Start an online wedding favours shop

Engaged couples, wedding planners and family members helping to organize the wedding.

You earn the margin between your wholesale cost and retail price, usually sold in bulk packs. Personalization and gift boxes add extra revenue.

• Online selling and product photos
• Organized order handling
• Customer service
• Basic design for personalized items

• Check if you need to register for GST/HST once your sales pass the small supplier threshold
• Check provincial sales tax rules for online sales, which differ by province
• Edible favours may need food permits and allergen labelling, so check with your local public health unit and CFIA
• Long lead times and shipping delays can ruin a wedding date, so set clear order deadlines
• Check home-based business licence rules with your municipality

Estimated startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on your website, stock and any personalization equipment. Starting with a small range and ordering from wholesalers can help you keep costs near the lower end.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on your range, marketing and order volume. Hours start at around 8 per week, so many owners can start alongside other work.

Check GST/HST registration once sales pass the small supplier threshold, and provincial sales tax rules for online sales. Edible favours may need food permits and allergen labelling, so check with your public health unit and CFIA. Also check home-based licence rules.