Thank you so much for your videos! I want to get into event styling and as much as I try to talk about it with my loved ones, they don't seem as positive & supportive about the whole idea. But your videos are so informative and inspirational that I feel much more confident about my decision! Thank you!
Hi Daisy, thank you so much for watching them! A lot of people don't understand the event planning (especially the styling portion) industry period. When I told everyone I was going to start doing spa parties for little girls, it sounded brilliant to me, but everyone else just looked at me like I was crazy! You're the only one who can truly see your vision and when you bring it to life they'll be singing a different tune. Best wishes with your business!!
Do you prefer package pricing or hourly rate for a new planner? Is it best to price packages as per your creativity and educational degrees or your area competition (what planners in my area charge)? Can you do a video on registering business, insurance, tax # and fees? I like your videos, easy to understand. Also what is a convenience fee, you mentioned in comments?
Hello , thank you so much . This video is very informative . I think terrible is when you don’t try , because you never know like you said . I get frustrated sometimes, I don’t know what I might be doing or saying wrong , for instance a client will meet with me , I know my prices are the cheapest , But the client charging twice as much is the chosen . When the pictures are shared I feel they could have gotten more for their money . Your personality is what wows clients . At least that’s the reason I watch your videos over an over. ❤️Thanks again
I'm so glad it helped! Yes you are exactly right. You have to try and keep trying, one day that no turns into a yes. I was the same way. I would get nervous most of the time and undercharge or overpromise a lot, but I learned from every mistake. You just have to keep working on your craft and improving your portfolio, like you said every client is a chance to showcase what you bring to the table! Thanks so much for watching! ❤
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to educate all of us. You are amazing!! I just started a party planning business as well. I also have a in home child care so most of my clients are my daycare clients and their friends and referrals. Also if you have a young child attending elementary school get to know the parents and staff, leave business cards as well (if you can) and the word will spread fast. I have learned so much from your video!! Again Thanks so much!! oh and what is your etsy store name??
Thank you Eryka for such a sweet comment!! Congratulations on starting your event planning business, that is a great way to branch off from being a child care provider. Smart move! You are sooo right about getting acquainted with the people whom you run across at your children's school and spreading the word in that space. Awesome tips to keep in mind, thank you for sharing! My etsy shop is called "The Makeover Mom Shop" and thank you so much for supporting the channel. God bless and best wishes with your businesses. Keep makin those boss moves!! 😊
The Makeover Mom Event planner i just dude my first wedding last saturday and i'm been currently been planning another wedding since feburary and the wedding is in october !
That's amazing! Any tips I can share with viewers about booking your first wedding? It's such a big task to take on for your first client, so congratulations girl! I couldn't even imagine just jumping right in to weddings from the beginning, I think I'd be too nervous to take one on so quickly. lol
Nice video. It was very informative. However when I hear you, you talk more about an event designer but I only want to do the planning part and find the vendors to design the event. Or did I understand it wrong ???
Just getting started planning for my business. I am so excited ,and love the tips you share. 1 question though is what if kids parties are not all you want to do? Any tips on expanding, say dinner parties, or fundraising?
Hi Kimberly, well if you are starting out doing kids parties, I would say the natural progression is to baby showers, quinceneras, sweet 16s, weddings, and so on. But really you are not confined to any one type of party ever. You may just be confined by your marketing, if you know what I mean. You should promote your business and market your services for whatever target client you wish to work with, so you may need to switch up the advertising a bit here and there. Maybe create an ad or flyer that's very kid-friendly, bright, and attracts children and mothers. Then create a second batch that look more formal and hand those out to brides and such. For fundraising and corporate events I think it's all about networking. You have to get out there and create those connections with businesses. Start small, check with your local church or school, maybe even offer to do one free of charge to get those photos for your portfolio and recommendations. :)
Hi!!! This is such good advice!! I'm thinking of starting but I'm super afraid people will think I'm too young. Is 22 too young? How old were you when you started?
Hi, thank you so much! They will, but you just have to show them that it doesn't matter. Run your business professionally and don't let people try to take advantage of you when it comes to money. Be firm in what you do and your prices. In the end they'll just be so impressed how young you are. People still ask me in disbelief, this is your company? I'm like, yep! I started at 23, if you want to go into this industry, the sooner the better! Good luck Paige!! :)
You should go for it! its never too early to start 22 is a great age. It Is also an awesome way to test your ability with people and broaden your horizons getting yourself ready and practicing for your successful future business. :)
Hey I would like to start an event bussiness and would like to know about supplies for example cake pop stands decorations likee that where are the best places to get that? Custom stuff for baby showers and how do you transport and take it home?
A lot of the items these days can be purchased on Amazon, but sometimes they can be a little pricey there for some reason. AliExpress.com is where people get a lot of the stands and things since it comes straight from China. Etsy has similar items handmade but they cost more usually. Etsy is best for custom digital items like chip bags, signs, invitations. Looking for a local planner getting rid of inventory is a good way to get started and avoid paying higher prices and shipping fees. As for transporting most people use their own car or rent a truck for the weekend, which should be included in what you charge your client. 💕
Hi, Thank you so much! No, in the US you do not to the best of my knowledge, but it's always best to check with your local city hall just in case they're any certifications or permits you may need to have. :)
GREAT information! Do you include the price of the supplies ( decor, linens etc) that will be used for the event in your fee? Or do you use what you've already purchased and invested in? Thanks!
