Full-service party planning business

Families wanting a hands-off party, plus local companies, schools and community groups hosting celebrations.

Tiered planning packages or a percentage of the event budget, plus fees for day-of coordination, decor setup and styling. Repeat clients and referrals build steady bookings.

• Project management across several events at once
• Negotiating with vendors
• Marketing and sales
• Managing and scheduling helpers

• Check city or county business license requirements, and sales tax registration with your state if you sell or rent taxable items
• Get general liability insurance, and check workers' compensation rules before hiring employees (and how your state treats contractors)
• If you serve alcohol or food, check state and local permits, which usually must be held by the venue or a licensed caterer
• Income can be uneven by season, so keep a cash buffer
• Deposits and vendor payments can tie up cash, so track them carefully

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how you set up and how many helpers you bring on. These are estimates, so build in a cash buffer for deposits and vendor payments.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $12,000, depending on how many events you take on and your fees. These are estimates, and income can be uneven by season, so keep a cash buffer.

Check city or county business license requirements and state sales tax registration if you sell or rent taxable items. Get general liability insurance, check workers' compensation rules before hiring, and check food or alcohol permits, which usually sit with the venue or caterer.