A Step by Step Beginners Guide to Event Planning as a Side Hustle.
Average Income: $25 per hour
Average Hours Per Month: 20h to 40h
Average Startup Costs: $1000 to $3000
Are you looking for a flexible and creative way to earn extra income? Event planning might be the perfect side hustle for you. With the demand for memorable and well-organized events, event planning can be a lucrative business opportunity for anyone with a passion for organization, creativity, and attention to detail.
In this guide, we will cover all the steps you need to take to start and grow your event planning side hustle.
Table of Contents
What is Event Planning?
Event planning is the job of creating, organizing, and executing events such as Weddings, corporate events, parties, and other special occasions. The Event planners roll is coordinating all the details involved in the event, including managing the budget, finding vendors, and overseeing the set-up and tear-down of the event.
What Are the Start-up Costs to Become an Event Planner?
The start-up costs for an event planning side hustle can vary greatly depending on the type of events you plan to specialize in and the scope of services you will offer.
Some common start-up expenses include business licenses, insurance, marketing and advertising, and equipment and supplies.
On average, you can expect to spend around $1,000 to $3,000 on start-up costs.
What Services Can You Offer Your Clients as an Event Planner?
As an Event planner, you can offer a wide range of services to your clients, including but not limited to:
- Event Concept & Design: Help clients create a unique event that reflects their style and taste. This may include creating a color scheme, choosing a venue, and determining the flow of the event.
- Budget Management: Assist clients in setting a budget for their event and tracking expenses to ensure they stay within budget.
- Vendor Coordination: Work with vendors such as caterers, florists, and rental companies to secure the necessary services for the event.
- Marketing and Promotion: Develop and execute a marketing plan to promote the event, including creating invitations, social media campaigns, and other promotional materials.
- Day-of Coordination: Ensuring that the event runs smoothly by overseeing the setup, management, and breakdown of the event.
- Decoration & Theme: Select, design and implement decor, lighting, and other special effects to create a cohesive theme for the event.
- Audio-Visual Services: Manage the audio-visual aspects of an event such as sound systems, lighting, and projectors.
- Transportation and Logistics: Arrange transportation for guests, VIPs, and participants and manage logistics such as parking, signage, and accessibility.
- Guest Management: Ensure that guests have a positive experience by managing registration, seating arrangements, and other details.
- Permits & Licenses: Obtain the necessary permits and licenses for the event to ensure compliance with local regulations.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Event Planner.
Becoming an Event planner, is a dream for many who love to plan and organize events. If you’re passionate about creating memorable experiences for people and want to turn that into a side hustle, this step-by-step guide will help you get started.
- Determine Your Niche:: Before you start your Event planning side hustle, it’s important to determine your specialty niche. This could be Weddings, corporate events, birthdays, or any other type of event that interests you. Knowing which niche is best for you will help you target your marketing efforts better and make you more attractive to clients who are looking for someone with specific experience and skills.
- Get Educated: While formal education is not required to become an event planner, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of event planning. You can do this by reading books (See recommendations Below), taking online courses, or attending workshops and conferences. This will help give you a solid foundation of knowledge and help you understand the planning process and the different aspects of event production.
- Build Your Portfolio: Start by creating a portfolio of your previous events. Use photos, testimonials, and videos to showcase your skills and creativity. This will help you stand out from other event planners and give potential clients a better idea of what you can do.
- Network with Industry Professionals: Connect with other Event planners and professionals in the industry. Attend industry events and conferences, join professional organizations, and reach out to other event planners to ask for advice and tips. This will help you build a network of contacts and increase your visibility in the industry.
- Establish Your Pricing $$$: Before you start taking on clients, you need to establish your pricing. Consider your costs, the time you’ll need to put into each event, and what you’re worth. Set a price that’s fair for you and your clients, and be transparent about your fees from the start.
- Market Yourself To Success: Start marketing yourself to potential clients. Utilize social media, create a website, and advertise in local newspapers and magazines. Offer your services to friends and family, and ask for referrals from satisfied clients. Be creative and proactive, and don’t be afraid to reach out to businesses or organizations that could benefit from your services.
- Get Yourself Organized: Organization is the key to success as an event planner. Invest in the best tools and software to help you keep track of clients, appointments, and deadlines. Make sure you have a system in place to also manage contracts, invoices, and payments.
- Provide Exceptional Service: The most important thing you can do to build your reputation as an Event planner is to provide exceptional service. Make sure your clients are satisfied with your work, and that they feel like they’ve received value for their money. If you do this, they will be more likely to recommend you to others, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful event planning side hustle.
By following these great steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful event planner. With hard work, dedication, and a passion for creating memorable experiences, you’ll be able to turn your side hustle into a full-time career.
How Much Money Can You Make with an Event Planning Side Hustle?
The amount of money $$$ you can make with an event planning side hustle varies greatly depending on a number of factors such as your location, the services you offer, your level of experience, and your marketing efforts. Some event planners start their businesses as side hustles while they work a full-time job, while others make event planning their full-time career.
