Starting a Wedding Planning business...crazy?

[brandynd]

So I've been thinking a great deal about what to do with the remainder of my life....I had always figured grad school would be the next step for me. Idk though, after singlehandedly planning my own wedding, and then taking on the wedding of a friend of mine, a former soririty sister and my cousin and his fiance I think I've decided that this is something I have a passion for. I've picked up on how to negotiate with vendors, and how to weed out the good ones from the bad, as well as planning 4 weddings that were on very, VERY different budgets.

I've been thinking about starting a small business and getting into the wedding industry. I'm just not sure if this is a wise business decision. I mean, I live in Omaha, so it isn't like there's a huge market for this, but DH is looking into transferring to Chicago for work.

Just wondering if anybody else has any experience in this field, and if this is an idea that could actually come to fruition without me having to live on ramen noodles in a studio apartment. Any thoughts?

[~*Lisa*~]

I say go for it! If it's what you really want to do, then you'll make it work!

[Thomasjsgirl]

Absolutely give it a shot! How many of us work at jobs we hate because we're afraid to go out on a limb and take a chance? If you're getting paid for work for something that you're passionate about, then you've achieved true success!

[pineapple princess]

Defintely go for it! my DH (and I) just opened a CrossFit gym. He LOVES it!!!! And left a very lucrative job in sales to do it. I am still in corporate america and it is driving me insane. He probably works harder than I do, but he is happy, and i am a basket case!!! ALWAYS pursue what you love. On their death bed, no one ever said that they wished they would have spent more time in the office. Carpe Diem!!

 

As for ramen, we got engaged, planned a wedding, moved in together, and opened a business in the last two months of the year - and we are more than fine! Are their sacrafices? Definitely. Are we eating out every day any more? No. And because owing your own business means no paid days off (at first) we have not taken our honeymoon yet, but happiness is worth it 100 times over.

 

PS - random - did you go to Notre Dame??

[*Linds*]

pineapple pricess- your words of advice are priceless! So true...I will def. be carrying these with me!

[YIweddings]

I started a wedding planning business in my home town of 100,000 over 5 years ago when people told me it wouldn't work. There had been people who tried in the past and failed at the business but vendors have told me that my professionalism, work style and dedication were different from the rest. My business has grown but not to the point of quitting my day job so teh combination can be rough. Now, I have had to turn away weddings because the day job and 10 weddings a years was too much. I hope with a few new projects that I can develop it further and eventually have just my business. I'm happy when I plan weddings so my fiance is willing to help when I decide to make the transition.

I finally found what I should be doing with my life and that makes it worth it.

Good luck, work hard, research and know you made a great decision.

[Sax Lady]

I say go for it. And go to all the classes you can to find out all about business (our tech school has a lot of business classes for people wanting to go into business some are free some you have to pay for). GO to the library and get books because theirs a lot out their to do but if its something you love it can get done. I have my own music therapy and music entertainment business and it is hard at times but its something I love so even in the hardtimes I still stick with it becuase I know in the end thats what I want to do.

[debbmach]

I think it's a great idea...pursue your dream, especially since you have your FI's support!

[dana]

I say go for it! People that work for themselves are so much happier, have lower blood pressure and maintain a better weight! I too am in the process of getting out from behind the desk and starting my own business in the next 6 months. I read a GREAT book that helped to convince me that I can do it! It's called, "Making a living without a job" by Barbara Winter. It's only about $10 on amazon, but will give you the confidence you need! Good luck!

[mnh1983]

I say go for it, especially if it is something you are doing on the side anyway. You might as well get paid for it. Start out small, and if you end up getting a lot of work, then maybe you can shift to that as your main focus. Good luck!