{"id":5425,"date":"2024-10-04T12:03:44","date_gmt":"2024-10-04T17:03:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-an-event-planning-business.html"},"modified":"2025-06-30T09:58:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T14:58:00","slug":"how-to-start-an-event-planning-business","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-start-an-event-planning-business.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Start an Event Planning Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero\"  class=\"fl-simple-hero\">\n    <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-container fl-container fl-flex fl-items-center\">\n                <div class=\"fl-simple-hero-title\" data-testid=\"fl-simple-hero-title\">How To Start an Event Planning Business<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-container\">\n        <div class=\"updated-breadcrumb-list\">\n            <ol>\n                        <li>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\">FindLaw <\/a>\n                <span class=\"breadcrumb-separator\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\/<\/span>\n            <\/li>\n                                <li aria-current=\"page\">How To Start an Event Planning Business<\/li>\n            <\/ol>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How To Start an Event Planning Business<\/h1>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image fl-no-margin\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/image\/upload\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/content-original-images-wedding_reception_food_catering_GI.jpg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            June 30, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>The key steps to starting an <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_27312545\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"27312545\">event planning business<\/span> include creating a business plan, choosing a legal structure for liability protection, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and develop a <span data-action=\"click-&gt;dropdown#toggle\" data-dropdown-menu-id-param=\"menu_report_term_27312572\" data-dropdown-placement-param=\"top\" data-dropdown-disable-toggle-aria-param=\"true\" data-term-id=\"27312572\">marketing strategy<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><b><i>Form your LLC with confidence.\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-an-ebay-business-in-content\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Our trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $0 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"tableOfContent\">\n    <div class=\"table-of-contents\">\n        <span role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\" class=\"table-of-contents__title\">Steps to Starting an Event Planning Business<\/span>\n                <ul class=\"table-of-contents__list\">\n                        <li><a href=\"#Plan\" title=\"1. Create a Business Plan\">1. Create a Business Plan<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Name\" title=\"2. Pick a Business Name\">2. Pick a Business Name<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Structure\" title=\"3. Decide on a Structure for Your Event Planning Business\">3. Decide on a Structure for Your Event Planning Business<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Research\" title=\"4. Research Event Planner Certifications\">4. Research Event Planner Certifications<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Equip\" title=\"5. Equip Your Startup\">5. Equip Your Startup<\/a><\/li>\n                        <li><a href=\"#Market\" title=\"6. Plan Your Marketing Approach\">6. Plan Your Marketing Approach<\/a><\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Some careers seem more exciting than others, and event planning is one of them. Event planners are aware of the hard work involved, and that \u201cevents\u201d often include more birthday parties than rock concerts. If you\u2019re thinking about starting an event planning business, here\u2019s what you need to know to succeed in the industry.<\/p>\n<h2>Background Requirements for Event Planning<\/h2>\n<p>What experience do you need to start your own event planning business? The answer is not mysterious since most requirements are the same as for any new business.<\/p>\n<p>There are legal and business issues that anyone going out on their own needs to explore.<\/p>\n<p>These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Selecting a business name for your event planning company<\/li>\n<li>Creating a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/contents-of-a-written-business-plan.html\">business plan<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Considering event planning certification<\/li>\n<li>Determining the best\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/types-of-business-structures.html\">business structure<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Planning your marketing approach<\/li>\n<li>Equipping the event planning company operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Success in event planning requires training, experience, and industry contacts. Of course, optimism, enthusiasm, and a friendly personality also help. These next six steps will give you an overview of what you might need to move toward your party planning business dream.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"general-step-component\">\n    <div class=\"steps-container\">\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            1\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Plan\">Create a Business Plan<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Anyone starting a business needs a\u00a0<a title=\" Creating a Business Plan\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/creating-a-business-plan.html\">written business plan<\/a>. This is not a legal requirement but a necessary, practical step.<\/p>\n<p>The business plan for your event planning business should include operating basics, like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Description of your business ideas<\/li>\n<li>Target audience or target market<\/li>\n<li>What types of events do you plan to focus on? Social events like birthday parties, anniversaries, and galas?<\/li>\n<li>Will you focus on corporate events and trade shows?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Wedding planning is a specialty in itself. If you&#8217;ve done your market research, you&#8217;ll know what events are popular in your area and have compiled a list of potential clients. Also know about your contractors, like florists and venues.<\/p>\n<p>Also, a business plan must include money matters. You can get the event business set up for very little money if you work out of your home rather than paying for office space. But you will still need to consider finance issues, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Initial funding sources like business loans<\/li>\n<li>Operating budget<\/li>\n<li>Pricing policies<\/li>\n<li>Startup costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Consider including marketing strategy ideas in your business plan. The event planning industry is highly competitive. You&#8217;ll want to include social media accounts, so reserve domain names as soon as possible. Make a list of referrals: people or companies who will testify to your successful events. Word-of-mouth is important, but it all starts with a good marketing strategy.