If you've detail-oriented and creative, consider a career as a wedding planner. In Colorado, you can start a small business as a wedding planner relatively easily, but as with any business you must ensure you obtain all of the proper licenses and permits. Due to the consulting nature of the job, you are not limited to planning weddings only in the locality where your business is located. Your business license allows you to plan weddings throughout Colorado.
Instructions
1. Obtain some form of education in wedding or event planning, or create a resume listing prior experience you have in wedding planning. While it is not necessary to have any formal education to become a wedding planner, it will give potential clients more confidence in hiring you if you can show them some kind of credentials, such as a community college or community education class about organizing or event planning.
2. Decide what kind of business you want to open, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company as well as whether your business will be home-based or if you will rent an office. Consider whether you will feel comfortable inviting clients into your home; if there is a space in your home that can be dedicated solely to your business; and if you will have an atmosphere free of noise and distractions like children or pets to work in since you will spend a lot of time on the phone. Although it will cost you more, renting an office can lend credibility to your wedding planning business and provide a serene and professional place for you to perform consultations with clients.
3. Develop a business plan outlining your business information, along with considerations such as whether you will have employees; how you will advertise your business; what services you will offer and to what extent; and how much to charge clients.
4. Name your business, or use your own name with the title "Wedding Planner" if you are operating a sole proprietorship. If you are using a business or trade name, you must register it with the Secretary of State and file for a fictitious name certificate or DBA with your local county clerk.
5. Check with your county and city to determine if you need a business license or permit. For example, the city and county of Denver do not require a license to perform consulting work, such as wedding planning, but you must register with the Denver Treasury Division for tax purposes.
6. Register your business with the Colorado Department of Revenue and with the IRS if applicable. If you will have employees right away, you should also obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS. You are also required to obtain an unemployment insurance ID from the state of Colorado.
7. Advertise your business. Establish relationships with local event and banquet halls, florists, photographers/videographers, caterers and bakers and other wedding vendors. Tell them know about your new business. Ask vendors if they will work with you to offer discounts or share referrals.