Hi Andrea, thank you! Both. I include the price of the supplies in each party, but I still use what I have as well for the party if I can to save on expenses for that event. :)
hi my question is how/what did you write in your craigslist ad..i have one up but not sure i've written it the way it should be to book business..my price is low...i dont have any pictures so i used some stock photos in the ad but made sure they weren't the typical cliche and corny ones. i try to post regularly. i guess i'm also worried that posting everyday might come off to customers searching as a desperate business.
Hi Ashleigh, I did a mock photoshoot, using even some of the pictures shown in this video! I started my own website in addition to the Craigslist ads, to give myself credibility when the client looked over the ad. I created affordable, pre-priced (not starts and runs up pricing, but a specific price) and packages that were easy to look over. I spent a lot of time designing my free website which made my business look nicer than it really was at the time ;) I used some stock photos as well and yes, that's good. You're totally right to not pick the cliche ones, when it's obvious it turns clients off right away. Keep posting everyday, post as much as you can. You don't look desperate at all, it's advertising, the more you post the more you have a chance for people to find you! Maybe try running a few different ads, not the same exact one every time. Switch up the feature photo and use a different title. The problem may be your targeting the wrong people for your business or the pictures you are using don't represent them. What's your exact target market? Also, you clear, bright, visually pleasing photos that stand out against competitors! Poor pictures yields poor response and cheaper customers usually :( Once you post your ad, go back and search, see if it pops. If it doesn't even pop out to you, then it won't to the customer! God Bless!
Nope, it’s embedded in my package price. I don’t do as much custom for this reason so it helps keep expenses low, since we offer entertainment as well. It’s up to me to stay within the budget, so I recycle most of my supplies.
Hi Magaly, that is a great question! So, I require clients to make a deposit and the rest is paid in cash or by card upon arrival on the party date. It's crazy to think of it now, but my first two parties I didn't even take a deposit! I just sent the clients a simple "Agreement" made in Word, not even a pdf file. I showed up and they paid me at the end of the event. I learned quickly that it didn't make since for me to "book" a party and purchase things for it, without having any money upfront. I had that "aha" moment, like oooh that's why all those bigger businesses require a deposit to book services (like catering, wedding bands, venues, etc). So, I researched and found that PayPal.com allows you to send online invoices to people easily and straight to their email. That's what I use til this day to collect deposits and balances. So, what I do is I send one invoice for the deposit and on my booking form I ask if they want to pay the rest in cash or with card. If they say card then I send them a second invoice for the Remaining Balance. I also require them to pay the convenience fee, which I was taking on at first. Hope that answered your questions! Thanks for watching! :)
thanks for replying, do you have this information in your ebook? do you also have samples of the contracts or agreement you use on your ebook that we can use?
Hi Magaly, my business guide is created to help you start, organize, and brand your business, event planning or otherwise. I created it from an event planning perspective, so many of the examples do refer to that particular industry. So for example, my guide won't tell you an exact dollar amount of what you should charge for your event planning services. Rather it will guide you through the process of determining on your own what you should charge for your own particular business; as everyone has their own unique circumstances to take into consideration when determining this amount. It does not include contracts for you to use, but if you're interested in items like that I can upload something to my Etsy shop for you all soon. Are there any other materials you'd be interested in me creating?
Hi Key, I've never been asked that before! For me I am not comfortable with it at all, unless I already know the person and I would invite them to my home if they weren't a client. I think your home is a sacred and safe place. You never know what clients you might get, their true intentions, or their mental health. They might have a history of violence and there's no way for you to predict the future. Say you let a new client have a meeting at your home, everything is going well, and a conflict arises during the planning or after the event. What if the conflict is over money? If it's something that you feel comfortable with, then that's all that matters, but I personally and professionally wouldn't recommend it. Some client's may feel uncomfortable with it as well or worse feel that the "casual" meeting environment means that you can be bargained with or that your policies are negotiable.
I'm not sure exactly what you're asking. Do you mean do I recommend having your planning meetings in a hall with your clients? Or do I recommend using halls for events in general? I'm not personally a fan of halls (very generic), but there is a reason why people host parties at them because it's just easier to throw an event with the space and amenities a hall provides. If you don't like halls, then you can maybe show them a few other locations to choose from and try to sway their decision. Ultimately, wherever the client wants to throw their event is what you'll have to go with and work with. :)
iv been researching info on becoming a party planner, one thing im not sure, is if i serve food at the party or snacks, do i need a special food licence? also do you have to have insurance for your company/ parties? thanks ps love your videos
Hello, no the vendors you would be booking who serve the food are the ones required to have the license. You are just securing the vendors! I would always recommend that in any business you obtain insurance, but I know that most planners especially in the beginning stages do not. Thank you so much for watching!! Another one will be posted by tomorrow! :)
The Makeover Mom ok. thanks. I was just thinking of doing parties in homes or halls if thats what the parents prefer. i think illjust leave it that i provide most stuff just not the food , to be on the safe side. thanks .
usually yes, it really depends if its a publicly promoted event and if what city it is in. This can also depend if it is out door or indoor. Usually for a large event you will need a special occasions/event permit obviously changing from city to city or country to country. From experience you will definitely need to touch base with the city health department as the fines will not be worth it and your event could get shit down. Don't want your hard work to go to waste!
