Have you always known you wanted to become a wedding planner? Or maybe you stumbled onto a TLC TV show and just realized this dream job even exists? No matter where your journey begins, starting a side hustle as a wedding planner is INCREDIBLY EXCITING, and I am so glad your Google search led you here. Whether you’re looking to make some extra money on the weekends or dream of building a six or seven-figure wedding planning empire, you are in the right place–especially if you want to become a wedding planner on a budget.
In fact, I think we just became best friends. As someone who started their own wedding planning business many years ago (and on a whim!), I know what it’s like to become a wedding planner on a budget (but also not LOOK like you are on a budget). Today, I’m going to share 6 steps for you to kick off this exciting new side hustle on a budget!
1. Write a Wedding Planner Business Plan
If you know me at all, you knew this was coming. I’m that wild business coach that’s not going to tell you to sit there and manifest what you want, but rather, to create a strategic business plan outlining what you need to do to go out there and get it. Don’t worry – I’m not asking for 200 pages here (this isn’t shark tank), but you do need to take the time to look at your current market, research competitors, and see where YOU fit in.
Because I know this isn’t sexy, I’ve done what I can to make it easier. You can download my free wedding planner business plan template to tell you exactly what you need to include in yours (there are 12 sections!), and I will even send you periodic check-in emails to make sure you are getting it done. Sound good? Did I mention it’s free? Grab your business plan outline here.
2. Figure Out How Much It’s Going to Cost You To Become A Wedding Planner On a Budget
I know you are trying to become a wedding planner on a budget and trust me, I respect the hustle. Your next step is Identifying which costs are crucial for getting your business up and running. And guess what? I have a post that breaks down the 8 things I think are non-negotiables when you start your side hustle as a wedding planner, and how much it costs to become a wedding planner.
The truth is, you can spend as much or as little as you want to get started (that’s the beauty of starting a business in 2023), but especially when you think about starting your business as a side hustle: time is money. It’s not a bad idea to invest some funds from your 9-5 to help build your business more quickly if your end goal is to leave your 9-5. You have less time to DIY your business, so use what you DO have to your advantage.
3. Create Your Brand Identity
I have to be honest with you: your brand IS important, but too many people spend time fussing over the smallest details and not enough time taking action and putting themselves out there to book clients. You can always elevate your brand later (although a word to the wise: I’m also not the kind of business coach that will encourage you to rebrand every year… that’s just busy work, my friend!).
As you get started in your side hustle to become a wedding planner on a budget, start thinking about your logo, website design, social media presence, and other essential elements of branding.
Branding can feel overwhelming, so here are a few places to start:
- For your website, I am a BIG fan of Tonic website templates (and as a bonus: you can use the code CANDICE for 15% off!)
- I love the social media templates you can find on Creative Market.
- Looking for photos to use? While you can always find free stock photos, I do recommend investing in a subscription to something like Haute Stock or Styled Stock Society for a more cohesive feel to your branding!
Creating a brand identity that reflects who you are as a professional wedding planner is one of the first steps to starting your business. With that said, this is NOT somewhere you want to get stuck. Your business will evolve, and that’s a GOOD thing. Don’t get stuck on figuring it all out and trying to make sure everything is perfect before you even get your foot in the door.
4. Find Places to Advertise For Free Or On A Budget
You don’t really have a business until you have your first customer. When you are first starting your wedding planning business as a side hustle, you may want to focus on utilizing free marketing platforms like social media or asking friends and family for word-of-mouth referrals whenever possible. If paid advertising does fit into your budget, you may want to look into options like Google Ads or Facebook Ads but don’t feel like you have to start there.
Can I tell you a little secret? One of the ways I started to get customers when I first started to become a wedding planner on a budget was through my blog. It’s still one of the main ways new potential customers (now wedding planners like YOU) find me today! Do not overlook this KEY free marketing channel just because it offers less instant gratification than platforms like Instagram.
5. Network & Connect With Other Vendors
I can attribute networking with other vendors as one of the BIGGEST factors in my success early on in my business (did I humble brag about how I made it to 6 figures in the first two years yet? Money isn’t everything, but it sure is nice!). Get yourself out there by attending local networking events and connecting with vendors on Instagram who can help refer clients to you. Who in your area is already booking the people you are dreaming about working with?
I feel like if you are reading this you take your business seriously enough that I don’t have to mention this, but I also know what it’s like to have so much excitement over your new business that you can’t see straight. ALWAYS approach networking from a place of “What can I offer?” instead of “What can I get?”. The connections I made early on in my business were instrumental in my success early on, but they are still some of my closest friends over a decade later.
Ready to Launch Your Wedding Planning Business (and Actually Book Clients)?
If you’re serious about becoming a wedding planner but you’re overwhelmed by where to start, how much to spend, or whether you’re even doing this right, I want to invite you to my free masterclass: How to Launch a Wedding Planning Business in 60 Days — and Book Your First 5 Clients.
