last thing a bride needs is for someone else to show up to handle the details: “They trust me. When you hire me, you get me. I’ve never missed a wedding.”

And keep in mind, happy customers can provide referrals and word-of-mouth marketing that can give you business the boost it needs to take off.

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The bottom line

If you want to survive and thrive in the wedding planning business, you’ve got to put on a happy face and mean it—all the time. Also, you’ve got to be nice—all the time, says Kaden Dean.

It might seem like a simple recipe for success, but if you do a great job and you’re happy and people know it, the referrals will flow and you’ll stay busy, she says.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

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How To Write a Successful Wedding Planner Business Plan + Template

Business Plan-LB

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for wedding planner businesses that want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every wedding planner business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Wedding Planner Business Plan?

A wedding planner business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and it includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Wedding Planner Business Plan?

A wedding planner business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Wedding Planner Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful wedding planner business plan:

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a wedding planner business plan is a one to two page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

  • Start with a one-line description of your wedding planner company
  • Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your wedding planner business, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your wedding planner firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen wedding planner business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a wedding planner business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

  • What part of the wedding planner industry are you targeting?
  • How big is the market?
  • What trends are happening in the industry right now (and if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company)?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, the customers of a wedding planner business may include:

  • Bridal party members
  • Family of wedding couple
  • Wedding vendors (e.g., caterers, florists, photographers)

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or wedding planner services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors.

Below are sample competitive advantages your wedding planner business may have:

  • Extensive industry knowledge and experience
  • Personalized service
  • Comprehensive planning and organization
  • Creativity and attention to detail
  • Value-driven perspective

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. . Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

  • Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
  • Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
  • Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
  • Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or, you may promote your wedding planner business via word-of-mouth marketing.

Operations Plan

This part of your wedding planner business plan should include the following information:

  • How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
  • What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a wedding planner business include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new products or services, expanding to new markets, or hiring new personnel.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific wedding planner industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

  • Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
  • Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
  • Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss.

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Wedding Planner Business

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

  • Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
  • Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
  • Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Wedding Planner Business

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

  • Cash Flow From Operations
  • Cash Flow From Investments
  • Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup wedding planner business.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Wedding Planner Business

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

  • Your complete financial projections
  • A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.)
  • Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your wedding planner company. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it.

A well-written business plan is an essential tool for any wedding planner company. If you are seeking funding from investors or lenders, it’s important to have a polished and professional business plan. Use the template above as a guide as you write your own wedding planner business plan.  

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Can I just say, if you are here because you searched “how to write a wedding planner business plan”, you need to pat yourself on the back (and possibly pour yourself a celebratory cocktail). I know that when you set your sights on building a wedding planning business, writing a wedding planner business plan wasn’t exactly what you had in mind (be honest – it was the pretty pictures and the cake tastings).

However, if you want to run a “successful” wedding business (whatever success looks like to you – we will talk about that later!), writing a business plan is one of the most important things you can do. 

As you commit to reading this blog post and writing a business plan for your wedding business, make it count. If you know me, you know I like to keep things as short and impactful as possible. This business plan should be your north star as you grow your wedding business so although you can always change your mind, it also isn’t something you should rush through.

After all, you're a wedding planner, right? You know how important it is to make a plan and work the plan. Your wedding planning business deserves the time and attention to make it count.

Before you get overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remember: this isn’t Shark Tank . I want you to be intentional here, but if you are not out there looking for investors, the most important part about writing your wedding planner business plan is that it’s good for you.

If at any point you start promising yourself you’ll “start this later”, here are a few tips for moving forward:

  • You don’t need to fill out your business plan in sequential order . I know this might be hard for my fellow type A, enneagram 3’s but you don’t. Start with the parts that excite you (and are most important to you!), and slowly fill in the rest. 
  • Don’t check your grammar or try to use “perfect words”. Remember those free writing exercises in school? Let the ideas flow and don’t worry about making them look or sound perfect.
  • Start with bullet points. If you feel a little scattered as you start to free write, or if you are used to bullet journaling, use it. Remember, this doesn’t need to be perfect. These bullet points can always be fleshed out later but for now, just get those high-level ideas floating around in your brain on paper.
  • You don’t have to finish this all in one sitting . It IS okay to take a break. Just make sure you come back to it so you can give yourself the gift of done (as Jon Acuff would say). Sometimes committing to X amount of words per day is a good place to start.

Can I just say, if you are here because you searched “how to write a wedding planner business plan”, you need to pat yourself on the back (and possibly pour yourself a celebratory cocktail). I know that when you set your sights on building a wedding planning business, writing a wedding planner business plan wasn’t exactly what you had in mind (be honest - it was the pretty pictures and the cake tastings). However, if you want to run a “successful” wedding business (whatever success looks like to you – we will talk about that later!), writing a business plan is one of the most important things you can do. 

As you write your wedding planner business plan, consider these 5 sections: Your Vision, Your Mission & Purpose, Your Ideal Clients, Your Pathway to Profit, and your Attraction & Sales Plan.

I’m going to break down these further below, but can you see already how it’s not too scary? I’m not going to ask you to write a 30-page analysis of your market and competitors here.

We are going to dive into how to write a wedding planner business plan, but your first assignment is downloading my free business plan outline and guide .

Nothing in this post is intended to be hard, and this outline was written to walk you through it step-by-step to keep you focused on what really matters as you write your business plan. You’re about to be busy with ideal clients you love, so let’s not waste any time. The strategies I share in the guide (and below!) are strategies that work .

Got your free outline ? The first step to writing a wedding planner business plan is taking some time to vision cast.

I know how hard it can be to take the time, but I usually recommend setting aside one FULL day in the next week to vision cast for your business. Although I said you don’t have to do these steps in order, I really do recommend this be the first one. After all, we can’t make a plan if we don’t know the destination right?

A successful wedding planner's business plan should look a little different to everyone. Maybe your dream is to build an empire with 100+ associate planners across the country. Or, maybe you have your sight set on moving to a little island like Barbados (make sure to say hi!), and you want a business plan that will let you plan dreamy luxury weddings but also give you time to enjoy a little bit of that beach laptop life. I tell the women in my mastermind all the time: bigger is not always better. You can make just as much money running a boutique wedding planning company, taking only a few weddings per year, as you can running a volume-based wedding business booking day-of coordination packages every weekend.

Once you know the destination, we can start building your wedding planner business plan to help you get there.

As you write your wedding planner business plan, include your mission, vision, and purpose.

Despite what you might think, these don’t need to sound pretty. They don’t need to be plastered on your website or client-facing at all. All you need to consider when writing your mission, vision, and purpose is that they are clear and inspiring to you. 

Not sure which is which and what each statement should include? Here’s a quick summary I like to use so that you don’t get stuck on this:

  • Your mission should focus on how you help solve your customer’s problems: what do you do? How do you do it? Who do you do it for? What value do you bring?
  • Your vision statement should be a reflection of what life looks like for your customers after you’ve done what you do.
  • Your purpose statement should combine both your mission and vision statements into one short and impactful statement that explains why you exist.

You’ll notice that not much of this is actually about YOU (that’s why vision casting was so important). Although these statements don’t need to be client-facing, they will likely be something you share as you grow your team one day. 

Can I just say, if you are here because you searched “how to write a wedding planner business plan”, you need to pat yourself on the back (and possibly pour yourself a celebratory cocktail). I know that when you set your sights on building a wedding planning business, writing a wedding planner business plan wasn’t exactly what you had in mind (be honest - it was the pretty pictures and the cake tastings). However, if you want to run a “successful” wedding business (whatever success looks like to you – we will talk about that later!), writing a business plan is one of the most important things you can do. 

Next, one of the most important parts of your wedding planner business plan is outlining your ideal clients. Exactly who do you want to serve?

I’m going to try not to jump on my soapbox about this, but I have to be honest with you guys: the number one reason why businesses fail is that they don’t know who their customers are. This is arguably one of the most important sections when we talk about how to write your wedding business plan.

If your ideal client is someone in their mid-30s who is a busy professional with more money than time, a big budget for their wedding, and frequently drinks Starbucks and shops at JC Penney, I have news for you…

There’s a really good chance that you don’t know who you are talking to either.

You need to know so much more than where they like to vacation (or whatever else other wedding industry experts are saying nowadays). You need to think about what they value and what their biggest problems are.

Want a little (a lot) of help getting this right? Jump inside the Client Cocktail : your mini-course (read: fast & actionable) on ideal clients. We cover repelling the customers you don’t want, attracting the ones you do, selling them on YOU once they notice you, and then serving them really really well.

(it’s only $47, by the way, and it includes the world’s best rum punch recipe)

As you start to write your wedding planner business plan, let me remind you: you get to decide who you want to work with. You don’t need to serve everyone, and in fact, you shouldn’t. Although you might be tempted to pay attention to the demographics (and how much money they make), I want to make sure you also dive deep into their values and their problems. You don’t want to work with the kind of clients who don’t value what you value. 

Now, let’s talk about why you started your wedding planner business in the first place: to profit. Building your Pathway to Profit is one of the ways we will make your wedding planner business plan a reality.

Again I want to remind you that you are in the driver’s seat. Not only do you get to decide who you want to work with, but you also get to decide what products and services you want to offer in order to solve their problems.

As a business coach for wedding planners, I see this all the time. Don’t want to offer design? Don’t! Feeling burnt out with day-of coordination clients? You don’t need to offer anything you don’t want to in order to run a profitable and successful wedding planning business (and in fact – I break down the pros and cons of offering day-of coordination as just one example here ).

First, think about what kind of products and services your customer really wants that also line up with what you want to offer (and the life you want to live). This is why knowing your ideal clients is so important. What do they value most (and therefore, are willing to pay a higher price for)?

Pricing is more of an art than a science, but in your wedding planner business plan, you need to list out the services you really want to offer. Remember: focus on what you want. There is no room for your scarcity mindset in your business plan. If you want a little more info on setting your pricing, you can always check out this post here.

Can I just say, if you are here because you searched “how to write a wedding planner business plan”, you need to pat yourself on the back (and possibly pour yourself a celebratory cocktail). I know that when you set your sights on building a wedding planning business, writing a wedding planner business plan wasn’t exactly what you had in mind (be honest - it was the pretty pictures and the cake tastings). However, if you want to run a “successful” wedding business (whatever success looks like to you – we will talk about that later!), writing a business plan is one of the most important things you can do. 

Lastly – at least for now – we need to create your sales plan. This is what turns your wedding planner business plan into reality.

Ready for the more actionable stuff? Feeling excited by all we have put together so far? Good! Now we are ready to make everything you have done so far into a realistic, achievable plan. I like to break this down into two parts: your attraction plan (marketing!), and your sales plan.

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1) Your Attraction (Marketing) Plan

Everyone and their dog has something to say about marketing, but you’ll notice this really is only one small part of your wedding planner business plan. Marketing experts are the noisiest, and marketing IS important, but chances are you’ve given it a lot more attention than needed. Listen, marketing is not just about Pinterest and Instagram. At its core, marketing is just spreading your message to the people who need what you have to offer. You already know who those people are, right? If you are still unclear, please do yourself a favor and grab my client cocktail. 

As you build your marketing plan, you have a chance to do a little market research. As you consider where you want to focus your marketing efforts (for now, less is more), ask yourself:

  • Where do I like to show up?
  • Where are my ideal customers searching for my services?
  • How can I show them that I can solve their problems?
  • Where are my competitors showing up? What seems to be working for them? 

Marketing is ultimately one big experiment, so although you want to spend some time here, this is a place you might need to pivot as algorithms change and marketing trends evolve. One promise though: it’s a lot easier than it looks.

2) Your Sales Plan

You’ve got your ideal customers’ attention, now how do you get the sale? Both now and in the future? How do we make sure you are building a profitable and sustainable business? Wedding planning can be stressful! In fact, it’s often voted one of the most stressful jobs in the world. How do we avoid burnout? How do we make sure our business plan is viable?

First, start with a SWOT analysis. I know this can sound a little technical and boring, but really I just want you to take a look at yourself (and the wedding industry where you want to serve), and ask yourself:

  • What are my strengths?
  • What are my weaknesses?
  • In my area, where are the biggest opportunities?
  • What are the biggest threats/challenges you might face?

I always say: look at your competition but don’t base your business plan on them. There is a big difference between being aware of those around you and being consumed by them. Don’t fall into the comparison trap, if you have read this far, you are ready to build a business that lasts (and works for YOU).

Okay – that was a lot! Need help with how to write your business plan? If you haven’t grabbed your free wedding planner business plan outline and guide yet, make sure to grab your copy here.

Explore more wedding industry resources.

  • 5 Tips On Crafting a Business Plan To Book Out Your Biz With Your Ideal Clients And Get Paid
  • What A Business Plan Will REALLY Reveal About Your Business
  • How to Start a Wedding Planning Business
  • The Secret to Designing a Business You Love: How To Vision Cast For Your Biz – And Why You Need To
  • How Much Does It Cost to Become a Wedding Planner?
  • Top 5 Blogging Tips For Wedding Pros in 2022
  • How Much Should You Charge As A Wedding Planner? Learn How To Figure Out Your Wedding Planner Pricing
  • 5 Online Wedding Planning Tools You Need to Use
  • How To Become A Wedding Planner With No Experience

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Did you read the timeline?🙄 One of the biggest problems wedding planners have to deal with is unprofessional colleagues. It’s one of the hardest parts of our job - and we don’t talk about it enough. I talked about this and more in my latest YouTube video! #weddingplannereducation #weddingplanning #weddingplanners #weddingpros #weddingvendor #weddingvendors #weddingpro #weddings #candicecoppola #plannersplaybook

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Is your website built like a museum or an airport? Engagement sales season is here, and I’m not gonna lie - your website probably needs a little refresh! But before you blow some dust off your homepage and start adding your most recent weddings, I’d love for you to listen to my conversation with @alexcollierdesign. She’s a Showit and Brand designer for wedding pros, and in this episode of The Power in Purpose Podcast, Alex shares how your website sets the tone for your client experience. As a business coach for wedding pros, I know how obsessed you are with giving your couples and clients an amazing experience. You invest in software, templates, service providers, gifting experiences, and business coaches to help you make your client experience the best on the block.... but what about your website? What role does it play in your overall client experience, and what does it tell a couple about what life will be like for them once they start working with you? We chat about all this and more - in today’s episode! #thepowerinpurposepodcast #candicecoppola #showit #showitdesigner #weddingpros #weddingindustry #weddingwebsite #weddingpro #businesspodcast #weddingpodcast

I’m making today a decision day in my business. I do this when I’ve let a lot of decisions pile up to the point where it feels overwhelming to make ANY decision about anything. I feel super stuck on where to focus my energy right now because so many things are ‘hanging in the balance.’ Can you relate?! So, today is a decision day - and I’m working on laying out my calendar, figuring out my marketing strategy for the year, deciding on new products, launches, roadmaps, and lots of other things. If you ever find yourself stalled and stuck because you’ve ignored making decisions about big and small things - consider having a decision day in your business, too! PS - would you like to see more reels and videos like this from me on IG? I’d love to know if you found this helpful! #candicecoppola #honeybook #weddingpro #weddingindustry #businessowner #businessstrategy #decisionmaking #weddingplannereducation

We’re back! I’m so happy to share that the newest season of The Power in Purpose podcast is here, and just in time for you to build your business this year. Today, I’m joined by one of my most favorite guests to date, @annadkornick! Anna is a time management coach who shows you how you can win your week before it even starts. One of the many challenges we face as business owners is finding the time to do #allthethings. Even if you start your week with the best of intentions, things can quickly spiral out of control and devolve into utter chaos. If you feel like you end the week accomplishing NOTHING that was on your original to do list, Anna gives you a new way to think about time and tasks with her simple but brilliant productivity method. We also talk about how to get back on track when things go off the rails. You know, when one task or email opens up a huge can of worms that you spend the next week having to fix. #lifeofaweddingplanner So grab a cup of caffeine, your new 2024 notebook, and your AirPods! You’re going to love this episode. #thepowerinpurposepodcast #powerinpurposepodcast #candicecoppola #weddingpro #weddingpros #timemanagementtips #weddingindustry #honeybook

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How to Start a Wedding Planning Business

start a wedding planning business

Starting a wedding planning business can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful wedding planning business.

Importantly, a critical step in starting a wedding planning business is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here .

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

14 Steps To Start a Wedding Planning Business :

  • Choose the Name for Your Wedding Planning Business
  • Develop Your Wedding Planning Business Plan
  • Choose the Legal Structure for Your Wedding Planning Business
  • Secure Startup Funding for Your Wedding Planning Business (If Needed)
  • Secure a Location for Your Business
  • Register Your Wedding Planning Business with the IRS
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get a Business Credit Card
  • Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
  • Get Business Insurance for Your Wedding Planning Business
  • Buy or Lease the Right Wedding Planning Business Equipment
  • Develop Your Wedding Planning Business Marketing Materials
  • Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Wedding Planning Business
  • Open for Business

1. Choose the Name for Your Wedding Planning Business

The first step to starting a wedding planning business is to choose your business’ name.  

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your own wedding planning business:

  • Make sure the name is available . Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
  • Keep it simple . The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
  • Think about marketing . Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your wedding planning business.

2. Develop Your Wedding Planning Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a wedding planning business is to develop your wedding planning business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

Your business plan should include the following sections:

  • Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your wedding planning business.
  • Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your wedding planning business and what type of event planning business you operate. For example, are you a full-service wedding planner, partial-service planner, or a day-of coordinator?
  • Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the wedding planning industry. Conduct market research and document how big the wedding industry is and what trends are affecting it.
  • Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, how old are they? Where do they live? What do they find important when purchasing services like the ones you will offer?
  • Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
  • Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
  • Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer 
  • Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
  • Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
  • Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your wedding planning business? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
  • Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your day-to-day operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
  • Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
  • Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
  • What startup costs will you incur?
  • How will your wedding planning business make money?
  • What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
  • Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

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3. choose the legal structure for your wedding planning business.

