How to Start a Party Decorating Business

A big part of throwing a party is the decorations. These items can range from furnishings and decor to table settings and party favors.

Establish Which Niche You Want to Get Into…

As a party decorator, you can specialize in the types of events your decorate (ie. weddings, themed events, children’s parties) or you can focus on a certain type of decorations, like balloon decorating or holiday tree lighting.

Specializing in a particular area lets people know that you are an expert and can better help them achieve their goals.

Getting Supplies:

Being able to get supplies and materials you need at discounted prices will enable you to price your services competitively and grow your profits. Partnering with a supplier, a local shop or purchasing items in bulk can all help you minimize expenses. Also investing in items that you can re-use will help your bottom line.

Opening a Party Supply Store:

Alternatively, you can open your own party supply store. This can be more expensive to start, but gives you the additional benefit of a storefront with which you can advertise. You can also find party supply stores for sale online at sites like BizBuySell.com, some shops have seller financing available.

You can sell and/or rent party supplies and decorations, plus have a consultant on site to offer decorating ideas and services to customers. This page explains how to start your own party supply store. Note: you will want to look into business insurance, especially if you are renting equipment to customers.

Partnering with Others to Get Clients…

If you are just getting started in this field. the fastest way to find clients can be through other service professionals who are already established and better known. Networking and partnering with people like wedding consultants and party planners be a win-win, since many need decorators for their jobs. Entrepreneur Magazine has a free downloadable guide on the Event Planning Industry that includes some helpful resources.

More Client-Finding Tips:

Also consider volunteering your services to local community events or fundraisers. This helps you get your name out to a large group of influential people, plus they get to see your skills and expertise in action. (It’s a great way to advertise without paying any money!)

As you complete projects, make sure you keep notes and photos so that you can build a portfolio to present to prospective clients for new jobs. This is also something that you can post on your website.

FreeHomeBusinesses.com lists some no-cost resources that you can use to get started, like free business planning software.

For more new business ideas for small and home-based companies, visit The New Business Idea. You can also get over 200 business start-up guides and download the Home Business Start-Up Checklist free from www.HomeBusinessCenter.com.