Home-Based Event Planner for Private Parties

Couples, families and individuals planning weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers and graduations.

A flat planning fee or a percentage of the event budget, with day-of coordination sold as a separate package. Some planners also earn referral fees from suppliers, which should be disclosed to clients.

• Strong organization and time management
• Clear communication and calm under pressure
• Negotiating with suppliers and venues

• Commercial general liability insurance, as some venues require proof of coverage before you can work there
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Use a written contract that covers deposits, cancellations and who pays suppliers
• Bookings are often seasonal, with wedding season usually busy and winter quieter, so plan your cash flow
• Register for GST/HST with the CRA once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check provincial rules

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on insurance, a contract template and the tools you choose for your home office. Check venue insurance requirements early.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many events you plan. Bookings are often seasonal, with wedding season usually busy and winter quieter, so plan your cash flow.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence, and get commercial general liability insurance, which some venues require. Also use a written contract covering deposits and cancellations, and check GST/HST registration with the CRA and provincial rules.