How to Start an Event Planning Business

Let’s learn from Rachel Bowes, whose Seattle-based Finch & Thistle Event Design business has been growing steadily ever since she was laid off from her salaried position in 2008.

How did you start your business?

I hired someone to design a website and do some basic branding. Then I started networking and putting the word out that I was looking for events. People started getting referred to me. I’d worked for the Seattle Symphony before, and they hired me on a contract basis to do all the event flowers. I built up my portfolio doing weddings for friends of friends. I look back on those days, and I can’t believe how little I charged! But I had to start somewhere.

When did you know your business was going to work?

I received a lot of publicity in various magazines and on blogs about three years in. Having my business out there in the media gave me a lot more credibility with potential clients. People were coming to me saying, “I saw your wedding in this or that magazine.” I got a lot of new calls. I track my website traffic, so I saw I was getting a big bump after articles were published.

What insights from starting up can you share?

I feel like my business has really developed alongside my own personal growth. There is no better way to learn than figuring it all out as I go along.

I redid my branding a few years ago and am on my third website now, but both have grown with me at Finch & Thistle has changed and my experience has increased.

Starting a new business? Check out our guide to Everything You Need to Know to Open a Business for a wealth of resources and inspiration!

For more on event planning, check out:

• Business of Love: Rachel Bowes’ Seattle Event Planning Business is Blooming
• Julie Goldman Rolled Out the Original Runner Company to Instant Success
• Self-Employed Marie Jensen Knows What It's Like to Juggle More Than One Business
• A Well-Defined Company Culture Helps TINSEL Focus on Gorgeous Event Design
• Shannon and Brian Barker Custom-Designed Their Daughter's Wedding. Now It's a Full-Time Biz
• Broke No More: Meet Tawnia Knittle-White and Her Wildly Popular Custom Wedding Favors

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