Starting Event Management: A Step-by-Step Guide

Event management is a booming industry with opportunities ranging from weddings and corporate events to concerts and festivals. If you have a knack for planning, organizing, and creativity, this guide will show you how to turn that talent into a profitable business.

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Step 1: Understand the Event Management Industry

Before diving in, understand the types of events you can manage:

• Corporate Events (seminars, product launches)

• Social Events (weddings, birthdays)

• Cultural Events (festivals, exhibitions)

• Virtual Events (webinars, online conferences)

  
  

Example: You decide to specialize in wedding planning in Chennai. You research local venues, decorators, and caterers to build your vendor list.

Step 2: Build Your Skills and Portfolio

You don’t need a degree, but certifications help. Consider:

• Event Planning Certificate (Coursera, Udemy)

• Volunteer at local events

• Create a portfolio with photos, testimonials, and budgets

  
  

Example: You volunteer to manage your cousin’s engagement party. You document the process and use it as your first portfolio entry.

Step 3: Define Your Services and Pricing

Offer packages like:

• Basic Coordination – ₹10,000–₹25,000

• Full-Service Planning – ₹50,000–₹2,00,000

• Custom Packages – Based on client needs

Tip: Start with competitive pricing and increase as you gain experience.

Step 4: Register Your Business

• Choose a name and register it (e.g., “Chennai Celebrations”)

• Get a GST number if needed

• Create a simple website and social media pages

Example: You register your business as a sole proprietorship and create an Instagram page showcasing your work.

Step 5: Build a Vendor Network

Partner with:

• Caterers

• Decorators

• DJs and entertainers

• Photographers

  
  

Example: You negotiate a 10% commission with a local florist for every client you refer.

Step 6: Market Your Services

Use:

• Instagram Reels and Stories

• Facebook Ads targeting local users

• Google My Business

• Wedding and event directories (WedMeGood, ShaadiSaga)

Example: You run a ₹1,000 Instagram ad targeting engaged couples in Chennai and get 3 inquiries.

Step 7: Deliver and Upsell

• Always overdeliver

• Ask for testimonials

• Upsell services like photography, return gifts, or honeymoon planning

  
  

Example: You offer a free wedding checklist PDF to clients who book your full-service package.

Step 8: Scale Your Business

• Hire assistants

• Offer training workshops

• Expand to corporate or destination events

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Example: After 10 successful weddings, you hire a junior planner and start offering destination wedding packages in Goa.

Bonus Tips

• Use tools like Trello, Canva, and Google Sheets for planning

• Always have contracts with clients and vendors

• Keep learning and adapting to trends

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Real-Life Success Story: Devika Narain – The Designer of Dream Weddings

Name: Devika Narain

Location: Lucknow, India

Business: Devika Narain & Company

Specialty: Luxury and personalized wedding planning

Notable Work: Designed the wedding of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma

Instagram Profile : https://www.instagram.com/naraindevika?igsh=a3lvZDgxZHNmaml0

Her Journey:

Devika Narain didn’t start out in event management. She studied literature at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and initially worked in media. But her passion for creating beautiful, meaningful spaces led her to intern at a wedding planning company. After four and a half years of learning the ropes, she launched her own venture.

What Makes Her Unique:

Devika focuses on emotionally resonant, culturally rooted weddings. She works closely with couples to understand their stories and designs weddings that reflect their personalities and heritage. Her work often involves local artisans and sustainable practices, making each event not just beautiful but also meaningful.

Business Growth:

Her business grew organically through word-of-mouth and Instagram. Her first client came through a referral, and she spent an entire year planning that wedding. Today, she’s one of India’s most sought-after wedding planners

“We create design experiences rather than just packaging it. All our designs have Indian influences and involve working with local craftsmen and artisans closely.” – Devika Narain

Source: Entrepreneur India