Next you need to choose a legal structure for your own wedding planning business and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

1) Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the wedding planning business and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small business owners. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a wedding planning business together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a wedding planning business include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a wedding planning business is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others.

Once you register your own business, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

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4. Secure Startup Funding for Your Wedding Planning Business (If Needed)

In developing your wedding planning business plan , you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business. 

If so, the main sources of funding for a wedding planning business to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a wedding planning business that they believe has high potential for growth.

5. Secure a Location for Your Business

When looking for a location for your new business, it’s important to think about the needs of your customers. You’ll want a space that is big enough to accommodate your staff and clients with adequate parking and public transportation. You’ll also want a neighborhood that is safe and convenient for your clients.

6. Register Your Wedding Planning Business with the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a bank account in your wedding planning business’ name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

  • Identify and contact the bank you want to use
  • Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
  • Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
  • Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

8. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your wedding planning business to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

9. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

Licenses and permits that are typically required to start a wedding planning business include a business license and a zoning permit. In some cases, you may also need a contractor’s license or a special event permit.

Contact your local municipality to find out if there are any other licenses or permits you need to operate your business.

10. Get Business Insurance for Your Wedding Planning Business

The type of insurance you need to operate a wedding planning business will depend on the services provided. 

Some business insurance policies you should consider for your wedding planning business include:

  • General liability insurance : This covers accidents and injuries that occur on your property. It also covers damages caused by your employees or products.
  • Workers’ compensation insurance : If you have employees, this type of policy works with your general liability policy to protect against workplace injuries and accidents. It also covers medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Commercial property insurance : This covers damage to your property caused by fire, theft, or vandalism.
  • Business interruption insurance : This covers lost income and expenses if your business is forced to close due to a covered event.
  • Professional liability insurance : This protects your business against claims of professional negligence.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs. 

11. Buy or Lease the Right Wedding Planning Business Equipment

You will need a computer with reliable internet access to create a website and research wedding planning ideas. You will also need a phone or email account to communicate with clients. Additionally, you will need access to a printer to print out contracts, flyers, and other wedding planning materials.

12. Develop Your Wedding Planning Business Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your wedding planning business.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

  • Logo : Spend some time developing a good logo for your wedding planning business. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
  • Website : Likewise, a professional wedding planning business website provides potential customers with information about the services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers perceive you.
  • Social Media Accounts : establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your wedding planning business.

13. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Wedding Planning Business

There are various software programs you need to be a successful wedding planner. You’ll need accounting software to trace your expenses and income and project management software to track your progress on individual weddings. You may also find it helpful to use a customer relationship management (CRM) system to keep track of your clients and their contact information. Finally, you may want a good email marketing program to stay in touch with your clients and keep them up to date on your latest offerings.

14. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your wedding planning business. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

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How to Start a Wedding Planning Business FAQs

Is it hard to start a wedding planning business.

It is not hard to start a wedding planning business. In fact, there are many resources available to help you. The most important thing is to have a clear vision for your business and be organized and efficient in your planning.

How can I start a wedding planning business with no experience?

One way to start a wedding planning business with no experience is to do some research on the industry. Learn as much as you can about the services people typically look for when planning their weddings, and what kind of pricing structure to use. You can also join online groups for wedding professionals, network with other wedding planners, and read articles about the topic.

What type of wedding planning business is most profitable?

There are many types of wedding planning businesses, but the most profitable type is the full-service business. This type of business offers a wide range of wedding planning services, from wedding planning and coordination to catering and floral arrangements. They typically cost more than other types of wedding planning businesses, but they also generate the most revenue.

How much does it cost to start a wedding planning business?

The cost of starting a wedding planning business will vary depending on the size and scope of your business, as well as the location. Generally, you can expect to spend somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000 to get your business off the ground.

What are the ongoing expenses for a wedding planning business?

The ongoing expenses for a wedding planning business include things like marketing, salaries, and office supplies. Wedding planners often need to market their services to attract new clients, so they may need to invest in advertising and website design. Salaries can be another significant expense for wedding planners, especially if they have a team of employees. Wedding planners need to be aware of all the costs associated with their business to stay profitable.

How does a wedding planning business make money?

Successful wedding planners make a commission from wedding service providers for referring them to weddings. They also make money by charging the bride and groom a fee for their services. Additionally, they may earn money from selling wedding planning products.

Is owning a wedding planning business profitable?

Yes, owning a wedding planning business can be profitable. One reason is that the demand for wedding planners is high, as couples want to ensure that their weddings are perfect. Most wedding planners also charge a premium for their services, which results in a good profit. Finally, the wedding industry is growing, which means there is excellent growth potential in the wedding planning business.

Why do wedding planning businesses fail?

One of the main reasons wedding planning businesses fail is because they do not have a clear business plan. In order to be successful, a wedding planning business needs to have a detailed plan that outlines how it will operate, what services it will offer, and how it will attract customers. Without a solid business plan, a wedding planning business is likely to flounder.

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Business Plan Template & Guide For Small Businesses

How to write a business plan for a wedding planner?

wedding planner business plan

Writing a business plan for a wedding planner can be an intimidating task, especially for those just starting.

This in-depth guide is designed to help entrepreneurs like you understand how to create a comprehensive business plan so that you can approach the exercise with method and confidence.

We'll cover: why writing a wedding planner business plan is so important - both when starting up, and when running and growing the business - what information you need to include in your plan, how it should be structured, and what tools you can use to get the job done efficiently.

Let's get started!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for a wedding planner?

What information is needed to create a business plan for a wedding planner.

  • What goes in the financial forecast for a wedding planner?
  • What goes in the written part of a wedding planner business plan?
  • What tool can I use to write my wedding planner business plan?

Understanding the document's scope and goals will help you easily grasp its structure and content. Before diving into the specifics of the plan, let's take a moment to explore the key reasons why having a wedding planner business plan is so crucial.

To have a clear roadmap to grow the business

It's rarely business as usual for small businesses. The economy follows cycles where years of growth are followed by recessions, and the business environment is always changing with new technologies, new regulations, new competitors, and new consumer behaviours appearing all the time...

In this context, running a business without a clear roadmap is like driving blindfolded: it's dangerous at best. That's why writing a business plan for a wedding planner is essential to create successful and sustainable businesses.

To write an effective business plan, you will need to take stock of where you are (if you are already in business) and where you want the business to go in the next three to five years.

Once you know where you want your wedding planner to be, you'll have to identify:

  • what resources (human, equipment, and capital) are needed to get there,
  • at what pace the business needs to progress to get there in time,
  • and what risks you'll face along the way.

Going through this process regularly is beneficial, both for startups and existing companies, as it helps make informed decisions about how best to allocate resources to ensure the long-term success of the business.

To maintain visibility on future cash flows

Businesses can go for years without making a profit, but they go bust as soon as they run out of cash. That's why "cash is king", and maintaining visibility on your wedding planner's future cash flows is critical.

How do I do that? That's simple: you need an up-to-date financial forecast.

The good news is that your wedding planner business plan already contains a financial forecast (more on that later in this guide), so all you have to do is to keep it up-to-date.

To do this, you need to regularly compare the actual financial performance of your business to what was planned in your financial forecast, and adjust the forecast based on the current trajectory of your business.

Monitoring your wedding planner's financial health will enable you to identify potential financial problems (such as an unexpected cash shortfall) early and to put in place corrective measures. It will also allow you to detect and capitalize on potential growth opportunities (higher demand from a given segment of customers for example).

To secure financing

Crafting a comprehensive business plan for your wedding planner, whether you're starting up or already established, is paramount when you're seeking financing from banks or investors.

Given how fragile small businesses are, financiers will want to ensure that you have a clear roadmap in place as well as command and control of your future cash flows before entertaining the idea of funding you.

For banks, the information in your business plan will be used to assess your borrowing capacity - which is defined as the maximum amount of debt your business can afford alongside your ability to repay the loan. This evaluation helps them decide whether to extend credit to your business and under what terms (interest rate, duration, repayment options, collateral, etc.).

Similarly, investors will thoroughly review your plan to determine if their investment can yield an attractive return. They'll be looking for evidence that your wedding planner has the potential for healthy growth, profitability, and consistent cash flow generation over time.

Now that you understand the importance of creating a business plan for your wedding planner, let's delve into the necessary information needed to craft an effective plan.

Writing a wedding planner business plan requires research so that you can project sales, investments and cost accurately in your financial forecast.

In this section, we cover three key pieces of information you should gather before drafting your business plan!

Carrying out market research for a wedding planner

As you consider writing your business plan for a wedding planner, conducting market research becomes a vital step to ensure accurate and realistic financial projections.

Market research provides valuable insights into your target customer base, competitors, pricing strategies, and other key factors that can significantly impact the commercial success of your business.

Through this research, you may uncover trends that could influence your wedding planner.

You may find that couples may be increasingly interested in green weddings, which could include eco-friendly decorations, recycled materials, and sustainable catering. Additionally, you could discover that couples may be interested in unique and personalized wedding experiences, such as destination weddings or themed ceremonies.

Such market trends play a significant role in forecasting revenue, as they offer valuable data about potential customers' spending habits and preferences.

By incorporating these findings into your financial projections, you can present investors with more accurate information, helping them make informed decisions about investing in your wedding planner.

Developing the sales and marketing plan for a wedding planner

Budgeting sales and marketing expenses is essential before creating a wedding planner business plan.

A comprehensive sales and marketing plan should provide an accurate projection of what actions need to be implemented to acquire and retain customers, how many people are needed to carry out these initiatives, and how much needs to be spent on promotions, advertising, and other aspects.

This helps ensure that the right amount of resources is allocated to these activities in order to hit the sales and growth objectives forecasted in your business plan.

The staffing and equipment needs of a wedding planner

As you embark on starting or expanding your wedding planner, having a clear plan for recruitment and capital expenditures (investment in equipment and real estate) is essential for ensuring your business's success.

Both the recruitment and investment plans must align with the timing and level of growth projected in your forecast, and they require appropriate funding.

A wedding planner might incur staffing costs for a team of assistants to help coordinate the wedding. They might also need to hire additional staff for the day of the wedding, such as servers, bartenders, and security personnel. Equipment costs might include items such as tables, chairs, linens, and sound equipment for the reception. They may also need to rent lighting fixtures, decorations, and other necessary items for the ceremony and reception.

To create a realistic financial forecast, you also need to consider other operating expenses associated with the day-to-day running of your business, such as insurance and bookkeeping.

With all the necessary information at hand, you are ready to begin crafting your business plan and developing your financial forecast.

What goes into your wedding planner's financial forecast?

The objective of the financial forecast of your wedding planner's business plan is to show the growth, profitability, funding requirements, and cash generation potential of your business over the next 3 to 5 years.

The four key outputs of a financial forecast for a wedding planner are:

  • The profit and loss (P&L) statement ,
  • The projected balance sheet ,
  • The cash flow forecast ,
  • And the sources and uses table .

Let's look at each of these in a bit more detail.

The projected P&L statement

The projected P&L statement for a wedding planner shows how much revenue and profit your business is expected to make in the future.

example of projected profit and loss statement in a wedding planner business plan

A healthy wedding planner's P&L statement should show:

  • Sales growing at (minimum) or above (better) inflation
  • Stable (minimum) or expanding (better) profit margins
  • A healthy level of net profitability

This will of course depend on the stage of your business: numbers for a startup will look different than for an established wedding planner.

The projected balance sheet of your wedding planner

Your wedding planner's forecasted balance sheet enables the reader of your plan to assess your financial structure, working capital, and investment policy.

It is composed of three types of elements: assets, liabilities and equity:

  • Assets: represent what the business owns and uses to produce cash flows. It includes resources such as cash, equipment, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
  • Liabilities: represent funds advanced to the business by lenders and other creditors. It includes items such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers), taxes due and loans.
  • Equity: is the combination of what has been invested by the business owners and the cumulative profits and losses generated by the business to date (which are called retained earnings). Equity is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

example of forecasted balance sheet in a wedding planner business plan

Your wedding planner's balance sheet will usually be analyzed in conjunction with the other financial statements included in your forecast.

Two key points of focus will be:

  • Your wedding planner's liquidity: does your business have sufficient cash and short-term assets to pay what it owes over the next 12 months?
  • And its solvency: does your business have the capacity to repay its debt over the medium-term?

The cash flow forecast

A projected cash flow statement for a wedding planner is used to show how much cash the business is generating or consuming.

cash flow forecast in a wedding planner business plan example

The cash flow forecast is usually organized by nature to show three key metrics:

  • The operating cash flow: do the core business activities generate or consume cash?
  • The investing cash flow: how much is the business investing in long-term assets (this is usually compared to the level of fixed assets on the balance sheet to assess whether the business is regularly maintaining and renewing its equipment)?
  • The financing cash flow: is the business raising new financing or repaying financiers (debt repayment, dividends)?

As we discussed earlier, cash is king and keeping an eye on future cash flows an imperative for running a successful business. Therefore, you can expect the reader of your wedding planner business plan to pay close attention to your cash flow forecast.

Also, note that it is customary to provide both yearly and monthly cash flow forecasts in a business plan - so that the reader can analyze seasonal variation and ensure the wedding planner is appropriately funded.

The initial financing plan

The sources and uses table or initial financing plan is a key component of your business plan when starting a wedding planner.

It shows where the capital needed to set up the business will come from (sources) and how it will be spent (uses).

sources and uses table in a wedding planner business plan

This table helps size the investment required to set up the wedding planner, and understand how risks will be distributed between the business owners, and the financiers.

The sources and uses table also highlights what the starting cash position will be. This is key for startups as the business needs to have sufficient funding to sustain operations until the break-even point is reached.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what will go into the financial forecast of your wedding planner business plan, let's have a look at the written part of the plan.

The written part of a wedding planner business plan

The written part of the business plan is where you will explain what your business does and how it operates, what your target market is, whom you compete against, and what strategy you will put in place to seize the commercial opportunity you've identified.

Having this context is key for the reader to form a view on whether or not they believe that your plan is achievable and the numbers in your forecast realistic.

The written part of a wedding planner business plan is composed of 7 main sections:

  • The executive summary
  • The presentation of the company
  • The products and services
  • The market analysis
  • The strategy
  • The operations
  • The financial plan

Let's go through the content of each section in more detail!

1. The executive summary

The executive summary, the first section of your wedding planner's business plan, serves as an inviting snapshot of your entire plan, leaving readers eager to know more about your business.

To compose an effective executive summary, start with a concise introduction of your business, covering its name, concept, location, history, and unique aspects. Share insights about the services or products you intend to offer and your target customer base.

Subsequently, provide an overview of your wedding planner's addressable market, highlighting current trends and potential growth opportunities.

Then, present a summary of critical financial figures, such as projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

You should then include a summary of your key financial figures such as projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

Lastly, address any funding needs in the "ask" section of your executive summary.

2. The presentation of the company

The second section in your wedding planner's business plan should focus on the structure and ownership, location, and management team of the company.

The structure and ownership part provides an overview of the legal structure of the business, who the owners are and how much each has invested and owns. If you are seeking financing it is important that the reader gets a clear picture of which legal entity is receiving the funds, and who controls the business.

The location part should give an overview of the premises from which the company is operating, and why that location is of particular interest (catchment area, accessibility, amenities nearby, etc.).

When describing the location of your wedding planner, you may want to emphasize its potential for success. It could be situated in a desirable area with a large population of potential customers. You could also highlight the potential for strong local support for the business, as well as the possibility of good access to transportation and other public amenities. Additionally, you might want to emphasize the potential for good visibility for the business due to its location. All of these factors could make the wedding planner an attractive investment opportunity.

Finally, you should introduce the management team. Explain each member's role, background, and experience.

It is also important to emphasize any past successes that the members of the management team have achieved, and how long they've been working together, as this will help potential lenders or investors understand why they should trust in their leadership.

3. The products and services section

The products and services section of your wedding planner business plan should include a detailed description of what your company sells to its customers. 

For example, your wedding planner might offer catering services, venue selection, and floral arrangements. Catering services can provide a variety of options for the reception, from a full-service buffet to a more formal dinner. Venue selection is important to ensure that your wedding day is both comfortable and stylish. Floral arrangements can add a special touch to the ceremony and reception, making for an unforgettable experience.

The reader will want to understand what makes your wedding planner unique from other businesses in this competitive market.

When drafting this section, you should be precise about the categories of products or services you sell, the clients you are targeting and the channels that you are targeting them through. 

4. The market analysis

When outlining your market analysis in the wedding planner business plan, it's essential to include comprehensive details about customers' demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and relevant regulations.

The primary aim of this section is to give the reader an understanding of the market size and appeal while demonstrating your expertise in the industry.

To begin, delve into the demographics and segmentation subsection, providing an overview of the addressable market for your wedding planner, key marketplace trends, and introducing various customer segments and their preferences in terms of purchasing habits and budgets.

Next, shift your focus to the target market subsection, where you can zoom in on the specific customer segments your wedding planner targets. Explain how your products and services are tailored to meet the unique needs of these customers.

For example, your target market might include couples who are looking for a high-end wedding experience. These couples would be willing to invest in a professional wedding planner and are likely to have a larger budget for their wedding. They may also be looking for a unique and special wedding experience that will be remembered by their guests.

In the competition subsection, introduce your main competitors and explain what sets your wedding planner apart from them.

Finally, round off your market analysis by providing an overview of the main regulations that apply to your wedding planner.

