How to Start an Event Planner Business
The setup steps for planning events on your own, from deciding which events you take on to billing your first client.
Running your own event planning business means setting up as a business, then winning, contracting and billing events. This guide covers the setup and the order of work. How to invoice planning fees, vendor costs and deposits is covered in the event planner invoicing guide linked below.
On training, the BLS profile of meeting, convention, and event planners (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) says "Meeting, convention, and event planners typically need a bachelor’s degree." On certification it says "A number of voluntary certifications are available for meeting and convention planners." and "Although not required, these certifications demonstrate specific knowledge or professional expertise."
First event invoice with sample figures: a day-of coordination package at 1 × $900.00 and three planning meetings at 3 × $75.00 = $225.00 total $900.00 + $225.00 = $1,125.00. Treat the prices as stand-ins for your own.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your event planner business on solid footing.
- 1
Choose the events you will plan
Weddings, corporate meetings and private parties run on different timelines and budgets. Pick where you start, since it shapes your packages and your contracts.
- 2
Weigh training and certification
The BLS (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) says certifications for planners are voluntary: "Although not required, these certifications demonstrate specific knowledge or professional expertise."
- 3
Register and get an EIN
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID number." The IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) says "You never have to pay a fee for an EIN." Check your state's rules for registering the business itself.
- 4
Check licenses, permits and insurance
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says "You also may be legally required to purchase certain types of business insurance." Venues, your city and an insurance agent who covers events can tell you which permits and policies come up.
- 5
Put your fee and deposit terms in writing
Write down what the planning fee covers, when the deposit and the balance are due, and how changes are priced, and get the client's sign-off on it ahead of booking vendors.
- 6
Invoice your first event
Bill the fee, the deposit or balance, and the due date. For the layout, read the event planner invoicing guide; its generator page lets you try the rows.
Tips for starting your event planner business
- Build tax into your package prices; per the IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 30, 2026), "The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%."
- Keep a file per event with the signed scope, vendor quotes and every change the client approves.
- Before you book a vendor, get it in writing whether you or the client pays.
- Check certification details with CareerOneStop, which the BLS points to for certification information.
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Convert An Estimate To Invoice
Billed's features page says: "Convert your estimate to invoice with a single click after getting approval from your client."
Client Profiles
Billed's features page says: "Create and save client profiles to bill them quickly."
Invoice History
Billed's features page says: "Billed App keeps complete history about the Invoice and its payments from the moment it is created."
Due Dates
Billed's features page says: "Set due dates for payment on your invoices so your clients know when they have to pay you."
Frequently asked questions
More Startup Guides
Invoice Your First Event
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Step | Where to check | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Degree and voluntary certifications | BLS (In the US, last modified August 27, 2026) |
| Tax ID | An EIN, with no fee | SBA and IRS (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 16, 2026) |
| Insurance | Your state and a licensed agent | SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) |
| First invoice | Fee, deposit, balance, due date | Event planner invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
Joining a venue's or agency's events team on salary? This setup guide won't apply, since your employer contracts and invoices the clients.