If you’re reading this, I can only imagine that means you are thinking of joining this INCREDIBLE industry! Let me be the first to say – welcome!! The fact that you're considering starting your own wedding planning business is the first step toward turning your passion into a profitable venture. I believe in you, and I'm here to guide you through the financial aspects of this exciting journey (I’m glad you stopped to read this – that already tells me you know that you need to have some skin in the game!). In this blog post, we'll discuss the wedding planner expenses associated with starting and maintaining a wedding planning business, which I hope will help you make informed decisions and set your business up for success right from the start. Ready to dive in?

How Much Does It Cost To Start a Wedding Planning Business

While everyone’s investment is going to look a little different, here are 4 main things you should plan on investing in (your very first wedding planner expenses!).

1. LLC Registration: $199

One of the first steps in establishing your wedding planning business is to legally register it. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a business structure that combines the personal liability protection of a corporation with the simplicity and flexibility of a sole proprietorship or partnership. In simpler terms, it protects your personal assets, such as your home, car, and savings, from any potential business-related liabilities. Please consult with an attorney and tax professional for more information.

I've just recently partnered with Northwest to offer you a special discount on filing your LLC registration! Click here to have Northwest handle this for you and get started filing for your LLC for as low as $39!

2. Education: Variable ($1,500+)

If you just gasped – just remember this is A LOT cheaper than a college degree. While the cost of education can vary greatly, remember that weddings are once-in-a-lifetime occasions, and there's a lot at stake. My recommendation would be to consider enrolling in reputable wedding planning courses, workshops, or memberships, from wedding planners and business coaches who have been where you want to go.

After 15+ years as an entrepreneur, I can tell you that investing in your knowledge will pay off in the long run. If you love a no-BS approach and want to learn from someone who has built their own wedding planning business (and has been working for over a decade helping other people do the same), learn how we can work together here.

3. Your Website & Domain: $820-$1220

Sorry not sorry, but a professional website and domain name are non-negotiables. PLEASE no yourbusinessname@gmail.com emails – it doesn’t look professional (and as a wedding planner, you’re offering a luxury service!). Securing a domain for $20 and investing in high-quality website templates (ranging from $800 to $1200) will help you create a stunning home-base to send the ideal clients you find on Instagram or at bridal shows.

4. Business Templates: $500

When you start your wedding business, you don’t know what you don’t know. I’m speaking from experience here. I built my wedding planning business in 2008 and sold it in 2019 to coach wedding planners full-time, and I firmly believe that investing wisely in your business is a shortcut to success.

If you want to skip the hard lessons (learning as you go and losing potential clients along the way), check out my shop. I have a TON of business templates and educational resources that cover EVERYTHING you need to know through onboarding, design questionnaires, and sales scripts, which will save you time and help you book more clients. Trust me, these babies make their money back!

Ongoing Expenses After You Start Your Wedding Business

Now let's talk about the wedding planner expenses that are ongoing once you start your wedding business.

1. Showit Website Hosting: $40/month

Your website is the first impression many clients will have of your services. We talked about the initial investment above, but you also need to be prepared to pay monthly for website hosting through the platform you choose.  I always recommend Showit, which comes with a $40/month hosting fee. While it’s slightly higher than some of the other choices on the market, I really believe it’s the best choice for wedding pros. It’s what I use for my website!

2. Email with Your Domain: $15/month

Effective communication is the lifeblood of your wedding planning business. Your clients and vendors expect professionalism and consistency in your interactions, which is why having a professional email address with your domain name is an absolute must. At just $15 per month, this small monthly expense ensures that you maintain a credible and consistent image in your digital communications. 

I know I mentioned this above, but every time I see a yourbusinessname@gmail.com email coming through I cringe a little. PLUS – with the new email marketing regulations coming into place this month (February 2024), it’s more important than ever to have a verified domain email address so you don’t get lost in the spam folder.

3. Miscellaneous Software: $40-$100/month

Running a successful wedding planning business involves managing many tasks efficiently. There are a lot of balls in the air at any given time – even when you are just getting started! That's where various software tools come into play, and budgeting for these tools is important when you are starting a wedding planning business. Consider allocating a monthly budget ranging from $40 to $100 for software like Merri, Canva, Flodesk, and Honeybook. These tools are your secret weapons for streamlining your workflow and enhancing client experiences. You can find a full range of software I recommend for wedding planners here.

4. Planners Playbook: $57/month

OK – I’m biased but investing in your professional development is an ongoing commitment that sets you apart as a wedding planner. Planners Playbook, priced at $57 per month, offers a comprehensive and affordable coaching program that ensures you stay at the top of your game. Plus, you get monthly office hours with me to ask all of your questions and a community of the most incredible and supportive wedding planners in the industry!

