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ServiceMediumUnder £500First sale: Weeks

Event Planner

Plan birthdays, baby showers, small weddings under £15k

Plan birthdays, baby showers, small weddings under £15k.

As an event planner, your day-to-day work will involve liaising with clients to understand their vision, managing suppliers, and coordinating logistics. You'll create tailored proposals that reflect clients' budgets and preferences, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned. Communication is key, as you'll be negotiating contracts and timelines while keeping clients updated throughout the process. Expect a rewarding but demanding schedule, particularly in the lead-up to events, when you'll be onsite to oversee everything from setup to execution.

Now is an ideal time to start an event planning business due to the resurgence of social gatherings post-pandemic. People are eager to celebrate milestones, and many are opting for intimate events rather than larger gatherings. The rise of social media also means that beautifully curated events can quickly gain traction, providing organic marketing opportunities through shared experiences online. With budget-conscious clients preferring bespoke services, an affordable planner can fill this gap effectively.

A founder in this space should have a knack for organisation and creativity, as well as strong interpersonal skills for networking with suppliers and clients alike. Expect to invest around 15-20 hours a week initially to establish your brand and client base. Building relationships with local vendors is crucial, as is maintaining an online presence through social media and local platforms. This business can be run from home, keeping overhead low as you grow your portfolio.

In the first 12-24 months, you could see revenues ranging from £10,000 to £30,000 with a focused marketing approach and a strong portfolio. As you build your reputation and receive referrals, the potential for scaling is substantial. With the right strategies, you might even consider hiring additional planners or expanding your services into larger events or corporate functions.

Skills you'll need
  • Operations
  • Sales
Monetisation

10–15% of event budget

You can expect a gross margin of around 60% on services provided, depending on your efficiency and supplier agreements.

Why now

The UK's event industry is bouncing back as people are keen to celebrate life events after lockdowns. Demand for smaller, personalised gatherings like birthdays and baby showers is increasing, making this a prime time to enter the market.

Who pays you

Your typical customer is likely a busy parent or young couple seeking assistance to plan significant life events on a budget. They value creativity and personalisation but need someone to manage the details and logistics.

UK market

The UK events industry is valued at approximately £42 billion, with a growing trend towards smaller, more intimate celebrations. Statistically, around 70% of couples are opting for weddings under £15k, showcasing a strong market for affordable event planning services.

Revenue & pricing

You can charge 10-15% of the total event budget, allowing for flexible pricing based on the client's needs. This model ensures you earn a manageable fee while remaining attractive to clients looking for budget-friendly options.

  • Basic Birthday Package: £300 for up to 20 guests, includes venue sourcing and decoration.
  • Baby Shower Package: £500 for up to 30 guests, includes catering coordination and theme setup.
  • Small Wedding Package: £1,200 for up to 50 guests, includes full planning, venue, and vendor management.
  • Event Coordination Only: £200 for day-of management, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Realistic year one: In your first year, aim for a revenue range of £10,000 to £15,000 with a modest profit margin. This will depend heavily on your ability to market yourself and secure repeat clients.

Costs

Startup costs
  • Website domain and hosting100
  • Marketing materials (business cards, flyers)100
  • Initial supplier deposits150
  • Insurance (public liability)100
  • Online booking tool subscription50
Monthly running costs
  • Website maintenance10
  • Software subscriptions (e.g., Notion, Calendly)20
  • Marketing (social media ads)50
  • Insurance renewal10

First steps

  1. 1Build 3 lookbooks
  2. 2Pitch local FB groups
  3. 3Manage suppliers

Your first 90 days

First 30 days
  • Create a simple website showcasing your services and lookbooks.
  • Join local Facebook groups related to event planning and introduce your services.
  • Build relationships with at least five local suppliers (caterers, florists, venues).
  • Develop a social media presence on Instagram and Facebook to showcase your portfolio.
  • Attend local networking events to meet potential clients and gather leads.
30–90 day milestones
  • Secure your first three clients and plan their events successfully.
  • Gather testimonials and photos from completed events to enhance your portfolio.
  • Launch a targeted social media marketing campaign to reach a wider audience.
  • Collaborate with local influencers or parenting bloggers to promote your services.
  • Review your pricing and service offerings based on client feedback.

How to get customers

Social Media

Use Instagram and Facebook to showcase past events and engage with potential clients.

Local Networking Events

Attend community events to build relationships and promote services.

Online Listings

Register on platforms like Bark or Yell to attract clients actively seeking services.

Word of Mouth

Encourage satisfied clients to refer friends and family for discounts on future services.

Tools you'll actually use

ToolCostWhy
Tide (Business Banking)FreeEasy to manage finances and track expenses.
Xero (Accounting Software)£10/monthFor invoicing and managing accounts.
Calendly (Booking Tool)Free tier availableTo simplify client scheduling.
Notion (Project Management)FreeTo effectively manage tasks and client projects.
Stripe (Payment Processing)Free to set up, transaction fees applyTo accept card payments online securely.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Underestimating time for planning and coordination, leading to rushed events.
  • Not building a diverse supplier network, limiting options for clients.
  • Failing to manage client expectations, resulting in dissatisfaction.
  • Neglecting to properly market services, leading to a lack of clients.
  • Ignoring legal requirements such as contracts and insurance.

How to scale this

  1. 1Start solo by managing small events to build experience and portfolio.
  2. 2Introduce additional services like wedding coordination or corporate events.
  3. 3Hire assistants or subcontractors to manage multiple events simultaneously.
  4. 4Consider creating online courses or guides for aspiring planners as an additional revenue stream.

Risks & mitigations

Risk

Client cancellations leading to lost income

Mitigation

Implement a cancellation policy and take deposits upfront.

Risk

Supplier reliability issues

Mitigation

Build strong relationships and have backup options ready.

Risk

Negative reviews affecting reputation

Mitigation

Focus on excellent customer service and address complaints promptly.

Risk

Economic downturn impacting discretionary spending

Mitigation

Diversify services to include budget-friendly options.

UK legal & compliance

  • Register as self-employed with HMRC to ensure tax compliance.
  • Obtain public liability insurance to protect against potential claims.
  • Ensure contracts with clients and suppliers are clear and legally binding.
  • Comply with GDPR regulations when handling client data, ensuring privacy and security.

FAQ

How much should I charge for my services?

Typically, charge 10-15% of the total event budget based on your offerings.

What if my client cancels the event?

Have a clear cancellation policy in place that outlines fees for cancellations.

Do I need a licence to operate?

No specific licence is required, but ensure you comply with local regulations.

How can I find clients?

Utilise social media, local networking events, and online listings to attract clients.

What happens if an event goes wrong?

Have contingency plans in place, and always communicate with clients to manage expectations.