How to Earn Money in the Event Planning Business

Event planning isn’t just glamorous—it can be seriously profitable if you know where and how to earn. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, here’s a breakdown of income streams, profit models, and pro tips for building a sustainable business.

💼 1. Core Income: Planning & Coordination Services

This is your bread and butter—charging clients for organizing and managing events.

Common pricing models:

  • Flat Fee: Ideal for small events (e.g., $500–$2,000 for birthdays or private parties)

  • Percentage of Event Budget: Often 10–20% of total cost (especially for weddings or corporate events)

  • Hourly Rate: $50–$150/hour (for consultations, day-of services)

📝 Pro Tip: Always use a clear contract and collect a deposit (30–50%) upfront.

📦 2. Service Packages and Upsells

Create tiered packages like:

  • Basic Planning (just logistics)

  • Premium Planning (design, vendor management, on-site support)

  • VIP Experience (full service + custom details like luxury rentals, stylists, etc.)

Upsell ideas:

  • Custom invitations

  • Event branding

  • Guest management or concierge services

  • Social media coverage (event reels, live streams)

🏢 3. Corporate Contracts & Retainers

Corporate clients = consistent cash flow.
Offer long-term or retainer-based services for:

  • Company offsites

  • Product launches

  • Employee celebrations

  • Brand activations

💡 Charge monthly retainers or per-event fees. Some planners make $5,000–$15,000/month from just 1–3 corporate clients.

🎪 4. Vendor Commissions / Referral Fees

You can earn a referral fee from vendors like:

  • Venues

  • Caterers

  • DJs

  • Photographers

Some offer 5–15% commission for each client you send their way.

📢 Be transparent with clients. Either disclose referral earnings or include them in your pricing.

🪑 5. Event Rentals and Decor Inventory

Own your own:

  • Tables, chairs, linens

  • Backdrops and props

  • Lighting or floral stands

Rent them out as part of your package or separately.
🎯 High ROI over time—especially for repeat-use items.

🖥️ 6. Digital Income Streams

Once you're established, go beyond events:

  • Sell event planning templates (budgets, checklists)

  • Offer online courses or workshops

  • Run a YouTube or Instagram channel with sponsors

  • Start an affiliate blog with links to supplies/vendors

💻 Passive income + expert positioning.

🧾 Realistic Monthly Income Potential (for small-to-mid scale planners):

Experience LevelClients/MonthEst. Monthly Revenue
New (0–1 yr)2–3 small events$1,000–$3,000
Intermediate3–5 events + upsells$3,000–$8,000
Full-Time Pro5+ events, corporate gigs, rentals$10,000+

💡 Final Tip: Profit = Revenue – Stress

Charge what you’re worth. Respect your time. Use systems (invoicing, scheduling, templates) to stay sane.

And remember: You're not "just planning parties"—you're solving problems, managing pressure, and creating magic. That’s worth serious money.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Event planing

  Event planning is the process of organizing and coordinating all the details needed to make an event successful. This includes things like: Choosing a date and venue Creating a budget Designing the theme or decor Hiring and managing vendors (like caterers, photographers, DJs) Sending out invitations Managing the timeline Solving problems during the event Making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish Whether it's a small birthday party, a corporate meeting, a wedding, or a huge festival — event planners are the people who bring everything together to make the day perfect. What Do Event Planners Actually Do? A professional event planner: Meets with clients to understand their goals and vision Plans every detail of the event — big or small Manages vendors and service providers Tracks the budget Oversees the setup and event day schedule Solves any last-minute issues calmly Makes sure the client and guests are happy ...
Read more

Make Your Specialty — and Let the Right Clients Find You

  One of the smartest moves you can make as an event planner is to define your specialty . Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, focus on being the best at one thing — and let that shine in your brand. When people know exactly what you’re great at, they’ll trust you faster, book you easier, and refer you to others without hesitation. Why You Need a Specialty Here’s what having a clear specialty does for you: ✅ It makes your brand unforgettable ✅ It attracts clients who are specifically looking for your style ✅ It helps you stand out from the competition ✅ It makes marketing 10x easier ✅ It builds your confidence and authority How to Choose Your Specialty Ask yourself: What type of events do I enjoy the most? What kind of work gets me the best results or feedback? Where do I shine — design, coordination, budget planning, luxury setups? What do people always compliment me on? Examples of specialties you can own: Luxury weddings Budget-frie...
Read more

Learn to Say No — and Protect Your Business

In the early days of your event planning journey, it’s tempting to say “yes” to every request, client, or opportunity. You want to grow, gain experience, and prove yourself. But as your business matures, one of the most powerful things you can learn is this: 👉 Saying no is not a weakness — it’s wisdom. Why You Must Learn to Say No Saying yes to everything can lead to: Burnout and stress Undercharging for your time Taking on clients who don’t respect your process Poor-quality work due to unrealistic timelines Damaging your brand with rushed or poorly executed events "text/javascript" src="//www.highperformanceformat.com/97aa1764aa7f174b7615b596a7108076/invoke.js"> Sometimes, “no” is exactly what your business needs. When You Should Say No ❌ When the budget doesn’t match the client’s expectations You’re a planner, not a magician. If someone wants a luxury wedding for a small budget and refuses to adjust, it’s okay to decline. ❌ Whe...
Read more