It wasn't very long because at the time I was concurrently advertising on Craigslist like every few days. I had tons of free ads on there. I picked a good niche that wasn't too over-saturated in my area by concentrating on children's events, and it didn't help that my prices were terribly low (I didn't know at the time though.) A lot of it depends on how saturated your market is for your niche, and how well your targeting your specific target market for that niche. Thanks so much for watching! ❤
Hi Victoria, I have access to the Fashion District where I buy linens from several different stores who sell in store only, but there are plenty of online companies you can Google that sell the same quality linens online. They usually are all of the same quality, it's just about finding the cheapest price that includes shipping. My rectangular 108 inch linens cost me under $10 each. :)
Hi Rubi, When I first started we were staying for like 3-4 hours to complete all of the services, since I was offering so many services in one package. (Like facials, nails, pedis, make-up, hair color all in one package!) BIG MISTAKE! The parties were just soooo long and it felt like forever for us ad just so much work. What I noticed quickly was that it also felt like forever to the kids. So, at about the 2 hour mark I'd notice that girls would start wandering off and we' d have to track them down and bring them back to get serviced. So, I changed what I call the "Party Service Time" and now every party I offer lasts up to 2 hours as needed. (2.5 hours for larger guest counts). It's the perfect amount of time to keep girls of a young age attention. Then we begin cleaning up and parents take the children and guests to do cake and gift opening. :)
You're so sweet! I always hope I'm giving you all enough information, without making the videos like an hour long. So, I'm glad they to hear they are helpful. I look forward to hearing when you and your sisters get started too! ;)
So I’m a full time dj 5 years now been making 50k plus but it has occurred to me that some people charge 50000 or more to do weddings and barmitzvahs etc.. I’m really looking to step it up to the next level. Any advice?
Hi Ricky! That’s awesome that you have been able to achieve full-time success in the event industry. 👏🏽 I think the people who are able to charge that kind of money comes down to a couple of things. 1. Connections and Network 2. Buzz and Popularity One of my biggest tips for vendors is to try and link up with some high-end luxury planners with too tier clients. If you can form a good relationship with these planners they tend to use the same trusted people over and over and the caliber of client allows you to charge more than you would for everyday folks who are looking for “reasonable” prices. Also, take in to consideration you don’t know who those DJs know. A lot of people have connections or relations to people that puts them in a higher bracket of clientele off the bat, like wealthy family members or a famous cousin… 2. Buzz buzz buzz. Make yourself the DJ everyone wants at their party. I’ve noticed that the vendors in all different areas (balloons, DJs, florals) that have some of the biggest followings are the people who can get a way with higher price points, etc. If you have noticed that those two particular event types “weddings and barmitzvahs” you’re able to charge more…maybe think about transitioning into only taking those types of events and really start marketing strong as a specialty wedding DJ. Become the go-to wedding Dj or go-to barmitzvah DJ in your area. If you have a couple of DJs that you know charge that much. I’d study them a bit. Is there something they offer that you don’t. Is it lights and different effects that you may have to start incorporating…etc. or is the promo on their IG…maybe their social media strategy is great and it draws those types of high paying clients in. Try not to compare yourself too much they were probably doing 50K at some point themselves. Trust the journey and keep improving your craft and marketing techniques. You got this 💪🏽
Congratulations Sarena! That's amazing. Baby showers are very fun to plan! Since this is your first event, you want to get organized so you don't get overwhelmed. I'd first create some sort of a "Project Plan" or "Party Plan" whatever you want to call it. List on it everything that needs to be planned by you for the party. That may be invitations and paper goods, decor, venue selection, food, beverages, cake, favors, music, dessert table. Also, make sure to include the really basic essential elements on the page: Date, Time, Location, Contact Info, Total Budget, Party Colors, etc. I like to make one for myself that is more detailed and create a similar questionnaire to send to the client. I'd email it to them asap and have them send it back to me so you have a clear idea of what the client is expecting. Also, ask the client to start a public or shared Pinterest Board, so you can see some visual ideas to go along with the questionnaire. Some planners will charge a consultation fee or deposit at this time, but it's up to you. I send a deposit invoice with an itemized quote. Once you have this information you can do a little research. (After awhile you'll already know these numbers pretty much off the top of your head, so you can probably start bypassing this step.) Look up some of the items the client requested and see if they will work for her total budget she gives you, make sure that it includes your payment as well. In the beginning, it's up to you whether you want to get "paid" or not. I never recommend working for free, but honestly I broke even on my first couple parties because I had to purchase some upfront items that I would use again and again for my business. If you're starting a custom party planning business you probably won't have this issue, so I would try to pay yourself if you can. Once you feel comfortable with what you can do, you can create a quote or budget breakdown and have a chat with your client and go over the plan with her and make any changes if necessary. Figure out what you'll be in charge of and what she will be in charge of and what she envisioned for her special day. Once you have gone over everything and are on the same page, request your deposit, have her sign a contract, and get to planning! Don't start purchasing or do any more work for the event until you receive both items. If you know this client very well, you know that you can be a little less formal, but it's still good practice to uphold your policies for future clients. If this is a client you don't know I'd try to be as professional as possible and make sure to cover all angles. Good with luck with your first event, it will all come together! If you start a business IG, let me know so I can see some of your pictures! :)
@@BashBesties When you state “budget,” you have packaged prices so what percent of your packaged price do you spend on needs (decoration, equipment) for the event? What would you consider is too much in your packaged price to spend on the client for needs?
