Full-service wedding planner

Busy couples, and families helping to pay, who want an expert to handle the planning.

A flat package fee or a percentage of the wedding budget, often paid in installments, sometimes plus vendor referral arrangements that you disclose to clients.

• Budgeting and negotiating with vendors
• Design sense and attention to detail
• Sales and client relationships
• Handling stress and family dynamics

• General liability insurance, and possibly professional liability, so check with an insurance broker
• Contracts and deposits, so have a lawyer review your template and refund terms
• Income can be uneven and seasonal, so build a cash cushion
• Check your city or county for business license and home occupation permit rules, and any HOA or lease limits
• If you handle alcohol or vendor payments on clients' behalf, check state rules and keep clear records

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your insurance, website, contract review and software. Treat this as an estimate and price out your own setup, including a lawyer's review of your contract template.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many weddings you plan, your fees and the season. Income can be uneven, so a cash cushion helps. The estimate assumes roughly 15 or more hours a week.

Check liability insurance, possibly including professional liability, with a broker. Have a lawyer review your contracts, deposits and refund terms. Check city or county business license and home occupation rules, plus HOA or lease limits, and state rules if you handle alcohol or vendor payments.