| Author | Sharon Hill |
| Title | Become a Top Wedding Planner - Cost of Starting a Wedding Planning Business |
| Category | Starting a Wedding Planning Business |
| Article |
People often ask how much it costs to start a wedding planning business. Costs vary but basically are low. Here is a list of some of the things you’ll need. Actual costs will be determined by the fees associated with starting a business in your area and the quality of the equipment and professional services you select: Business License Check with your local city offices to find out the cost of a license for running a business in your area. If you operate out of your home, there may be some additional fees you will need to pay to your city government. Business Name Registration County government offices charge a fee for registering your business name. Check with your County Clerk’s office to find out rates. Bank Banks charge a monthly fee for checking accounts and you will need to purchase checks. Office Space If you work out of your home when you first start your business, as many people do, there isn’t a charge and you may be able to get some tax write-offs for having a home office. Check with your accountant for information. Computer, Office Software, and a Printer You will need a computer dedicated to your business. You don't want to have to share a computer with family members when you are running a business. Purchase software that allows you to write documents, keep a calendar, create a spreadsheet, and perhaps do some minor graphic design. Most wedding planners have Microsoft Office. You may also want to get bookkeeping software, such as QuickBooks, and special software created for wedding and event planners to use when planning events. You will want to be able to print anything you create and any documents emailed to you. There are both laser and ink jet printers available. Check the cost of replacing ink cartridges before you invest in a printer. An inexpensive printer may have very expensive cartridges. Internet Service High speed Internet access from the phone company or a cable company is best since you will be researching venues and vendors on the web and want to be able to do it quickly. Phone Line with Voice Mail It is best to have a land based phone line dedicated to your business. It should have voice mail with a professional business message. Cell Phone Needed for access when you are out of the office working on weddings. Fax Machine Contracts need signatures and are typically faxed between vendors and clients so it is helpful to have an actual fax machine. An alternative might be a printer that is also a scanner and has the ability to fax documents. Website You must have a presence on the web. You will need to pay for the services of a web designer, unless you can design your own site, and a web hosting company. Business Cards You will need to hire a designer, or design your cards yourself, and a printer which can be found in your local area or on the Internet. You want professional looking cards so stay away from the ones that you print yourself on your computer. Marketing Material Some wedding planners also invest in printed brochures and other marketing material. If you do, you will need to hire designers and printers. Again, stay away from doing them yourself at home unless you have the talent and equipment to make them look professionally done. If you are ready to become a top wedding planner, I invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to my Special Report “7 Steps to Becoming a Top Wedding Planner” when you visit http://www.HowToBecomeaTopWeddingPlanner.com. |
| About the Author | Sharon Hill is a wedding and event planner, event consultant and author. She has been planning events for over 18 years and now she also helps people realize their dreams of becoming top wedding planners. |