I put my home address to get the verification card sent to me, then changed it to a random business address nearby because I didn't want my home address listed on Google. They do have an option to choose that you travel to clients, when setting up your business profile. I think they also have the option now to remove the address altogether from the public profile and only show the city you work out of. :)
It would all depend on what you’re offering and size of events you’re doing, also keeping in mind the pricing of similar businesses around you to stay competitive! What’s your niche?
Hi! Love your vids ! I am curious if you are a licensed Esthetician or Cosmetologist? I know they are just children, but I am just curious cuz I really stink at nails & hair Lolol😝😝-I have wanted to do this for sometime now . I live N Vegas & there was a shop that someone opened for exactly what you are doing & the location was in a very ritzy part of town. It was ( idk if still there) set up really nice inside but I never even heard about the place I just happen to see by a fluke. Unless they were charging a grand a kid I sure don’t know HOW they are paying for the overhead on that shop. Anyhow , after seeing that I just thought there was no way I could compete! Your vids are very Inspirational & every lil girl deserves to be pampered & doesn’t necessarily have to come from million dollar homes!! -BTW: I was wondering do you do the nails or do you hire manicurist ? I saw the pics of those girls & both had on matching pink outfits with bows. Do you supply those for the manicurist? - thank you & GOD BLESS you & yours🙏🙏😇😇
Hi Roxy, thank you so much! I am actually a licensed cosmetologist, so that's what lead me into the business. You definitely can do it! You just have to simplify the services, kids don't need all that anyways. Just a little hand soak, little massage, and some paint and glitter will make them feel like a princess. I'm not sure how much they charge in Vegas, it can definitely be hard to run a child centered storefront, since obviously kids are in school most of the week. They probably make most of their money on parties during the weekends like other similar businesses or on retail. You can definitely find your own niche in there, especially if it's under-saturated in your area, as many people love to have in home parties. There's low overhead fees, but you do have to work a little harder because you must travel and set-up. Also you can't take as many events unless you have multiple teams, but it's usually mostly profit on every party which is great! You're right and most people aren't from million dollar homes, I actually love when I get those children who aren't, because they're so amazed and appreciative that it really makes you feel good. Sometimes the richer client's children are so used to stuff like that, that it doesn't even excite them. I would have died for these types of events when I was little! Everyone on my team does nails, I don't as much unless I have to because I like to take lots of photos, but in the beginning I did and still will if need be. Those outfits were scrubs I bought and told them to put bows in their hair. It was a cute look but not so practical, because they kept running out of the same scrub and they were kind of uncomfortable. Plus, I noticed in some richer homes people kept treating us like we were the help, and I think it was the uniforms lol I definitely recommend choosing uniforms wisely! Yes, I supply all uniforms, but for the past year or so to keep it easy for the girls that work with me, I've just been making them wear all black. I've been meaning to get new branded shirts for like the past 2 years. Still on my to do list.. God Bless you as well and best wishes for your business!!
I have watched so many of your videos they are so helpful. I want to become a party planner but I live in a small town I wouldn’t be traveling. I want to rent my own venue and have the parties there. We don’t have many places to choose from to have parties around here I could really use some Advice if you could please message me on facebook or give me an email I would greatly Appreciate it. Dottie Michelle ratliff
If you're interested I'm going to be splitting my channels up in the coming months. I am starting a new one that is purely for Event Planning topics, so first I'm trying to get as many of my EP viewers over there so I can start putting up content. If you could subscribe to that channel if you're interested in seeing more EP related topics I would love to have you!! Here's the link: ua-cam.com/channels/XSZDDiw2XLAjaTa0nZnHhg.html Thanks so much! xo ❤️
![5 Things that SUCK about being an Event Planner!! [Business]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZoeG31pHyLk/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you so much for your videos! I want to get into event styling and as much as I try to talk about it with my loved ones, they don't seem as positive & supportive about the whole idea. But your videos are so informative and inspirational that I feel much more confident about my decision! Thank you!
Hi Daisy, thank you so much for watching them! A lot of people don't understand the event planning (especially the styling portion) industry period. When I told everyone I was going to start doing spa parties for little girls, it sounded brilliant to me, but everyone else just looked at me like I was crazy! You're the only one who can truly see your vision and when you bring it to life they'll be singing a different tune. Best wishes with your business!!
You are such a blessing. Children's parties is what I wanted to do.
Thank you Andrea, I wish you all the best in your business endeavors!
Do you prefer package pricing or hourly rate for a new planner?
Is it best to price packages as per your creativity and educational degrees or your area competition (what planners in my area charge)?
Can you do a video on registering business, insurance, tax # and fees?
I like your videos, easy to understand. Also what is a convenience fee, you mentioned in comments?
your vidoes have honestly ben a god send! Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for watching, glad to hear they are helpful! 🙏🏼
Hello , thank you so much . This video is very informative . I think terrible is when you don’t try , because you never know like you said . I get frustrated sometimes, I don’t know what I might be doing or saying wrong , for instance a client will meet with me , I know my prices are the cheapest , But the client charging twice as much is the chosen . When the pictures are shared I feel they could have gotten more for their money . Your personality is what wows clients . At least that’s the reason I watch your videos over an over. ❤️Thanks again
I'm so glad it helped! Yes you are exactly right. You have to try and keep trying, one day that no turns into a yes. I was the same way. I would get nervous most of the time and undercharge or overpromise a lot, but I learned from every mistake. You just have to keep working on your craft and improving your portfolio, like you said every client is a chance to showcase what you bring to the table! Thanks so much for watching! ❤
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to educate all of us. You are amazing!! I just started a party planning business as well. I also have a in home child care so most of my clients are my daycare clients and their friends and referrals. Also if you have a young child attending elementary school get to know the parents and staff, leave business cards as well (if you can) and the word will spread fast. I have learned so much from your video!! Again Thanks so much!! oh and what is your etsy store name??
