Category: Party & Event Planning

How to Start a Profitable Home Business as a Party Planner

There are several opportunities to make money in the event planning business to include selling party supplies, renting equipment, and even decorating the venue.

If any of these ideas sound appealing to you, then keep reading to learn how you can start a successful home-based business as a party planner in five simple steps.

However, before getting started in this business you’ll definitely have to consider your current skills and qualifications.

A few skills that are required for success as an event planner include being able to multi-task, excellent communication skills and time management.

If you’re confident in your abilities to work under pressure and meet deadlines despite obstacles, then a career in event planning can be very fulfilling.

Below you’ll find additional steps required to help you jump-start your party planning business.

1. Gain experience by volunteering.

If you lack experience in party planning, you can build a portfolio pretty quickly by volunteering as an event planner for your local non-profit organizations and charities.

By volunteering, you’ll be able to really gauge your interest in pursuing event planning as a full-time gig plus you’ll receive invaluable hands-on experience that can really come in handy when organizing larger and more complex events later in your career.

2. Get certified.

Although formal education isn’t required to become an event planner, becoming certified will definitely give you an edge when competing against your competitors and marketing your services.

You can become a certified meeting professional through the Events Industry Council (EIC).

3. Create a business and marketing plan.

Before you begin to market your services, you’ll want to create a business plan on how you’ll want to operate.

Your business plan should included details on marketing, required tools and resources as well as the prices you’ll need to charge to reach your financial goals.

Having a clear cut plan detailing how to attract and keep clients is a wonderful start to any business, especially event planning.

4. Build a network.

Make it a goal to create a list of reliable contacts of individuals and companies that will supplement your business.

DJs, caterers, florists and photographers are just a few of the people that you should always have on call when planning events.

Go out of your way to introduce yourself to other event planners in your community as they can be a valuable source of opportunities especially if they have a full schedule and are unable to book events for themselves.

5. Get involved in your community.

If you want people to know that you’re in business, you have to be involved in your community.

Attend town hall meetings, fundraisers and school events and come prepared with marketing materials to hand out.

Seize every opportunity to introduce yourself and your services. You never know when someone may be in need of your help and being present may be all it takes to get your first client.

How to Start a Party Planning Business with Little to No Money

Come to terms with unavoidable party expenses

First, the reality: at minimum good party has entertainment, food and drinks, decor. All of these things cost money. You may also need capital to secure a venue and for certain small-business expenditures like insurance and licensure.

Write down every expense you can think of and put them in order of priority. This will help you streamline and strike out any “nice to haves” you can add in later, once you start making real money.

In the initial planning stages, your party-planning budget might be half-baked, but even projections or estimations are better than nothing.

Write down realistic revenue projections

Defining the value of your event means putting it into dollars and cents. Your revenue projections are your proofpoint that your party planning business will make money.

Will you be selling tickets? If so, how many do you think you can sell per event? Consider a pricing strategy that includes different types of tickets, such as early bird tickets, VIP tickets, and tickets to “after parties.” Using an event ticketing platform will give you easy access to your ticket revenue for each party you throw, and for your overall business.

Make sure you consider any other income streams your parties will bring in. For instance, will you be selling merchandise? Will there be a cash bar? Will you charge for food?

Make a pitch for initial funding

Once you know your numbers, you may realize you have tone down the level of Gatsby at your first party. Or — better idea — find investors to help you pay for it. These might include sponsors, partners, or your crazy rich aunt.

Regardless of who you are trying to convince, you’ll need some numbers to prove your idea — a comprehensive list of all your expenses, also known as a budget. Use facts and figures to convince investors that your first soirée has the chops to evolve into a full-fledged party planning business.

Invest the revenue you have wisely

Play it right and you may only need to raise funds for your very first party. Then, reinvest the revenue you make from that event, in growing your party planning business to stretch every dollar further.

Use your ticket revenue to:

• Pay vendor bills in a timely way: Your catering and floral art can make or break your party. Keep your relationships with vendors in good standing by paying them on time.
• Put money into your marketing: Let more people know about your parties, and you sell more tickets. Sell more tickets, and you have more money to put into your marketing. It’s a virtuous cycle.
• Lock in the next event: Competition for venues can be intense. Use your earnings to put a down payment on your dream venue for next year so you can start party planning early.

Unlock the true potential of your party planning business

Never let a lack of cash flow squelch your party planning dreams. Your initial financial planning will pay off as you scale up your business to celebrate with more and more guests.

Financing Your Party Planning Business

Starting a party planning business can be cost effective especially if you choose to run the business from your home, share office space with a friend or make use of virtual office. Securing a standard office is part of what will consume a large chunk of your start – up capital, but if you choose to start the business on a small scale with an office from your home, you may not have the need to go source for fund to finance the business because you can finance the business from your savings.

No doubt when it comes to financing a business, one of the first thing and perhaps the major factors that you should consider is to write a good business plan. If you have a good and workable business plan in place, you may not have to labor yourself too hard before convincing your bank, investors and your friends to invest in your business.

Here are some of the options you can explore when sourcing for start – up capital for your party planning business;

• Raising money from personal savings and sale of personal stocks and properties
• Raising money from investors and business partners
• Sell shares to interested investors
• Applying for Loan from your Bank / banks
• Pitching your business idea and applying for business grants and seed funding from donor organizations and angel investors
• Source for soft loans from your family members and your friends.

Choosing a Suitable Location for your Party Planning Company

Even though you can operate your party planning business from your home, it does not mean that a location has little influence on the success of this type of business. If you have taken your time to study the event planning cum party planning industry, you will realize that party planning companies are always located around busy business districts especially party planning companies that specializes in corporate parties and big time clients.

So, if you are looking for a location for your party planning company, ensure that it is a place that is located in the hub of business in your city, a place that is visible and easily accessible. Of course you would not want to locate this type of business in the outskirt of town. Your clients should be able to drive down and locate your office with little or no difficulty.

Having said that, these are some of the factors that you should consider before choosing a location for your party planning company;

• The demography of the location
• The nature of business activities in the location
• The purchasing / spending power of the residence of the location
• Accessibility of the location
• The numbers of event planning or party planning companies in the location
• The local laws and regulations in the community / state
• Traffic, parking and security et al

Marketing ideas and Strategies for a Party Planning Business

People and organizations will hire your services as a party planner to help them handle all their parties if they know that they are going to get value for their money which is why you should have done your proper homework and be ready to deliver excellent party events when contracted.

So, when you are drafting your marketing plans and strategies for your party planning company, make sure that you create a compelling personal and company’s profile. Aside from your qualifications and experience, it is important to clearly state in practical terms what you have been able to achieve in time past as it relates to helping people and corporate organizations handle their parties from the planning stage through to the execution of the party.

This will help boost your chances in the market place when sourcing for contracts from corporate organizations and government agencies. Please note that you when you bid for contracts from corporate organizations, you will be called upon to defend your proposal, which is why you must add presentation skills as part of your marketing skills.

Here are some of the platforms you can utilize to market your party planning company;

• Introduce your business by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to all the corporate organizations and businesses in the United States ( if you are just starting out as an independent event planning business, you may want to concentrate on individual clients)
• Promptness in bidding for party planning contracts
• Advertise your business in relevant entertainment magazines, local radio stations and TV stations (make yourself available for related talk shows and interactive sessions on TV and Radios)
• List your business on local directories / yellow pages (both online and offline)
• Attend relevant event planning expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets
• Leverage on the internet to promote your business (when you blog regularly on key issues as it relates to party and event planning, people will consider you an expert in the field and would want to do business with you)
• Join local chambers of commerce around you with the main aim of networking and marketing your services; you are likely going to get referrals from such networks.
• Engage the services of marketing executives and business developers to carry out direct marketing for you especially if you can afford it.

How to Interview Event Planners

Planning for Your Interview

As you plan ahead for an event planner job interview, review the events you’ve already planned, thinking of examples of times you’ve had to think on your feet to solve an unexpected problem, deal with difficult clients, or work with a restrictive budget. As well, think about times when an event you’ve organized has gone flawlessly.

These examples will all be helpful when answering interview questions and will give your interviewers stories to remember you by. Prepare for your interview by reviewing this list of frequently asked questions for event planners, and practice how you’d answer each question.

Here’s the thing about event coordinator interview questions…

Events administrator interview questions revolve around three main categories: your personality, your job related experience, and your overall event planning strategies or philosophies.

And don’t worry if you’re just starting out – most interviewers will take that into consideration. So if you come across a question about any situation you have yet to personally experience, just be honest and explain what you would do, if given the opportunity.

Most Common Event Planner Questions and Answers

Events administrator interview questions are a piece of cake once you’ve rehearsed your responses. Here are some standard questions along with suggested answers and advice to keep in your back pocket when preparing for the interview:

1. What personality traits, skills, and education do you think all event planners must have?

Answer: The most successful event planners tend to be highly flexible, organized, and easy to get along with. They also have great time, money, and people management skills. And although formal education isn’t necessarily required it’s always good to have a college degree and/or a certification or two under your belt when starting out.