Inside, I’ll show you:
- The biggest mistake new planners make when launching (and what to do instead).
- The 4-step framework to go from “I have an idea” to “I just booked my first real client”
- The ONE thing you need to know that helps with services, pricing, and booking
- How to start booking clients—without a logo, portfolio, or years of experience.
- The easiest way to launch a legit planning business even if you’re starting from scratch
This free class will give you the step-by-step roadmap you wish Google could, plus the confidence to stop playing small and finally start the business you’ve been dreaming about!!
👉 Save your seat here — it’s totally free
You don’t need a fancy logo, thousands of followers, or a business degree to make this work.
You just need a plan, and I’ve got one ready for you.
Explore More Wedding Industry Resources
- How to Start a Wedding Planning Business
- What Does A Wedding Coordinator Do? Here’s Everything They’re Responsible For
- How to Start an Event Planning Business
- How to Become a Certified Wedding Planner
- Are You a Disorganized Wedding Planner? Let’s Fix That With These Organized Wedding Planner Tips!
- How to Become a Wedding Planner with No Experience
- Is Month-of Wedding Coordinator A Niche? The Truth About This Wedding Planning Service
- A Complete List of Wedding Planner Expenses
- What You Need More Than Another Wedding Planner Course
- How to go From Side Hustle to Full-time Wedding Planner
- Day of Coordination: The Pros and Cons as a Wedding Planner
- How To Get Wedding Clients When You’re Just Starting Out
- What A Business Plan Will REALLY Reveal About Your Business
- How Much Should You Charge As A Wedding Planner? Learn How To Figure Out Your Wedding Planner Pricing
- It’s Time For You To Launch Your Shit. But Here’s What’s Holding You Back
- 5 Contracts Every Wedding Planner Must Have To Be Legally Set
For More Wedding Industry Business Secrets, Follow Me on Instagram
Today I got to share Cue with my DI mastermind, and I’m feeling really proud. 🥹
I’ve been so busy building it that it felt good to stop for a minute and share the story with a room full of people I love and admire. So many smart, talented, generous people who I’m lucky to call my friends.
This was a special one. ❤️
Would you guys like to hear what I shared? I’m thinking about breaking it down into a series here on Instagram. Should we do it?
@ninelemonsfengshui encouraged me to share it with you all here, and I think I should. LMK in the comments if you’d be interested in my presentation from today!
Day one in Charleston for the DI Mastermind, and I spent ten hours of it in my hotel room working on Cue. I’ve been at it since 7 a.m., trying to get client portals ready, and I didn’t get as far as I’d hoped.
But I did close my laptop long enough to hug some of my mastermind friends, catch up before sessions start tomorrow, and see this.
I’d love to tell you this sunset inspired some profound revelation, but mostly I think I needed to leave my fucking room. 😂
Although maybe that’s the reminder: there will always be something that needs more of me. I’m allowed to step outside and enjoy where I am before everything is finished.
And so are you! 💜
I’ve been doing brand shoots for almost 20 years, and I have opinions 😂 Here are 9 things that make them great:
1. Hire a photographer who specializes in brand shoots. There’s a big difference in quality when you work with someone who understands how to photograph you AND your business. Go with the best you can afford.
2. Book more time than you think you need. An hour is nice for headshots, but multiple outfits and scenes take hours. If you want lots of variety, give yourself time to create it. If you’re going to do it, go big and do it right.
3. Know how you’ll use the photos. Your website, social media, launches, presentations—tell your photographer what you need. Plan for different crops, orientations, and room for text.
4. Have a creative direction. Build a mood board so everyone understands the vibe. Think about the story you want the photos to tell before you show up.
5. Dress for where your brand is going. This is your chance to show up as the version of yourself you’re stepping into. Bring outfits that make you feel like her.
6. Get your photographer involved in the planning. Ask for their input on locations, outfits, lighting, and timing. You hired an expert—let them help shape the shoot.
7. Plan actual scenes. Hosting, teaching, designing, creating—what are you doing in the photos? Build moments around your work so you leave with more than portraits.
8. Don’t spend the entire shoot behind a laptop. Your business has more personality than that. Give people something interesting to look at.
9. Bring someone to help. Someone to handle outfits, fix your hair, catch a twisted necklace, and keep things moving. Those extra hands make a difference.
Which photo from @c10ike is your favorite?
Off to spend a week in Charleston (my first time!) for @juliecchenell Digital Insiders Mastermind. I absolutely love getting to spend a week with my colleagues and business friends.
We share meals and ideas and laughs and horror stories and wins and it’s truly the best thing ever. If you’re not already in a mastermind group for your business that allows you to get together once or twice a year, I HIGHLY recommend it! I always leave these events feeling inspired and motivated.
This year I get to share with the group my journey in building @planwithcue and I’m both excited and nervous to share what I’ve been working on. Wish me luck!
To my DI crew I can’t wait to see you soon!!!!!!!
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