Thank you Eryka for such a sweet comment!! Congratulations on starting your event planning business, that is a great way to branch off from being a child care provider. Smart move! You are sooo right about getting acquainted with the people whom you run across at your children's school and spreading the word in that space. Awesome tips to keep in mind, thank you for sharing! My etsy shop is called "The Makeover Mom Shop" and thank you so much for supporting the channel. God bless and best wishes with your businesses. Keep makin those boss moves!! 😊
Thanks for all the advice.
Thanks for watching! 💖
thank you so much!
i can't wait i'll be starting my business soon, this was so helpful
Hi Casandra, thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! What type of business are you starting?
The Makeover Mom
Event planner i just dude my first wedding last saturday and i'm been currently been planning another wedding since feburary and the wedding is in october !
That's amazing! Any tips I can share with viewers about booking your first wedding? It's such a big task to take on for your first client, so congratulations girl! I couldn't even imagine just jumping right in to weddings from the beginning, I think I'd be too nervous to take one on so quickly. lol
Thanks u so much for making me to understand ,I'm trying to become an event planner..i lean so much from u...
Nice video. It was very informative. However when I hear you, you talk more about an event designer but I only want to do the planning part and find the vendors to design the event. Or did I understand it wrong ???
This is a great video! Thanks 🙂
Thank you Hayley, I really appreciate you watching!
Thank you so much for making this! I love the photos and such helpful inspirational information! 💜💜💜
Hi Jasmine, I'm glad the pictures helped. I"m trying to insert more, so you guys can see exactly what I'm trying to explain. Thanks for watching! :)
Thank u so much its a good info for me
Of course!
Just getting started planning for my business. I am so excited ,and love the tips you share. 1 question though is what if kids parties are not all you want to do? Any tips on expanding, say dinner parties, or fundraising?
Hi Kimberly, well if you are starting out doing kids parties, I would say the natural progression is to baby showers, quinceneras, sweet 16s, weddings, and so on. But really you are not confined to any one type of party ever. You may just be confined by your marketing, if you know what I mean. You should promote your business and market your services for whatever target client you wish to work with, so you may need to switch up the advertising a bit here and there.
Maybe create an ad or flyer that's very kid-friendly, bright, and attracts children and mothers. Then create a second batch that look more formal and hand those out to brides and such. For fundraising and corporate events I think it's all about networking. You have to get out there and create those connections with businesses. Start small, check with your local church or school, maybe even offer to do one free of charge to get those photos for your portfolio and recommendations. :)
Very good advice thanks
You welcome Margaret, thanks for watching! :)
Hi!!! This is such good advice!! I'm thinking of starting but I'm super afraid people will think I'm too young. Is 22 too young? How old were you when you started?
Hi, thank you so much! They will, but you just have to show them that it doesn't matter. Run your business professionally and don't let people try to take advantage of you when it comes to money. Be firm in what you do and your prices. In the end they'll just be so impressed how young you are. People still ask me in disbelief, this is your company? I'm like, yep! I started at 23, if you want to go into this industry, the sooner the better! Good luck Paige!! :)
You should go for it! its never too early to start 22 is a great age. It Is also an awesome way to test your ability with people and broaden your horizons getting yourself ready and practicing for your successful future business. :)
I'm 20 from Jamaica and I own Event Elements Jamaica. You're not young if you're able to do the work.
Hey I would like to start an event bussiness and would like to know about supplies for example cake pop stands decorations likee that where are the best places to get that? Custom stuff for baby showers and how do you transport and take it home?
A lot of the items these days can be purchased on Amazon, but sometimes they can be a little pricey there for some reason. AliExpress.com is where people get a lot of the stands and things since it comes straight from China. Etsy has similar items handmade but they cost more usually. Etsy is best for custom digital items like chip bags, signs, invitations. Looking for a local planner getting rid of inventory is a good way to get started and avoid paying higher prices and shipping fees. As for transporting most people use their own car or rent a truck for the weekend, which should be included in what you charge your client. 💕
Thanks for the tips!
Of course, thanks for watching!! ❤
do you have to go to school before you start in event planing? i love your vids
Hi, Thank you so much! No, in the US you do not to the best of my knowledge, but it's always best to check with your local city hall just in case they're any certifications or permits you may need to have. :)
depending on where you want to work but no you can teach yourself as well!
GREAT information! Do you include the price of the supplies ( decor, linens etc) that will be used for the event in your fee? Or do you use what you've already purchased and invested in? Thanks!
Hi Andrea, thank you! Both. I include the price of the supplies in each party, but I still use what I have as well for the party if I can to save on expenses for that event. :)
Hello... great video. Do you have an LLC? Did you have one when you first started ? & Do you have to have one to be on Yelp?
