How I Started My 7-Figure Wedding Venue Business With Just $10K (And What I’d Do Differently Now) Episode 2, The Venue Underground
When I launched my first venue, I didn’t have investors, a giant loan, or a deep-pocketed partner. I had $10K, a historic property, and a vision.
Here’s how I made it work:
Leveraged an existing building rather than building from the ground up.
Focused on flexible space that could host weddings, parties, and corporate events.
Handled as much as possible in-house during renovations to save money.
Marketed before we were finished to start booking revenue early.
My Startup Budget Breakdown
That $10K covered:
Cosmetic renovations (paint, lighting, cleaning)
Permits and basic legal fees
Essential furniture and decor
Initial marketing (website, photos, ads)
Everything else came from sweat equity, resourcefulness, and learning to stretch every dollar.
What I’d Do Differently Today
Looking back, there are a few things I’d absolutely change:
Build stronger systems from day one — booking software, client onboarding, and clear policies.
Hire sooner for high-impact roles like sales and event management.
Be more selective with upgrades instead of getting swept up in design trends.
Negotiate vendor partnerships early to improve margins and client experience.
Keys to Scaling From $10K to 7 Figures
Franchising & Multiple Locations: Expanding the brand with a proven business model.
Streamlined Operations: Consistency across venues made growth possible.
Diversified Revenue: Hosting corporate events, styled shoots, and off-season bookings.
Strong Brand Identity: Clear visuals and messaging that resonate with our target clients.
Why This Matters for Aspiring Venue Owners
If you’ve ever dreamed of opening your own wedding venue but felt intimidated by the costs, my story proves you can start small and still scale big. The key is resourcefulness, strategic marketing, and knowing when to reinvest in your business.
💡 Takeaway: You don’t need millions to start — but you do need a clear vision, smart budgeting, and a plan to grow.
🎧 Listen to the full episode for the exact steps I took, the mistakes to avoid, and the strategies that took me from $10K to 7 figures:
🎧 Listen to Episode 2 on Spotify
XO,
Kate