Start Your Own
Event Planning Business in Australia

Here is a detailed outline of how to start an event planning business, which can be an exciting and rewarding venture for those who are passionate about creating memorable experiences for others. With the right planning and execution, you can turn your love for event planning into a successful business.

Develop a business plan

Developing a comprehensive business plan is essential for starting an event planning business. This plan should include details on the business concept, which should articulate your vision and mission statement for your event planning business.

Define your target market

Your target market should also be defined in the business plan. Identify the types of events you will specialize in planning and the demographics of the clients you want to attract. This information will guide your marketing efforts and ensure that you are providing services that align with the needs of your target market.

Consider a range of services to offer

You should also consider the range of services you will offer as an event planner. Common services include event design, vendor management, budgeting, and coordination. Decide which services you want to offer based on your experience and expertise.

Determine your pricing structure

Determining your pricing structure is also a key element of your business plan. Research industry rates and factor in your expenses to determine what you will charge for your services. Your pricing should reflect the value of the services you offer and be competitive within the industry.

Develop a marketing strategy

Marketing strategy should also be included in your business plan. Determine how you will reach your target market, including social media marketing, content marketing, and email marketing. Also, consider attending networking events and industry conferences to build relationships and establish yourself as a credible event planner.

Financial projections

Lastly, your business plan should include financial projections. Estimate your start-up costs, ongoing expenses, and projected revenue to ensure that your business is financially viable. Use this information to make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and other aspects of your event planning business. A well-thought-out business plan will serve as a roadmap for your business and help you stay on track as you launch and grow your event planning business.

Choose a business name and legal structure

Choosing a business name is an important step in starting an event planning business. The name you select should be memorable, easy to pronounce and spell, and relevant to your business. It should also be unique and not already in use by another business in your industry. You may want to do a quick search online and with government agencies to ensure that your desired name is available.

Choose the right legal structure

Once you have selected a name, you will need to choose a legal structure for your business. The most common legal structures for event planning businesses include sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). Each legal structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to research each option and determine which one is best suited for your business.

Register your business

After deciding on a legal structure, you will need to register your business with the appropriate government agencies. This may include registering with your state’s secretary of state, obtaining a Australian Business Number from the ASIC and applying for any necessary licenses and permits. This step is crucial to ensure that your business is legally recognized and compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

Choosing a business name and legal structure are important steps in starting an event planning business. By selecting a memorable name and appropriate legal structure and registering your business with the appropriate government agencies, you can establish your business as a legitimate and professional entity in the event planning industry.

Obtain necessary permits and licenses

In addition to registering your business with the appropriate government agencies, you may also need to obtain certain permits and licenses to operate your event planning business legally. The specific requirements for permits and licenses vary depending on your location and the types of events you plan to organize.

Some common permits and licenses that event planners may need include a business license, sales tax permit, and event-specific permits for activities such as selling alcohol, setting up structures like tents or stages, or providing entertainment. You may also need to obtain liability insurance to protect your business in case of accidents or other incidents that may occur during events.

To determine which permits and licenses are required for your event planning business, check with your local government or state licensing agency. They can provide you with information about the specific requirements for your location and help you navigate the application process.

Obtaining necessary permits and licenses is an important step in starting an event planning business. Failing to obtain required permits and licenses can result in fines, legal issues, and damage to your business’s reputation. By researching and fulfilling all the necessary requirements, you can ensure that your event planning business is operating legally and safely.

Develop your brand identity

Developing a brand identity is an important step in establishing your event planning business’s visual identity and setting it apart from competitors. Your brand identity should reflect your business’s personality and values and should be consistent across all marketing and branding materials.

One of the key components of your brand identity is a logo. Your logo should be simple, memorable, and reflective of your business’s personality and values. It should be visually appealing and work well in a variety of settings, such as on your website, business cards, and marketing materials.

In addition to a logo, you should also develop a consistent color scheme and font selection for your business’s branding materials. These elements should be used across all materials, including your website, business cards, social media profiles, and marketing materials, to create a cohesive and recognizable brand identity.

Creating a brand identity is an ongoing process that involves regularly reviewing and updating your branding materials to ensure they remain relevant and reflective of your business’s values and personality. As your business grows and evolves, so too should your brand identity.

By developing a strong brand identity, you can establish your event planning business as a professional and trustworthy entity in the industry. A consistent and visually appealing brand identity can also help attract and retain clients and build brand recognition over time.

Build your online presence

Building a strong online presence is a crucial component of starting an event planning business in today’s digital age. By creating a website and social media accounts, you can showcase your services, portfolio, and contact information to potential clients and build brand recognition.

Your website should serve as the hub of your online presence, and it should include key information about your business, such as your services, pricing, and contact information. Additionally, you should include a portfolio of your work, showcasing your ability to plan and execute successful events. Your website should be visually appealing and easy to navigate, with a clear call-to-action to encourage potential clients to contact you.

Social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, can be powerful tools for event planners to showcase their work, connect with potential clients, and build a community of engaged followers. You can use social media to share photos and videos of events you’ve planned, highlight client testimonials, and provide tips and insights into the event planning process. By consistently posting high-quality content and engaging with your followers, you can build a strong online presence and establish your business as a leader in the industry.

Building your online presence is an ongoing process that requires regular updates and maintenance. By investing time and resources into creating a professional website and social media presence, you can reach a wider audience, build brand recognition, and attract new clients to your event planning business.

Determine your pricing

Determining your pricing strategy is a crucial step in starting an event planning business. You’ll want to research industry standards and determine what you will charge for your services. Your pricing strategy should be competitive, yet reflective of your level of experience, the type of events you plan to specialize in, and your target market.

