• November 23, 2022

Become a Top Wedding Planner: Select the Right Legal Structure for Your Wedding Planning Business

One of the first things to do when starting your wedding planning business is to determine the legal structure of your business. The options are sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, and corporation. Here I briefly explain what they consist of along with some of the advantages and disadvantages of each one. You should consult your lawyer or accountant before deciding what is best for you.

Single owner

You are the sole owner of your wedding planning business. It doesn’t mean you can’t have someone working for you, it means you are the sole owner and don’t report to anyone. This is how most wedding planners start because it is the easiest and least expensive way to start a business. There are very few filings and records and few administrative issues. You can report your business on your personal tax return, which is an advantage for many people. One disadvantage of this form of business is the fact that you are personally responsible for any debts your business incurs.

General Society

If you and another wedding planner, florist, caterer or any other wedding vendor decide to start a wedding planning business together, you can co-own and form a partnership. You must be clear about each of your responsibilities and you must be equally committed to the business. All of you will be personally responsible for the obligations and debts incurred by the company. If you want to have a partnership, hire a lawyer to draw up a legal agreement, even if it is with family or close friends. If you have the slightest feeling that something could go wrong in society, don’t do it.

limited liability company

I would enter this type of partnership with the help of a lawyer. It allows someone to invest in your wedding planning business and limits your liability to the amount of your investment. They are not involved in running the business, that is left to the general partners. Any assets of the general partners can be used to pay debts owed to the limited partners.

limited liability company

This business structure combines the tax advantages of a partnership with the liability protection of a corporation. LLCs are owned by members, and members are not personally liable for the company’s debts. Each state has its own rules regarding LLCs, so if you want more information, talk to your attorney.

Corporation

You can form a corporation whether you are alone or have business partners. Being a corporation makes you appear more professional to potential clients and other wedding vendors. Incorporation protects you from personal liability, but there are many rules and costs involved in having a corporation. Check with your attorney and accountant to find out what it would take to set up and run a corporation in your state.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *