Party On, Mama! 15 Side Gigs for Event Enthusiasts
If you’re a stay at home mom looking to turn your passion for creating memorable experiences into a profitable side gig, have I got a treat for you.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 event-related side gigs, tailored specifically for stay-at-home moms looking for flexible ways to hone their creative or organizational skills and earn money doing so!
Event planning
What it is: an event planner is responsible for the many moving parts involved in events, from choosing venues to catering services, even hiring performers.
Requirements: a background or strong knowledge in event planning. Although a formal degree is typically not required to become an event planner, there are online certification programs for those wanting solid credentials.
Potential earnings: varies greatly, but most independent event planners charge several hundred to several thousand dollars per event.
Event photographer
What it is: providing photography services at events.
Requirements: a strong knowledge of or background in photography and digital editing is crucial, as is a quality camera, additional equipment depending on necessity (tripod, lighting, etc) and photo-editing software.
Potential earnings: varies greatly, but most independent event photographers charge several hundred to several thousand dollars per event.
Artist
What it is: providing services as a skilled artist at events. Examples include live wedding painting, where a scene from a wedding is painted in real-time, as well as caricatures.
Requirements: a strong skill set in whatever art form you plan to offer
Potential earnings: varies greatly, depending on skillset, time commitment, materials, etc.
Balloon decor
What is it: think balloon arches and backdrops.
Requirements: this is a skill that can be learned through video tutorials and perfected with practice!
Potential earnings: varies greatly, depending on skillset, time commitment, materials, etc.
Custom event decor
What is it: Think custom banners, backdrops, table decor, chair covers, glassware, party favors, and so much more!
Requirements: varies, depending on the products offered.
Potential earnings: varies greatly, depending on skillset, time commitment, materials, etc.
Custom stationary
What is it: think custom digital products that the buyer prints — like birthday or wedding invites, place cards, and letterheads — or finished, printed stationary.
Requirements: a strong knowledge in graphic design and any software necessary, depending on products offered.
Potential earnings: varies greatly, depending on skillset, time commitment, materials, etc.
Luxury picnic coordinator
What is it: we’ve all seen them — those dreamy picnics using wooden pallets, tassel-trimmed poufs, and pussywillows!
Requirements: varies, depending on what materials and services you offer clients.
Potential earnings: varies greatly, but usually includes rental of material plus event planning.
Event rentals
What is it: aside from the obvious event rentals, like inflatable bounce houses, tents, and chairs, you can rent out cotton candy machines, laser tag setups, photo booths, table tennis, and so much more!
Requirements: varies, depending on what you offer clients.
Potential earnings: varies greatly, depending on what items you are renting out.
Entertainer
What is it: think face painting, balloon animals, and magician.
Requirements: these are skills that can be learned through video tutorials and perfected with practice!
Potential earnings: varies greatly, depending on skillset, time commitment, materials, etc.
Henna artist
What is it: henna artists are in growing demand. Best for: artistic mamas with a steady hand!
Requirements: This is a skill that can be learned through video tutorials and perfected with practice!
Potential earnings: varies, depending on skillset, time commitment, materials, etc, but typically a couple to several hundred dollars per event.
Group activity coordinator
What is it: Assist baby shower attendees in knitting booties for the new baby or help teenage birthday goers create their very own shade of lipstick!
Requirements: this is perfect for mamas with a skillset or hobby that translates well into a group activity for events! Supplies required would vary, depending on the activities offered
Potential earnings: varies greatly, depending on skillset, time commitment, materials, etc.
Animal educator
What is it: an adult version of show-and-tell!
Requirements: this is perfect for mamas who raise unique or exotic animals! Check for local or national regulations or requirements.
Potential earnings: varies greatly
Character in costume
What is it: get paid to play dress up as an adult! We’re not just talking run-of-the-mill Disney princesses, here! The sky’s the limit, but the demand for characters that the partygoers find relatable is growing! Princess of color, superheroes with varying abilities, popular characters of various ethnicities, etc!
Requirements: varies, depending on character(s)
Potential earnings: varies greatly, depending on skillset, time commitment, materials, etc.
Specialty food artist
What is it: make cotton candy, specialty popcorn, or candies nuts at events, fresh for the guests
Requirements: varies, depending on the foods you are offering. These are generally considered non-potentially hazardous foods and generally requires minimal regulation and requirements especially when made to serve at events (versus made to sell), but check with your local or national regulations.
Potential earnings: varies greatly, depending on skillset, time commitment, materials, etc.
Musician
What is it: are you a talented piano player, saxophone player, or singer? Perhaps you’ve got a way with the djembe or grew up playing the cello?
Requirements: a strong talent in an instrument or singing, and the instrument of choice
Potential earnings: varies greatly, but most musicians charge several hundred to several thousand dollars per event
