Where should I begin if I want to start my own event planning business? Web-site? Word of mouth? Books?

Answer 1

Here are some free articles on how to start an event planning business:

How to Start an Event Planning Service http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/startupkits/article37892.html
How to Start an Event and Meeting Planning Business http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol153/eventplanning.htm
How to Start an Event Planning Business in Ontario http://www.cbsc.org/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1160623891649&pagename=CBSC_ON%2Fdisplay&lang=en&c=GuideHowto

To increase your attractiveness as an event planner, it is important to get some of the certifications in this field such as:

International Special Events Society: Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) http://www.ises.com/csep/intro.cfm
Meeting Professionals International: Certification in Meeting Management (CMM) http://www.mpiweb.org/education/cmm/
Convention Industry Council: Certified Meeting Professional Program (CMP) http://www.conventionindustry.org/cmp/
Connected International Meeting Professionals Association: Certified Global Meeting Planner http://www.cimpa.org/cgmp.htm
Association of Destination Management Executives: Destination Management Certified Professional http://www.adme.org/members/DMCPCertification.asp

I recommend that you read the following books on how to start your own event planning business:

How to Start a Home-Based Event Planning Business http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0762724862/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
The Essential Event Planning Kit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/047083188X/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
The Business of Event Planning: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Successful Special Events http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/047083188X/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Your Own Event Planning Business : Your Step by Step Guide to Success (Start Your Own Event Planning) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1932156844/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
Event Planning : The Ultimate Guide to Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences, Conventions, Incentives and Other Special Events http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471644129/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid

Answer 2

Volunteer for a well known area non-profit that alot of wealthy people donate or go to events for. Im currently on a board and we will also some times go thru event planners and they offer us a discounted rate. But its a great way to get your foot in the door, get your name in a lot of programs, and network in the industry with caterers, photographers, florists, etc. Plus this experience will help you to pick up all the little details, for example how much a rental place will over charge you just to rent an extension cord.