5. The strategy section

When you write the strategy section of your wedding planner business plan, remember to cover key elements such as your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales & marketing plan, milestones, and risks and mitigants.

In the competitive edge subsection, elaborate on what makes your company stand out from competitors. This becomes especially important if you're a startup, aiming to carve a place for yourself amidst established players in the marketplace.

The pricing strategy subsection should demonstrate how you plan to maintain profitability while offering competitive prices to attract customers.

Outline your sales & marketing plan, detailing how you'll reach out to new customers and retain existing ones through loyalty programs or special offers.

For the milestones subsection, outline your company's achievements to date and your main objectives for the future, complete with specific dates to set clear expectations for progress.

Lastly, the risks and mitigants subsection should address the main risks that could affect your plan's execution. Explain the measures you've put in place to minimize these risks, assuring potential investors or lenders.

Your wedding planner could face financial risks. They may have to pay upfront for certain services, such as ordering flowers or renting equipment, and not receive payment from the client until after the wedding. They could also be exposed to liability risks. If any accidents or injuries occur during the wedding, your wedding planner might be held responsible.

6. The operations section

The operations of your wedding planner must be presented in detail in your business plan.

The first thing you should cover in this section is your staffing team, the main roles, and the overall recruitment plan to support the growth expected in your business plan. You should also outline the qualifications and experience necessary to fulfil each role, and how you intend to recruit (using job boards, referrals, or headhunters).

You should then state the operating hours of your wedding planner - so that the reader can check the adequacy of your staffing levels - and any plans for varying opening times during peak season. Additionally, the plan should include details on how you will handle customer queries outside of normal operating hours.

The next part of this section should focus on the key assets and IP required to operate your business. If you depend on any licenses or trademarks, physical structures (equipment or property) or lease agreements, these should all go in there.

You may have key assets such as a website and talented staff, as well as intellectual property such as your business logo and unique wedding planning ideas. Your website could be used to showcase your services, display images of your work, and include contact information. You might also have a portfolio of design ideas and wedding packages that have been developed to meet the needs of your clients. These could include everything from floral arrangements to cake designs. With your staff, you could have a team of experienced and creative individuals who are dedicated to delivering the perfect wedding day experience for your clients.

Finally, you should include a list of suppliers that you plan to work with and a breakdown of their services and main commercial terms (price, payment terms, contract duration, etc.). Investors are always keen to know if there is a particular reason why you have chosen to work with a specific supplier (higher-quality products or past relationships for example).

7. The presentation of the financial plan

The financial plan section is where we will include the financial forecast we talked about earlier in this guide.

Now that you have a clear idea of the content of a wedding planner business plan, let's look at some of the tools you can use to create yours.

What tool should I use to write my wedding planner's business plan?

In this section, we will be reviewing the two main options for writing a wedding planner business plan efficiently:

  • Using specialized software,
  • Outsourcing the drafting to the business plan writer.

Using an online business plan software for your wedding planner's business plan

The modern and most efficient way to write a wedding planner business plan is to use business plan software .

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

  • You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
  • You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
  • You can access a library of dozens of complete business plan samples and templates for inspiration
  • You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
  • You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast
  • You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
  • You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
  • You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

Hiring a business plan writer to write your wedding planner's business plan

Outsourcing your wedding planner business plan to a business plan writer can also be a viable option.

Business plan writers are experienced in writing business plans and adept at creating financial forecasts without errors. Furthermore, hiring a consultant can save you time and allow you to focus on the day-to-day operations of your business.

However, hiring business plan writers is expensive as you are paying for the software used by the consultant, plus their time, and their profit margin of course.

From experience, you need to budget at least £1.5k ($2.0k) excluding tax for a complete business plan, more if you need to make changes after the initial version (which happens frequently after the initial meetings with lenders or investors).

You also need to be careful when seeking investment. Investors want their money to be used to grow the business, not spent on consulting fees. Therefore, the amount you spend on business plan writing services (and other consulting services such as legal services) needs to be negligible relative to the amount raised.

The other drawback is that you usually don't own the business plan itself: you just get the output, while the actual document is saved in the consultant's business plan software - which makes it difficult to maintain the document up to date without hiring the consultant on a retainer.

For these reasons, outsourcing the wedding planner business plan to a business plan writer should be considered carefully, weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of hiring outside help.

Ultimately, it may be the right decision for some businesses, while others may find it beneficial to write their business plan using online software.

Why not create your wedding planner's business plan using Word or Excel?

Using Microsoft Excel and Word (or their Google, Apple, or open-source equivalents) to write a wedding planner business plan is a terrible idea.

For starters, creating an accurate and error-free financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is very technical and requires both a strong grasp of accounting principles and solid skills in financial modelling.

As a result, it is unlikely anyone will trust your numbers unless - like us at The Business Plan Shop - you hold a degree in finance and accounting and have significant financial modelling experience in your past.

The second reason is that it is inefficient. Building forecasts on spreadsheets was the only option in the 1990s and early 2000s, nowadays technology has advanced and software can do it much faster and much more accurately.

And with the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Also, using software makes it easy to compare actuals vs. forecasts and maintain our forecasts up to date to maintain visibility on future cash flows - as we discussed earlier in this guide - whereas this is a pain to do with a spreadsheet.

That's for the forecast, but what about the written part of my wedding planner business plan?

This part is less error-prone, but here also software brings tremendous gains in productivity:

  • Word processors don't include instructions and examples for each part of your business plan
  • Word processors don't update your numbers automatically when they change in your forecast
  • Word processors don't handle the formatting for you

Overall, while Word or Excel may be viable options for creating a wedding planner business plan for some entrepreneurs, it is by far not the best or most efficient solution.

  • Having an up-to-date business plan is key to maintaining visibility on your future cash flows.
  • A business plan has 2 parts: a financial forecast highlighting the expected growth, profitability and cash generation of the business; and a written part which provides the context needed to interpret and assess the quality of the forecast.
  • Using business plan software is the modern way of writing and maintaining business plans.

We hope that this guide helped you to better understand how to write the business plan for a wedding planner. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

  • How to write a 5 years business plan
  • Business plan myths

Know someone who owns or wants to start a wedding planner? Share this article with them!

Guillaume Le Brouster

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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business plan for wedding planner services

How to Build Your Wedding Coordinator Business Plan

  • November 8, 2021

wedding planner business plan blog header

When you know better, you do better. Having a business plan for your wedding coordinator business is “knowing better.” As you learn how to become a wedding planner, planing the business side of the equation your business is the first foundation step. 

Statistics show that entrepreneurs who plan their business are more likely to succeed . 

Since your business is planning (for weddings), you should prove your mettle with an effective business plan to help you scale your wedding coordination business.

Just like you would plan each individual wedding for your clients, a business plan takes care of the nitty-gritty for your consultancy. 

6 Benefits of Having a Wedding Coordinator Business Plan in 2022 

woman writing business plan

Benjamin Franklin famously said that “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” 

As a wedding planner and coordinator, you are in the planning business. By not planning your business, you are leaving room for unknown factors that may ruin your business. 

The benefits of having a plan for your wedding coordinator business is even more far-reaching than a business plan for the average consultancy. 

Consider that planning your business path has these six benefits:

1. Raise Funds and Attract Investors 

Nobody will give you money without some well-laid plans. Simply knowing you want to make a living from coordinating weddings is not enough. 

You need to create a life plan for your business that will prove you have the goods to be financially successful in the long-term. 

A comprehensive business plan helps you attract the right investors (should you choose to go this route). 

2. Prove Your Business Smarts

Being business smart is not just about calculating finances. You need to be able to handle issues, resolve challenges, and manage all the resources at your disposal. 

By being smart, you ensure your investors find value.

3. Spot Issues Before They Appear

If you can see the edge before you fall, you can avoid weakness. Generate industry insights by consulting with people in your field and people who have used planners in the past. What issues to they experience? What mistakes do they think should be addressed? Learn from others, so that you don’t make this same mistake.

4. Become an Effective Communicator

With your business plan, you can show investors precisely what you want to achieve, and you can explain clearly what you want from them. 

You can use it as proof to convince people to work with you, securing supplier credit and attracting new customers.

5. Gain New Insights 

A business plan isn’t set in stone once it is written. Instead, see it as a living document that helps you think creatively about how to start and grow a wedding planning business. 

If you come across a challenge, use this opportunity to update your plan. Keep adding and subtracting as you iron our services, firm up mission statements, and pivot target audience.

6. Business to Action Plan

With a business plan, your wedding planning business can schedule action items, future steps, and forthcoming activities to show you where you need to focus and expand. 

Create an outline, fleshing it out as you learn about wedding planning and ask the right questions. 

The Elements of Wedding Planner Business Plan 

The wedding coordinator business plan is where you gather all your thoughts, ideas, and future budget so you can plan how you will address issues and reach goals. 

The aspects of a comprehensive business plan are: 

The Structure of Your Wedding Planning Business 

As part of your strategy on how to become a wedding planner, you should look at the legal aspects of your business, such as the legal name of the consultancy and whether you will be operating as a sole proprietor or even enter into a partnership with a fellow coordinator. 

You can also include all the relevant contact information and a brief professional bio for each of you. Valuable should you seek investors, or for adopting as a part of your website.

Your Mission and Goals 

Your business should strive to become a recognizable brand in your local wedding industry. To do this, you need to stand apart from the flock. 

You should evaluate the economic trends and patterns of expansion in the wedding industry. Use these insights to craft a mission statement, and set specific goals you wish to accomplish. You missio statement should be powerful and dialled in. “Planning weddings for couples” is not good enough.

The Services You Provide 

Not all wedding planners provide a full-stack service. You can choose to be a one-stop-shop for your clients or specialize in offering partial wedding planning packages . 

Full wedding planning includes coordinating everything from concept design up until the wedding event (and even the honeymoon). 

Partial wedding planning involves helping the happy couple with their wedding timeline. You may also be asked to manage the wedding day and ensure everything flows smoothly. 

Then there are also wedding consultation services. If you choose to offer this service, you are only responsible for providing recommendations to the bride- and groom-to-be. 

Suppliers, Vendors, and Contractors Your Business Will Use 

By identifying contractors and future suppliers you will regularly use, you will build a reference list to help you make estimates for services, fees, and contracts.

Turnaround Times and Delivery Methods for Each Wedding 

Often, your investors will be actual clients too, and by having methods to plan the turnaround times for each project, you can explain how you intend to meet deadlines, schedule deliveries, and set milestones for your clients and investors.

Your Target Market 

A groom and bride in a green garden, back turned

Every business needs to know their target market. 

While you should consider the profile of your bride and groom, and whether you want to help all couples or those in a certain income bracket, you should also check out your competitors. 

Knowing what your competitors are doing well and where there are gaps can help you set your wedding planning business apart.  

Your Marketing Strategy

Identify what methods you will use to find clients. This is your marketing approach. 

Investigate different marketing verticals such as traditional advertisements and digital alternatives like social media and search engine marketing. 

With the right keywords in your website or blog, you can attract clients through Google search. 

Be sure to have the information ready to answer client questions. A price list, commission rates, and a list of services will come in handy. Lead the industry with blogs that predict wedding trends and showcase your work. 

Generate social oomph with resources such as Pinterest , TikTok, and Twitter. Attend conventions as a vendor or speaker and be noticed. 

Financial Aspects of Your Business

Become financially responsible, balancing your bank statements, accurately reporting your expenses and income, and showing you can manage your cash flow effectively. 

These all boost investor confidence and help clients trust you to manage their wedding budgets too. 

The Executive Summary 

With a business plan, just like with a wedding, presentation is everything. 

The executive summary is the icing on the wedding business cake . This is where you draw everything together, presenting a succinct and coherent business statement, vision, goals, and mission statement. 

You need to prove you know exactly what you want for your wedding coordination business and that you know how to overcome challenges to get there. 

Entirely based on your executive summary, investors may decide to invest or not, and this is often the first impression your business plan will make. 

An executive summary is also a great way for you to touch base with your original business intentions, keep yourself on track, and keep pushing for success.  

Final Thoughts on How to Become a Wedding Planner

Your wedding coordinator business plan is one important aspect in your journey of how to become a wedding planner. 

Use the document as a roadmap to show you where you are and where you want to be, with detailed planning, issue spotting, and solution finding.    

business plan for wedding planner services

Annette Corrie

Our ‘Certificate of Professional Wedding Planning Course’ is here to help you through the process, by providing a step-by-step guide to getting started and becoming successful in your new career. This course will help you gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to oversee all the details of a wedding. This course will help you prepare a successful and magnificent event!

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Wedding Planning Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business ideas » Entertainment Industry » Event Planning

Are you about starting a wedding planning company? If YES, here is a complete sample wedding planning business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE. Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a wedding planning company .

We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample wedding planning service marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for wedding planning companies. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Wedding planning is a business that anyone with the necessary soft skills (i.e. organizing skills) can venture into. Wedding planning requires that you take off the burden of planning a wedding off the shoulders of your clients. Therefore, you would need an eye for details in addition to the eye you have got.

Confused? Do not be, that was on a lighter note. Now, the truth is that you would need to be extremely detailed. You do not want to come across your clients as one who leaves some kills important details out. If you do not possess this skill now, you may consider building it up.

Starting a wedding planning company is not too expensive except for the money required to rent and furnish an office space. The key to a successful wedding event is to ensure that all that is listed in your wedding event planning checklists is ticked.

As a matter of fact, if you undergo wedding cum event planning training, you are going to be taught how to draft event planning checklists for various events and key components that must be listed in your checklists.

One good thing about wedding planning is that most often than not, weddings are done during weekends and if you are lucky not to be working during weekends, you can successfully test run a wedding planning business. The truth is that, most of the basic skills needed to effectively run a wedding planning business are some of the soft skills you are likely going to acquire in your workplace.

If you are truly convinced that starting a wedding planning company is the right business for you to do, then you need to write your own business plan. Below is a sample wedding planning company business plan template that will help you successfully write yours with little or no stress;

A Sample Wedding Planning Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Wedding planners organize and design marriage ceremonies and receptions. A wedding planner ensures that they work with the stipulated budget of their clients and ensure that they deliver a successful wedding event as agreed. In some cases, it is the responsibility of the wedding planner to draw – up a budget for the client once they get a brief of the nature of the wedding event to be hosted.

A close study of happenings in the Wedding Planners industry in the united states shows that the industry has experienced remarkable growth and this is due to stronger economic conditions. It is normal that with increase in disposable incomes, there will be encouragement for more couples to marry, and to spend more on wedding planning or services related to their weddings.

So also, increased internet usage has made wedding planners more accessible to clients, decreasing the industry’s marketing costs and boosting profit margins.

These trends will offset the impact on the industry of changing social norms that have led couples to postpone marriage longer. No doubt, as the economy continues to strengthen, the growth in the wedding planners industry is expected to accelerate.

The Wedding Planners Industry is indeed a large industry and pretty much active in countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Holland, Nigeria, Switzerland, Australia and Canada et al.

Statistics has it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 39,643 registered and licensed wedding planning company scattered all across the United States responsible for employing about 41,714 and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $1 billion annually.

The industry is projected to grow at -1.9 percent annual growth within 2011 and 2016. It is important to state that there is no establishment in this industry that has a lion market share.

A recent report published by IBISWORLD shows that the Wedding Planners industry is highly fragmented and largely distributed proportionally with population in the United States. The report stated that in 2015, the Southeast held the most industry establishments of any region, at 29.7 percent of the total. New England and the Rocky Mountains are expected to hold the least, at 4.4 percent each.

The Southeast region is expected to have 29.7 percent of industry establishments. This region also includes the state with the most establishments, Florida, which has an estimated 13.7 percent of industry establishments. The report further stated that States like Florida are population destination wedding locations.

Locations such as Disney World are very popular for weddings, which is why the number of establishment outpaces the proportion of population located in the region.

Lastly, one thing is certain about starting a wedding planner company, if you are able to conduct your market research and feasibility studies, you are more likely not going to struggle to secure clients because there are always individuals (bachelors and spinsters) who would want to hire your services when they are about getting married. Just ensure that the business is properly located and you have the right business network.

2. Executive Summary

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is a standard and licensed professional wedding planning company that will be based in Panama City – Florida. We have been able to secure a standard and well – positioned office facility in a business district in the heart of the city.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will handle all aspect of wedding planning such as wedding coordination, wedding shower / Bachelor’s eve, manage client’s time constraints, manage client’s budget, day-of-coordination services, conceptualization and design, full coordination services, and month of direction et al.

We are aware that to run a standard wedding planner company can be demanding which is why we are well trained, licensed and equipped to perform excellently well.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is a client-focused and result driven wedding planner company that provides broad-based services at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients.  We will offer a standard wedding planner services to all to our clients at local, state, national, and international level.

We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass our clients’ expectations whenever they contract their wedding planning to us.

Our client’s best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professionals who are well experienced in the Wedding Planners industry cum event planning industry.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients.

Our plan is to position the business to become the leading brand in the professional wedding planners’ line of business in the whole of Panama City – Florida, and also to be amongst the top 20 professional wedding planner companies in the United States of America within the first 10 years of launching the business.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our market research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Panama City – Florida is the right place to launch our wedding planner company before spreading to other parts of The United States.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is a private registered business that is owned by Mrs. Cloe Davenport and her immediate family members.

Mrs. Cloe Davenport has well over 10 years of experience working at various capacities within the wedding planners cum Event Planners industry in the United States of America.  She will work with a team of other core professionals to help build Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC to become a top brand in the Event Planners industry.

3. Our Products and Services

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the Wedding Planners industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our wedding planner company is to favorably compete with leading players in the Wedding Planners industry both in the United States of America and in the world at large.

