General Chat

I am interested in setting up my own wedding planning business as i will probably never find anyone to be happy with i might as well make other people happy! lol If anyone has any bits of info i could put a portfolio together with i would be grateful even if its just tips and what to do, what not to do, what to have etc. Does anyone have any ideas? Please?

as they say theres always somebody out their for everybody.but there again some men are a bad lot so it might be worth stayin on your own.good for you for starting up in businessxxx(:

Hi Deb A couple of my friends and i thought about going into it seriously as there seems to be a shortage of them in our areas and there are 7 of us that cant seem to find anyone for ourselve so we thought about helping others be happy. So any ideas/info etc would be really helpful

Hi Donna I'm in north Kent, near bromley and there doesnt seem to be any decent wedding planners around. they're all very extravagent with their prices and some people cant afford those prices.

Caron Start off by visiting a few wedding fairs in your local area. This way you'll get to know what kind of local businesses there are that will specialise in wedding arangement. Take cards from everyone and any other bumf they have about what services they provide - this way you will get an idea of all the things you may be able to help sort out. they are good people to make friends with as you never know when they might have a stressed bride who they can pass your number on to. It may be worth you telling thm that your a planner and get a feeling as to whether there are a lot of people doing the same in your area - don't be disheartened if there are loads - it means there's a call for it where you are. Also familiarise yourself with local venues including churches, registry offices and places for civil ceremonies as well as reception venues so you become aware of how many people they hold, how far you need to book them etc. As well as offering a full planning service perhaps you can offer a bride-to-be starter box. This would include information and all the local businesses they might want to use (e.g. those you found at the wedding fairs) to save them the headache of trawling through the yellow pages. I have a friend who pays a bridal wear shop £50 a year to have her cards for decorations included in a similar box that is given to anyone who goes for a dress consultation. You'll also need to learn how to solve a brides last minute headaches: how DO you get tea stains out of handmade silk shoes without it showing? Whats the quickest way to repair a bridesmaids posy that the page boys have been playing football with? best of luck with it Zoe

Thank you everyone I still have a long way to go before anything gets off the ground ie financing etc but what you have suggested is very helpful. If you have anymore ideas my email is CaronMole at hot mail . com, feel free to email any ideas, pics etc that i could use.

Does anyone have any left over invites or stationary from their weddings that they no longer need/want to keep? If you do, email me and i'll give an address to post them to me? Thanks

Can anyone help at all?

can i recommed visiting website of www(.)the-wedding-you-want(.)co(.)uk and email Emma too see how she got into this

Thank you

Hi Caron, I organized my own wedding and was suprised when I came in under budget! I found wedding fairs very helpful and bought my headress at one in Olympia for just £30. I also found it was cheaper to have my bridesmaids and my dress made rather than shop bought. I drew pictures and cut them out of mags what I liked, took them to the dress maker, she made them up in calico then we went and bought the material. I bought stationery with no wording inside and typed all the inserts myself. I bought little boxes from craft shops and made them up myself, putting stickers on and raided Woolworths pick'n' mix for Love hearts to go in the boxes for wedding favours. Also working on recommendation is the best thing to do I found. It's a shame I saw this thread so late as I've just thrown away extra's of invitations and things and just kept one of everything in my keepsake box. Hope it all works out for you. I think it's the kind of job I'd love to have too. Naomi x

Its still very early days yet but any more information would be really helpful XX

PLease? any little bits of help? Or is no1 on here married? lol

did you get in contact with Emma at weddins u want

Can anyone please help?

Caron, you are welcome to have a link on my website which is http://www(.)weddingspastandpresent(.)co(.)uk - Good Luck in your new venture.

what should i not do whilst planning a wedding/party and what is a no no during same?

anyone at all?

please please? I have just got another friend interestred in the business with me and we do need a lot of tips to get started!

I've been looking at setting up my own party/events organising business and although am no nearer i have found some interesting things: yell.co.uk - you can get a free listing on the site with your company name, address and number google.com - one of the most popular search engines worldwide. You can be included in their searches for varying prices. Princes Trust - depending on your age the Princes Trust not only can offer interest free loans but also supply free legal, financial and marketing advice. As for weddings specifically... I think one of the most important things is getting yourself out there and meeting people involved in the industry. That means meeting vicars, caterers, djs, dressmakers etc. Explain what you want to do and ask for their help, whereas in the beginning they might be helping you when you're up and running you could be helping them! Good Luck! becx