How to Start a Wedding Planning Business: UK Success Guide

Starting a wedding planning business in the UK is one of the most exciting service businesses you can launch today.

Couples are willing to invest heavily to make sure their big day goes smoothly, creating steady demand for skilled planners who can take the stress off their shoulders.

If you’re organised, creative, and love coordinating events, this path can be both rewarding and profitable.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to start a wedding planning business, what to expect, and the key steps to building a successful career.

UK wedding planning business opportunities

Planning a wedding is a year-long journey for most UK couples, and with busy lifestyles, the demand for convenience, expertise, and stress-free support has never been higher. The UK wedding planning market is booming, with spending climbing into the billions, and it’s only getting bigger. At the heart of this growth is a shift in what couples want: celebrations that go beyond tradition. Weddings are becoming highly personalised experiences that reflect each couple’s values, personalities, and stories..

Your main customers are engaged couples, but narrowing your focus can set you apart. Potential client segments include:

• Busy professionals who don’t have the time to manage the details of wedding planning.
• Destination couples who are marrying abroad and need trusted coordination to handle logistics.
• Cultural or traditional couples who require expertise in specific customs, such as Asian, Jewish, African, or fusion weddings.
• Luxury clients who have high budgets and are looking for premium, bespoke services.
• Creative or quirky couples who want unique, themed, or unconventional celebrations that stand out.

Typical annual earnings for wedding planning businesses are:

1. Legal requirements & company setup

Starting a wedding planning business in the UK is relatively simple. There are no national licences or formal qualifications required, but you must register your business, follow data protection rules, and make sure you’re properly insured.

There are 2 main business structure options:

• Sole Trader – You register with HMRC as self-employed. It’s quick, simple, and involves minimal paperwork. Many freelance planners start this way. The downside: you’re personally responsible for any debts or legal issues.
• Limited Company (Ltd) – Your business becomes a separate legal entity. This protects your personal assets if something goes wrong. It can also add credibility, as some high-end clients prefer working with a registered company. However, it does come with more admin.

💡 Pro tip

Services like ANNA Money can register your Limited Company for free, set up a business account, and even help you manage filings like Confirmation Statements. The process takes minutes online, and you’ll usually receive your Certificate of Incorporation within hours.

⚡ Compliance essentials

Wedding planning is not a regulated profession, but you must still operate within general business laws. Key areas include:

• Contracts – Always use a written client contract covering services, fees, cancellation policies, and responsibilities. This protects both you and your clients.
• Data protection – You’ll handle sensitive client information. Comply with UK GDPR by keeping data secure, only using it for agreed purposes, and (in most cases) registering with the ICO as a data controller.
• Hiring staff – If you employ assistants or staff, you must set up PAYE payroll, provide workplace pensions, and take out employers’ liability insurance.

⚡ Insurance essentials

Insurance isn’t legally required to call yourself a wedding planner, but in practice, it’s a must-have. Many venues won’t work with planners who aren’t insured.

• Public Liability Insurance (PLI) – Covers accidents or injuries at events. Strongly recommended and often mandatory.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) – Protects you if a client claims your advice or services caused them financial loss.
• Employers’ Liability Insurance (EL) – Legally required if you employ staff, even part-time. You must have at least £5 million in cover.

2. How much does it cost to start a wedding planning business?

Starting a wedding planning business is relatively affordable compared to many other ventures. You don’t need machinery or a storefront, as it’s mainly a service-based business. Many planners get started with just a laptop, phone, and insurance, though building a professional brand usually requires a few thousand pounds.

⚡ Essential equipment

Tools of the trade you’ll rely on every day:

• Laptop or PC: £700 (if you don’t already own one)
• Smartphone with a good camera: £200 – £500 (or monthly plan)
• Printer (optional – many planners go paperless): £50 – £200
• Office supplies & software (stationery, cloud storage, accounting tools): £50 – £200 startup + subscriptions

⚡ Branding & online presence

Get noticed and look professional:

• Website (DIY on Wix/Squarespace): £100 – £300/year
• Professionally designed website: £500+
• Logo design: under £100 (freelancers)
• Business cards (100+): £30 – £50

⚡ Professional fees & insurance

Stay legal and protected:

• Accountant / legal setup: £150 – £300 (many offer free first consultation)
• Liability insurance: £100 – £300/year
• Sole trader setup: free
• Limited company registration: £12 – £50

⚡ Ongoing costs

Day-to-day expenses once you’re running:

• Utilities & internet (home office overheads)
• Travel to venues & meetings (fuel/train fares, often billed to clients)
• Phone bill: ~£20 – £50/month
• Software subscriptions (CRM, project management, accounting): £10 – £50/month
• Marketing (social ads, directory listings, print): start small at £50/month
• Occasional freelancer/assistant hire for events: £100 – £300 per event
• Taxes: always set aside a percentage of income

💡 Pro tip

Staying on top of taxes is easier if you set money aside as you go. With ANNA Money Pots, every time a payment lands in your business account, ANNA automatically puts aside a percentage for VAT, PAYE, or Corporation Tax. Pair it with ANNA +Taxes to stay compliant with HMRC deadlines and get smart tools like a personalised tax calendar, automated expense tracking, and expert support.

3. How to get clients for your wedding planning business?

Now that you have set up your business, how do you get your first clients and build a steady stream of inquiries? In the wedding industry, word of mouth and visibility are everything. Here are strategies to attract clients:

⚡ Leverage your network

Your first clients will likely come from people you already know.

• Tell friends, family, and colleagues about your services and ask them to spread the word.
• Offer a discounted service in exchange for a testimonial and permission to use photos.
• After each wedding, politely ask happy couples to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, or directories.

⚡ Build an online presence

Most couples search online when looking for planners:

• Create a simple, mobile-friendly website with your portfolio, about page, and contact details.
• Set up a Google Business Profile to appear on Maps and in local searches.
• Use keywords like “wedding planner Manchester” or “wedding coordinator Bristol” in your site content.
• Write helpful blog posts such as “10 Tips for Planning a Barn Wedding” to boost search rankings over time.

⚡ Social media marketing

Couples look to social media for inspiration, so meet them where they are.

• Focus on Instagram and Pinterest to showcase photos, mood boards, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Use local hashtags such as #LondonWedding or #BohoBride to reach your audience.
• Engage in local Facebook groups by sharing tips and answering questions.
• Explore TikTok with short, engaging videos that show your creativity.

⚡ Directories & marketplaces

Listing your services on popular platforms puts you in front of couples already searching for planners.

• Create profiles on Hitched, Bridebook, Guides for Brides, or WeddingPlanner.co.uk.
• Respond to leads on sites like Bark or Add To Event.
• Upload professional photos and a clear description to stand out from competitors.

⚡ Network with vendors

Vendors can become your most powerful referral partners.

• Build relationships with venues, photographers, florists, and DJs.
• Attend wedding fairs, styled shoots, and vendor networking events.
• Join local vendor associations and collaborate to create portfolio-worthy styled shoots.

⚡ Local marketing & print

Traditional marketing still works in weddings, especially in your local area.

• Leave flyers at bridal shops, jewellery stores, and boutiques.
• Partner with bridal shops to offer free consultations to their clients.
• Exhibit at wedding fairs with a stand-out, interactive booth and collect leads.
• Showcase client testimonials in your marketing materials.

4. Operations & capabilities of a wedding planning business

Running a wedding planning business means wearing many hats. It’s project management, design, negotiation, logistics, and customer service all rolled into one.

⚡ Necessary skills

Here are the most important skills you need to succeed as a wedding planner:

• Organisation and attention to detail (keeping multiple timelines, vendors, and clients on track).
• Creativity and design sense for décor, themes, and unique touches.
• Strong interpersonal skills: listening to clients, negotiating with suppliers, and managing conflicts calmly.
• Problem-solving under pressure (handling inevitable last-minute changes).
• Communication skills to coordinate with clients and vendors.
• Time management and prioritisation (especially during peak wedding season such as from May up until September).
• Basic admin skills (contracts, invoicing, expense tracking).

Optional extras that add credibility:

• Wedding and event planning diplomas (e.g., QC Event School, Event Academy London).
• Membership in professional bodies like the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (UKAWP).
• First aid certification (some venues require event coordinators to be first-aid aware).