The More You Invest, The More You Earn

  One of the key lessons every successful event planner learns is this: your income grows in direct proportion to your investment — of time, money, energy, and effort . If you want to build a thriving, respected event business, you can’t be afraid to invest in yourself and your brand. Whether you’re investing in better tools, more knowledge, or your team — it always pays off in the long run . Here’s how smart investments lead to bigger earnings: 1. Invest in Your Skills The event industry is constantly evolving. Trends change. Clients expect more. That’s why upskilling is non-negotiable . ✅ Take online courses (event management, design, budgeting, etc.) ✅ Attend workshops or industry conferences ✅ Learn software like Canva, Trello, or design tools ✅ Follow global event trends The more you know, the more value you offer — and the more you can charge. 2. Invest in Quality Supplies and Decor Clients notice quality. If your materials look cheap or outdated, it reflects on ...
Read more

How to Get Event Orders (Even When You're Just Starting Out)

  Getting your first few event planning orders can feel challenging, but with the right mix of strategy, confidence, and hustle, you can start booking clients and growing your business — one event at a time. Here’s how: 1. Start with Your Circle Your first clients are often people you already know. Let friends, family, coworkers, and your local community know that you’re offering event planning services. Offer to plan small events (birthdays, baby showers, engagements, community programs) at a discounted rate in exchange for photos, testimonials, and referrals. Word-of-mouth is powerful — happy clients bring in more clients. 2. Use Social Media (Consistently) Your online presence is your portfolio. Post your work regularly on Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok. Share behind-the-scenes, before-and-after transformations, planning tips, and client feedback. Use local hashtags like #LagosEvents #ChicagoPartyPlanner or #DelhiWeddings to get discovered. Ta...
Read more

You Have to Build Strong Competition with Your Competitors

  In the world of event planning, you're not the only one offering beautiful setups, creative ideas, or smooth coordination. There are hundreds (or thousands!) of planners out there — but the good news is: you don’t need to fear competition. Instead, you need to build your business so strong that you become the competition others worry about . Here’s how you can do it — even if you’re just starting: 1. Focus on Your Unique Style What makes you different ? It could be: Your personal touch and communication style Your signature decor themes or cultural knowledge Your speed and flexibility Your affordability or luxury approach Figure out what makes you stand out — then market it clearly. Let people know what they’ll get from YOU that they won’t get anywhere else. 2. Offer Better Service, Not Just Better Prices Don’t fall into the trap of competing only on price. Instead: Be more reliable Communicate faster Deliver better quality Solve client problem...
Read more

Event Planning Business

Event Planning Business That Stands Out  If you’ve ever been the go-to person for planning birthdays, office parties, or even family reunions, you might’ve thought: Could I actually make a business out of this? Short answer: Absolutely. Longer answer: Only if you treat it like a business from day one. Welcome to the world of event planning—where creativity meets logistics, and champagne meets spreadsheets. 💡 Step 1: Define Your Niche Before You Define Your Name The biggest mistake new event planners make? Trying to do everything . Corporate retreats, weddings, baby showers, product launches—each one has different needs, budgets, and clients. Find your niche: Weddings & engagements Corporate events Luxury private parties Kids' birthdays with a twist Eco-conscious or minimalist events 🎯 Pro tip : It’s better to be “the best at one thing” than “okay at everything.” 🧱 Step 2: Build the Business Foundation (Not Just Your Instagram) Yes, social media ma...
Read more

Top 10 Best Side Hustles to Make Money Online in 2025 (Proven & Easy)

Introduction Looking for the best side hustles in 2025 that actually work? 💰 Whether you’re in the United States, UK, Canada, or Australia , making money online has never been easier. From freelancing to blogging and AI tools , these opportunities allow you to earn $500–$5000 per month — even from the comfort of your home. In this guide, you’ll discover 10 profitable side hustles that are beginner-friendly and scalable. 1. Freelancing (Earn $500–$5000/month) Freelancing is one of the fastest ways to make money online in 2025. Platforms like: Upwork Fiverr Toptal allow you to sell services such as content writing, web development, social media marketing, and graphic design . 👉 Pro Tip: Specialize in high-demand skills like SEO writing, video editing, and app development to attract Tier 1 clients. Image Idea: Freelancer working on a laptop with coffee. Alt Text: Freelancer working online from home. 2. Blogging (AdSense + Affiliate Marketing) Blogging i...
Read more

Build a Strong Network in the Industry

In the event planning world, who you know matters just as much as what you do . You could be the most talented planner around, but without the right connections, you might struggle to grow. That’s why networking is not just a “nice-to-have” — it’s a must-have . A strong network can help you: Get more referrals Gain trusted vendor partners Learn industry secrets Land bigger opportunities Build a solid reputation Here’s how to start building a powerful network in the events industry: 1. Connect with Other Event Planners — Yes, Even Your Competitors It might sound strange, but connecting with other planners is a smart move. Sometimes: They’re fully booked and can refer clients to you You can collaborate on big projects You learn from their experiences Remember: Community over competition . There’s enough room for everyone. 2. Partner with Reliable Vendors Strong vendor relationships = smoother events. Start building connections with: Decorators Florists C...
Read more