Wedding planner and day-of coordinator

Engaged couples, and sometimes parents or family helping to pay for the wedding.

Fixed packages (full planning, partial planning or day-of coordination only), or a percentage of the wedding budget. Some planners also earn referral fees from suppliers, which should be disclosed to clients.

• Organised with fine attention to detail
• Calm under pressure
• Good with people and negotiating with suppliers

• Public liability insurance, and check whether venues require proof of it from you
• Get an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST as turnover grows
• Clear contracts covering what happens if a date changes or a supplier cancels
• Check with your local council if you run the business from home
• Weekend and evening work during wedding season

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $3,000, depending on your insurance, tools and how much you spend on marketing. Treat this as an estimate and compare real quotes before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $5,000, depending on how many weddings you take on and which services you offer. This is revenue before business costs, and wedding season may affect it.

Check public liability insurance, including whether venues want proof of it, and get an ABN and check when to register for GST. Also check your local council's rules for home businesses, and use clear contracts covering date changes or supplier cancellations.