Start an independent wedding planning business from home

Engaged couples, and sometimes parents or family members who are helping to fund the wedding.

A fixed package fee or a percentage of the wedding budget, with lower-priced day-of coordination as an easy way in. Some planners also earn referral fees from suppliers, which should be disclosed to clients.

• Organised, calm under pressure
• Good with people and budgets
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Clear writing and communication

• Public liability insurance, and check whether professional indemnity cover is also sensible
• A clear written contract covering fees, cancellations and what happens if a supplier lets you or the couple down
• Registration as a sole trader with HMRC, and data protection duties for couples' personal details (check ICO guidance)
• Weekend and evening work, and a seasonal pattern where income can bunch into spring and summer
• Check whether you need landlord or mortgage lender permission for meeting clients at home

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,500, depending on what you spend on insurance, a website, contract templates and any planning software or marketing.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £300 to £3,000, depending on how many couples you work with and whether you offer full planning, partial planning or day-of coordination. Income can bunch into spring and summer.

Check public liability insurance and whether professional indemnity cover is sensible. Also check a clear written contract, sole trader registration with HMRC, data protection duties under ICO guidance, and whether you need landlord or lender permission to meet clients at home.