Wedding planning is one of the most profitable side hustles in the event industry. Couples are willing to pay thousands of dollars for help organizing their big day. With weddings becoming more elaborate, stressful, and time-consuming, many couples hire professional wedding organizers to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you love event planning, organization, and creativity, this could be the perfect business for you. This guide will walk you through how to start, market yourself, find clients, and make money planning weddings in 2025.
For a full step-by-step video tutorial, watch our YouTube guide here:
Why Wedding Planning is a Profitable Side Hustle
Couples spend $20,000 to $50,000+ on weddings, and many set aside a portion of that budget for a wedding planner.
What a Wedding Organizer Does:
- Coordinates the entire event – From venue selection to managing vendors.
- Handles logistics – Ensures everything runs on time and without stress.
- Provides creative input – Helps with design, themes, and personalization.
- Works within a budget – Helps couples maximize their spending.
If you establish yourself in the industry, wedding planning can turn into a full-time career or a high-income side hustle.
Step 1: Find Your Wedding Planning Niche
To stand out from the competition, choose a specific type of wedding to specialize in.
Best Wedding Planning Niches:
- Intimate & Micro Weddings – Small, private ceremonies under 50 guests.
- Luxury & High-End Weddings – Premium services for wealthy clients.
- Cultural & Destination Weddings – Specialized knowledge for international or cultural events.
- Themed Weddings – Boho, vintage, fairytale, or modern industrial styles.
- Eco-Friendly Weddings – Sustainable planning for green-conscious couples.
Focusing on one niche helps you market yourself effectively and charge higher rates.
Step 2: Build Relationships with Vendors
A great wedding planner relies on a network of vendors to pull off successful events.
Vendors to Connect With:
- Venues – Hotels, banquet halls, outdoor locations.
- Florists – Luxury floral designers and budget-friendly options.
- Caterers – Specialty cuisines, vegan options, food trucks.
- Photographers & Videographers – Capture high-quality memories.
- DJs & Live Bands – Set the perfect mood with music.
How to Build a Vendor List:
- Attend wedding expos and introduce yourself to vendors.
- Reach out via Instagram & LinkedIn to connect with professionals.
- Negotiate exclusive discounts so you can offer better deals to your clients.
Building a preferred vendor list adds value to your services and makes planning easier.
Step 3: Create an Online Presence
Most couples search for wedding planners online, so having a professional website and a strong social media presence is key.
How to Set Up a Wedding Planner Website:
- Use Squarespace – It’s easy to use and offers wedding-specific templates. Build your wedding planning website easily with Squarespace.
Starting at $10/mo
Save 28% annually
Key FeaturesBeautiful, award-winning design templates
Built-in SEO and analytics tools
Mobile-optimized right out of the boxWhy We Recommend ItStorage and Bandwidth:
Unlimited storage and bandwidth, allowing for extensive product listings and high traffic volumes without additional charges.
Extras and Inclusions:
Mobile-optimized checkout to ensure a seamless shopping experience on smartphones and tablets.
Built-in analytics to track visitor behavior and sales trends.
Inventory, orders, tax, and customer management are integrated into the platform.Pros & Cons- Beautiful, design-focused templates
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface
- There are no transaction fees on sales
- Limited e-commerce features compared to Shopify
- Fewer payment gateway options
- Showcase your portfolio – Even if you’re just starting, create mood boards and design mockups.
- Add testimonials – Even a few good reviews build credibility.
- Include pricing packages – Be transparent about your services.
- Make it easy to contact you – Add a form or booking button.
A professional website instantly makes you look trustworthy and experienced.
Step 4: Market Your Wedding Planning Services
Best Ways to Find Clients:
- Instagram & Pinterest – Post wedding inspiration, venue setups, and behind-the-scenes planning.
- Facebook Groups – Join local wedding and bridal groups and offer advice.
- Event Websites – List your services on The Knot, WeddingWire, and Thumbtack.
- Referrals – Offer discounts to clients who refer friends.
- Collaborate with Vendors – Photographers and venues can send clients your way.
Using Post Planner to schedule your social media content keeps your marketing consistent.
Step 5: Price Your Services Correctly
Common Pricing Models for Wedding Planners:
- Flat Fee Packages – Charge a set price for full-service or partial planning.
- Hourly Rate – Typically $50–$150 per hour for consulting.
- Percentage of Wedding Budget – Usually 10–15% of the total wedding cost.
Average Wedding Planning Fees:
Here are the range of service types and estimated price:
- Day-of Coordination $1,000–$2,500
- Partial Planning $2,500–$5,000
- Full-Service Planning $5,000–$15,000
If you target higher-income clients, you can charge premium rates.
Step 6: Provide Excellent Customer Service
How to Keep Clients Happy:
- Communicate often – Regular updates keep couples at ease.
- Create detailed timelines – Avoid last-minute surprises.
- Handle issues proactively – Be ready to solve problems on the spot.
- Go the extra mile – Small touches like personalized gifts leave a lasting impression.
Happy clients will leave positive reviews and refer new couples to you.
Step 7: Manage Your Finances & Scale Your Business
A wedding planning business can be highly profitable, but it’s essential to track income and expenses.
Best Tools to Manage Finances:
- QuickBooks – Simplifies bookkeeping and tax filing.
- Google Sheets – Great for budgeting and tracking vendor payments.
How to Scale Your Wedding Planning Business:
- Hire an assistant – Helps manage multiple clients.
- Expand services – Offer floral design, decor rentals, or honeymoon planning.
- Create digital products – Sell wedding planning templates and checklists.
Scaling your business can increase profits and allow you to take on more clients.
Final Thoughts: Is Wedding Planning a Good Side Hustle?
Wedding planning is a profitable and fulfilling business if you love organization, design, and working with people. It requires dedication, strong marketing, and attention to detail, but the earning potential is high.
Who This Side Hustle is Best For:
- Creative people who love event planning.
- Those who enjoy working with couples and vendors.
- Entrepreneurs looking for a high-income business with flexible hours.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose a wedding planning niche to stand out.
- Build a strong vendor network for better service.
- Create a professional website with Squarespace.
- Market yourself through social media and wedding platforms.
- Price your services competitively and offer premium packages.
- Provide excellent customer service to earn referrals.
- Use QuickBooks to manage your finances and scale efficiently.