Birthday and celebration party planner

Parents planning children's birthdays, people marking milestone birthdays or anniversaries, and families organising christenings or small engagement parties.

A fixed planning fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the party budget. Some planners also agree a trade discount with suppliers, which should be made clear to clients.

• Organising and keeping to a budget
• Clear communication with clients and suppliers
• Creative ideas for themes and décor
• Staying calm when plans change

• Public liability insurance, and check whether you need cover for the suppliers you book
• Make sure supplier contracts and deposits are clear, so you know who is responsible if someone cancels
• If you handle food or entertainers yourself, check council food registration and any licensing rules for music or alcohol at venues
• Check whether running a business from home needs permission from your landlord or mortgage lender
• Weekend work is common, and income can be uneven, so plan for quiet months
• Handling client money for deposits needs careful records, so keep business and personal money separate

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on your insurance, branding and website, and any sample décor or supplies you buy. Planning is mostly done from home, so you avoid premises costs.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on how many parties you plan and their budgets. Income can be uneven, so plan for quiet months. Estimates start from about 6 hours a week, and weekends are common.

Check public liability insurance and whether you need cover for the suppliers you book. If you handle food or entertainers, check council food registration and any music or alcohol licensing at venues. Also check whether your landlord or mortgage lender must agree to home business use.