We are well prepared to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the United States to achieve our business goals, aim and ambition. Our business offerings are listed below;

  • Wedding coordination
  • Wedding shower / Bachelor’s eve
  • Manage client’s time constraints
  • Manage client’s budget
  • Day-of-coordination services
  • Conceptualization and design
  • Full coordination services
  • Month of direction
  • Wedding planning consulting and advisory services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our vision is to build a professional wedding planner company brand that will become one of the preferred choices for about to wed couples in the whole of Panama City – Florida and every other city where our services will be advertised. Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
  • Our mission is to provide professional and trusted wedding planners services that assist our clients in achieving their personal goals as it relates to their wedding event. We are going to position the business to become one of the leading brands in the wedding planner line of business in the whole of Panama City – Florida, and also to be amongst the top 20 professional wedding planner companies in the United States of America within the first 10 years of launching the business.

Our Business Structure

Normally we would have settled for two or three full – time staff members, but as part of our plan to build a standard professional wedding planner company in Panama City – Florida, we have perfected plans to get it right from the beginning which is why we are going the extra mile to ensure that we have competent, honest and hardworking employees to occupy all the available positions in our organization.

The picture of the kind of professional wedding planner company we intend building and the business goals we want to achieve is what informed the amount we are ready to pay for the best hands available in and around Panama City – Florida.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stakeholders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target. In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

  • Chief Executive Officer / Principal Partner

Wedding / Event Planning Consultant

Admin and HR Manager

  • Business Developer / Marketing and Sales Executive
  • Customer Care Executives

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer / Principal Partner:

  • Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
  • Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
  • Responsible for providing direction for the business
  • Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
  • Evaluates the success of the organization
  • Organizes wedding and other events from start to finish
  • Responsible for interviewing and hiring vendors, selecting and ordering materials, negotiating rates, coordinating the sequence of wedding events, following up with guests and vendors and producing full-scale events.
  • Plans, designs and produces wedding events while managing all project delivery elements within time limits
  • Liaises with clients to identify their needs and to ensure customer satisfaction
  • Conduct market research, gather information and negotiate contracts prior to closing any deals
  • Provides feedback and periodic reports to stakeholders
  • Propose ideas to improve provided services and wedding event quality
  • Organizes facilities and manages all wedding event’s details such as decor, catering, entertainment, transportation, location, invitee list, special guests, equipment, promotional material etc.
  • Ensures compliance with insurance, legal, health and safety obligations
  • Specify staff requirements and coordinate their activities
  • Cooperate with marketing and PR to promote and publicize wedding event as requested by our client
  • Proactively handle any arising issues and troubleshoot any emerging problems on the wedding event day
  • Conducts pre- and post – wedding event evaluations and report on outcomes
  • Research market, identify wedding event opportunities and generate interes
  • Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
  • Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
  • Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
  • Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
  • Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
  • Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
  • Carries out staff induction for new team members
  • Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
  • Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
  • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
  • Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Marketing Executive / Business Developers

  • Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
  • Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
  • Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with company policy
  • Responsible for handling business research, marker surveys and feasibility studies for clients
  • Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
  • Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
  • Documents all customer contact and information
  • Represents the company in strategic meetings
  • Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
  • Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
  • create reports from the information concerning the financial transactions recorded by the bookkeeper
  • Prepares the income statement and balance sheet using the trial balance and ledgers prepared by the bookkeeper.
  • Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
  • Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
  • Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
  • Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
  • Responsible for administering payrolls
  • Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
  • Handles all financial transactions for the company
  • Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive

  • Welcomes guests and clients by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
  • Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
  • Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
  • Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
  • Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries
  • Receives parcels / documents for the company
  • Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
  • Distributes mails in the organization
  • Handles any other duties as assigned by the line manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Going by our vision, our mission and the kind of business we want to set – up, we don’t have any other option than to follow due process. Following due process involves hiring business consultant to help us conduct SWOT analysis for our business.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC hired the services of a seasoned business consultant with bias in start – ups in the United States to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to guide us in formulating other business strategies that will help us grow our business and favorable compete in the Wedding Planners industry.

As a company, we look forward to maximizing our strength and opportunities and also to work around our weaknesses and threats. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC.

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team that are considered experts in the industry, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in the Wedding Planners industry.

Aside from the synergy that exist in our carefully selected team members and our strong online presence, Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is well positioned in a city with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of corporate and individual clients from the first day we open our doors for business.

As a new professional wedding planner company in Panama City – Florida, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from top profile clients in the already saturated Wedding Planners industry; that is perhaps our major weakness.

So also, we may not have the required money to give the business the kind of publicity that we would love to give the business.

  • Opportunities:

The opportunities available in the Wedding Planners industry is massive considering the number of wedding and other events that takes places on a daily basis in the United States. As a standard and licensed professional wedding planner company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a professional wedding planner company operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies , the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

The Wedding Planners industry is in a continuous state of evolution and as such, ground breaking strategies and ideas that are once highly successful are no longer as productive as they were in time past. Close observation of the trend in the industry reveals that the past few years have seen the rise and proliferation of social media and new tech tools.

The trend also extends to increased attention paid to engagement and new market segments, adopting eco-friendly measures and sustainability when planning wedding events, and of course increases in demands from wedding event sponsors.

Although operators in the Wedding Planners industry are increasingly investing in computers and software to engage members and market their organizations online, the industry remains highly labor intensive. The research further states that wedding planner companies rely much more heavily on labor than technology to conduct their operations.

As a matter of fact, social media has now become one of the most important tools wedding event planners leverage on to disseminate information about their wedding events, interact with attendees, solicit feedback, and create year-round engagement with their target audience.

Furthermore, new software apps and emerging technology have made it easier for wedding planners to gather all the needed data and information that will help them plan and project for the future.

In recent time, mobile event apps are becoming more popular; wedding cum event planner can now successfully market their services via social media platforms / online platforms. In the United States for example, there several vendors providing mobile apps with more wedding cum event planners patronizing the apps.

Over and above, increased internet usage has made wedding planners more accessible to clients, decreasing the industry’s marketing costs and boosting profit margins.

These trends will offset the impact on the industry of changing social norms that have led couples to postpone marriage longer. No doubt, as the economy continues to strengthen, the growth in the Wedding Planners industry is expected to accelerate.

8. Our Target Market

Even though Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will initially serve clients within the location where our business is, but that does not in any way stop us from growing to be able to compete with the leading professional wedding planner companies in the United States.

As a standard and licensed professional wedding planner company, Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC offers a wide range of services as it relates to wedding planning hence we are well trained and equipped to services a wide range of clientele base.

Our target market cuts across people of different class and people from all walks of life, local and international clients as well.

We are coming into the industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the highly – placed people (celebrities and public figures et al) and at the same with the lowly placed people. Below is a list of the people that we have specifically design our products and services for;

  • About to wed couples
  • Religious organizations
  • Celebrities and public figures who are still singles and are getting set to wed

Our competitive advantage

No doubt, the Wedding Planners industry is indeed a very prolific and highly competitive industry. Clients will only hire your services if they know that you can successfully help them organize their wedding events and take away the stress from them.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the Wedding Planners industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your clients should be fell less stress or no stress at all and you should be able to meet the expectations of your clients at all times.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC might be a new professional wedding planner company in the Wedding Planners industry, but the management team and the owner of the business are considered gurus in the industry, professional who have what it takes to grow a business from scratch to become a top brand within the shortest time possible.

They are people who are core professionals; licensed and highly qualified, people that can successfully help their clients organize successful wedding events. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us. Aside from our robust experience and expertise of our team of experts, we have a very strong online presence that will enable us attract clients from any part of the world

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups wedding planner companies in the United States) in the industry.

It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives. We will also engage freelance marketing agents on a commission level to help us market our services.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

  • Sources of Income

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Wedding Planners industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract clients on a regular basis. Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will generate income by offering the following services to individual clients and for corporate organizations;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be about to wed couples who would always need the services for professional wedding planners and also there would always be parties and events in the United States of America and as such the services of professional wedding planners cum event planners companies will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Panama City – Florida and of course throughout out the United States of America and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the business and our clientele base beyond Panama City to other cities in Florida and other states in the U.S.

We have been able to critically examine the professional wedding planner market space and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Panama City – Florida.

Below are the sales projections for Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and the wide range of wedding planning services that we will be offering;

  • First Fiscal Year-: $150,000
  • Second Fiscal Year-: $350,000
  • Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. There won’t be any major competitor offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

  • Marketing Strategy and Sales strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiffer competitions amongst professional wedding planner companies in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the Wedding Planners industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization.

We will also ensure that our excellent job deliveries speak for us in the market place; we want to build a standard professional wedding planner business that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow our professional wedding planner company to become one of the top 20 professional wedding planner companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in the Panama City – Florida, but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

  • Introduce our business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, religious organizations, households and key stake holders in Panama City and other cities in Florida.
  • Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
  • List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
  • Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
  • Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver quality wedding planning services to them
  • Leverage on the internet to promote our business
  • Engage direct marketing approach
  • Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
  • Join local chambers of commerce and industries with the aim of networking and marketing our services

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to take the Wedding Planners industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our company. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC;

  • Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and events related magazines) and electronic media platforms
  • Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
  • Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Panama City – Florida
  • Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
  • Contact corporate organizations and religious organizations by calling them up and informing them of Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC and the services we offer
  • List our professional wedding planning firm in local directories / yellow pages
  • Advertise our professional wedding planning company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
  • Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Just like in consulting business, hourly billing for wedding planning / event management / training services is also a long – time tradition in the industry. However, for some types of professional wedding planning services flat fees make more sense because they allow clients to better predict the overall service charges.

As a result of this, Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will charge our clients both flat fee and hourly billing as long as it favors both parties.

At Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our clients by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to our clients from time to time especially when they recommend clients to us.

We are aware that there are some clients that would need regular access to professional wedding planning consultancy and advisory services and assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such clients’ needs.

  • Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will make available to her clients;

  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via mobile money
  • Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our professional wedding planning services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our professional wedding planning services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Starting a professional wedding planner business can be cost effective; this is so because on the average, you are not expected to acquire expensive machines and equipment.

Basically, what you should be concerned about is the amount needed to secure a standard office facility in a good and busy business district, the amount needed to furniture and equip the office, the amount to purchase the required software applications, the amount needed to pay bills, promote the business and obtain the appropriate business license and certifications.

However, this is what it would cost us to start our own standard and world class professional wedding planner company in the United States of America;

  • Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
  • Acquiring an office space that will accommodate the number of employees we intend employing for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $35,000.
  • The budget for liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
  • Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
  • The cost for accounting software, event planning apps, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
  • Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
  • Phone and Utilities (gas, sewer, water and electric) deposits – ( $3,500 ).
  • Launching an official website will cost – $500
  • Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
  • Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000
  • Miscellaneous – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about one hundred and fifty thousand ( 150,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard professional wedding planner company in the United States of America. Please note that the salary for the payment of staff members for the first 3 months is included.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is a partnership business that will be owned by Mrs. Cloe Davenport and her immediate family members. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

  • Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
  • Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
  • Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 ( Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our professional wedding planning services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Cloe Davenport Wedding Planners®, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check: Completed
  • Business Incorporation: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Leasing a standard office facility in a good location plus reconstruction: In progress
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
  • Writing of Business Plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
  • Design of Logo for the school: Completed
  • Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
  • Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
  • Creating awareness for the business in Smethport – Pennsylvania: In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
  • Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in various industries: In Progress

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Wedding Venue Business Plan

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Wedding Venue Bliss

Value proposition.

Wedding Venue Bliss provides a stunning, customizable event space that couples can tailor to their dream wedding experience. Featuring picturesque outdoor settings and stylish indoor facilities, the venue offers a flexible, all-in-one location for ceremonies, receptions, and overnight accommodations.

The Problem

Many wedding venues lack the versatility and resources to accommodate diverse wedding themes and personal touches. Couples often struggle to find a venue that offers both a beautiful environment and the necessary amenities for a seamless, memorable event.

The Solution

Wedding Venue Bliss addresses these challenges by offering a customizable space that caters to various wedding themes and preferences. With indoor and outdoor options, on-site accommodations, and personalized services, couples can create the perfect setting for their big day.

Target Market

The primary market for Wedding Venue Bliss is engaged couples seeking a unique and adaptable location for their wedding ceremony and reception. The secondary market includes event planners, corporate clients, and families organizing special events and celebrations.

Competitors & Differentiation

Current alternatives.

  • Traditional wedding venues (e.g., hotels, banquet halls)
  • Country clubs and golf courses
  • Parks and gardens
  • Vineyards and wineries
  • Historic sites and landmarks

Wedding Venue Bliss stands out with its customizable event spaces and a comprehensive range of services, ensuring a stress-free and memorable experience. Our team of professionals offers personalized assistance in event planning, catering, and design, allowing couples to bring their vision to life.

Funding Needs

The target property costs $600,000. The property will be purchased with a 20% down payment plus closing costs. $50,000 in renovations and upgrades are required. The estimated funding needed for furniture, event equipment, initial supplies, and a contingency fund is $50,000. The total initial funding needed is $230,000.

Sales Channels

  • Wedding Venue Bliss Website
  • Wedding Planner Associations
  • Social Media Platforms
  • Local Tourism Boards
  • Wedding and Event Websites

Marketing Activities

  • Social Media Campaigns
  • Blogging and Content Marketing
  • Collaborations with Local Wedding Vendors
  • Press Releases and Media Outreach
  • Bridal Expos and Trade Shows

Financial Projections

2023: $120,000

2024: $150,000

2025: $180,000

Expenses/Costs

2023: $80,000

2024: $90,000

2025: $100,000

2023: $40,000

2024: $60,000

2025: $80,000

  • Obtain necessary permits and licenses — June 1, 2023
  • Complete renovations and upgrades — August 1, 2023
  • Set up event spaces and accommodations — September 1, 2023
  • Launch website and social media accounts — September 15, 2023
  • Open for business — October 1, 2023
  • Host first wedding event — December 1, 2023
  • Partner with local wedding vendors — January 1, 2024
  • Achieve 70% or higher booking rate — June-September, 2024
  • Expand event offerings and services — January 1, 2025

Team and Key Roles

Owner/operator.

Responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Wedding Venue Bliss, including event coordination, guest accommodations, and community engagement.

Event Manager

Manages the coordination and execution of events, working closely with clients and vendors to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.

Housekeeping and Maintenance Staff

Ensure the cleanliness and upkeep of event spaces, accommodations, and common areas, as well as maintaining the venue’s facilities and equipment.

Partnerships & Resources

The purpose of these partnerships is to provide clients with a comprehensive range of services and resources to create a seamless and memorable wedding experience while supporting local businesses and fostering collaboration within the community.

Local Wedding Vendors

Partner with photographers, florists, caterers, and entertainers to offer clients a one-stop solution for their wedding needs, ensuring seamless coordination and high-quality services.

Bridal Boutiques and Tuxedo Rentals

Collaborate on promotional offers, cross-promotion of products and services, and referrals to offer clients a complete wedding package.

Local Hotels and Accommodations

Establish relationships with nearby hotels and accommodation providers to offer overflow lodging options for wedding guests and secure special rates for clients.

Wedding Planners and Event Coordinators

Develop partnerships with local wedding planners and event coordinators to increase referrals, collaborate on marketing efforts, and streamline the planning process for clients.

Community Organizations and Nonprofits

Engage with community organizations and nonprofits to host charity events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns, positioning Wedding Venue Bliss as a community-conscious business.

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Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners

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Wedding planning is a beautiful and exciting industry, but success doesn't come without a well-thought-out business plan. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your wedding planning business to the next level, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners is here to guide you every step of the way!

With this template, you'll be able to:

  • Define your unique value proposition and target market to attract your dream clients
  • Create a comprehensive marketing strategy to stand out in a crowded industry
  • Set clear financial goals and projections to secure funding and make informed business decisions

Don't let the stress of business planning take away from the joy of creating unforgettable weddings. Get started with ClickUp's template and turn your wedding planning dreams into reality!

Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners Benefits

A business plan template for wedding planners offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Providing a clear roadmap for the growth and success of your wedding planning business
  • Helping you secure funding from investors or lenders by showcasing the potential profitability of your business
  • Guiding your marketing strategies to attract and retain clients in the highly competitive wedding industry
  • Outlining your services, pricing, and revenue projections to ensure financial stability and profitability
  • Assisting in identifying potential risks and challenges, allowing you to develop contingency plans and mitigate potential issues

Main Elements of Wedding Planners Business Plan Template

When it comes to planning your wedding planning business, ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners has got you covered. Here are the main elements you can expect:

  • Custom Statuses: Track the progress of your business plan with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
  • Custom Fields: Add important details to your business plan such as references, approval status, and section categorization using custom fields.
  • Custom Views: Choose from five different views to organize and visualize your business plan, including Topics, Status, Timeline, Business Plan, and Getting Started Guide.
  • Collaboration Tools: Use ClickUp's collaborative features like comments, mentions, and task assignments to work seamlessly with your team on your business plan.
  • Document Management: Attach relevant documents, contracts, and financial projections to your business plan using ClickUp's Docs feature.
  • Task Management: Break down your business plan into actionable tasks, assign due dates, and set priorities to stay on track and meet your goals.

With ClickUp's Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners, you'll have all the tools and resources you need to create a comprehensive and successful business plan for your wedding planning business.

How To Use Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners

If you're a wedding planner looking to create a business plan, ClickUp's Business Plan Template can be a valuable tool. Follow these steps to make the most of it:

1. Define your business vision and mission

Start by clearly articulating your business vision and mission. What are your long-term goals and aspirations? What do you want to achieve as a wedding planner? This will help guide your decision-making and set the foundation for your business plan.