Thanks for the info
You're welcome! :)
hi my question is how/what did you write in your craigslist ad..i have one up but not sure i've written it the way it should be to book business..my price is low...i dont have any pictures so i used some stock photos in the ad but made sure they weren't the typical cliche and corny ones. i try to post regularly. i guess i'm also worried that posting everyday might come off to customers searching as a desperate business.
Hi Ashleigh,
I did a mock photoshoot, using even some of the pictures shown in this video! I started my own website in addition to the Craigslist ads, to give myself credibility when the client looked over the ad. I created affordable, pre-priced (not starts and runs up pricing, but a specific price) and packages that were easy to look over. I spent a lot of time designing my free website which made my business look nicer than it really was at the time ;) I used some stock photos as well and yes, that's good. You're totally right to not pick the cliche ones, when it's obvious it turns clients off right away. Keep posting everyday, post as much as you can. You don't look desperate at all, it's advertising, the more you post the more you have a chance for people to find you! Maybe try running a few different ads, not the same exact one every time. Switch up the feature photo and use a different title. The problem may be your targeting the wrong people for your business or the pictures you are using don't represent them. What's your exact target market?
Also, you clear, bright, visually pleasing photos that stand out against competitors! Poor pictures yields poor response and cheaper customers usually :( Once you post your ad, go back and search, see if it pops. If it doesn't even pop out to you, then it won't to the customer!
God Bless!
thank you very much!
What steps did you take to start a website? Do you pay a lot for website maintenance.
Thank you so much for all the advices ❤️
Did you charge the clients for the expenses for the supplies on top of your package price?
Nope, it’s embedded in my package price. I don’t do as much custom for this reason so it helps keep expenses low, since we offer entertainment as well. It’s up to me to stay within the budget, so I recycle most of my supplies.
thank you for your videos and your time ") how would they pay you? cash? the same day? or would you charge their cards? if so how?
Hi Magaly, that is a great question! So, I require clients to make a deposit and the rest is paid in cash or by card upon arrival on the party date. It's crazy to think of it now, but my first two parties I didn't even take a deposit! I just sent the clients a simple "Agreement" made in Word, not even a pdf file. I showed up and they paid me at the end of the event. I learned quickly that it didn't make since for me to "book" a party and purchase things for it, without having any money upfront. I had that "aha" moment, like oooh that's why all those bigger businesses require a deposit to book services (like catering, wedding bands, venues, etc). So, I researched and found that PayPal.com allows you to send online invoices to people easily and straight to their email. That's what I use til this day to collect deposits and balances. So, what I do is I send one invoice for the deposit and on my booking form I ask if they want to pay the rest in cash or with card. If they say card then I send them a second invoice for the Remaining Balance. I also require them to pay the convenience fee, which I was taking on at first. Hope that answered your questions! Thanks for watching! :)
thanks for replying, do you have this information in your ebook? do you also have samples of the contracts or agreement you use on your ebook that we can use?
Hi Magaly, my business guide is created to help you start, organize, and brand your business, event planning or otherwise. I created it from an event planning perspective, so many of the examples do refer to that particular industry. So for example, my guide won't tell you an exact dollar amount of what you should charge for your event planning services. Rather it will guide you through the process of determining on your own what you should charge for your own particular business; as everyone has their own unique circumstances to take into consideration when determining this amount. It does not include contracts for you to use, but if you're interested in items like that I can upload something to my Etsy shop for you all soon. Are there any other materials you'd be interested in me creating?
Hello, what did u use to hang the curtains on.
Hello, I always use a portable backdrop stand for my events, it can all fit down into one bag. This is the brand I use! amzn.to/2NFytRn
Hi hun with doing event planning, how do you feel comfortable with clients being in your home?
Hi Key, I've never been asked that before! For me I am not comfortable with it at all, unless I already know the person and I would invite them to my home if they weren't a client. I think your home is a sacred and safe place. You never know what clients you might get, their true intentions, or their mental health. They might have a history of violence and there's no way for you to predict the future. Say you let a new client have a meeting at your home, everything is going well, and a conflict arises during the planning or after the event. What if the conflict is over money? If it's something that you feel comfortable with, then that's all that matters, but I personally and professionally wouldn't recommend it. Some client's may feel uncomfortable with it as well or worse feel that the "casual" meeting environment means that you can be bargained with or that your policies are negotiable.
The Makeover Mom yes! I highly agree with everything! So you would recommend doing your event planning events in a hall? Renting it out?
I'm not sure exactly what you're asking. Do you mean do I recommend having your planning meetings in a hall with your clients? Or do I recommend using halls for events in general?
I'm not personally a fan of halls (very generic), but there is a reason why people host parties at them because it's just easier to throw an event with the space and amenities a hall provides. If you don't like halls, then you can maybe show them a few other locations to choose from and try to sway their decision. Ultimately, wherever the client wants to throw their event is what you'll have to go with and work with. :)
iv been researching info on becoming a party planner, one thing im not sure, is if i serve food at the party or snacks, do i need a special food licence? also do you have to have insurance for your company/ parties? thanks ps love your videos
Hello, no the vendors you would be booking who serve the food are the ones required to have the license. You are just securing the vendors! I would always recommend that in any business you obtain insurance, but I know that most planners especially in the beginning stages do not. Thank you so much for watching!! Another one will be posted by tomorrow! :)
The Makeover Mom ok. thanks. I was just thinking of doing parties in homes or halls if thats what the parents prefer. i think illjust leave it that i provide most stuff just not the food , to be on the safe side. thanks .
usually yes, it really depends if its a publicly promoted event and if what city it is in. This can also depend if it is out door or indoor. Usually for a large event you will need a special occasions/event permit obviously changing from city to city or country to country. From experience you will definitely need to touch base with the city health department as the fines will not be worth it and your event could get shit down. Don't want your hard work to go to waste!