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            2\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Name\">Pick a Business Name<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>When looking online for an event planning business to organize their party, potential customers may pick a company based on its name.<\/p>\n<p>Consider your target audience before deciding what to name your company. If you are focusing on birthday parties, something cute might be appropriate. Cute might not work so well if you hope to sign on corporate clients. If becoming a wedding planner is the goal, choose a name that tells the world about your focus.<\/p>\n<p>To be a sole proprietor, consider filing a &quot;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/dba-registration.html\" title=\"DBA Registration\">doing business as<\/a>&quot; (DBA). For example, instead of Buffy Summers, Buffy Summers files a DBA to operate as Slayer Shindig Planning. States generally don&#8217;t allow you to open a new business with a DBA that someone else is using. Once you&#8217;ve compiled a short list of potential DBAs, run the top choice through your state&#8217;s database of company names to see if another company is using it.<\/p>\n<p>Register the name with the secretary of state when you&#8217;ve selected and found an original&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115292\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-an-event-planning-business&amp;auto-aff-dba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DBA<\/a>. It isn&#8217;t &quot;yours&quot; until you register it.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            3\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Structure\">Decide on a Structure for Your Event Planning Business<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Think of the business structure as the skeleton for your event planning services. Selecting a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/types-of-business-structures.html\" title=\"Types of Business Structures\">business structure<\/a>&nbsp;for your event management startup is essential to making your dream a reality.<\/p>\n<p>You should talk to other event planners to see what worked for them. You should also speak to a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=dcta\" title=\"Business Organizations Attorneys\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business attorney<\/a>&nbsp;for a professional view of the best structure for your small business.<\/p>\n<p>Most small business owners open a company as a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-set-up-a-sole-proprietorship.html\" title=\"How To Set Up a Sole Proprietorship\">sole proprietorship<\/a>&nbsp;or a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llcs.html\" title=\" LLC Business Law\">limited liability company<\/a>. While state startup rules differ, it is not too difficult to begin an event planning business with either type of entity.<\/p>\n<h3>Sole Proprietorships<\/h3>\n<p>The most accessible type of business to organize is the sole proprietorship. In some states, you don&#8217;t even have to register it. A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/sole-proprietorship-vs--llc.html\" title=\"Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC\">sole proprietor<\/a>&nbsp;event planner doesn&#8217;t need to file a business return. They report all business profits and expenses on their individual tax return.<\/p>\n<p>Courts also ignore the structure when collecting business debts and obligations. A company creditor can sue the owner personally and take their personal assets and bank accounts.<\/p>\n<h3>Limited Liability Companies<\/h3>\n<p>You&#8217;ll have to jump through a few more hoops to form a limited liability company, but the effort may be worth it. A&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llc-definition.html\" title=\"LLC Definition\">limited liability company<\/a>&nbsp;(LLC) \u2014 offers financial protection to small business owners. As the name indicates, an owner does not have personal liability for LLC debts. Setting your business up as an LLC protects you from being personally liable in case of a business lawsuit.<\/p>\n<p>What about starting a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/corporations.html\" title=\"Corporations Law\">corporation<\/a>? This type of business also protects the owners from personal liability for business debts. Still, it is a more complicated business entity to organize.<\/p>\n<p>You register an LLC or corporation with the Secretary of State&#8217;s office in the state you want to operate by filing paperwork.&nbsp;Or you can let our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-an-event-planning-business-in-content\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trusted partner LegalZoom<\/a>&nbsp;handle your business formation filing for $99 plus filing fees.<\/p>\n<p>You should also look into what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/business-licenses-and-permits.html\">business licenses and permits<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/what-is-business-insurance-.html?fli=latl_biz_howto:diy_biz_ins:txt\">business insurance you need<\/a> for your event planning operations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            4\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Research\">Research Event Planner Certifications<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>Do you have to earn a certification to work as an event planner? It is not a legal requirement in any state. The industry is almost entirely unregulated. That means anyone can call themselves an event planner, even those who have never worked in the business.<\/p>\n<p>But it&#8217;s essential to establish credibility with potential clients. Credibility can be a big factor in the success of a new event-planning business. This is where certification can help. A recognized certification proves you have the training and experience to do the job.<\/p>\n<p>There are a variety of certifications available. Here are four to consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.eventscouncil.org\/CMP\/About-CMP\" title=\"Events Industry Council: About the CMP programme\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Certified Meeting Professional<\/a>&nbsp;(CMP) is an established and internationally recognized certification program for event planners. The program, run by the Events Industry Council, conditions certification on testing. But to apply, you must show proof of experience and training.<\/li>\n<li>The International Association of Exhibits and Events offers the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iaee.com\/cem\/\" title=\"International Association of Exhibitions and Events:  What is the CEM Designation?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Certification in Exhibition Management (CEM)<\/a>, another program with a good reputation. Those seeking the CEM must pass nine of the 14 classes offered. Only those with three years of full-time experience in the exhibitions and events industry can apply.<\/li>\n<li>Another reputed credential is the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ileahub.com\/becomeacsep\" title=\"International Live Events Association:  CSEP Steps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Certified Special Events Professional<\/a>. Candidates for this certification must also show proof of three years of experience in the field. The International Live Events Association manages the program.