Are you starting a Wedding planner business?? Here are some tips!!!

Evolution of wedding planners:

It all started centuries ago but not as wedding planners but in different names but similar roles they play. In olden days families used to consult an elder person who is termed as match maker to arrange, conduct and coordinate the weddings.

After some time this work fell on the mothers since the marriages started happening at homes rather than temples, churches etc since people could no further afford the cost as they became expensive.

As time changed woman started taking the positions of men, became equal to men started working, no time to look into household activities. Hence there began the feeling of importance for Wedding planners. People are willing to pay for the service but are unable to do it themselves due to lack of time, busy schedule etc.

What are the requirements for starting a Wedding Business?

Wedding business these days occupies the major portion. Most essential element for starting any business is money. Also business is started to earn money. Along with money an individual should posses some qualities which are below.

Important skill required :

1. Sense of humor

2. Listening skills

3. Flexibility in case of emergencies

4. Like to deal with different people

5. Coordination, management skills

6. Commitment towards work and client

7. Tolerance

8. Innovative, creative, confident, goal oriented

9. Problem solving skill

10.Luck, high energy level

11.Networks and contacts.

Tips to start or create a business image:

a. Take an office for rent to show customers that you have an office not working at home.

b. Keep a secretary rather than answering machine in phone so that clients can contact person than leaving message at phone.

c. Hire an intern from college who can help you in small things.

d. Can consider asking friends or family for help.

e. Ask feedback about you with friends and family based on which you can change accordingly.

Create your own business plan: A detailed description of a new or existing business, including the company's product or service, marketing plan, financial statements and projections, and management principles.

Before starting this business if you have the below characteristics in you:

i. Are you a Self starter or a dependent: should able to create wedding from

start to end, coordinate.

ii. Ability to get along with other professionals, different kinds of people-

should have patience and stamina.

iii. Decision making ability: quick, Immediate, accurate, independent.

iv. Requires Working for extended hours

v. Organization skills such as proper planning, organizing etc.

vi. Support from family and should be able to maintain a balance in family

and work life.

vii. Business sense such as knowledge of market, latest fashion trends, able to

throw legendary parties.

viii. Should be able to plan budgets, maintain pass books, accounts, make

prompt payments to vendors, dealers etc.

This business may not be suitable if:

a) Individual is unable to take risks as wedding business not only hold major portion but also has similar level of risks.

b) If you are good at sales I mean if you can sell your idea then you are best person for wedding consultant.

c) Can you delegate work and get the work done, lead others.

d) Should have a eye on marketing.

e) Should be able to negotiate contracts, maintain accounts, prompt payments to vendors, florist etc.

f) Know how to develop budget and plan your expenses.

Where to find clients:

o Within group of women.

o Wedding venue

o Through website or cards.

o Based on demographics- targeting customers based on age of people,

income level, place of living etc

o People who are ready to pay, who knows value of outsourcing to

professionals and do not have time to make arrangements themselves.

o Start advertising your business in local newspaper, bridal magazines.

o In bridal fairs and wedding shows where brides usually go to consult

wedding planners, here you can also develop contact with vendors etc,

but do remember to have more business cards.

o Word of mouth-tell friends and also ask them to communicate to their friends.

o Register yourself in a professional organization locally since people contact them for information or contacts of wedding consultants. This also makes you professionally recognized.

In my next blog I will give more details on the setting up cost and budget planning and how to plan a successful wedding. Please do have patience and wait for my next blog…

See you!!! Have a nice day ahead!!!!!!!!