2. Why do you want to plan events for our company?

Answer: Be thoughtful in your answer to this question. Besides a love of events, you’ll probably want to go over the company’s mission or value statement and find the points you resonate with the most.

3. What event software and tools do you like using? And why do you use them?

Answer: If you don’t already have some programs you actively work with, make sure you review a free planning event software or tools ahead of time and mention that you’d like to use them for upcoming projects.

4. How do you keep up with industry trends and news?

Answer: Event planning blogs (like this one) are a great resource for keeping up to date with it all. If you don’t already have some ready to go for this question, start by bookmarking the Social Tables blog for future reference. 

5. How do you manage event promotion, including social media outreach and email campaigns?

Answer: Just in case it’s been awhile, here’s a great guide to promoting events on social media you can use to brush up.

Work Hours

Because many social events occur outside of normal business hours, event planners are often expected to work during off-hours. You will likely be expected to work weekends and evenings. Additionally, events may be located in a variety of different locations, requiring you to travel substantial distances. As such, potential employers will want to ask you if you are anticipating these requirements. Below are a couple sample event planner question and answer that can help you address this issue.

• Are you available to work long hours?

“Because most events are on weekends and evenings, I anticipate that I will need to be available to work during odd hours. I also understand that some events can require extensive time to set up, run and clean up. While this can be demanding, I am passionate about the job and willing to be available.”

• Are you able to travel long distances?

“ I understand that many events may require travel, and I am willing to spend the time getting to a location because I want to make sure that clients are getting the event they want where they want it.”

Event planning can be substantially more difficult than you may think, and it is important that you portray your ability to meet the job’s demands. Ultimately, it is important to clearly show your strong organizational skills and overall flexibility.

What to Wear for a Special Events Coordinator Job Interview

Special events coordinators can wear conservative interview attire and still be considered qualified candidates for the job, but consider the industry you’re in before you settle on just a typical suit and tie or a skirt with a matching shell and cardigan. Regardless of whether your industry permits out-of-the-box ideas and appearances, don’t go overboard. Importantly, ensure your interview attire fits properly and that you feel comfortable and confident in whatever you choose to wear.

Traditional Interview Attire

Many career coaches strongly recommend that job candidates “dress for success,” which usually translates into “wear a suit,” for any interview. Advice such as “dress for the job you want, not the job you have,” suggests that traditional interview attire is a suit in a dark, neutral or muted tone. That said, traditional for men means a two-piece suit, white shirt, tie and wingtip shoes. For women, they can choose between a pantsuit or skirt suit, a blouse that’s not too frilly or low-cut, neutral hosiery and mid-heel pumps.

What Is a Special Events Coordinator?

Jobs for special events coordinators exist in practically any industry. They can work in the health care industry, professional services and consulting, retail and the fashion and beauty industry. The title is self-explanatory — they coordinate special events. A special events coordinator for a hospital might plan fundraisers or groundbreaking events for building a new wing. Those who work for certain retailers and companies in the fashion and beauty industry might plan fashion shows or welcome parties for designers, spokespersons or celebrities. What you wear to your interview to become a special events coordinator can depend on the industry.

Accessories

No matter what industry you’re in, keep your accessories to a minimum. That means leave the dangling, bling-bling earrings in your jewelry box, remove piercings and cover tattoos that might express controversial or inappropriate messages. You want the interviewer to focus on you and your skills, not wonder whether those earrings are so heavy that your ears hurt. Also, bring extra copies of your resume in a slim portfolio, as well as a notepad and pen. Don’t fumble around with a purse or coat — they can stay in the car. This way, you’ll look like you’re ready for business, instead of clumsily finding a place to lay your coat or handbag.

Event Coordinator Job Description :

We are searching for a talented and motivated Event Coordinator to organize outstanding and unforgettable events. You will be responsible for every part of event preparations, such as choosing venues, approving menus, developing seating plans, and evaluating success afterward.

As the Event Coordinator, you should be well-organized and possess a sound knowledge of vendor management. Excellent communication and attention to detail skills are vital in this role, as our success depends on meeting our client’s tailored requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Identify the client’s requirements and expectations for each event.
• Liaise with vendors, exhibitors, and stakeholders during the event planning process to ensure everything is in order.
• Manage all event set-up, tear down and follow-up processes.
• Maintain event budgets.
• Book venues, entertainers, photographers, and schedule speakers.
• Conduct final inspections on the day of the event to ensure everything adheres to the client’s standards.
• Assess an event’s overall success and submit findings.