It’s difficult to estimate a specific amount of money you can make as an event planner, as it can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a small event to tens of thousands of dollars for a large event. However, if you have a strong network of contacts and a good reputation in the industry, you can potentially earn a good income as an event planner.
To maximize your earnings, it’s important to be professional, efficient, and provide high-quality services to your clients. You can also consider specializing in a particular type of event, such as weddings, corporate events, or parties, to increase your marketability and expertise in a specific area. Ultimately, your earnings will be directly linked to the success of your business, so it’s important to put in the effort to build a strong brand and reputation.
5 Tips for Making Money with Event Planning.
- Network & Build Relationships: Networking & building relationships is crucial in the event planning industry. Connect with Vendors, suppliers, venue managers, and other event planners to create a referral network. This will help you get new clients and increase your chances of getting repeat business.
- Offer Customizable Packages: By offering customizable packages to your clients so that they can choose what services they want and need for their event, you can cater to different budgets and still make a profit.
- Utilize Social Media: Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter to showcase your work, promote your events, and connect with potential clients. Make sure your profiles are professional and up-to-date.
- Focus on Specialty Events: Consider specializing in a specific type of event such as weddings, corporate events, or birthday parties. This will help you stand out in a crowded market and attract clients who are looking for a specialist.
- Offer Additional Services: Offer additional services such as event design, decoration, or rental services. This will increase your income and make your business more valuable to clients. Make sure to choose services that complement your event planning skills and offer a good return on investment
Recommended Reads:
How to Market Yourself as an Event Planner.
Marketing yourself as an event planner is crucial to your success in the industry. Here are some tips to help you do so effectively:
- Build a strong online presence: Establish a Website that showcases your portfolio and services. Also, have a strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where you can share your latest projects and interact with potential clients.
- Network: Attend industry events and conferences, reach out to other event planners, and join professional organizations. These networks can help you connect with potential clients and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
- Offer a unique selling proposition (USP): What sets you apart from other event planners? Offer unique services or specialize in a specific type of event. This USP will make you stand out from your competition and attract clients who are looking for something specific.
- Get referrals: Word of Mouth is a powerful marketing tool. Encourage your satisfied clients to refer you to others and offer incentives for successful referrals.
- Invest in quality marketing materials: Invest in professional business cards, brochures, and flyers to help promote your services. These materials will help you make a strong first impression and effectively communicate the value you bring to the table.
By implementing these Tips, you can effectively market yourself as an event planner and attract clients who are looking for a professional, reliable, and creative partner to plan their events.
How to Avoid Scams and Find Legitimate Event Planning Opportunities.
Avoiding scams and finding legitimate event planning opportunities requires due diligence and research. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
- Verify the Company: Before signing any contracts or agreements, make sure to research the company and its reputation. Check their website, social media profiles, and reviews from previous clients.
- Get Everything in Writing: Make sure all agreements and contracts are in writing and outline the services you will provide, payment terms, and any other important details.
- Know Your Limits: Be aware of the limitations of your event planning skills and be honest about what you can and can’t do. Don’t agree to take on a project that is beyond your abilities.
- Protect Your Interests: Make sure to have liability insurance to protect yourself from any potential lawsuits or financial losses.
- Ask for References: Before accepting a job, ask the client for references from past events they have hosted. Contact these references and ask about their experience with the client and the event planning process.
By following these steps, you can avoid scams and find legitimate event planning opportunities that allow you to grow your side hustle and increase your income.
Some Event Planning Side Hustle Success Stories.
- David Tutera – David is a well-known event planner who has planned events for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. He has been featured on several television shows and is a sought-after speaker in the event planning industry. Read more about his success story here: https://davidtutera.com/about-david-tutera/
In Conclusion:
In conclusion, Event planning can be a lucrative $$$ side hustle for individuals with a passion for organizing events and a keen eye for detail. With a low startup cost, a wide range of skills, and an average hourly rate of $25, event planning can provide an additional source of income.
To maximize your chances of success, it is important to hone your skills, market yourself effectively, and avoid scams.
With a little effort, event planning can be a fun and rewarding way to make money on the side.
Online Event Planning Resources.
- International Live Events Association (ILEA): https://www.ileahub.com/
- Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA): https://pcma.org/
- National Association of Catering Executives (NACE): https://www.nace.net/
- WeddingWire: https://www.weddingwire.com/
- BizBash: https://www.bizbash.com/
- Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/
- MeetingsNet: https://www.meetingsnet.com/
- Event Manager Blog: https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/
These resources can provide valuable information, support, and networking opportunities for event planners, helping them stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, and connect with other professionals in the field.
Pocket Hustle Rating
Event Planning
Our Ratings are an evaluation of a number of key elements that determine the potential of a side hustle. We consider factors such as earnings potential, effort required to achieve success, and any initial expenses. Additionally, we assess the level of competition and the potential for growth and sustainability in the chosen field. It's important to note that while these ratings can serve as a useful guide, they do not guarantee success. Ultimately, hard work, passion, and perseverance are the key ingredients for success in any endeavor.
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Time Needed (1 - Low, 10 High)
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Startup Costs (1 - Low, 10 High)
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Chance of Success (1 - Low, 10 High)