<\/li>\n<li>Suppose you hope to get government clients for your new business. In that case, you might need to earn the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sgmp.org\/cgmp-certification\" title=\"Society of Government Meeting Professional:  Certified Government Meeting Professional\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Certified Government Meeting Professional<\/a>&nbsp;designation. The Society of Government Meeting Professionals manages this certification. If you wish to take this exam, you must become a member.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some contracts only hire planners with a certification. Before you buy a membership or take an exam, make sure your potential clients demand it.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            5\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Equip\">Equip Your Startup<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p>When you move into a new apartment, you need to buy furniture and appliances. The same is true when you start a new business.<\/p>\n<p>For your startup, you will have initial expenses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Business insurance<\/li>\n<li>Event management software<\/li>\n<li>Setting up a business bank account<\/li>\n<li>Setting up a phone line or Google Voice number for your business, along with a professional voicemail message<\/li>\n<li>Setting up social media platforms for your event planning business<\/li>\n<li>Website set up<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Knowing your initial expenses will help determine when your cash flow is profitable.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"steps-container-item\">\n                <div class=\"category-overview category-overview-item-steps\">\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-heading category-overview-heading-steps\">\n                        <div class=\"category-overview-steps\">\n                            6\n                        <\/div>\n                        <h2 class=\"category-overview-steps-title\" id=\"Market\">Plan Your Marketing Approach<\/h2>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"category-overview-content-steps\">\n                        <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/marketing-and-advertising-laws.html\" title=\"Marketing and Advertising Laws\">Marketing<\/a>&nbsp;sounds intimidating. It means how you plan to get the word out about your event planning business. The more people who know about your company, the more potential clients you have.<\/p>\n<p>These days,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/small-business\/small-business-necessities-social-media-102\/\" title=\"Small Business Social Media 102\">social media<\/a>&nbsp;is one of the best ways to advertise a new business. Ideally, your event planning business will have its own website. Establish your presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and other sites people visit regularly. If you have contacts in different media outlets, like radio, television, or newspapers, you can also use these.<\/p>\n<p>What about word-of-mouth? That&#8217;s also important and depends more on your excellent event planning work than marketing. Ensure that everyone who deals with your business, starting with the first client, has only good things to say about the experience. Sticking to the event budget will go a long way toward creating happy clients.<\/p>\n<h2>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2>A Business Lawyer Can Help You Start Your Business<\/h2>\n<p>Contact a qualified\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business attorney<\/a>\u00a0to help you navigate starting a business. The lawyer can help you understand liability insurance and how to price your hourly rate.<\/p>\n<p>If you are ready to start your business, you can let our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-an-event-planning-business-custom-content\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trusted partner LegalZoom<\/a>\u00a0handle your business formation filing for $99 plus filing fees.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span 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 <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                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class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of 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class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\" fl-section-sidebar  \"><div class=\"generalCard\">\n            <div class=\"disclaimer--newLegalZoom general-card--newLegalZoom__disclaimer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>FindLaw will earn a commission if you purchase business formation products through these affiliate links.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card general-card--newLegalZoom\">\n        <div class=\"general-card__header\">\n            <div class=\"general-card__header-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoomText\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom_text.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoom\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <span class=\"general-card__header-title fl-text\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__body\">\n            <div class=\"text section\">\n                <div class=\"cmp-text\">\n                    <h2 class=\"general-card__h2--newLegalZoom fl-h3-landing\">Let&#8217;s start your free LLC!<\/h2>\n                    <div>\n                        <\/p>\n<p>Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom.<\/p>\n<p><b>LLC plans start at $0 + state fees.<\/b><\/p><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__footer\">\n            <a class=\"general-card__footer-link fl-text-lg diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - StateLaws ESum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=how-to-start-an-event-planning-business-esum\">\n                <p class=\"general-card__footer-link-text fl-no-margin fl-text-lg-medium\">SELECT AND START LLC<\/p>\n                <i class=\"general-card__footer-link-icon fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"general-card--newLegalZoom__bottom\">\n        <p>Prefer to work with a lawyer?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=state_biz:dir:lz_esum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    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aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business.html\">\n                        Closing a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Organization Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/mergers-acquisitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Mergers &#038; Acquisitions Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a 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helps explain how to start an event planning business. What legal issues might you face? Learn more here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":5123,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleDIYConversionController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-5425","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-smallbusiness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5425","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5425"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5425\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5425"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5425"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5425"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=5425"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=5425"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}