Start a full-service wedding planning business

Couples wanting a hands-on planner for a mid to high budget wedding, plus some corporate or private clients for events and engagement parties.

Higher-priced full planning packages, design and styling fees, and add-ons such as rehearsal coordination or guest accommodation planning. Income is lumpy, with deposits up front and balances closer to the date.

• Strong project management across many suppliers
• Sales and confident client meetings
• Design eye and styling sense
• Managing and briefing assistants on the day

• Public liability insurance, and check professional indemnity cover and any insurance venues require from you
• Workers compensation insurance if you hire staff, check your state's scheme
• Income can be uneven across the year, so plan cash flow around deposits and quiet months
• Deposits and cancellations, including postponements, need clear contract terms
• Check whether your business structure, GST registration and any premises lease suit your plans

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on whether you rent a meeting space, how much you spend on branding and insurance, and whether you bring on an assistant.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on how many weddings you take on and your fees. Income can be uneven across the year, so plan around deposits and quiet months. Revenue is not profit.

Check public liability insurance, professional indemnity cover and any insurance venues require. Check workers compensation if you hire staff, clear contract terms for deposits and cancellations, and whether your business structure, GST registration and any premises lease suit your plans.