How long was your website up and running before you were able to book your first client?
It wasn't very long because at the time I was concurrently advertising on Craigslist like every few days. I had tons of free ads on there. I picked a good niche that wasn't too over-saturated in my area by concentrating on children's events, and it didn't help that my prices were terribly low (I didn't know at the time though.) A lot of it depends on how saturated your market is for your niche, and how well your targeting your specific target market for that niche. Thanks so much for watching! ❤
Can I ask where you purchase the kids robes from?
Here is the link to the kids robes: amzn.to/2rNwyEE. They come in all different colors! :)
Where do you purchase your linens?!
Hi Victoria, I have access to the Fashion District where I buy linens from several different stores who sell in store only, but there are plenty of online companies you can Google that sell the same quality linens online. They usually are all of the same quality, it's just about finding the cheapest price that includes shipping. My rectangular 108 inch linens cost me under $10 each. :)
thank you for the great tips. Question: how long do you stay at the party?
Hi Rubi,
When I first started we were staying for like 3-4 hours to complete all of the services, since I was offering so many services in one package. (Like facials, nails, pedis, make-up, hair color all in one package!) BIG MISTAKE! The parties were just soooo long and it felt like forever for us ad just so much work. What I noticed quickly was that it also felt like forever to the kids. So, at about the 2 hour mark I'd notice that girls would start wandering off and we' d have to track them down and bring them back to get serviced. So, I changed what I call the "Party Service Time" and now every party I offer lasts up to 2 hours as needed. (2.5 hours for larger guest counts). It's the perfect amount of time to keep girls of a young age attention. Then we begin cleaning up and parents take the children and guests to do cake and gift opening. :)
thanks for replying :) I'm anxiously waiting for you to upload more videos lol I enjoy your tips. thanks again :)
You're so sweet! I always hope I'm giving you all enough information, without making the videos like an hour long. So, I'm glad they to hear they are helpful. I look forward to hearing when you and your sisters get started too! ;)
So I’m a full time dj 5 years now been making 50k plus but it has occurred to me that some people charge 50000 or more to do weddings and barmitzvahs etc.. I’m really looking to step it up to the next level. Any advice?
Hi Ricky! That’s awesome that you have been able to achieve full-time success in the event industry. 👏🏽
I think the people who are able to charge that kind of money comes down to a couple of things.
1. Connections and Network
2. Buzz and Popularity
One of my biggest tips for vendors is to try and link up with some high-end luxury planners with too tier clients. If you can form a good relationship with these planners they tend to use the same trusted people over and over and the caliber of client allows you to charge more than you would for everyday folks who are looking for “reasonable” prices. Also, take in to consideration you don’t know who those DJs know. A lot of people have connections or relations to people that puts them in a higher bracket of clientele off the bat, like wealthy family members or a famous cousin…
2. Buzz buzz buzz. Make yourself the DJ everyone wants at their party. I’ve noticed that the vendors in all different areas (balloons, DJs, florals) that have some of the biggest followings are the people who can get a way with higher price points, etc.
If you have noticed that those two particular event types “weddings and barmitzvahs” you’re able to charge more…maybe think about transitioning into only taking those types of events and really start marketing strong as a specialty wedding DJ. Become the go-to wedding Dj or go-to barmitzvah DJ in your area.
If you have a couple of DJs that you know charge that much. I’d study them a bit. Is there something they offer that you don’t. Is it lights and different effects that you may have to start incorporating…etc. or is the promo on their IG…maybe their social media strategy is great and it draws those types of high paying clients in.
Try not to compare yourself too much they were probably doing 50K at some point themselves. Trust the journey and keep improving your craft and marketing techniques. You got this 💪🏽
@@BashBesties thank you so much for the advice I’m definitely going to be making those connections here in Houston. Bless you 🙏🏼
Hey I got my first client. I'll be the event planner for a baby shower in early July. I'm not even sure where to start.
Congratulations Sarena! That's amazing. Baby showers are very fun to plan!
Since this is your first event, you want to get organized so you don't get overwhelmed. I'd first create some sort of a "Project Plan" or "Party Plan" whatever you want to call it. List on it everything that needs to be planned by you for the party. That may be invitations and paper goods, decor, venue selection, food, beverages, cake, favors, music, dessert table. Also, make sure to include the really basic essential elements on the page: Date, Time, Location, Contact Info, Total Budget, Party Colors, etc. I like to make one for myself that is more detailed and create a similar questionnaire to send to the client. I'd email it to them asap and have them send it back to me so you have a clear idea of what the client is expecting. Also, ask the client to start a public or shared Pinterest Board, so you can see some visual ideas to go along with the questionnaire. Some planners will charge a consultation fee or deposit at this time, but it's up to you. I send a deposit invoice with an itemized quote.