Use the Docs feature in ClickUp to outline your vision and mission statement.

2. Identify your target market

Determine your target market by identifying the types of clients you want to work with. Are you specializing in luxury weddings, destination weddings, or a specific cultural niche? Conduct market research to understand the needs and preferences of your target audience.

Create custom fields in ClickUp to track key demographics and preferences of your target market.

3. Analyze your competition

Research and analyze your competition to understand the wedding planning landscape in your area. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and unique selling points. This analysis will help you differentiate your services and develop strategies to stand out in the market.

Use the Table view in ClickUp to create a competitor analysis table and track key information about your competitors.

4. Develop your service offerings and pricing

Define the services you will offer as a wedding planner and determine your pricing structure. Consider the different packages you can offer, such as full-service planning, day-of coordination, or a la carte services. Set competitive prices that align with the value you provide.

Create tasks in ClickUp to outline your service offerings and assign pricing to each package.

5. Outline your marketing and sales strategies

Develop a comprehensive marketing and sales plan to reach your target audience and attract clients. Identify the channels you will use to promote your services, such as social media, wedding directories, or partnerships with vendors. Determine how you will generate leads and convert them into bookings.

Use the Gantt chart feature in ClickUp to create a timeline for your marketing and sales activities, and set milestones to track your progress.

By following these steps and using ClickUp's Business Plan Template, you'll have a solid roadmap for starting and growing your wedding planning business. Good luck!

Get Started with ClickUp’s Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners

Wedding planners and event planning companies can use this Business Plan Template for Wedding Planners to create a comprehensive plan that outlines their goals, strategies, and financial projections for their wedding planning businesses.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a solid business plan:

  • Use the Topics View to organize your business plan into different sections such as Executive Summary, Market Analysis, Marketing Strategy, Financial Projections, etc.
  • The Status View will help you keep track of the progress of each section of your business plan, with statuses like Complete, In Progress, Needs Revision, and To Do.
  • The Timeline View will give you a visual representation of the deadlines and milestones for your business plan.
  • The Business Plan View will provide you with a comprehensive overview of your entire business plan in one place.
  • The Getting Started Guide View will give you step-by-step instructions on how to fill out each section of the business plan.
  • Use the custom fields Reference, Approved, and Section to add additional information and categorize your business plan.
  • Monitor and analyze your business plan to ensure it aligns with your goals and objectives.
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How to Open a Wedding Venue in 2024: Step-by-Step Guide

10 Min Read

wedding venue business

If attending a wedding has ever left you surprised at the beautiful setups and sparked the thought of when you could launch your wedding venue, then you’re in the perfect place.

Jumping into the wedding venue industry opens up opportunities in a constantly in-demand market for celebration locations while also giving you the freedom of creativity. This business demands attention to detail, satisfactory customer service, and the flexibility to create a personal touch to the preferences of each couple.

Whether your goal is to earn additional income or to build a more substantial business, this detailed guide is designed to help you start and grow your own wedding venue business.

We cover everything from selecting the ideal location to understanding the legal and financial aspects. All the information that you need to begin and succeed in your perfect wedding venue.

Let’s take a closer look at the operation of a wedding venue business.

Wedding Venue Industry Overview

The wedding venue industry plays a significant role in weddings that happen all around the world. It provides a space where couples celebrate their big day. This business includes a variety of locations such as:

  • Banquet halls
  • Outdoor areas with natural beauty
  • Restroom facilities

Each place is different and helps make a wedding day special and personal.

The wedding planner industry is a highly customizable business that allows for niche expertise. This means that businesses can come up with solutions that reflect their target market, especially in industry trends having rapid growth.

By understanding the unique challenges and sector-specific needs of their clients, businesses can provide customized solutions that cater to their client’s needs.

Start a wedding venue business with 7 easy steps

  • Understand the market and competition
  • Write a wedding venue business plan
  • Figure out your finances
  • Select your wedding venue
  • Zoning laws, licenses, and insurance
  • Wedding venue renovation
  • Market your offerings
  • Start and promote your wedding venue

Making sure every aspect of a wedding is perfect from beginning to end is key to creating a memorable day. It’s important to remember that not only the big moments but also the way the event ends can significantly create a lasting impact on the guest’s experience.

Highlighting the same, Jeff Stillwell, the founder of Stillwell Events, shared his perspective in a conversation with Bride & Blossom.

He said, “If the band stops abruptly, the lights come on while some of your guests are still eating dessert and the party doesn’t have a smooth ending, this last impression will overshadow the beautiful decor and heartfelt moments of your wedding. My job is to make sure this doesn’t happen”

This viewpoint emphasizes how careful planning and effective management are crucial to ensure the conclusion of a wedding is as unforgettable as its beginning.

1. Understand the market and competition

Research the wedding venue market in your geographic area. Look up wedding venues in your region and identify what makes your venue special.

For example, suppose your venue is a lakefront property in a lake region. In that case, you will need to research how many other lakefront wedding sites are there and whether those venues are booked frequently so there’s overflow demand.

Here are a few things you can try answering to make your research comprehensive:

  • How many Local Wedding Venues are there around you?
  • How many weddings, on average, are held in my region annually?
  • What pricing models do competitors use, and what is the average cost of hosting a wedding in the area?
  • What amenities and services do other venues offer?

Gathering answers to these questions will not only help you measure the current state of the wedding venue market in your area. It also identifies opportunities to make your venue stand out and cater to the needs and preferences of your target audience.

2. Write a wedding venue business plan

Before getting things done, it’s important to have a detailed business plan. It helps to understand the start-up costs of your wedding business would incur.

Figure out ways to maintain the balance and seek financing options to source funding. You can find a wedding venue business plan template online to help you get started.

A successful wedding venue understands its goals, services, and strategies, and a business plan is a great way to conceptualize the practical aspects of business management.

This approach will ensure you have a solid foundation to build upon and navigate the path to establishing your successful wedding venue.

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business plan for wedding planner services

3. Figure out your finances

Knowing how much cash you need and finding ways to get it is key to turning your dream into a reality. Let’s help you determine your starting costs, create a budget, and discover funding sources.

Start by evaluating your finances.

Consider the following question to answer:

  • Should you buy or lease your space?
  • Do you have enough for a down payment, or do you need a loan?
  • Do you plan to construct something new or renovate an existing building?

Figuring Out Starting Costs

It’s vital to know your initial costs, which include buying or leasing space, fixing it up, getting licenses, paying for insurance, starting marketing efforts, and buying equipment or decor to ready your venue for weddings.

Understanding these expenses helps you see how much you need to start.

Making a Budget

Next, put together a budget that compares your start-up and running costs with how much money you expect to make. It’s smart to plan for both good and bad financial times.

This keeps you ready and financially sound.

Looking for Money

After you’ve got a clear budget, you’ll know if you need more money to begin. If you don’t have enough funds, think about options like:

  • Loans for small businesses
  • Getting investors
  • Crowdfunding
  • Grants for businesses

These are some ways to find the extra money needed for your wedding venue business.

4. Select a location for your wedding venue

First, think about what kind of weddings you want to host. Are you dreaming of a barn wedding venue or something more modern? Knowing this helps you decide where to look.

Look for a place that’s easy for wedding guests to get to. This means not too far from main roads or public transport. If you want to open a destination wedding spot, think about what makes a location special for couples who are planning their big day.

Chat with wedding planners, wedding professionals, and other wedding venue owners. They can give you tips on what makes a successful wedding venue.

By following these steps and focusing on what makes your venue unique, you can start your wedding venue successfully and become a beloved part of the wedding industry.

5. Zoning laws, licenses, and insurance

After deciding on a place, ensure that you can legally run a wedding venue there. Each location comes with its unique set of regulations and requirements concerning business operations.

Understanding these legal necessities is a must, as they vary widely based on the nature of your business and its geographical setting.

Before starting any construction, hiring staff, or officially opening your venue, ensure you have:

  • Insurance for your property.
  • Insurance for employees, protecting them in case of work-related injuries.
  • Liability insurance

Remember, each permit and policy is a step towards realizing your vision of bringing joy and celebration to people’s lives. With careful planning and attention to detail, your wedding venue can be countless stories of love and happiness.

6. Wedding venue renovation

Initially, identifying the perfect location is a must. Whether it’s a barn venue that offers rustic charm or an outdoor space that provides a natural beauty, the choice of venue impacts its appeal to potential clients.

Once the site is selected, focusing on renovations becomes important to transform the space into a dream destination for couples.

Renovating an existing venue demands a broad approach. It involves upgrading the aesthetics to ensure the venue is visually stunning and more appealing.

Essential services like water and electricity need to be taken care of, especially in outdoor venues where such amenities might not be readily available. This may require engaging with local utilities or might be the need to invest in generators to ensure the venue can accommodate events seamlessly.

The development of restroom facilities is equally important.

Creating a catering space or kitchen area is also needed in many wedding venues.

Parking solutions also form an integral part of the venue’s infrastructure. Finally, the venue size to provide the clients with unforgettable experiences also plays an important role in the business growth.

A venue that captures the imagination, offering beautiful and unique settings for ceremonies and photographs, will stand out in the competitive wedding industry.

7. Staff recruitment and training

When you run a wedding venue business, having a great team is key. Consider factors such as the number of staff you need, their qualifications, and their training requirements.

Finding the Right People

  • Know What You Need: First, think about what jobs need to be done at your venue. You might need people to set up tables, serve food, or keep the place clean.
  • Look in the Right Places: Share your job openings online or in your local community. Sometimes, asking friends or people you work with if they know someone looking for a job can also help.
  • Interview Carefully: When you talk to people who want the job, ask them about their past work and why they want to work with you. It’s important to choose people who not only can do the job but also are excited about making weddings wonderful.

Teaching Your Team

  • Provide Training: Once someone is a part of your team, it’s important to teach them about their responsibilities. This might involve the correct way to arrange tables, the best way to interact with guests, or even the steps to take in unexpected situations.
  • Keep Learning: The wedding business changes a lot. New trends come up all the time. Have meetings with your team to talk about what’s new and how you can make your venue even better.
  • Say Thanks: When your team does a good job, tell them! A simple “thank you” can make people feel happy and appreciated. This helps them want to keep doing a great job.

Having a team that knows what to do and is happy to be there makes a big difference. It helps your wedding venue run smoothly and makes sure that every wedding is as special as it can be.

8. Start and promote your wedding venue

Guide yourself through the process of starting and promoting your wedding venue. Consider factors such as marketing, advertising, and social media.

With the internet and social media, finding a wedding place has changed. Now, people can look up places online and see pictures and reviews. This means that your venue should offer to use the internet and social media properly to show off the venue.

Moreover, your team should be good at talking to engaged couples planning to get married at your wedding venue.

Starting your own wedding venue business is an exciting journey that combines creativity with entrepreneurship. You’ll pick a beautiful place, fix it up, and make it the perfect spot for weddings. This job is all about giving couples a wonderful place to get married and make lasting memories.

To be successful in the wedding venue industry, understand what your client needs. It’s equally important to manage your finances with care and spread the word about your wedding venue.

Creating a detailed business strategy is essential in this process, and utilizing a business plan app can be helpful in planning and would pinpoint your goals and financial forecasts accurately.

Remember, your success will be measured by the happiness and memories you create for the couples who celebrate their special day at your beautiful venue.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose your wedding venue location.

To select a wedding venue, start by setting a budget and estimating how many guests you are inviting. Choose a style for your wedding and find a venue that fits. Make sure the venue is free on your chosen date and offers the facilities you need.

Visit the venue to see it firsthand, look up reviews, prepare for bad weather, and don’t hesitate to inquire about details with the wedding venue owner.

Steps to Starting a Wedding Venue Business?

How to start a wedding venue business, is as easy as it sounds through proper planning, begin by researching the market and understanding your competition. Next, plan to secure a location that aligns with your vision and obtain the necessary permits and insurance.

Create a business plan outlining your services, pricing, and marketing strategy. Invest in making the venue appealing and functional for weddings. Lastly, promote your business through various channels and provide exceptional service to build a positive reputation.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Wedding Venue?

The cost of starting a wedding venue can vary widely depending on location, venue size, and the extent of initial renovations required. Initial expenses often include purchasing or leasing property, renovation and decoration costs, obtaining permits and licenses, and insurance fees.

Some investments may involve purchasing furniture and equipment for the venue, and marketing.

How to Fund Your Wedding Venue Start-up?

To fund your wedding venue business, consider several options. You could use personal savings or obtain a small business loan from a bank. You can also consider seeking investors who are interested in your business concept and can provide additional capital.

Explore partnerships with other businesses in the wedding industry that could benefit from your venue and might be interested in contributing financially.

How to Make People Aware of Your Wedding Venue?

To make people aware of your wedding venue, implement a multi-channel marketing strategy. Start with creating a professional website showcasing your venue with high-quality photos and virtual tours. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to reach potential clients and engage with them by posting regular updates, events, and promotions.

Networking with wedding planners, caterers, and other vendors in the industry can lead to referrals.

About the Author

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Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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The Brides Best Wedding Planners of 2022

Wedding professionals have gone above and beyond this year.

Photo by Olivia Rae James / Photo by Valorie Darling / Photo by Charla Storey Photography / Photo by James and Schulze / Photo by Jacob E. Tovar / Courtesy of Fallon Carter / Photo by Clane Gessel Photography / Photo by Corbin Gurkin

As one of the busiest years in the world of weddings comes to a close, we'd be remiss not to acknowledge the hardworking professionals behind the scenes: wedding planners. The too-often unsung heroes of the celebrations, wedding planners regularly invest hundreds of hours of work on each event—and that's before the big day even arrives. From designing reception tablescapes to curating vendor teams to executing the logistics of getting wedding parties down the aisle, these creatives make sure no detail is ever forgotten. What's more, they always do it with style. The weddings that took place over the course of the last 12 months were some of the most spectacular celebrations we've seen to date.

We're pleased to present our Best Planners of 2022. To create this list, our editorial team reviewed overall portfolios of professionals who submitted real weddings or were nominated by colleagues and clients. Narrowing our list down to just 50 professionals out of the thousands who craft stunning weddings was no easy task, which is a credit to all of the amazing work happening in the industry today.

Photo by Lauren Gabrielle / Photo by Joey Kennedy

A Charming Fête

Led by Lisa Costin and Somer Khouri, the team at A Charming Fête designs and produces luxury weddings and events. They work collaboratively with clients to create memorable, tailored full-scale design experiences with seamless execution. The team is best known for their highly personalized design approach, creative ideas, impeccable attention to detail, and dedication to exceeding clients' expectations.

The Wedding Style: "We design collaboratively with our clients to not only compliment their personal style, but to enhance the existing environment and setting. Regardless of the style, we always strive to elevate and refine the overall look. Our signature strength as a company is our ability to transform or enhance an existing space into something magical and fresh. We love to leave our clients and guests wowed and blown away by weekend events."

We Work in Weddings Because: "We are truly passionate about weddings and events. We love what we do. We love to bring happiness and joy to our clients on milestone occasions. We are passionate about thinking outside of the box and transforming spaces to create a one-of-a-kind experience."

Photo by Mallory Dawn / Photo by Sophie Epton

Based in San Diego but working globally, Heather Balliet describes Amorology events as "classic modern romance with a touch of whimsy and playfulness that remains timeless." Balliet's journey in wedding planning began 20 years ago alongside her husband, Troy, after their own wedding; they quickly became recognized for creating events that were storytelling and detail driven. With a love for interior design and color, each event is thoughtfully curated to her couples' personalities.

The Wedding Style: "Understated elegance that is dreamy, intimate, and warm, no matter the quantity of guests. Our signature look and style, although never duplicated and unique to each of our couples, is layered with color, texture, and unexpected surprises."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I am passionate about people, families, and celebrating all things love. Working alongside other creatives in our industry, it feels like the greatest gift to be able to be a part of people's most memorable moments. It allows me to combine all of my passions into one outlet."

Photo by Courtney Taylor Photography / Photo by Heather Nan Photography

Amy Abbott Events

Amy Abbott and her exceptionally talented team based in Los Cabos, Mexico, have been creating unique and curated experiences for over 15 years. Pairing innovative design with flawless execution. Amy Abbott Events creates moving and stylish celebrations which allow guests to savor each perfect moment. Amy and her team enjoy the "human connection" aspect of event planning and relish the countless relationships they have developed with their clients over the years.

This world-renowned team of planners knows that strong connections with clients aren’t just good for business—they are essential to the planning process. Every event should have a personality and a vibe. Amy’s team prides themselves on their ability to make sure their clients’ tastes are perfectly blended and showcased in every detail, creating memories to last a lifetime.

The Wedding Style: "At Amy Abbott Events, we are wedding planning chameleons. We create one-of-a-kind experiences inspired by your vision. Our style is your style, procured by a personalized blueprint for each event. Built step-by-step, we bring your ideas and inspiration to fruition in the most spectacular ways."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I believe that dreams come true. I love celebrating with luxurious abandon, and I believe that from weddings come powerful and loving experiences, with the ability to change and enrich lives in a remarkable way. Weddings are often a culmination of bringing people together from all chapters of the family’s lives. I have seen intense love in our weddings, and it is not just the bride and groom. It can be an uncle who has not seen his family in years or a grandma who has recently recovered from cancer who insisted on making the international journey to watch her granddaughter walk down the aisle."

"The sense of love in the air is simply electric. Once you have been a part of an occasion as intimate and love-filled as a wedding, you are forever connected to your precious clients. The rewards are endless, and our hearts are always full. I work on weddings because it is simply my life’s joy."

