To sell event planning services in Ghana, offer clear packages (full planning, partial planning, day-of coordination, decor only), take a paid consultation call to filter serious clients, collect a deposit before you book any vendors, and agree a written payment schedule for the rest. A portfolio of real events, with photos and short videos, is what convinces new clients to hire you.
Weddings, engagements, naming ceremonies, birthdays, funerals and corporate events keep event planners busy across Ghana. The planners who earn well are the ones who package their work and get paid on time.
1. Package your services
Clients understand packages better than hourly rates:
- Full planning: from budget and vendors to the day itself.
- Partial planning: you take over a few months before.
- Day-of coordination: you run the day so the family can enjoy it.
- Decor and styling only.
- Corporate events: launches, end-of-year parties, conferences.
For each package, list what's included, how many meetings, and what's extra.
2. Charge for consultations
A short paid consultation separates curious people from real clients. In 30 to 60 minutes you understand their event, budget and style, and they see how you work.
- Price it so it's worth your time.
- Deduct the fee from the package if they hire you. Many clients love this.
On Paylead, create a booking product with your available times. Clients pick a slot, pay and get a calendar invite. See how to take paid consultation bookings.
3. Write a clear quote
After the consultation, send a quote that lists:
- Your fee for the package
- Estimated vendor costs (venue, catering, decor, music, photography), separately
- What's not included
- The payment schedule
- Your cancellation terms
Keep your fee separate from vendor money so clients see what they're paying you for.
4. Get paid on a schedule
Never pay vendors with your own money and hope to be refunded. A common schedule:
- Deposit to book the date (often 30 to 50% of your fee)
- Vendor payments before you book each vendor
- Final balance a week or two before the event
Send each payment as part of an invoice the client can pay in parts. See how to accept part payments and installments and how to send an invoice. Clients pay by MoMo or card, and you can see what's paid and what's left at a glance. Paylead's fee is 4% + GH₵ 1 per online payment.
5. Build a portfolio that sells
- Photos and short videos of setups, the full room and the details.
- The story of each event: budget range, theme, challenge and how you solved it.
- Client reviews after every event, with permission. See how to get and use testimonials.
- Vendor credits: tag the caterer, decorator and photographer. They'll share your posts.
Put it all on one page with your packages and booking link. See how to create a website for your business.
6. Find clients
- Instagram and TikTok setups and behind-the-scenes videos.
- Vendor referrals: venues, caterers and photographers hear about events first. Pay a referral commission with an affiliate link.
- Bridal fairs and church networks.
- Corporate HR and admin teams for end-of-year events. Send a short proposal in October.
- Google Business Profile for "event planner near me" searches.
7. Deliver like a professional
Use a simple timeline for every event, confirm vendors a week before, and send the client an update after every big decision. Clients who feel looked after refer their friends, and that's how most planners grow.
Frequently asked questions
How much do event planners charge in Ghana?
It varies a lot by event size and package. Many planners charge a flat fee per package or a percentage of the event budget. Whatever you choose, write it down before the client pays.
Should I collect vendor money myself?
Only if your quote and invoice show it separately. Many planners let clients pay big vendors directly and charge only their own fee.
What if the client cancels?
Set your terms in the quote: for example, the deposit isn't refundable once you've booked vendors, and vendor deposits follow each vendor's own policy.
Read next: how to take bookings for makeup artists, how to sell event tickets online and how to sell photography packages.