Remember that when it comes to weddings, there are NO do-overs. Inside my membership is an opportunity to learn from the best and elevate your skills, ultimately positioning yourself as a sought-after wedding planner.

Client-Related Costs

Beyond your regular expenses, it's important to factor in costs associated with each new client. These expenses are essential to delivering a memorable and extraordinary wedding planning experience. The good news though? These wedding planner expenses don’t come until after you get paid!

1. Welcome Gift

Welcoming your clients with a thoughtful gift isn't just a gesture; it's a way to set a positive tone for your entire working relationship. While the cost of this welcome gift may vary, it's a relatively small expense that has the potential to leave a lasting and impactful impression. 

Picture this: your clients have just taken the exciting step of entrusting you with one of the most significant days of their lives—their wedding day. They're likely feeling a mix of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of anxiety. I share more about this in my onboarding playbook here if you want a cheat sheet to make this count! The more your couples trust you from the beginning, the easier they will be to manage throughout the entire process.

Whether it's a beautifully crafted welcome package, a personalized note, or a thoughtful token that aligns with their wedding theme, the welcome gift conveys your attention to detail and your eagerness to be their partner throughout the wedding planning process. Make sure you budget for it when you start your wedding planning business.

2. Wedding Day and/or Offboarding Gift

While the wedding day marks the culmination of your collaboration with clients, it's also important not to overlook the importance of the offboarding process. An offboarding gift is a lovely and meaningful way to do just that.

As the wedding concludes, emotions run high, and your clients may experience a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for your role in creating their dream day. This is the perfect moment to express your gratitude in return. 

An offboarding gift doesn’t need to be extravagant either! Consider a personalized keepsake, a framed photo from their special day, or a heartfelt handwritten letter that recounts your favorite moments throughout the planning process or on the wedding day. This gesture goes beyond professionalism; it's about building genuine connections and leaving a positive and lasting impression. The kind of impression that will have them coming back to you for future events (and referring you to everyone they know) for years to come.

3. Hiring Assistant Planners for the Day Of

The cost of hiring assistant planners can vary significantly based on your location, the scale of the wedding, and your specific requirements. However, consider this expense as an investment in the seamless execution of your events. It’s almost always better to have too many hands on deck than less!

Assistant planners bring expertise, efficiency, and invaluable support to your team. They can handle tasks such as coordinating vendors, managing the timeline, and addressing last-minute hiccups, allowing you to focus on the big picture and deliver an unforgettable experience to your clients. You may also consider hiring a “bridal attendant” to take care of your couple on the wedding day. Having someone there can be invaluable while you’re busy checking and double-checking the hundreds of other details.

While it may seem like an additional expense, the presence of capable assistant planners ultimately help build your reputation for planning great events, which then ultimately leads to more bookings and increased revenue. 

4. Anything Else That's a Part of Your Experience

Your wedding planning approach is as unique as you are so I have to ask, what do you want to be known for? Your services are a reflection of your creativity, style, and commitment to delivering a memorable experience to your clients. This uniqueness often translates into additional expenses that align with your brand and services. Embrace your individuality and create an experience that resonates with your clients on a personal level.

Your clients are drawn to you not just for your planning skills but for your vision and the special touches that make your weddings stand out. Whether it's exclusive partnerships with unique vendors or signature elements that define your weddings, these expenses are an essential part of your brand identity.

Investing in these elements not only showcases your creativity and attention to detail but also positions you as a trendsetter and innovator in the wedding industry. Clients seek out wedding planners who offer something extraordinary and memorable, and these additional expenses contribute to that perception.

While it's essential to manage your budget wisely – I do believe in PROFIT – don't shy away from allocating funds to create the one-of-a-kind experiences that define your brand. Remember, it's these unique touches that leave a lasting impact on your clients. This then makes them eager to recommend your services to others! So it pays off in the long run.

Now You Know What Your Wedding Planner Expenses Will Be… Are You Ready to Start?

While I WISH I could be one of those business coaches who tell you that you can start a business for $0 (just kidding – I could never do that), the truth is that if you want to start a wedding planning business that lasts, it’s best to embrace these expenses. They really are investments in your wedding planning business and yourself. Success requires a commitment to continuous learning, professionalism, and memorable client experiences. And I think you have what it takes!

Are you ready to take the next step in your wedding planning journey? Join Planners Playbook today to access valuable coaching and resources that will help you thrive in this incredible industry. Your dreams deserve this level of support and guidance. Let's make them a reality together!

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