Once you have this information you can do a little research. (After awhile you'll already know these numbers pretty much off the top of your head, so you can probably start bypassing this step.) Look up some of the items the client requested and see if they will work for her total budget she gives you, make sure that it includes your payment as well. In the beginning, it's up to you whether you want to get "paid" or not. I never recommend working for free, but honestly I broke even on my first couple parties because I had to purchase some upfront items that I would use again and again for my business. If you're starting a custom party planning business you probably won't have this issue, so I would try to pay yourself if you can.
Once you feel comfortable with what you can do, you can create a quote or budget breakdown and have a chat with your client and go over the plan with her and make any changes if necessary. Figure out what you'll be in charge of and what she will be in charge of and what she envisioned for her special day. Once you have gone over everything and are on the same page, request your deposit, have her sign a contract, and get to planning! Don't start purchasing or do any more work for the event until you receive both items.
If you know this client very well, you know that you can be a little less formal, but it's still good practice to uphold your policies for future clients. If this is a client you don't know I'd try to be as professional as possible and make sure to cover all angles.
Good with luck with your first event, it will all come together! If you start a business IG, let me know so I can see some of your pictures! :)
that's amazing! curious where you are at now one year later?
@@BashBesties When you state “budget,” you have packaged prices so what percent of your packaged price do you spend on needs (decoration, equipment) for the event? What would you consider is too much in your packaged price to spend on the client for needs?
Hi when you signed up for Google did you put your home address or do you have a office that you work from
I noticed that when trying to sign up you have to have a address but I didn't know if I should put my home address because I am traveling
I put my home address to get the verification card sent to me, then changed it to a random business address nearby because I didn't want my home address listed on Google. They do have an option to choose that you travel to clients, when setting up your business profile. I think they also have the option now to remove the address altogether from the public profile and only show the city you work out of. :)
Thank you sooooo much this is helpful
So what is the ideal price for someone who is just starting out? If I do quality work and pay good money for supplies etc.
It would all depend on what you’re offering and size of events you’re doing, also keeping in mind the pricing of similar businesses around you to stay competitive! What’s your niche?
Hi! Love your vids ! I am curious if you are a licensed Esthetician or Cosmetologist? I know they are just children, but I am just curious cuz I really stink at nails & hair Lolol😝😝-I have wanted to do this for sometime now . I live N Vegas & there was a shop that someone opened for exactly what you are doing & the location was in a very ritzy part of town. It was ( idk if still there) set up really nice inside but I never even heard about the place I just happen to see by a fluke. Unless they were charging a grand a kid I sure don’t know HOW they are paying for the overhead on that shop. Anyhow , after seeing that I just thought there was no way I could compete! Your vids are very Inspirational & every lil girl deserves to be pampered & doesn’t necessarily have to come from million dollar homes!! -BTW: I was wondering do you do the nails or do you hire manicurist ? I saw the pics of those girls & both had on matching pink outfits with bows. Do you supply those for the manicurist? - thank you & GOD BLESS you & yours🙏🙏😇😇
Hi Roxy, thank you so much! I am actually a licensed cosmetologist, so that's what lead me into the business. You definitely can do it! You just have to simplify the services, kids don't need all that anyways. Just a little hand soak, little massage, and some paint and glitter will make them feel like a princess. I'm not sure how much they charge in Vegas, it can definitely be hard to run a child centered storefront, since obviously kids are in school most of the week. They probably make most of their money on parties during the weekends like other similar businesses or on retail. You can definitely find your own niche in there, especially if it's under-saturated in your area, as many people love to have in home parties. There's low overhead fees, but you do have to work a little harder because you must travel and set-up. Also you can't take as many events unless you have multiple teams, but it's usually mostly profit on every party which is great! You're right and most people aren't from million dollar homes, I actually love when I get those children who aren't, because they're so amazed and appreciative that it really makes you feel good. Sometimes the richer client's children are so used to stuff like that, that it doesn't even excite them. I would have died for these types of events when I was little!
Everyone on my team does nails, I don't as much unless I have to because I like to take lots of photos, but in the beginning I did and still will if need be. Those outfits were scrubs I bought and told them to put bows in their hair. It was a cute look but not so practical, because they kept running out of the same scrub and they were kind of uncomfortable. Plus, I noticed in some richer homes people kept treating us like we were the help, and I think it was the uniforms lol I definitely recommend choosing uniforms wisely! Yes, I supply all uniforms, but for the past year or so to keep it easy for the girls that work with me, I've just been making them wear all black. I've been meaning to get new branded shirts for like the past 2 years. Still on my to do list.. God Bless you as well and best wishes for your business!!
What is your website?
themakeovermom.com :)
I have watched so many of your videos they are so helpful. I want to become a party planner but I live in a small town I wouldn’t be traveling. I want to rent my own venue and have the parties there. We don’t have many places to choose from to have parties around here I could really use some
Advice if you could please message me on facebook or give me an email I would greatly Appreciate it. Dottie Michelle ratliff
Did you hire manicurist?
Hello, no I do not, because of timing we don't do full manicures. Just paint or soak and paint. :)
If you're interested I'm going to be splitting my channels up in the coming months. I am starting a new one that is purely for Event Planning topics, so first I'm trying to get as many of my EP viewers over there so I can start putting up content. If you could subscribe to that channel if you're interested in seeing more EP related topics I would love to have you!! Here's the link: ua-cam.com/channels/XSZDDiw2XLAjaTa0nZnHhg.html Thanks so much! xo ❤️
What’s your website?