Brides-to-be and their grooms-to-be seek assistance from a
variety of professionals in the wedding industry as they plan their big days.
The bridal industry is booming, with WE tv Networks Wedding Report citing more
than 2 million weddings per year from 2005-2009, it's no wonder
creative, aspiring entrepreneurs are attracted to the industry. Home-based
wedding decorating businesses require little to no startup costs, but require a
great deal of planning.
1. Carve out an area in your home that you can use to run
your home-based wedding decorating business. At minimum the area should have a
computer, phone, desk, enough seating for you and your clients, several storage
solutions, such as bins and a large table for assembling decorations.
2. Research the wedding industry to find out the types of
services wedding decorators provide and to identify trends. Scour your area for
other wedding decorating businesses who are your direct competitors. Come up
with ways to differentiate your business.
3. Determine the types of wedding decorating services you
want to provide engaged couples and associate a price with each.
4. Come up with a business name and tag line for your
home-based wedding decorating business. Ensure that customers can easily
identify the type of business you run when they see or hear the name and tag
line.
5. Create an identity for your business by working with a
local graphic and website designer. You need a logo, business card and
letterhead design, brochure and a website. Include your web address, email
address and phone number on each marketing piece your designer creates.
6. Develop a plan for marketing your businesses that
includes networking with other industry professionals, blogging about wedding
topics on your business site, attending wedding trade shows and offering
seminars to brides-to-be. These marketing activities will help you generate
leads for business.
7. Find reputable vendors and suppliers who offer products
and accessories you need for your home-based wedding decoration business.
8. Start a portfolio that includes pictures of wedding
decorating you've done in the past. Use it to show clients designs
during consultation meetings.
9. Create a contract you can use to solidify service
agreements between you and your clients. Include areas on the contract for the
date and time of the event, a description of the decorations being used for the
event, the wedding theme, contact information for the couple, your businesses
contact information, payment terms, liability clause and cancellation policy.
10. Schedule appointments with potential clients and have
them meet you in your home office to discuss the decor for their wedding. Come
up with a proposal and quote that outlines the services you plan to provide. If
the clients agree, provide them with a contract they must sign before services
are rendered.
Written by Miranda Brookins
