December is peak wedding season. Not only does it fall into the middle of the South African summer, which is traditionally better to host your wedding, but it is also the time when many citizens can put their worries aside and plan for a honeymoon after nuptials. So why not capitalise on this and start your wedding planning business today?
A wedding planning business is a type of event planning business with an emphasis on wedding celebrations. A wedding planner will manage all the moving parts for a wedding. They help the happy couple select a venue, colour schemes, decorations, organise vendors like DJs and catering, as well as the on-the-day logistics.
If you are considering becoming a wedding planner with your own business, the good news is that you don’t need any formal training. You do, however, need to have strong organisational and communication skills to serve customers, negotiate with suppliers and generate business.
Conduct Market Research
You might be wondering why you need to conduct market research if you already know what type of business you will start, but research provides much more insight than just that. It will show you how to structure your pricing as well as how to market your business at a later stage.
This is the perfect time to create your business plan that clearly defines your business and what it will do. Based on the market research, you will also be able to understand how your business can stand out from the competition.
Register Your Business
The legal aspects of your business must always be at the top of your mind. This means that you need to register your business with CIPC and with SARS, the tax regulator. You can also take this opportunity to open a business bank account to keep your business and personal accounts separate.
It is also a good idea to obtain some form of cloud-based accounting software that allows you to keep track of your finances from the start.
Additionally, because you work with the public, you will need to invest in the right insurance, such as public liability insurance. This protects you financially from any lawsuits should someone be hurt on your watch.
Build Your Business Through Marketing
When you start your marketing for your business, you need to set up a business website and open social media accounts. This is important because a website will immediately elevate your business image and seem legitimate (in other words, not a fly-by-night operation).
A website will allow you to set your pricing so potential customers immediately have an idea of what you charge. Additionally, they can see where you are located, and you can provide a fillable contact form to collect their details.
Later, when you have a portfolio of work, you can also add it to the website.
Don’t forget to set up social media accounts where you can also promote your services.
The service you offer can include everything from a full-service offering that helps the couple find a venue to arranging for breaking down and tidying up after the nuptials. You can also help with selective planning, or on the day of execution only.
Make Industry Connections
Connections are one of the most effective ways to build relationships with vendors for the purpose of negotiating good pricing. They also help you connect with other vendors from other types of businesses that you might not be aware of, or connect you with other potential vendors.
You must understand that connections don’t happen overnight, so be patient, but ensure that you always treat your suppliers with respect.
As soon as you start generating business through your marketing and adding vendors and suppliers to your contact list, the easier it will become to run your business. As it grows, you can look into adding staff such as a personal assistant, an intern or even a junior wedding planner.
Building a business that delivers a meaningful experience is extremely rewarding, but you have to remember that you will be working weekends and evenings. So before you enter this space, know what you are getting yourself into.
December is peak wedding season. Not only does it fall into the middle of the South African summer, which is traditionally better to host your wedding, but it is also Read More
