Wedding & Events Planner

Plan your tax as carefully as you plan your clients' perfect day.

Allowable Expenses

• Vendor Payments (on behalf of clients) — Payments to florists, photographers, venues made on behalf of clients — must be recharged, not your expense.
• Samples & Site Visits — Travel and admission costs for venue visits, supplier meetings, and wedding show attendance on behalf of clients.
• Planning Software & Tools — Aisle Planner, HoneyBook, Trello, and other event management software subscriptions.
• Marketing & Branding — Website, portfolio photography, Instagram advertising, and wedding fair attendance fees.
• Professional Insurance — Public liability and professional indemnity insurance for wedding and events work.
• Travel — Mileage, rail, and accommodation for events that require overnight stays away from home.

Tax Tips

• Vendor costs paid on behalf of clients and recharged are not your income or expense — they are a pass-through. Only your planning fee is your income.
• Wedding fairs attended as an exhibitor involve booth costs, samples, and travel — all deductible as marketing expenses.
• If you take deposits, they are taxable income when received — even if the event is next year.
• Relationship-building meals with preferred vendors are client entertainment — NOT deductible for tax purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are client deposits taxable when received?

Yes. Deposits taken from clients are taxable income in the year received — you cannot defer them to the year of the event. Under cash basis, income is recognised when received. Under accruals, income is recognised when earned.

How do I handle vendor payments made on behalf of clients?

Payments you make to florists, venues, photographers, and other vendors on behalf of clients are not your income or expense — they are pass-through transactions. Only your planning fee, coordination fee, or commission is your taxable income.

Are wedding fair exhibiting costs deductible?

Yes. Booth fees, sample costs, travel, and overnight accommodation for wedding fairs you attend as an exhibitor are fully deductible marketing expenses.

Can I deduct Aisle Planner or HoneyBook subscriptions?

Yes. Event management and CRM software subscriptions used to manage client bookings, vendor communications, and event timelines are fully deductible professional software costs.