EVENT PLANNING
By
 Patricia Cobe and Ellen Parlapiano
Authors of Mompreneurs® and Mompreneurs® Online
Founders, MompreneursOnline.com

What you'll do: Plan parties and events that may range in scope from a two-year-old's birthday party complete with "live" cartoon characters in costume to an outdoor wedding to a gala corporate Christmas party. You can choose a specialty or be a "jack of all trades." Some party planners are hired to take care of all the details: creating and sending out the invitations, hanging decorations, finding the caterer, choosing the entertainment, selecting party favors, arranging for a photographer and so on.

Skills you'll need: You must be very well organized and detail-oriented to succeed in this field. You'll have long to-do lists filled with tasks that must be completed on time and within budget. Meetings and phone calls with clients before an event can seem endless as you iron out all the details.

Equipment you'll need: Computer, printer, fax and cell phone and a car, van or SUV to carry decorations and props to party locations. You'll also need a portfolio containing party photos, sample invitations and menus to show potential clients as well as business cards. Subscriptions to several lifestyle magazines will give you ideas and inspiration. Some event planners tote their own ladder and tools too.

Start-up costs: If you already own a computer and other hardware, $500 to $1,000 will cover the expense of a business license, marketing materials (flyers, cards, advertising) and a small stash of basic party supplies (a wholesale ID number will allow you to buy those at cost; see resources that follow).

Potential income: For corporate events, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, large family reunions, fundraisers and the like, many planners charge 10 percent of the cost of the total party. For small birthday or anniversary parties, it's customary to charge per person attending, ranging from $10 to $40 a head and depending on how much you're required to do. Some planners work out hourly fee arrangements with clients, starting at $20 an hour and up.

How to break in: Word of mouth is the best marketing tool. But until that gets going, make up flyers and post them on bulletin boards all over town -- in supermarkets, stores and community centers. Hand out business cards to everyone. Submit an ad or blurb about your business to newsletters published by local churches, merchants' or neighborhood associations, garden clubs and schools. Volunteer your party planning services to your accountant, town councilman, local florist, radio DJ or any other potential customers or vendors; in return, you'll get great exposure. And don't be afraid to try corporations and businesses in your area; those gigs can be very lucrative.

Other resources

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