Photo by Larissa Cleveland / Photo by Norman & Blake

Ashley Smith Events

Ashley Smith Events is a San Francisco-based planning and design team, but their creatives largely plan destination weddings and celebrations. Their approach is infused with a bit of creativity and fun. The team loves a great dance party as much as a beautiful ceremony. Ashley Smith and her colleagues care deeply about their clients and guest experience.

The Wedding Style: "We have a modern and fresh approach to design. We listen to our couples and we steer them in a direction that will yield the results they are seeking. Our signature wedding style is modern, a touch of whimsy, fun, engaging, and upbeat. We love to let peoples’ personalities shine, which is often done through touches big and small."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I work in weddings because I love them. Yet, weddings are a unique space with its own pillars. We get to work across all realms, such as design, travel, hospitality, entertainment, food and beverage, travel, and sometimes things we cannot make up! But, mostly on a deeply personal level, we love the human connection it grants us."

Photo by Stanlo Photography / Photo by Terri Baskin

B. Astonished Events

At her Washington, D.C.-based company B. Astonished Events , owner Melissa Williams believes that strong relationships are the cornerstone of trust with clients and vendors. She runs her company with this value so much that it shines through in every wedding the team plans—whether it's a glamorous, large-scale event or a timeless, classic affair. She truly enjoys bringing her clients' vision to reality through her innovative designs, creation of unique experiences, and memorable moments for her clients and guests to talk about for years to come. Melissa and her team are so honored to be a part of each couple's love story and see the fabulous "wow" moments unfold on the wedding day, whether it is an experience or something visual.

The Wedding Style: "Detail-oriented. The style is where modern meets timeless."

I Work in Weddings Because: "Weddings represent a very special day full of love and memories that last a lifetime. I am passionate about working in the wedding industry because of my ability to bring my clients' vision—a critical component of weddings—to reality. I thrive in working through challenging tasks and ensuring even the smallest detail has been checked and ready. The happiness expressed by my clients on their special day is uniquely satisfying to me and encourages me to continue to work even harder to design and create new memories for these joyful occasions."

Photo by Kristen Marie Parker / Photo by Olivia Rae James

Bash Please

California-based Bash Please is a wedding planning and event design firm specializing in customized multi-day celebrations. Their goal is to blend refinement and originality, but with approachability and a strong foundation in the principles of hospitality. Bash Please celebrations reflect their clients fully—their shared history, style, and energy. Their company’s approach to wedding and event planning is collaborative, thoughtful, detailed, and honest.

The Wedding Style: "Refined."

I Work in Weddings Because: "It allows us to meet and work alongside amazing people that allow us the space to bring in our creative forces and seasoned production skills to create the perfect orchestration of our client’s celebrations."

Photos by Steve Steinhardt

Beth Helmstetter Events

Beth Helmstetter Events is a full-service event design and planning firm specializing in multi-day destination weddings around the world. They work with their clients to create celebrations that are both guest-focused and authentic to the region they're working in, all while reflecting the personality of the couples we represent.

The Wedding Style: "Refined, elevated, intentional, and intimate with just the right amount of playfulness."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love creating lifelong memories with my clients all over the globe."

Photo by Dennis Kwan Weddings / Photo by Charla Storey

Birds of a Feather Events

Birds of a Feather is a Dallas-based wedding planning firm with a focus on creative design and offering their clients a concierge-level planning experience. Along with their creative partners, their hope is to guide couples through the wedding planning process to cultivate a design that speaks to who they are and ensure that the wedding weekend runs seamlessly.

Guiding their clients through phase-based wedding planning with a focus on limiting the number of meetings their clients need to attend is a priority. Founder Wendy Kay believes the planning experience is just as important as the day itself.

The Wedding Style: "Birds of a Feather specializes in approachable, detail-oriented design with artfully captivating color palettes that have become our signature."

I Work in Weddings Because: "Planning and designing weddings fulfills both sides of my brain. The Type-A side wants to check tasks off of lists, meticulously build budgets, and drive the bus so my couples don't have to. Weddings also keep my Type-B side happy, by allowing me to explore creativity in new and different ways for every client that decides to partner with us."

Photo by Ashley Sawtelle Photography / Photo by James and Schulze Photography

Calluna Events

Calluna Events is a nationally celebrated event planning and design firm producing weddings, social, and corporate events in the Colorado region and beyond since 2004. Recognized for their elevated design aesthetic and a collaborative, high-touch approach to planning, the firm led by Heather Dwight channels nearly two decades of expertise to achieve iconic events rooted in a deep sense of authenticity to honor clients' more celebrated occasions.

The Wedding Style: "Our wedding style marries an intentional and elevated design aesthetic, a collaborative, high-touch approach to planning, a deep sense of authenticity, and our love of organic and natural settings. We are also known for the calm demeanor of our team, who combined have decades of experience, and who put our clients’ story at the forefront of our design and planning process. After 19 seasons, we have a deep and strong relationship with our creative partners and they are the backbone of all our successful events."

I Work in Weddings Because: "Planning a wedding is very personal. We often develop such a close bond with our couples that when we get to the wedding day, it’s like watching friends get married. The emotional connection and intimacy we have with our couples is one of my favorite parts of the wedding planning process. The trust we develop with them fills my soul and heart! I love that each and every one of our couples is different and relish the challenge of planning a wedding that is uniquely them. I feel truly grateful that our clients entrust us with the biggest day of their lives."

"I’m also inspired by the collaboration we have with our creative partners and love that I have inspiring friends colleagues who I look up to adore our industry I’ve been so fortunate to work with and meet throughout the years! There’s no industry I’d rather be in!"

Photo by Larissa Cleveland / Photo by Perry Vaile

Cassy Rose Events

Cassy Anderson has almost two decades of event production experience and began her career managing private estates for social and corporate events. Since opening Michigan-based Cassy Rose Events in 2013, she continues to produce distinct events and holds a soft spot for those thrown at private homes and unique, non-traditional venues. Her experience in logistical management and creative direction ensures every Cassy Rose event is distinguished by its fresh, understated elegance and flawless execution.

The Wedding Style: "Playful, fresh, and grounded."

I Work in Weddings Because: "It's this unexpectedly perfect balance of my professional skillsets and my personal passions. I love the project management aspects of this work and the creative outlets it provides. But, more than anything, I absolutely love getting to know my clients and their families. It's truly such an honor to be welcomed into such an intimate family experience and I'm so humbled to be entrusted with the process. It brings me so much joy!"

Photo by Patrick Quezada

Chanda Daniels Planning and Design

Chanda Daniels, owner and creative director of Chanda Daniels Planning and Design , has been planning and designing weddings in the Oakland and San Francisco Bay area for over 25 years. Chanda is an advocate for celebrating all kinds of love equally. Chanda's specialty is creating a wedding weekend experience that looks and feels like her clients' unique love story. Through an in-depth acquainting session, Chanda will learn all about the lifetime milestones that brought her couples to the day of their engagement, then, she will make cohesive connections to their love story throughout the design and flow of their wedding weekend experience.

The Wedding Style: "Refined and classic with elevated details and an epic guest experience."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love having the opportunity to connect with my couples and learn about their families and what brought them together. During the planning journey, we get to connect, and I learn so much about them in the side conversations, driving to venue visits, and laughing during cake tastings. All of that goes into how I craft their wedding weekend. Getting to set the stage for them to enjoy their family and friends is an important task that I don’t take lightly. I get one shot at making this milestone event an amazing one."

"Also, I value the relationship and trust of my creative partners. I want them to be excited when I call. All of those relationships are important to me and that is why I work in weddings. It truly makes me happy to see everyone happy and excited!"

Photo by Mango Studios / Photo by Will Reid Photo

Chic by Nicole

From intimate gatherings to larger scale weddings and events, the Chic by Nicole team is committed to working with couples to bring their visions to life and ensure their events run flawlessly. With their design focused, fashion-forward approach, Toronto-based Chic by Nicole seeks to infuse both a couple's love story and personal style into even the smallest details on the wedding day.

Founded in 2017, this firm offers bridal styling and high-end and high-touch full planning for events in Toronto, Paris, Napa Valley, and destinations worldwide. "We're a small bespoke planning and design firm," founder Nicole-Natassha Goulding explains. "We take on a limited number of projects per year to provide our clients with a memorable white-glove experience."

The Wedding Style: "Our weddings have a European-inspired garden aesthetic. We aim for our designs to be timeless, romantic, and approachable. We've self-labelled our style 'modernized fine art.'"

I Work in Weddings Because: "They encompass everything I love including gastronomy, fashion, and interior design."

Photo by Zha Zha Photography / Photo by Sasithon Photography

Erica Estrada Design

Based in California, Erica Estrada Design is a full-service event, wedding planning, and design company that caters to clients who value a timeless and elegant aesthetic. Founder Erica Estrada has been planning luxury weddings around the U.S. and abroad since 2017. “I love working with clients to create a memorable experience that truly reflects who they are as individuals and as a couple,” says Estrada. She considers herself a "forever student," and strives to stay up to date with the ever-evolving trends of the wedding industry by constantly expanding her network.

The Wedding Style: "I believe in timeless design while utilizing modern elements. We like to curate weddings for our clients to ensure no two look alike."

I Work in Weddings Because: "They are truly so special, and bringing family and friends to celebrate love is so beautiful to witness."

Photos by Alisha Tova Photography

Estera Events

Since 2010, Estera Events has taken the wedding industry by storm thanks to their creativity, exacting standards, and incredibly high expectations. The duo pride themselves on creating bespoke events that are overwhelmingly creative and unique to each couple they work with. Co-owners Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco's ability to immerse themselves in a vision that suits their client's personal tastes and hone in on what design direction to take them is truly what they are known for—all while providing a seamless and stress-free planning experience from initial consultation until the last guests leave your event.

The Wedding Style: "Estera Events operates under one principle rule: for weddings, there are no rules! We love customizing the guest experience of each wedding to truly reflect the couple and who they are."

We Work in Weddings Because: "We get to work both creatively and logistically—which are skillsets we both pride ourselves on! We also get to form incredible relationships and bonds with our clients all while creating the most incredible day of their lives. There is truly no other career like this!"

Courtesy of Eva Clark Events / Photo by Bottega 53

Eva Clark Events

Eva Clark, founder of Eva Clark Events , first began her obsession with weddings on vacation in Europe when she was 10 years old. "While in Spain, I witnessed a wedding that was being held at a 17th-century palace-turned-hotel—the glasses of fresh sangria, intricate lace, and celebratory dancing made a huge impression on me. As a girl from modest Southern roots, I'd never seen anything like it. Little did I know that experience was the beginning of a journey that would lead me across the country and around the world in the pursuits of once in a lifetime event experiences."

Clark founded her Atlanta-based events company in 2003. As a designer and planner, Clark admits that she is thrilled to see the emphasis on personalized weddings that has emerged in the past decade. "I want the couple to feel that their wedding is a true expression of who they are so that their story is the essence of the event," she says. "I want our guests to know precisely whose wedding they are at, from their first impression upon arrival to the send-off. There are no cookie-cutter events here."

The Wedding Style: "Thoughtfully curated and enchanted weddings in the most alluring parts of the globe."

I Work in Weddings Because: "To my knowledge, there's no other platform in which design can have such an impact on one of the most special days in someone's life. Seeing your client's eyes well up with tears makes all of the intense challenges of the job worth it."

Photo by Elizabeth Austin Photography / Photo by Adonye Jaja

Fallon Carter Events

Fallon Carter is the founder and creative director of Fallon Carter Events . Finding joy in adventure, travel, and al fresco dining, Fallon leaned into global events and experiences. Fallon and her team connect Southern hospitality with international luxury. They explore various destinations and design concepts to create a distinctive experience that balances comfort and splendor for an unforgettable moment in time.

The Wedding Style: "Refined classic."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I value and understand the importance of ceremony, tradition, and a spectacular guest experience. And, I love any reason to host a party!"

Photos by Shawn Connell Weddings

For two decades, Fête by Jung Lee has carved out a unique place in the wedding industry. As event architects, they tailor one-of-a-kind experiences to each couple in a completely bespoke manner. They are one of the few companies that conceptualizes, designs, plans, and oversees all key elements in-house with the emphasis on making dreams come true. Fête's approach is to completely immerse themselves in the couples life together so the team can create the wedding they didn’t even know they wanted.

The Wedding Style: "Chic and fabulous! It is hard to define our style as it morphes with each couple we work with. There is no book with options to go through to pick a wedding. We threw out the book! Instead, we listen to what matters most to you. We have experience in every style imaginable and can deliver. We are very proud of our extremely high level of workmanship and attention to detail."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I felt there was a misunderstood blank space and I felt called to fix it! Part of our brand DNA is the ability to discover your needs and connect the dots. Our team is diverse and that drives innovation. Each wedding I do still feeds my creativity and sense of ultimate fantasy. My goal is for you to feel super-duper special not only on your wedding day, but for each anniversary that follows."

Photo by John F. Martin Photography / Photo by Valorie Darling

Gold Leaf Event Design & Production

Kate Ryan, owner of Gold Leaf Event Design & Production , is ambitious, loyal, and a connector of like-minded people. The Gold Leaf Event team produces custom wedding experiences, collaborating with carefully selected creative partners and showcasing innovative design and seamless planning and logistics. Kate splits her professional time primarily between New York City and Aspen, Colorado, where Gold Leaf Events was founded. The team travels worldwide to keep the seasons of their work original, while breaking into new markets.

The Wedding Style: "The Gold Leaf team approaches each celebration with the intention to leave a unique, inspired, and memorable mark on those who attend. Fortunate to be surrounded by so much natural beauty, our personal style leans towards organic and whimsical elements. More importantly, we navigate the design process with our clients ensuring their personal style as couple shines through."

I Work in Weddings Because: "The event industry is constantly evolving! This gives us the opportunity to consistently be connecting with new creative partners (there’s amazing fresh talent out there!) and results in original and beautifully curated events for our clients."

Photo by Ryan Ray Photography / Photo by Christian Oth Studio

Greenwood Events

Darci and Arden Greenwood, a mother/daughter duo, specialize in celebrations all over the United States. They are based on the principal that luxurious weddings do not always mean showy and pretentious, but rather meaningful and tasteful. Greenwood Events approach weddings with a warm gesture that every guest and, of course, their couples feel completely comfortable and well taken care of throughout the event experience.

The Wedding Style: "Bold but timeless. Colorful but thoughtful. Always considering 'place,' and designing and producing to capture exactly that!"

We Work in Weddings Because: "Guiding our clients to be the best host to their guests is an extension of us actually being the best hosts—and hosting is our love language!"

Courtesy of Gregory Blake Sams Events / Photo by Brian D. Smith Photography

Gregory Blake Sams Events

Gregory Blake Sams Events strives to be intentional with every bespoke detail. These personal touches to each wedding makes the experience feel effortless, authentic, and reflective of the couple and the event’s setting. The Charleston and New York-based firm approaches every wedding with an exacting attention to detail and standard for perfection, no matter the size or complexity. GBSE is dedicated to offering clients a unique and one-of-a-kind experience that is reflective of their taste and personalities—giving them and their guests a feeling of intimacy no matter how grand the affair might be.

The Wedding Style: "Classic, handsome, moody, and lush."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I am passionate about hospitality and residential design, and love drawing on that inspiration when designing weddings. I love nothing more than to interpret a timeless tradition into a unique experience filled with bespoke and intentional details—from the smallest to the more over-the-top—that is a true reflection of the bride and groom."

Photos by Abby Jiu Photography

Grit & Grace

Grit & Grace has a background in fashion, catering, project management, and hotels with a total understanding for incredibly unexpected, logistically sound events. As an envelope pusher, make-it-happen captain, and details diva, the event design team, led by Laura Ritchie, Christie Yerks, and Brittany Hagaman, strive for completely unique experiences that reflect their clients individuality. No wedding is the same, and with clients leaving as dear friends, Grit & Grace truly lives up to their namesake.

The Wedding Style: "Unexpectedly chic with tangible memory making moments."

I Work in Weddings Because: "Designing an event that is truly reflective and personal to a client is a true joy."

Photo by SVE Productions / Photo by Roey Yohai Studios

Guerdy Design

When asked where she is based, Guerdy Abraira's answer is “Out of an airplane!“ As a globe-trotter, Abraira of Guerdy Design quickly fell in love with the art of hosting and event décor. Living and traveling throughout the world as she grew up expanded her palette of various global cultures. Her usual opening remark to her clients is that “she speaks a lot of languages—but doesn’t speak basic.” It is with this intentional impression that she approaches her events. She is keen on innovating versus just note-taking, and her event turnouts reflects this unique and bold approach.

The Wedding Style: "Living and traveling throughout the world as I grew up expanded my palette of various global cultures. It is with this experience that I approach events with a 'traditional with a twist' style, which ensures timelessness with modern or unique touches to solidify my client’s personal styles and aesthetic. It is for this reason that I call myself an 'event stylist.'"

I Work in Weddings Because: "I was born to!"

Photo by Sasithon Photography / Photo by David Perlman Photography

Jason Mitchell Kahn & Co.

Jason Mitchell Kahn comes from the theatre, both in terms of his education and early career as a playwright. He used his love and understanding of how to craft a show as he evolved into creating weddings. Jason also published the first wedding planning book for gay grooms, Getting Groomed , so his clientele tends to be couples in the performing arts and many LGBTQ+ people. He and his team focus on collaborating with couples to tell their story with creativity, compassion, and organization.

The Wedding Style: "Each one is different, as they reflect the couple, but common words used are non-traditional, intentional, inclusive, atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking, theatrical, and campy."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love the rush of an opening night. I love learning from my couples why they are marrying and seeing how that informs our decisions in planning. It's so incredibly gratifying to be a part of an event so emotionally charged with love and happiness. And, because I've accrued a massive collection of suits and tuxedos and need someplace to wear them!"