⚡ Time commitment & balance

Here’s what to expect when balancing workload:

• Expect long days during wedding season, especially weekends (often 12+ hours on event days).
• Weekdays are typically filled with planning, client meetings, and admin tasks.
• Flexibility is a perk, but deadlines are fixed: weddings don’t move.
• A structured calendar, checklists, and systems are essential for keeping everything on track.

⚡ Daily tasks

A typical day might include:

5. Tools, systems & automations

The right tools keep your business organised, save you time, and make you look professional. Here are the essentials for wedding planners:

• Booking & scheduling – Tools like Calendly or Acuity let clients book calls without endless emails, while a shared Google or Outlook calendar keeps all meetings, deadlines, and wedding dates in one place.
• Client management – Use a simple spreadsheet or a CRM like Dubsado or HoneyBook to track enquiries, proposals, and contracts, ensuring every lead is followed up and nothing slips through the cracks.
• Project planning – Aisle Planner, Trello, or Asana make it easy to manage checklists, budgets, and vendor tasks, and you can set up automated reminders to stay on top of key milestones.
• Money management – QuickBooks, Xero, or ANNA Money handle invoicing, expenses, and tax filings. ANNA’s business account is designed for small business owners, with tools like receipt capture, expense categorisation, tax pots, and instant invoicing. You can also send polished invoices in seconds and get paid via a Payment Link or QR code. Additionally, ANNA will even send gentle reminders if clients forget.
• Communication – Save time with email templates, FAQs, and online forms for gathering client details. For quick updates, WhatsApp or Slack can work well, but keep detailed discussions on email so nothing is missed.
• Marketing & social media – Batch your content and schedule posts through Buffer, Later, or Hootsuite, while platforms like Mailchimp or MailerLite let you set up automated newsletters to stay visible without extra effort.
• Automation & integrations – Tools like Zapier link your apps together, eliminating repetitive admin by automatically creating tasks, reminders, or calendar entries.
• Templates & resources – Store reusable contracts, checklists, and timelines in Google Drive or Dropbox so everything is ready to go for each new client.

Final tips & common mistakes

As we wrap up, here are some final pieces of advice and pitfalls to avoid, gleaned from seasoned wedding planners:

• Don’t undervalue your services – Pricing yourself too low not only drains your energy but also positions you as a “budget” planner, making it harder to move into higher-end markets later. Set fair, competitive rates that reflect your time, expertise, and the value you bring to clients.
• Avoid stretching yourself too thin – Taking on too many clients at once often leads to burnout and mistakes that can damage your reputation. Focus on quality over quantity, and protect your own well-being by setting realistic limits.
• Develop a strong contract and policies – Without a solid contract, you risk losing income and facing conflicts when cancellations, postponements, or disputes arise. Clear terms and upfront deposits protect both you and your clients.
• Manage client expectations – Overpromising can quickly backfire, leaving you overwhelmed and clients disappointed. Be clear about what’s included in your services and set boundaries from the start.
• Don’t neglect your own marketing – It’s easy to focus solely on clients and forget about promoting your own business, but this creates future dry spells. Consistent marketing keeps your pipeline full and ensures steady growth.

How to start a wedding planning business: quick checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to keep you focused and on track as you launch your business:

Get your wedding planning business off the ground with ANNA

Now that you know how to start a wedding planning business, it’s time to think about the practical side of running it. Choosing the right business structure, staying on top of tax deadlines, and making sure you’re compliant can quickly distract you from what you really want to focus on: creating unforgettable celebrations for your couples.

That’s where ANNA comes in. Designed for small business owners like you, ANNA makes it simple to set up and manage your company while you focus on building your brand and serving couples.

Here is how ANNA helps:

✨ Free company registration – Launch your Limited Company without paying a penny. ANNA handles the paperwork so you’re officially registered and ready to start booking clients in no time.

✨ Compliance made easy – From tax deadlines to VAT reminders and confirmation statements, ANNA’s smart tools keep you on top of your obligations. That means less stress about paperwork and more energy for your clients.

✨ Quick, online setup – Register your company in minutes, all online. You can even add a virtual office address, giving your business a polished image while keeping your home details private.

✨ Trusted by thousands of entrepreneurs – Over 100,000 UK businesses already use ANNA to simplify their admin, stay compliant, and free up time to focus on growth.

Let ANNA take care of the admin while you focus on the magic. Register your business today, and start building a wedding planning career!