If you have children, or have been around children for more than a few minutes you will know without a doubt that one of the favorite pastimes of children is jumping. Haven’t you had a lot fun, maybe even as an adult, jumping on a bed? It’s natural to JUMP. And that is what a bounce house is all about.

Bounce House Rental Prices

Renting a bounce house from a specialist rental company may be the solution to having the best party your children and you will ever have. Rentals are not as expensive as you might think, and when you consider the money you will save on trying to entertain children in some other way you will decide that the cost is well worth it.

For between $200 and $500 (depending on your region and the size of bouncer required) and you can have a trampoline or a theme castle or “water house of bounce” or an inflatable bounce house that is like a fire engine or a futuristic disco complete with lights that will provide hours and hours of fun. You will probably have to ask the children to leave long before they are willing to give up bouncing.

Owning a House of Bounce

There is also the option to find a bounce house for sale either online or at a large toy shop where bounce house inflatables are sold, such as a Toys R Us or even a Wal-Mart or other such department stores with children’s products. Inflatable bounce houses that are suitable for a party will measure at least 15 X 15 feet and are for outdoor parties, although there is a variety of bouncer that is small enough to fit inside the house and may only cost about $300.

Benefits of Bounce House Rentals

• 

A party rental company will know best which inflatable bouncers they have that will suit the ages of your children and the number of guests who will be simultaneously jumping on the inflatable bouncer or moon bounce or sliding down the inflatable slide. It is recommended that, if at all possible, you have a bouncer that is part house and also has inflatable slides. That way while children are waiting their turn to bounce they can slide and play.

Some of the companies that offer bounce house rental also have tent rental options and chair rentals to complete your outdoor party package. Some will have packaged deals for a tent, moonwalks, a complete party house, inflatable water slides and some ball bounce options that are fun because inflatable bounce houses and even inflatable castle and moonbounce trampolines can be more fun filled with balls.

For little girls there are some different options that include inflatable bounce houses that are designed in pink or lavender and take the shape of an inflatable castle that is more girl-friendly. Moonbounce houses or medieval castles are great for both boys and girls and there are many inflatable games and inflatable jumpers that are perfect for parties where there will be boys and girls mixed. Jumping is universal!

Inflatable rentals, moonwalk rentals and other such funny novelties such as dunk tanks and party jumpers, along with smaller bounce toys can make for a full day of fun with very little work on the part of the adults. An inflatable rental company will probably suggest some games and activities that can be played in the jump houses and moon bounce rentals so it is more than just jumping and bouncing.

Bounce House Rentals – How to Choose the Right One

This article will go over some of the things that should be considered before purchasing or renting a Inflatables for any event. Doing so will not only ensure that you get the best product but also provide you with the peace of mind that your equipment is safe.

Bounce House Matching Themes – Important for Birthdays

Bounce houses come in many sizes, shapes and designs nowadays. With so much variety and options, people now have the option of choosing one that best suits the occasion or the event theme. For example if the occasion is a birthday party, it would be best to choose a Inflatables that resembles a birthday cake or a fun house. If it’s a church cook out, a bounce house that resembles a big burger will fit perfectly. Try to match the bounce rental with the theme of the event.

Insured Bounce House Rentals – A Must Have

It is best to do a little research when searching for companies that provide Inflatables rentals. Make sure they are insured and licensed as well as their equipment. Such companies will stand by their product and services.

Cleaning Bounce House Rental Equipment -Safety First

All bounce house equipment must be properly sterilized Inflatables before and after use. Make sure that the equipment the Inflatables rental company provides you is in good condition and is thoroughly cleaned. Unsanitary equipment can lead to severe illness with children or whoever else that may come in contact with the infected equipment. If the Inflatables is not adequately sterilized when you receive it, simply return it and ask for a new one.

Rental Inflatables Material – Compliance with Standards

Ask the Inflatables provider about the quality of the moonwalk. In most states, the moonwalks have to be made from commercial quality plastic for safety. Ensure that is the case with your equipment otherwise search for another provider. When it comes to children, it’s best to be safe than sorry.

Bounce House Accommodation – Size Does Matter

A moonwalk has to be big enough to accommodate every child attending the event. Therefore size does matter. Over crowding the Inflatables can affect its durability and might damage it causing harm to anyone who is inside. Therefore consider the number of children and their age attending the event before you finalize a bounce house.