Photo by Sasithon Photography / Photo by Amber Gress

Jove Meyer is a true visionary of joy. Meyer crafts vivid, colorful celebrations of love inspired by couples who dare to be different. Ever since he began designing weddings in 2008, he’s prided himself on fostering a relaxed, stress-free planning process while nurturing personal relationships with his clients, as their unique stories lay the groundwork for the beautiful, one-of-a-kind weddings that Meyer and his team manifest. His approach encourages authenticity, celebrates diversity, and empowers marginalized communities—all reflective in an Ally Pledge that he requires all creative partners to sign, vowing them to choose love over hate.

The Wedding Style: "Our wedding style is bold, colorful, intentional, and authentic to our couples and their unique love stories!"

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love LOVE and enjoy bringing a couples love story to life through their wedding!"

Courtesy of JZ Events / Photo by Allan Zepeda Photography

A self-proclaimed perfectionist with an exquisite eye and attention for detail, Jennifer Zabinski brings a flawless and collaborative approach and an innovative and joyful spirit to every job she takes on—no matter the size. Jennifer and her multi-tasking, high-functioning team at JZ Events have planned, designed, and executed hundreds of successful events in some of the most exciting and breathtaking locales around the world: Necker Island, St. Barts, Ravello, Cap Ferrat, Amalfi Coast, Aspen, Paris, Florence, and San Francisco, just to name a few. Her reputation as a professional, kind, and conscientious planner and business woman has earned her well-deserved respect among her peers and clients.

The Wedding Style: "My wedding style begins with fostering a sense of trust and a real partnership with my clients. Creating a space where everyone is comfortable speaking their minds sets us apart and fosters a sense of comfort and ease during the planning and design process. We truly listen to our clients' wishes and our main goal is to provide the clearest and most beautiful expression of our client’s vision. This approach has guided our success over the years and it sets us apart. From napkin treatments to custom-designed dance floors, we own the process of planning every event and every detail, from beginning to end."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love what I do and for whom I do it. The vendors and clients I work with inspire me to continue to grow and learn within the industry. Every interaction is different, and connecting with people and seeing their vision become a reality has always been a passion of mine. I also adore when clients become more like friends and family. That trust you build as a planner can sometimes lead to a true and meaningful friendship, which is such a gift."

Photos by Jules Photography

Kia Marie Events

Kia Marie is a Chicago-based wedding planner who plans wedding around the world for extraordinary people. Kia Marie Events has established a reputation for creating remarkable destination weddings, trustworthy event management, and the ability to introduce fresh ideas to their clients. Marie has worked with a large number of clients from many different backgrounds, tailoring each event to meet their specific needs and desires. Her team strives to meet and exceed the needs of everyone involved. They understand the importance of working with (not just for) their clients in order to make their events unforgettable.

The Wedding Style: "Our motto is class, elegance, and style. It's the KME way. We enjoy timeless and effortless weddings."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love a great celebration, love, beauty, and family. Those are major aspects in a wedding and I get to witness that."

Photo by The Collective You / Photo by Corbin Gurkin

Laurie Arons Special Events

Making a name for herself as a society wedding planner in San Francisco, Laurie Arons is now best known for producing complex, immersive destination wedding experiences for couples and their guests. Laurie and her team thrive in the details, with bespoke welcome gifts, individualized activities and guest itineraries, high-touch weekend events with creative surprises, and a seamlessly-executed wedding day down to the minute. Laurie counts among her clients some of Silicon Valley’s top innovators, society families, entertainment moguls, and investment professionals.

The Wedding Style: "My style seeks to honor what is timeless about the tradition of weddings, reimagined for each couple and setting with a fresh and very personal perspective. I strive to design a space with considerable attention to the surroundings so it seems seamless with the existing locale."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I work in weddings because I love getting to know my clients and giving them the best possible experience—both during the planning process and through executing a wedding weekend that creates incredible lifelong memories with their family and friends."

Photo by Dennis Kwan Weddings / Photo by Lynn Dunston

Lea Stafford Events

When it comes to Lea Stafford Events , these modern storytellers are known for celebrating in culturally-rich locations with clients who do not play by the rules and are up to challenge the norm. The cookie-cutter approach isn't what you will find here. Each production is owned by the client's story and lifestyle, and no story is exactly the same.

Led by their experienced founder and creative Lea Stafford, who constantly has fun with her out-of-the-box approach to experience, this firm concentrates on eight weddings a season. The California-based event planning, production, and design house thrive on destination events and experiences covering tailored details by pouring back into the community and practicing sustainability, driving the team to partner with local artisans, all while planning with intention and ethics.

The Wedding Style: "Timeless, chill, and organic with a touch of boldness."

I Work in Wedding Because: "It's a world in which I won't get judged for partying too hard."

Courtesy of Luxe Fête / Photo by Heather Waraksa Photography

Nathalie Cadet-James practiced law for eight years before she found her true passion of designing and planning events. She soon realized, however, that her work was much more than that. Luxe Fête is an event planning and design agency that creates “best of” memories for clients as they celebrate life’s most special moments. Luxe Fête is proud to be recognized as an “industry innovator” and “event guru” because of their timeless yet fresh design approach.

The Wedding Style: "Timeless yet fresh."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love love."

Courtesy of Lynden Lane Co. / Photo by Valorie Darling

The Lynden Lane Co.

The Lynden Lane Co. is a multi-generational event design and interior house based in Southern California, known for creating transformative spaces that transcend trends. They believe in unpretentious luxury and spaces that awaken the senses. With a thoughtful approach, they take the time to understand their clients' lifestyles, allowing them to make decisions that exceed their desires and needs. Their team of industry experts rely heavily on their decade-long experience to bring together the best artists to execute the day, to allow their clients to fully enjoy the experience.

The Wedding Style: "We value art, culture, aesthetic, and dream to push the boundaries. We would describe our style as unassuming, elevated, and curated."

We Work in Weddings Because: "We love the sound of our favorite bands performing live, the vibration of a perfectly planned party, thoughtful lighting, being served appetizers and dessert, and traveling."

Photo by Jenny Chok Photo / Photo by Jordan Voth

Mae&Co Creative

Mae&Co Creative has been designing and producing one-of-a-kind weddings across the globe for almost a decade, and with each season that passes, they grow more and more passionate about pushing boundaries and breaking the mold of your “typical” luxury wedding planning approach. Led by owner and creative director Manda Worthington, Mae&Co strives to connect with their clients and their vendors on a deeper and more authentic level, taking a very holistic approach to the team they build for each wedding. While believing deeply that no wedding should be the same, Mae&Co Creative designs every single detail of the day as a unique reflection of the couple it’s produced for.

The Wedding Style: "Romantic, extravagant, and unique."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I truly love getting to know my clients in such a way where I can understand their styles, priorities, hopes, and dreams and without them having to lift a finger. Bringing it all to life (plus some)—there is no better feeling."

Photo by Heather Nan / Photo by Pepper Nix Photographers

Michelle Leo Events

Michelle Leo Events is an award-winning event design and planning firm specializing in local and destination events. Michelle Leo Cousins and her team offer a one-on-one planning and custom design process that is both intentional and tailored to the unique and individual needs of each client they serve. Michelle's event designs have been recognized and sought out by a global audience and the team as a whole is known for their exquisite event execution combined with Michelle's classic, romantic, and timeless approach to event aesthetics.

The Wedding Style: "Classic, romantic, chic, timeless, organized, smooth, and successful."

We Work in Weddings Because: "We love to be a part of creating, executing, and celebrating life's most important events."

Photo by Hannah Pickle / Photo by Mo Davis Photography

Michelle Norwood Events

Michelle Norwood is an internationally recognized award-winning destination wedding planner, event designer, and world-class hospitality advisor for luxury hotels and resorts. With more than 20 years in the industry, Michelle is highly sought after for her seamless execution, unique eye for design, and warm gregarious spirit. Although Michelle Norwood Events is based in her home city of New Orleans, she services the globe for a diverse and eclectic clientele. From intimate bespoke affairs in remote locations to boisterous stylish celebrations in NOLA, Michelle and her team create experiences that feed the soul.

The Wedding Style: "While my personal touch is seen and felt in every detail, each wedding and event is completely bespoke. The design is carefully curated to tell a story unique to the couple. I assure the story is told in a way that is sophisticated, effortless, and timeless. My style is classic and intimate—no matter how large the guest count."

I Work in Weddings Because: "There’s a quote by Hamilton Wright Mabie I like to defer to. He says, 'Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.' I work in weddings because I am not limited to seasons to engage in such thoughtful celebration. I live in love. It is the joy of my career to connect with couples from all over the world and conjure the perfect setting and style to tell their stories while creating new ones. For me, this is the nectar of life. It’s the best life has to offer—to travel, explore, connect with the local culture and each other all while experiencing local cuisines over sentimental toasts. Really, what could be better?"

Courtesy of Michelle Rago Destinations / Photo by Anée Atelier

Michelle Rago Destinations

Michelle Rago’s greatest strength lies in interpreting her client’s preferences, assessing the possibilities, and translating them into a well-planned and well-designed affair. Her years of hands-on experience, superb sense of design, and mastery of logistics have served her well as she has navigated the complicated landscape of producing destination events. Michelle’s keen curiosity about the world and how aesthetics, cultures, and hospitality intertwine makes her weddings and events something to talk about.

The Wedding Style: "Our style is clean and classic with a modern flair and many personal details."

I Work in Weddings Because: "It is a place where I can express all that I love—design, logistics, personalization, entertaining, and the love of a great party!"

Photo by John & Joseph / Photo by KT Merry

Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

Mindy Weiss is known as one of the most creative minds in the event world—a party and wedding planner who truly brings the unimaginable to life with guest experience, style, and celebration at the heart. No two events are alike when Mindy is behind the scenes; she draws from creativity that reflect the couple and embeds memories for all in attendance. Whether a high-profile wedding at home or an overseas destination experience, Mindy leads with a calming kindness over all else, and that’s what she credits her longevity to.

The Wedding Style: "I love taking all the inspiration my couples express they would love on their wedding day and adding in interesting details and romantic surprises. Whether traditional, modern, vintage, or other, I love transforming a wedding filled with personal style to create memories not only for the couple, but also for the families and guests."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I often think about why I've chosen to work in this unique, ever-changing emotional job of weddings... Why? Because creating memories for others and making their dreams come true is a gift I can give, and I guess I love giving gifts."

Photo by Kate Headley / Photo by Patricia Lyons

Pineapple Productions

Pineapple Productions founder Allison Jackson's earliest influences—a birthplace in San Francisco paired with a childhood spent in the South—bring her approach to weddings to a unique intersection. Allison’s work involves innovative techniques and outside the box thinking as well as a respect for tradition, particularly family and cultural traditions. When it comes to design, she draws from her personal style origins in art, nature, history and travel abroad. Allison's goal is to bring a resilient poise to a new era of American weddings, which above all else she believes should be inclusive, joyful, and deeply personal.

The Wedding Style: "Classic, with a bit of edge."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I believe in the importance of gathering friends and family from across time and place to support a couple’s decision to marry. Personally, I love how weddings call attention to and celebrate life and its different stages in such a joyful way. Each wedding tells a story of where a couple has been and where that couple is going. I find this aspect of my work to be so meaningful and rewarding."

Photo by Dennis Kwan Weddings / Photo by Lauren + Abby Ross

Posh Parties

Heather Lowenthal, founder of Posh Parties , has been passionately planning luxury weddings in Palm Beach for almost 16 years. She got her start in 2003 when she launched Posh Paper, a high- end custom invitation and stationery business. Her creativity, style, and attention to detail was such a success with her South Florida clients, that it paved the way for the launch of Posh Parties in 2006. She believes in quality versus quantity and treats each wedding as if it is her own. Her philosophy is to make each wedding personal and she always makes sure no detail goes unnoticed.

The Wedding Style: " Classic, detailed, and personalized."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I truly love creating memorable wedding weekends and seeing couples' visions come to life."

Photo by Joel Benjamin / Photo by Allan Zepeda

Rafanelli Events

Rafanelli Events has one of the best team in the business, with more than 40 experienced event directors, producers, production managers, and designers. Each of their clients are assigned one team member from each area of expertise to support the 360-degree concepting, design, and execution of their wedding. Founder Bryan Rafanelli shares, "The highest compliment we can receive from a client at the end of their wedding evening is 'Wow, you really got us.'"

The Wedding Style: "The core of our philosophy is to provide the highest quality of service and value combined with a carefully curated design that reflects the style and vision of the client. We always aim for all of our designs to be sophisticated and distinctive, memorable and special. However, I am proud that guests don’t walk into our events and immediately say, 'This is a Rafanelli wedding.' We pay the closest of attention to our clients and how they want their story told and style reflected, from timeless and understated—like my own wedding—to elegant and lavish and everything in between."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I’m a storyteller at heart and love celebrating families unique stories. The best weddings reflect the couple, their story, and their family story!"

Photo by Larissa Cleveland / Photo by Corbin Gurkin

Shannon Leahy Events

As a full service planning, design, and production company with its own in-house floral department, the team at Shannon Leahy Events masterfully executes wildly creative, sophisticated affairs. A SLE wedding is characterized by clean line design, a carefully orchestrated flow, and an incredible attention to every detail.

The Wedding Style: "Outside the box, immersive, elegant, and timeless."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love to bring a client's unique vision to life and exceed their wildest dreams."

Photos by Anée Atelier

Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events

Troy Williams is a 360-degree designer and planner who works from his emotional connection to a couple, and thinks about every angle of a wedding and how it will be seen and felt by all. Simply Troy is an immersive storyteller who loves designing any size wedding—from super intimate to lavishly large—to feel incredibly personal to the couple, while adding an element of surprise to the night for them, too.

Williams has a strong background in handling PR and media relations for the scope of any high-profile wedding. Working events in Hollywood for the majority of his career and now as an event designer for a range of celebrity, charity, social, and corporate clients, Williams is always thinking outside of the box and going to see a wedding from a different vantage point than others. Simply Troy appreciates tradition, but is never afraid to modernize it.

The Wedding Style: "Simply timeless, tasteful, and thoughtful design. Luxury with heart, a splash of whimsy, and an authentic attention to emotional detail."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love creating a heartfelt story that is both seen and felt for a couple and their loved ones."

Photo by Norman & Blake / Photo by Sarah Falugo

smith + james

Located in Southern California, smith + james is a full-service planning and event design studio led by creative director and owner Tory Smith. The smith + james team’s approach to weddings is both heavily curated and experiential with a focus on fun—their clients are always looking to have a blast in the most incredible places around the world. They attribute their success to the fact that they don't take themselves too seriously. They’ll be your ultimate hype girls and keep you laughing the whole time.

The Wedding Style: "Effortless, cool, intentional, and unexpected. We love things to feel really elevated, but nothing should feel stuffy or forced."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love the challenge of bringing fresh ideas into the wedding space, mostly inspired by fashion, interior design, or architecture. For me, it’s all about producing creative moments in creative places. Also, our clients are incredible. We always become dear friends with them, which is the best part."

Photo by Caroline Tran / Photo by Aaron Delesie

So Happi Together

So Happi Together is a full planning and event design firm that specializes in producing timeless celebrations of love, infused with unique details that reflect each couple and their story. Nancy Park and Paean Wang work together on every single event to ensure a customized, stress-free planning process and perfectly polished event day. Their limited roster of clients allows them to offer a truly bespoke experience for each couple and event. Purposeful planning that focuses on the joy of your engagement results in their experiential and immersive design that works well for all of their destination weddings and events.

The Wedding Style: "Timeless romance meets contemporary elegance."

I Work in Weddings Because: "We find joy in being a part of such a unique and special period (from engagement to wedding day!) of a couple’s love story. We are ultimately people pleasing perfectionists who thrive under pressure and find happiness in fostering the happiness of others. Plus, weddings provide the ideal space to marry our love of gorgeous design and logistical details!"

Photo by Salwa Photography / Photo by Clane Gessel Photography

Sonal J. Shah

Sonal J. Shah is the founder and creative force of Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants, LLC . A renowned, premiere celebrity expert on South Asian and cross-cultural weddings, Sonal J. Shah and her firm has built a stellar reputation for conceiving, designing, and coordinating an extensive roster of meticulously choreographed, luxury South Asian weddings. Shah and her team maintain the highest level of service as they strive to have each celebration surpass every bride’s expectations.

The Wedding Style: "Glamorous and luxurious with a lot of attention to detail."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love to make our couple's dreams come true for one of the most important days of their lives."

Photo by Jeff Brummett Photography / Photo by Shannon Skloss

Southern Affairs Weddings & Events

Led by lead designer Robyne Swink and principal planner Brittany McKinney, Southern Affairs Weddings & Events is a full-service planning and design firm based in Dallas, Texas. Their mission is to provide their clientele with perfection in planning with a splash of southern hospitality. To accomplish this, Swink and team aims to curate meaningful, authentic occasions that feel natural and un-forced while staying true to the nature of the couples being celebrated.

The Wedding Style: "Approachable luxury."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I am a hopeless romantic, who also happens to be a creative with a keen eye for details!"

Photo by Sanaz Photography / Photo by Kurt Boomer

Summer Newman Events

At Summer Newman Events , the notion of gracious hosting informs all that they do. They plan with an eye toward perfecting every last guest touch point and work to craft experience-rich celebrations that inspire, enchant, and entertain. Newman and her team embraces romantic, refined, and sustainable design—working to freshen up a classic aesthetic with thought-provoking event elements and artfully-crafted experiences that awe. A full-service wedding planning and design company based in Southern California, Summer Newman Events plans timeless celebrations both in their home state and beyond.