When researching industry standards, take into account the type of events you plan to specialize in, such as weddings, corporate events, or social events. Different types of events may require different levels of expertise, resources, and time commitments, which should be reflected in your pricing.

Consider your level of experience when setting your prices. If you’re just starting out, you may need to offer lower prices to attract clients, but as you gain more experience and build your reputation, you can increase your prices accordingly.

Your target market will also play a role in determining your pricing strategy. If you plan to target high-end clients, you may need to charge higher prices to reflect the level of service and quality you provide. On the other hand, if you plan to target budget-conscious clients, you may need to offer more affordable prices to attract and retain clients.

When setting your prices, consider the costs associated with running your business, such as marketing expenses, insurance, and supplies. You’ll want to ensure that your pricing covers these costs and provides a profit margin for your business.

Determining your pricing strategy is an ongoing process that requires regular evaluation and adjustments. By staying up-to-date with industry standards, assessing your level of experience, and considering your target market, you can set competitive prices that reflect the value you provide as an event planner.

Build your network

Building a strong network is essential for success in the event planning industry. By networking with other professionals in the industry, such as vendors and suppliers, you can establish relationships that can help you plan and execute successful events.

Attending industry events and conferences is a great way to meet other professionals in the event planning industry and stay up-to-date with industry trends. These events provide opportunities to connect with vendors, suppliers, and other event planners, exchange ideas, and learn about new products and services that can enhance your event planning services.

Joining professional organizations, such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA) or the National Association of Catering and Events (NACE), can also help you build your network and gain access to valuable resources and industry insights. These organizations offer networking events, educational programs, and other resources that can help you grow your business and stay on top of industry trends.

In addition to attending events and joining professional organizations, you can also network with other event planning professionals online. Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, provide opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can lead to future collaborations and referrals.

Building your network is an ongoing process that requires time and effort, but the rewards can be significant. By establishing relationships with other professionals in the industry, you can gain access to valuable resources, expand your reach, and establish your business as a leader in the event planning industry.

Build your portfolio

One of the most effective ways to attract potential clients and build your reputation as an event planner is to build a strong portfolio of your work. A portfolio showcases your skills and experience, demonstrating to potential clients that you have the expertise and creativity needed to plan successful events.

To build your portfolio, consider offering your services to family and friends or planning events for local non-profit organizations or community groups. Offering your services at a discounted rate or even for free can be a great way to gain experience, build your portfolio, and start building a reputation as an event planner.

When building your portfolio, be sure to include high-quality photographs and descriptions of the events you have planned. These photographs should highlight the key elements of the event, such as the venue, decor, food and beverages, entertainment, and other special touches. Including testimonials from clients can also be a powerful addition to your portfolio, as they provide social proof of your abilities as an event planner.

As you gain more experience and plan more events, be sure to continually update your portfolio to reflect your most recent work. This will ensure that potential clients see your most current and relevant work, and that you are showcasing your best work to potential clients.

Having a strong portfolio is an important part of building a successful event planning business. By showcasing your skills and experience, you can attract potential clients and build your reputation as a top event planner in your area.

Market your business

Marketing is a critical part of starting and growing any business, including an event planning business. Once you have developed your brand identity, pricing structure, and portfolio, it is time to start promoting your business to potential clients.

To effectively market your business, you will need to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes a mix of tactics such as social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, and more. This will help you reach potential clients across multiple channels and increase your visibility in the marketplace.

Social media marketing can be a particularly effective tactic for event planners, as it allows you to showcase your work and connect with potential clients in a more informal and engaging way. Consider setting up accounts on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, where you can post photos and updates about your latest events and interact with potential clients and industry professionals.

Content marketing is another effective way to promote your event planning business, by creating and sharing high-quality content that provides value to potential clients. This could include blog posts, guides, checklists, or other resources that help potential clients plan their own events, while showcasing your expertise and experience as an event planner.

Email marketing is another effective tactic for event planners, allowing you to stay in touch with past clients, promote your latest events and services, and build relationships with potential clients.

Finally, consider advertising in local publications or sponsoring local events to increase your visibility and build your reputation as a top event planner in your area. This could include placing ads in local wedding or event planning magazines, or sponsoring local charity events or community gatherings.

By developing a comprehensive marketing strategy and executing it effectively, you can increase your visibility and attract more clients to your event planning business.

Launch your business

Congratulations! You have now completed all the necessary steps to start your event planning business, and it’s time to launch and start bringing in clients. Here are some tips to help you launch your business successfully:

Start reaching out to potential clients

Reach out to your network of family, friends, and colleagues, and let them know about your new event planning business. Ask them to spread the word and refer you to potential clients. Attend local events and wedding shows, and have your business cards and portfolio ready to share.

Begin planning events

Once you have your first clients, it’s time to start planning events. Be sure to communicate clearly with your clients and stay organized throughout the planning process. Keep a detailed calendar of all your events, and make sure to meet all deadlines and commitments.

Keep track of your finances

It’s important to keep track of your finances from the start to ensure the long-term success of your business. Set up a separate bank account for your business and keep detailed records of all your expenses and income. Consider hiring an accountant or bookkeeper to help you manage your finances.

Adjust your business plan as necessary

As your business grows and evolves, your business plan may need to be adjusted. Keep track of your progress, and regularly review and update your plan to ensure you’re staying on track to meet your goals.

Starting an event planning business is an exciting and rewarding venture. With hard work, dedication, and a passion for planning events, you can build a successful business that brings joy and happiness to your clients.