You've been selected to plan an event. Whether it's your parents 50th Wedding Anniversary, the company picnic, an Annual Meeting for 2,000 people or a child's birthday party you have work to do. Each event is different, but there are some similarities in the way you can approach the planning process. Follow these tips to help you plan and organize that special day. 1. Get a clear understanding of the purpose of your event. For birthdays and anniversaries the purpose is fairly obvious. But events for work or social organizations probably need a little more definition. Make sure you know why there will be an event and the anticipated outcome. 2. Set the goals for your event. How many people do you expect? If this is a repeat event are you trying to get a larger turnout than last year? Determine what you wish your attendees to gain from the event. 3. Set your event budget. This should be a top priority. How much can you or how much are you willing to spend? Will the event produce revenue from registrations? Or are you paying for the event by yourself? 4. Select your date and location. This could be as simple as planning to mow the back yard or may involve a visit to another city to view hotel and convention space. Plan accordingly. If you need to plan a site visit, will you need to take your boss or committee members along with you? When you are considering location you will want to keep in mind the following: a) Room capacity. Is it too large or too small? Remember that if you're having a luncheon for 200 people you need to consider serving space, space for a dais for your honored guests and whether you will need any audiovisual equipment. b) Lighting. Subtle lighting is nice for meal and social functions. But if you are planning an all day workshop on accounting methods, you will want to make sure there is adequate lighting in the room. c) Parking. Is there adequate parking for your guest needs? Will they have to pay for parking? How far will they have to walk from the parking area to the event? d) Electrical supply. If you're having a birthday party in your home, just make sure you paid the bill and turn to the nearest outlet. But if you are planning a large convention, you need to consider what equipment will be in use that needs electricity. For example if you have exhibits, you need to know what access your vendors will require for their displays. e) Phone hook-ups. Will you need phone access during the event? Will your exhibitors need access? Are their any restrictions or limitations on wireless phone service in your event location? f) Computer/Internet access. This could be important for your exhibitors. 5. Working backward from your selected date(s), set up a project timeline with specific tasks that must be accomplished by specific dates. Some of the things you may want to make sure that are on your timeline are: a) When to make your first announcement of the event. b) Prepare and print promotional materials (brochures, invitations, etc.) c) Select caterer/menu d) Select entertainment e) Select decorations/florist f) Determine audio-visual needs g) Select overnight accommodations, if needed h) Secure transportation if necessary i) Review and sign necessary contracts j) Select and confirm speakers k) Finalize your agenda/program l) Confirm attendees m) Prepare materials for event n) Prepare name badges o) Prepare any necessary signage p) Prepare materials to be shipped to event location q) Set up on site r) Re-confirm details s) Enjoy the event 6. Determine what vendors you will need to work with. These could include, but are certainly not limited to: a) Caterers b) Entertainers c) Florists d) Photographers e) Printers f) Registration Assistants g) Audio-Visual suppliers 7. Determine if you need any special licenses or permits to host your event. This could be anything from arranging fees and permission for using recorded music to arranging to have sections of a major street blocked off for traffic control. 8. Public Relations. How do you plan to publicize your event? Are you going to the local card shop to get pre-printed invitations? Or do you need to develop a promotional brochure to be mailed to thousands of potential attendees. Ask yourself if you are planning to notify the media. Is your event something that would be of interest to the general public? Or do you prefer for the event to remain private? Not all of these suggestions will apply to your event. Some will. Some will not. But by using these tips you can develop a check list of your own. Most importantly, be flexible. Realize from the start that not everything will go as planned. But in many cases, you will be the only one to know that. At almost every event, there comes a time when you can no longer control what happens. You've done all the planning, made all the preparations. The event will happen, one way or another. When you get to that point. Relax and enjoy your work.

It's the night before the big event, and you've got butterflies in your stomach. Are the tables set correctly? Are all guest speakers aware of their designated appearance times? Is the audio-visual equipment properly adjusted? Events, especially weddings, require imagination, patience and attention to detail. If you have a knack for planning and executing creative event details, then starting a small planning business may be right for you. Not only will you benefit from owning a small business, you can also take advantage of setting your own schedule and workload. Starting a small wedding and event planning business is rewarding, but in order to be successful, a string of proper steps should be carefully followed.

Before You Begin

• Step 1

  Create a small business plan that describes the details of your goals (type of business desired, location, budget and expected growth). Also, map out a solid list of rates and services. Research industry standards to ensure accuracy in your fees. Having a clear and coherent plan of action will point you in the right direction.
   

  • Step 2

    Obtain the proper small business licenses and wedding/event certifications. Joining professional organizations such as the Small Business Association and Service Corps of Retired Executives. Also, it would help to have business cards and brochures ready.

  • Step 3

    Build your wedding and event planning resume. The only way to gain and build on your client list is to work, work, work. Start out by volunteering your services for weddings and events. Be sure that you are a part of the planning process so that you are getting adequate experience in the field. Providing quality service, paid or unpaid, will get you noticed.

  • Step 4

    Network your way to the top. Attend bridal expos, job fairs and other popular area events to network with vendors. While attending these events, distribute business cards and pamphlets--anything that will spark interest from others in what you have to offer.

  • Step 5

    Make yourself marketable. Create a website, send out e-newsletters, and join lots of social networking sites. Nowadays, the Internet plays a large role in marketing. Use this to your advantage and to gain more customers. Also, look into posting your wedding services on popular websites such as Brides.com and Project Weddings.

  • Skill: Moderately Easy
  • Ingredients:
  • Certifications
  • State licenses
  • Client database
  • Document and form templates
  • Website
  • Business affiliations
  • Tip: Realize that gaining clientele and revenue takes time. Start out small and work your way up. If you are not financially able to make your small business a primary source of income, keep your full-time job and work on your business on the side. Patience and knowledge are both integral keys to having a successful small business.
  • Warning:
  • When starting a small business, please proceed with caution. Understand that tax liabilities and legal ramifications are involved with starting and operating a small business. Do as much research as possible, and have the necessary resources available to assist you with these matters.