The Wedding Style: "Summer Newman Events’ wedding style is a combination of focusing on romance and timelessness. Hospitality and a well-planned event are paramount! Designs are distinctively meaningful to clients, adding touches that are fun and art-focused, and more recently all designs incorporate some element that makes them more sustainable and eco-friendlier."

I Work in Weddings Because: "My journey working in events started with the entertainment industry. I specifically wanted to work corporate events only. When I got engaged and started planning my wedding, it was then that I realize I wanted to switch to using my talents to helping others experience the love and beauty I experienced on my wedding day. Today, I continue to work in weddings for these same reasons, only now I’ve added educating myself and future clients on all things combining eco-friendly, sustainable, and luxury-focused designs."

Photo by Stetten Wilson / Photo by Corbin Gurkin

Tara Guérard Soirée

Based in Charleston and New York City, Tara Guérard is a planner and a designer, operating a full production company that travels the country creating the most fun and detailed beautiful weddings. Guérard and team begin by determining what inspires you—from the interiors that you love to your sense of style. Armed with this information, it's then time to design every detail of your wedding with your unique taste in mind. She also owns a letterpress stationer, Lettered Olive, to accompany her magical affairs.

The Wedding Style: "Simple, elegant, tailored, timeless, and dreamy."

I Work in Weddings Because: "I love creating a day for special people that is the best day ever."

Photo by Wyn Wiley Photography / Courtesy of The Nouveau Romantics

The Nouveau Romantics

As destination wedding planners, Elizabeth McKellar and her team source inspiration from the smallest moments found in art, architecture, environments, and stories, creating weddings that eschew what is seen on social media and are something entirely new. Pulling from her background in architecture, McKellar transforms often disparate inspiration into destination weddings that feel both natural and unexpected, while honing in on all those small details that elevate the entire guest experience to a once-in-a-lifetime. The Nouveau Romantics have mastered the art of digital collaboration as their busy clientele and team work, live, and travel around the world—embracing the reality of a global world and building an incredibly close working relationship no matter the time zone.

The Wedding Style: "Toeing the line between undeniably bold and absolutely timeless."

I Work in Weddings Because: "There is little more gratifying than seeing a couple, their families, and friends unite into a new baby family, and have a raging party to celebrate."

Photo by Belathée Photography / Photo by Kylee Yee

Tracy Taylor Ward Design

With a flagship office in New York City, satellite office in South Florida, and team of destination specialists working worldwide, Tracy Taylor Ward Design is an award-winning event planning and design production firm recognized for conceptualizing one-of-a-kind, meticulously designed, ridiculously-fun weddings and events, where guests dance until dawn because no one wants the night to end!

To support a cohesive and truly seamless experience for their clients, Tracy Taylor Ward Design offers a range of in-house services including event planning and design, floral and décor production, as well as invitations and reception stationery. Known for their exceptional eye, organizational prowess, warmth, and time-saving proprietary planning tools, “Team TTWD” takes pleasure in going above and beyond to ensure that their clients’ planning process and wedding days exceed all expectations.

The Wedding Style: "Tracy Taylor Ward Design is known for 'effortlessly elegant' events, which can best be described as understated luxury that is chic, clean, and refined. That said, the foundation of our design work is based upon getting to know what our clients’ love, so that we can elevate and translate their wishes into a cohesive event (or events). This ensures that they will be proud of the end result and that their event will beautifully reflect who they are."

I Work in Weddings Because: "Bringing joy to our clients (and their loved ones) with personalized, meaningful experiences is what we live for. There‘s nothing that makes my team and me happier than seeing people smile so hard that their cheeks hurt. We love what we do and, ultimately, care so much about every little detail—not only with regard to producing beautiful designs but also with each step of the planning process—to ensure our clients’ journeys are stress-free and celebratory from start to finish!"

Photos by Elizabeth LaDuca

Whim Events

Whim Events is a full-service event planning firm specializing in planning, event design, and floral design for luxury weddings and corporate events in New England and beyond. Led by Natalie Pinney and Moira Thompson, Whim’s celebrations are individually tailored around building meaningful experiences, allowing couples and guests to feel distinctively treated, incredibly well taken care of and blissfully lost in the moment.

Each celebration is designed collaboratively, drawing inspiration from the client’s lifestyles and nature to create unforgettable moments that awaken the senses and elevate the guest experience from start to finish. As one of the only planning firms in New England to offer planning, design, and floral under one roof, Whim is highly focused on providing impeccable guest hospitality and sound logistics, while designing deeply personal events that tell a cohesive and beautiful story.

The Wedding Style: "Whim Events is known for its natural and organic wedding style—elevated and sophisticated, yet always approachable, magical, and whimsical."

Why We Work in Weddings: "It’s not building a stunning tablescape or an Instagram-worthy moment that inspires us to work in weddings. It’s the feeling we get when our couples and their loved ones feel when they take their seat at the table at a venue we’ve built from the ground up. It’s the stories that people share as they come together. It is the deep relationships we build with couples to create such an important day in their lives. But mostly, we work in weddings because we adore seeing our couples completely lost in the moment, surrounded by their loved ones—a feeling they will treasure forever."

Photo by Eden Strader / Photo by Jacob E. Tovar

Wild Heart Events

Jaime Kostechko, founder of Wild Heart Events , has a unique approach to weddings, looking at her events through a hospitality lens that stimulates the senses. Growing up immersed in interior design and with a background in hospitality management, Jaime layers color, pattern, and texture with experiential moments to create unforgettable celebrations full of trend-setting details.

The Wedding Style: "Our events are heavily style-centric, creating memorable designs that are experiential, inclusive, approachable, and revolve around top-notch hospitality. Our design range is broad and tailored to each of our couples to create a look and feel that is authentic to them."

I Work in Weddings Because: "It is an absolute dream to create the best moments of peoples lives."

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I'm a HENRY financial planner who makes $125,000. Here's how I manage my money — and the mistakes I see others making.

  • Georgia Lord, a HENRY and financial planner, earns a salary of $125,000 but doesn't feel wealthy.
  • Lord's financial goals include early retirement, travel, a wedding, and a larger NYC apartment.
  • She warns HENRYs against investing without knowledge and recommends financial planning for everyone.

Insider Today

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Georgia Lord, a 27-year-old certified financial planner and HENRY in New York City. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I studied finance and started my career in Brisbane, Australia.

When I was 22, I moved to New York to join Morningstar in the credit ratings division. I pivoted to financial planning for a Canadian Fintech called Wealthsimple a year later.

I discovered that I love financial planning and working one-on-one with clients. Last year, I got my certified financial planning license .

I now make a comfortable living, but I consider myself a HENRY and have a way to go before I hit my goals.

I make 6 figures but don't feel wealthy

I earn a base salary of $125,000 and manage to live in New York City by being frugal. I love a bargain or a sale. I save for certain things I want, and I'm good at it because it's my job. I'd feel like a hypocrite if I didn't do what I told others to do.

I save on my Broadway tickets by entering into the lottery. I splurge on some things — I spend around $600 monthly on dining out. I also travel a lot, so I automate a certain amount of money every month for travel.

I lived with roommates for four years, and I've lived with my boyfriend for the last year. We split the rent more favorably to me since he makes quite a lot more, so I contribute $1,500 per month. That's also been helpful for managing my finances.

I have a few financial goals

One of my financial goals is to save up for the professional designations available in my field since they can be expensive.

I want to retire early , and I want to keep prioritizing saving for travel and visiting my home in Australia, which is not cheap.

I'm also saving for a wedding and improving cash flow to move into a larger apartment.

To reach my savings goals, I automate at least 20% of my paycheck every two weeks and deposit it in a high-yield savings account . I use Wealthfront but also like Ally, CapitalOne360, and Betterment. I preach that to all of my clients who are HENRYs : Automate your savings for big goals.

There's not a number in mind that I'm looking to reach to feel rich, but I will feel successful if I can achieve my goals without sacrificing my lifestyle in the process. Being in a great financial position today and in the future is what I consider rich.

I see HENRYs making one big mistake

Because the market did well in 2023 , I've noticed HENRYs (both in my personal life and those I see as clients) wanting to throw money into it without thinking about how they will fund other goals, like a down payment for a house.

Not only is it harder to access funds once they're invested, but there can also be financial benefits to other strategies. For example, some stock market returns might've been 3% last year, but some high-yield savings accounts have a return of 4.5%.

I still invest in the market, but I do so strategically. I have a 401(k) , Roth IRA , Traditional IRA , brokerage account with Betterment, and a brokerage account in Australia. I mostly invest in ETFs — I'm not a stock picker and love the diversity that ETFs provide.

It can be difficult to figure out how to divide your money and where to put it, so I recommend HENRYs work with a financial planner . We're not just for the rich — I've worked with clients in many different financial situations, and all can benefit.

Even if you're not ready for a financial planner, take the time to think through what your goals are and what you want to spend your money on. That's just as important as putting $100 into the stock market every week.

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Watch: A financial planner reveals an important money lesson young people can learn from the rich

business plan for wedding planner services

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Capital One to Acquire Discover, Creating a Consumer Lending Colossus

The all-stock deal, which is valued at $35.3 billion, will combine two of the largest credit card companies in the United States.

A Capital One bank machine.

By Lauren Hirsch and Emma Goldberg

Capital One announced on Monday that it would acquire Discover Financial Services in an all-stock transaction valued at $35.3 billion, a deal that would merge two of the largest credit card companies in the United States.

“A space that is already dominated by a relatively small number of megaplayers is about to get a little smaller,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree.

Capital One, with $479 billion in assets, is one of the nation’s largest banks, and it issues credit cards on networks run by Visa and Mastercard. Acquiring Discover will give it access to a credit card network of 305 million cardholders, adding to its base of more than 100 million customers. The country’s four major networks are American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Discover, which has far fewer cardholders than its competitors.

But consumer advocates pushed back on the possible deal, saying it posed antitrust concerns. “It is very difficult to imagine how federal regulators could allow Capital One to buy Discover given the requirement that mergers benefit the public as well as insiders,” Jesse Van Tol, the chief executive of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, said in a statement.

The acquisition by Capital One will be one of the first tests of regulatory scrutiny on bank deals since the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency said last month that it intended to slow down approvals for mergers and acquisitions .

“It’s hard to know which way it would go, but there will certainly be a lot of attention paid to this deal because of the money and magnitude of the companies involved,” said Mr. Schulz.

Complicating the landscape is the fact that other deals in the financial industry have come under renewed scrutiny, said David Schiff, a senior partner at West Monroe, a digital services consulting firm. These include New York Community Bank’s acquisition of billions of assets from Signature Bank during the regional banking crisis last year. New York Community Bank recently reported a sizable loss for its most recent quarter, and said it would set aside more capital to act as a buffer against future problems. Much of its troubles stem from the weakening commercial real estate market, but Mr. Schiff said that politicians could point to the deal as an example of one that regulators were too quick to approve.

As part of the acquisition, Capital One will pay Discover shareholders a 26 percent premium based on the company’s closing stock price on Friday. At the close of the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval and is expected in late 2024 or early 2025, Capital One shareholders will own approximately 60 percent of the combined company and Discover shareholders will own the rest.

Discover was valued at about $28 billion when the market closed on Friday, and Capital One was valued at about $52 billion.

The deal is part of Capital One’s strategy to build a global payments network, helping it work directly with merchants and small businesses. And it gives Discover greater scale to compete with other credit card companies. Capital One said the agreement would generate $2.7 billion in pretax savings.

“Our acquisition of Discover is a singular opportunity to bring together two very successful companies with complementary capabilities and franchises, and to build a payments network that can compete with the largest payments networks and payments companies,” Richard Fairbank, founder, chairman and chief executive of Capital One, said in the statement.

In June, Capital One acquired Velocity Black, a digital concierge company that brings together travel, entertainment, shopping and dining offerings for consumers.

Discover is emerging from a period of turbulence. The company’s former chief executive, Roger Hochschild, stepped down in August amid a regulatory review of incorrectly classified credit accounts. In October, the company said it was taking steps to improve its corporate governance, and in December, it announced its new chief executive, Michael G. Rhodes. The company’s profit in the fourth quarter of 2023 fell 62 percent from the same period the year before.

The once-giant retailer Sears introduced the Discover card in 1985. Discover later became a part of Morgan Stanley before the investment bank spun it out through an initial public offering of stock in 2007.

Given Discover’s recent challenges, the question is whether “regulators view this as a white knight coming in to help fix a troubled player in the market or whether they view this as a limitation of competition — and therefore something to avoid,” Mr. Schiff said.

Rob Copeland contributed reporting.

Lauren Hirsch joined The Times from CNBC in 2020, covering deals and the biggest stories on Wall Street. More about Lauren Hirsch

Emma Goldberg is a business reporter covering workplace culture and the ways work is evolving in a time of social and technological change. More about Emma Goldberg

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Latest Market News

Uber, Lyft and Deliveroo workers in US and UK plan Valentine’s Day strike

Anna Cooban

Thousands of drivers for ride hailing services and food delivery riders in the United States and United Kingdom are due to strike on Valentine’s Day in disputes over pay and working conditions.

In America, campaign group Justice for App Workers said in a blog post last week that drivers for Uber and Lyft, as well as riders for DoorDash, were “sick of working 80 hours/week just to make ends meet.”

The group, which says it represents 130,000 drivers and delivery workers across the East Coast and Midwest, wrote that its members planned to stop giving rides to and from all airports in 10 cities, including Chicago and Miami, on Wednesday. It did not provide details on strike action by DoorDash workers.

In an X post Tuesday, the campaign group said: “We will refuse rides from the airport ALL DAY, with a rally from 11am-1pm in 10 cities.”

For years, workers in the gig economy, who typically work for digital platforms as contractors and so have fewer protections than they would as employees, have agitated for better pay and working conditions, with some success .

In the UK, a spokesperson for campaign group Delivery Job UK said Tuesday that more than 3,000 food delivery riders were expected to strike for five hours on Wednesday.

Riders participating in the strike are across multiple platforms, including Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat. Riders have seen their income drop in recent years as the companies have cut the delivery fees they charge customers, the spokesperson said.

The Drizly application on a smartphone arranged in Hastings-On-Hudson, New York, U.S., on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021. Uber Technologies Inc. agreed to acquire Drizly Inc., which makes an on-demand alcohol delivery app, for $1.1 billion, beating out at least two rival companies that held talks with the startup. Photographer: Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Related article Uber is shutting down alcohol delivery app Drizly

“Our request is simple: We want fair compensation for the work we do. We are tired of being exploited,” the UK group said in an Instagram post Sunday.

“Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, but it should not overshadow our struggle,” it added.

An Uber spokesperson said Wednesday: “We’ve seen no impact to our operations or reliability for riders.”

A spokesperson for Lyft said Tuesday that the company was “constantly working to improve the driver experience” and had recently introduced a minimum weekly earnings guarantee to ensure drivers would always take home at least 70% of rider fares after external fees.

DoorDash said via a spokesperson that it did not expect any “significant impact” from the strike on Valentine’s Day, adding that the company was “always listening to Dashers and looking for ways to improve the platform.”

A spokesperson for Uber Eats said: “We know that the vast majority of couriers are satisfied with their experience on the app, and we regularly engage with couriers to look at how we can improve their experience.”

A spokesperson for Deliveroo also said the “overwhelming majority” of its riders were satisfied working for the company, and it offered riders insurance and sickness cover among other benefits. “We value dialogue with riders, which is why we have a voluntary partnership agreement with a trade union, which includes annual discussions on pay.”

A spokesperson for Just Eat said it took its riders’ concerns “extremely seriously.”

“Our data shows that couriers delivering for Just Eat earn, on average, significantly over both the London and national living wage for the time they are on an order,” the spokesperson noted.

In 2021, Uber recognized a labor union for the first time. The company said GMB, one of Britain’s largest unions, was now able to represent up to 70,000 Uber drivers across the country.

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  6. Free Wedding Planner Business Plan + What It'll Reveal About Your Biz

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  2. How to become a wedding planner

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  1. Wedding Planning Business Plan Template (2024)

    Wedding Planning Business Plan You've come to the right place to create your Wedding Planning business plan. We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Wedding Planning businesses.

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    How Do I Write A Wedding Planner Business Plan? May 24, 2022 is honeybook the right fit for your biz? 8 free af ways to market your biz Now Trending: I'm candice! I'm Candice, your new tell-it-like-it-is BFF (and purpose cheerleader). Are you ready to grow and scale a profitable business with purpose-and one that gives back to your meaningful life?

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    6. Business to Action Plan. With a business plan, your wedding planning business can schedule action items, future steps, and forthcoming activities to show you where you need to focus and expand. Create an outline, fleshing it out as you learn about wedding planning and ask the right questions.

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    It should include the following components: Executive summary: An overview of your business idea, goals, and strategies. Company description: Detailed information about your wedding planner business, including its legal structure, services offered, target market, and unique selling proposition.

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  25. HENRY Financial Planner Shares How She Manages Her Own Money

    Georgia Lord, a HENRY and financial planner, earns a salary of $125,000 but doesn't feel wealthy. Lord's financial goals include early retirement, travel, a wedding, and a larger NYC apartment ...

  26. Capital One to Acquire Discover, Creating a Consumer Lending Colossus

    Capital One announced on Monday that it would acquire Discover Financial Services in an all-stock transaction valued at $35.3 billion, a deal that would merge two of the largest credit card ...

  27. Uber, Lyft and Deliveroo workers in US and UK plan Valentine's Day

    Thousands of drivers for ride hailing services and food delivery riders in the United States and United Kingdom are planning to strike on Valentine's Day in disputes over pay and working conditions.