If you've decided to start a wedding planning business there are several critical decisions that need to be made. When deciding what to charge, wedding planners have several choices, according to WeddingPlanning.com. You can offer services free to the bride but get a percentage of what each vendor charges, or charge a flat rate based on an agreed-upon number of consulting hours. Other alternatives include a percentage of the wedding budget or a combination of a flat rate with extra hours charged on an agreed-to hourly basis.

Negotiating Skills

Part of the job of a wedding planner is to get the best prices so the bridal couple stays within their budget. That does not mean haggling or holding out for the last penny but it does mean being aware of what different services cost, merchandise markups, food costs, location prices and liquor costs. For example, the caterer may want to charge for alcohol by the glass when the bride would be better off purchasing by the bottle.

Marketing Materials

Market your services with brochures, flyers and business cards. Exhibit at trade shows targeted to brides. And even though a wedding planning business is local, you should have a website. The average bride is 26 years old, and according to ZDNet.com, 79 percent of people 19 to 28 years old use the Internet for product research.

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Clients

Start up a referral network that will let brides know what you offer. Make a list of the churches in your area and telephone their wedding coordinators. Follow up with a letter and brochure. It is worthwhile to meet in person with the coordinators at the larger churches and synagogues. Network with bakeries, florists. bridal shops, caterers, limo services and other noncompetitive businesses.

Relationships with Vendors

Wedding planners are responsible for all aspects of the event running smoothly. If the flowers do not arrive on time or in good condition, it is your problem. If the wedding cake is lopsided, you have to fix it. Establish relationships with vendors you know will provide a good product and service, on time and for the right price. Recruit vendors in various price ranges to assist brides with different budgets.

Experience and References

It is doubtful that any bride would consider hiring a wedding planning company that has no wedding-related business experience. It is too much of a risk for that important day. Gain experience by working in a bridal shop, florist, caterer or another established wedding planning company. Another alternative is to offer to plan the weddings of a few friends to gain experience and provide you with references. Take photos of the weddings and include them in a wedding planner portfolio book to show potential clients.

Photo Credits

About the Author

Brian Hill is the author of four popular business and finance books: "The Making of a Bestseller," "Inside Secrets to Venture Capital," "Attracting Capital from Angels" and his latest book, published in 2013, "The Pocket Small Business Owner's Guide to Business Plans."