Event Planner
Plan birthdays, baby showers, small weddings under £15k
Plan birthdays, baby showers, small weddings under £15k.
As an event planner, your day-to-day work will involve liaising with clients to understand their vision, managing suppliers, and coordinating logistics. You'll create tailored proposals that reflect clients' budgets and preferences, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned. Communication is key, as you'll be negotiating contracts and timelines while keeping clients updated throughout the process. Expect a rewarding but demanding schedule, particularly in the lead-up to events, when you'll be onsite to oversee everything from setup to execution.
Now is an ideal time to start an event planning business due to the resurgence of social gatherings post-pandemic. People are eager to celebrate milestones, and many are opting for intimate events rather than larger gatherings. The rise of social media also means that beautifully curated events can quickly gain traction, providing organic marketing opportunities through shared experiences online. With budget-conscious clients preferring bespoke services, an affordable planner can fill this gap effectively.
A founder in this space should have a knack for organisation and creativity, as well as strong interpersonal skills for networking with suppliers and clients alike. Expect to invest around 15-20 hours a week initially to establish your brand and client base. Building relationships with local vendors is crucial, as is maintaining an online presence through social media and local platforms. This business can be run from home, keeping overhead low as you grow your portfolio.
In the first 12-24 months, you could see revenues ranging from £10,000 to £30,000 with a focused marketing approach and a strong portfolio. As you build your reputation and receive referrals, the potential for scaling is substantial. With the right strategies, you might even consider hiring additional planners or expanding your services into larger events or corporate functions.
- Operations
- Sales
10–15% of event budget
You can expect a gross margin of around 60% on services provided, depending on your efficiency and supplier agreements.
The UK's event industry is bouncing back as people are keen to celebrate life events after lockdowns. Demand for smaller, personalised gatherings like birthdays and baby showers is increasing, making this a prime time to enter the market.
Your typical customer is likely a busy parent or young couple seeking assistance to plan significant life events on a budget. They value creativity and personalisation but need someone to manage the details and logistics.
The UK events industry is valued at approximately £42 billion, with a growing trend towards smaller, more intimate celebrations. Statistically, around 70% of couples are opting for weddings under £15k, showcasing a strong market for affordable event planning services.
Revenue & pricing
You can charge 10-15% of the total event budget, allowing for flexible pricing based on the client's needs. This model ensures you earn a manageable fee while remaining attractive to clients looking for budget-friendly options.
- Basic Birthday Package: £300 for up to 20 guests, includes venue sourcing and decoration.
- Baby Shower Package: £500 for up to 30 guests, includes catering coordination and theme setup.
- Small Wedding Package: £1,200 for up to 50 guests, includes full planning, venue, and vendor management.
- Event Coordination Only: £200 for day-of management, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Costs
- Website domain and hosting100
- Marketing materials (business cards, flyers)100
- Initial supplier deposits150
- Insurance (public liability)100
- Online booking tool subscription50
- Website maintenance10
- Software subscriptions (e.g., Notion, Calendly)20
- Marketing (social media ads)50
- Insurance renewal10
First steps
- 1Build 3 lookbooks
- 2Pitch local FB groups
- 3Manage suppliers
Your first 90 days
- Create a simple website showcasing your services and lookbooks.
- Join local Facebook groups related to event planning and introduce your services.
- Build relationships with at least five local suppliers (caterers, florists, venues).
- Develop a social media presence on Instagram and Facebook to showcase your portfolio.
- Attend local networking events to meet potential clients and gather leads.
- Secure your first three clients and plan their events successfully.
- Gather testimonials and photos from completed events to enhance your portfolio.
- Launch a targeted social media marketing campaign to reach a wider audience.
- Collaborate with local influencers or parenting bloggers to promote your services.
- Review your pricing and service offerings based on client feedback.
How to get customers
Social Media
Use Instagram and Facebook to showcase past events and engage with potential clients.
Local Networking Events
Attend community events to build relationships and promote services.
Online Listings
Register on platforms like Bark or Yell to attract clients actively seeking services.
