How to Get Event Orders (Even When You're Just Starting Out)

 

Getting your first few event planning orders can feel challenging, but with the right mix of strategy, confidence, and hustle, you can start booking clients and growing your business — one event at a time.

Here’s how:

1. Start with Your Circle

Your first clients are often people you already know.

  • Let friends, family, coworkers, and your local community know that you’re offering event planning services.

  • Offer to plan small events (birthdays, baby showers, engagements, community programs) at a discounted rate in exchange for photos, testimonials, and referrals.

  • Word-of-mouth is powerful — happy clients bring in more clients.

2. Use Social Media (Consistently)

Your online presence is your portfolio.

  • Post your work regularly on Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok.

  • Share behind-the-scenes, before-and-after transformations, planning tips, and client feedback.

  • Use local hashtags like #LagosEvents #ChicagoPartyPlanner or #DelhiWeddings to get discovered.

  • Tag venues, vendors, and clients (with permission).

You don’t need to have 10,000 followers — you need the right local people to see your work.

3. Join Local Groups & Platforms

Many people look for planners in local Facebook groups or event directories.

  • Join community pages, bridal groups, or parent groups in your area.

  • Respond to posts where people are looking for planners.

  • Create a short, professional introduction message and include a few photos and contact info.

Also, list your services on free/local platforms like:

  • Google My Business

  • Eventective

  • Craigslist (in some regions)

  • Thumbtack

  • Instagram location tags

4. Collaborate with Vendors

Make friends with decorators, caterers, photographers, DJs, makeup artists, and venue managers.

  • Offer to work together on styled shoots or real events.

  • Ask if they can refer you when clients need a planner.

  • In return, refer them too.

Vendor relationships are a goldmine for referrals and future partnerships.

5. Offer a Launch Promo or Free Planning Guide

Create a simple promo like:

  • “Book before [date] and get 20% off”

  • “Free party checklist with every consultation”

  • “Refer a friend and get a discount”

You can even create a free downloadable guide (like “10 Mistakes to Avoid When Planning a Party”) and offer it in exchange for emails — that’s how you start building a client list!

6. Share Testimonials and Results

People trust proof. After each event:

  • Ask for a short review

  • Take good before/after photos

  • Create a “results” post showing what you did

Even one strong review can convince your next client to book you.

7. Be Easy to Contact

Have a clear, simple way for people to reach you:

  • WhatsApp number

  • Email

  • Contact form

  • Instagram DMs

Always reply quickly and professionally.

Final Tips

✅ Always show up professionally — even for small jobs.
✅ Treat every event like it’s your big break — it might lead to your next client.
✅ Stay patient. Building a business takes time, but consistency wins.

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