Word of Mouth
Encourage satisfied clients to refer friends and family for discounts on future services.
Tools you'll actually use
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tide (Business Banking) | Free | Easy to manage finances and track expenses. |
| Xero (Accounting Software) | £10/month | For invoicing and managing accounts. |
| Calendly (Booking Tool) | Free tier available | To simplify client scheduling. |
| Notion (Project Management) | Free | To effectively manage tasks and client projects. |
| Stripe (Payment Processing) | Free to set up, transaction fees apply | To accept card payments online securely. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating time for planning and coordination, leading to rushed events.
- Not building a diverse supplier network, limiting options for clients.
- Failing to manage client expectations, resulting in dissatisfaction.
- Neglecting to properly market services, leading to a lack of clients.
- Ignoring legal requirements such as contracts and insurance.
How to scale this
- 1Start solo by managing small events to build experience and portfolio.
- 2Introduce additional services like wedding coordination or corporate events.
- 3Hire assistants or subcontractors to manage multiple events simultaneously.
- 4Consider creating online courses or guides for aspiring planners as an additional revenue stream.
Risks & mitigations
Client cancellations leading to lost income
Implement a cancellation policy and take deposits upfront.
Supplier reliability issues
Build strong relationships and have backup options ready.
Negative reviews affecting reputation
Focus on excellent customer service and address complaints promptly.
Economic downturn impacting discretionary spending
Diversify services to include budget-friendly options.
UK legal & compliance
- Register as self-employed with HMRC to ensure tax compliance.
- Obtain public liability insurance to protect against potential claims.
- Ensure contracts with clients and suppliers are clear and legally binding.
- Comply with GDPR regulations when handling client data, ensuring privacy and security.
FAQ
How much should I charge for my services?
Typically, charge 10-15% of the total event budget based on your offerings.
What if my client cancels the event?
Have a clear cancellation policy in place that outlines fees for cancellations.
Do I need a licence to operate?
No specific licence is required, but ensure you comply with local regulations.
How can I find clients?
Utilise social media, local networking events, and online listings to attract clients.
What happens if an event goes wrong?
Have contingency plans in place, and always communicate with clients to manage expectations.
Written and maintained by
Business Pathfinder Editorial TeamEditorial research and publishing team
The Business Pathfinder Editorial Team researches and maintains practical guides for UK founders.
Guides are reviewed against relevant primary sources where practical. Financial, legal and tax content is general information, not personal advice.
Turn this idea into a useful next step
These practical playbooks help you validate demand, manage early commitments and make setup decisions before you spend heavily.
Validate a business idea before you spend heavily
A practical seven-day validation plan for UK founders: define a customer problem, test demand, price a small offer and decide what evidence you need next.
Build a practical path to your first 100 customers
A founder-first system for choosing a narrow audience, making an offer, creating a customer list and learning which acquisition channel earns a repeatable next step.
Ready to start this one?
Every business idea on this site needs two things from day one: a separate business bank account and a way to float expenses. Here are the two we recommend.
Tide Business Account
A digital business account with Free, Smart, Pro and Max plans; suitability and protection depend on account type.
Get £75 after spending £100 on the Tide card within 30 days. Get a further £125 by opening an eligible Tide Instant Saver, depositing £5,000 within seven days and maintaining the qualifying balance for 30 days. Eligibility and campaign terms apply.
- Free plan available with no monthly fee
- Up to £200 partner reward: £75 for £100 card spend plus £125 for an eligible Instant Saver balance held for 30 days
- Open and manage the account in the app
- Accounting integrations including Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent and Sage
- Expense categorisation and receipt capture
Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
A UK business credit card offering 1% uncapped cashback, subject to eligibility.
Worth £75. Awarded after your first card transaction within 30 days of sign-up, subject to approval, eligibility and campaign terms.
- 7,500 bonus reward points worth £75 after your first card transaction within 30 days
- 1% uncapped cashback on eligible spending
- No joining fee or annual fee
- Free additional employee cards
- Accounting integrations and spend notifications