Making Money At A Wedding Social: Tips And Tricks

Weddings are expensive, with the average cost of a wedding being over $31,000. This has created a huge industry with unlimited opportunities to earn money. From food, music, venues, flowers, and more, it takes a ton of people to make a wedding happen. If you're looking to cash in on the wedding industry, here are some ways to make money during wedding season.

Sell your unwanted items online

One way to make money for your wedding is to sell your unwanted items online. This can be a quick way to bring in some extra cash, especially for unexpected expenses.

There are many online marketplaces that allow you to sell your unwanted items. Here are some of the most popular options:

• EBay is an online auction and sales site that charges insertion fees (free for the first 250 listings per month, then typically 35 cents per listing) and final value fees (13.25% for most categories). You can also pay extra to upgrade and promote your listings.
• Amazon has two types of selling plans. With the Individual selling plan, you pay Amazon 99 cents per item sold, plus a referral fee (generally 8-20% of the total sale price, including shipping). With the Professional selling plan, you pay a $39.99 monthly subscription fee and no per-item fee.
• Bonanza is similar to Amazon and eBay and also charges transaction fees and final value fees.
• Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor are websites and apps that don't take a cut of your sales, but you're responsible for connecting with the buyer, arranging payment, and making the exchange.
• Poshmark is an online sales and social network hybrid for clothing and other goods. It charges a $2.95 fee for sales under $15 and a 20% fee for sales of $15 or more.
• Ruby Lane is a site for selling vintage and antique items. It charges a $45 monthly maintenance fee and a 9.9% service fee on sales up to $2,500.
• Etsy is a site for selling handmade arts and crafts or vintage collectibles. It charges 20 cents to list an item and a 6.5% transaction fee on the total sale price, including shipping. You'll also likely have to use Etsy Payments, which takes an additional 3% of the total sales price plus a 25-cent flat fee.
• Swappa and Gazelle are sites where you can sell your old electronics. With Swappa, you set your own price and ship your device directly to the buyer. Gazelle gives you a quote on your device and then you send it to the company.

When selling your unwanted items online, it's important to take good photos, be descriptive, transparent about the condition, and reasonable with your pricing. You should also do your research to find the right platform for what you're selling and compare fees to maximize your profits.

Rent out your home

Renting out your home for a wedding can be a great way to make some extra money. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Know the Market

Smaller, more intimate weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and many couples are opting for private venues instead of large public spaces. If you have a nice residential property, you could rent it out for weddings and other events. This can be a significant source of income, with rates ranging from $50 to $500 per hour, depending on the space and location.

Prepare Your Property

Before renting out your home, ensure it is clean and tidy, with all necessary amenities. Consider the number of guests and whether there is enough parking space available on your property or nearby. If guests will be using your bathrooms, ensure these are also clean and stocked with essentials. If you have a lawn, mow it and fill any holes to ensure a safe and appealing space.

Be Aware of Restrictions and Regulations

Check with your homeowner's association and local authorities to ensure you are allowed to rent out your property for events. Some areas may have noise restrictions, especially for late-night festivities, so inform your neighbours of your plans to avoid any issues.

Set Clear Rules and Rates

Decide what types of events you are willing to host and set your rates accordingly. You can charge different amounts for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, etc. Set a maximum number of guests and specify any areas of your property that are off-limits. You can also require events to be supervised by a paid representative to ensure your home is well looked after.

Use Listing Sites

There are several websites that can help you rent out your space, such as Giggster, Peerspace, Avvay, Splacer, and CozyMeal. These sites often have geographic limitations, so check which ones cover your area. Create detailed listings that include clear information about your space, the number of guests it can accommodate, and any restrictions you have in place.

Consider Insurance

Your standard homeowner's insurance may not cover commercial events, so check with your provider. Some listing sites offer liability policies, but these may have limitations and deductibles. Consider purchasing event insurance or a rider to ensure you are adequately covered.

Renting out your home for a wedding can be a great way to bring in some extra income, especially if you have a desirable property. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful experience for both you and your guests.

Become a wedding photographer

Wedding photography is a lucrative and rewarding career, but it takes more than just passion and a nice camera to succeed in this competitive field. Here are some tips to help you become a wedding photographer and make money from it:

Educate Yourself

Begin by learning the basics of photography. Read blog articles, books, and attend workshops conducted by established photographers. Consider taking online courses or joining photography groups to improve your skill set. Familiarize yourself with different camera equipment and editing software.

Network with Other Photographers

Don't hesitate to reach out and communicate with people in the wedding photography industry. Use social media and networking events to develop relationships with other photographers. Ask them about their equipment, strategies for finding clients, and advice on pursuing a career in wedding photography. This will help you find a mentor and gain valuable insights.

Become an Assistant Photographer

Start working as an assistant to established wedding photographers. This will allow you to gain practical experience and learn the ropes of the trade. Contact photographers in your area or through your network to inquire about assistant positions.

Invest in Photography Equipment

After gaining some experience, start investing in your own photography gear. Research the basic equipment you'll need, such as cameras, lenses, and tripods. Read the instructions for your equipment to ensure you know how to use it effectively.

Practice Your Photography Skills

Develop your skills by taking photos of friends and family. Offer to take engagement photos for engaged friends or acquaintances to build your client base and gain comfortable photography experience. Editing these photos will also enhance your skills with editing software and post-production techniques.

Create a Portfolio

Build a portfolio that showcases your best work and reflects your skill level, techniques, and unique style. Include pictures from your practice shoots, and update your portfolio as you continue to improve and capture high-quality images.

Advertise Your Services

Once you feel confident in your abilities, start promoting your wedding photography services. Create a website to display your portfolio and price list. Utilize social media platforms to reach a wider audience and promote your business.

Build a Client Base

Use your marketing materials and portfolio to attract potential clients. Offer your services to people you know who are getting married, and ask your network to share your website with their customers. Collaborate with wedding planners, as they may promote your work on social media and provide valuable referrals.

Develop a Personal Style

With numerous photographers in the market, it's essential to develop your unique style or aesthetic. This creates a selling point that sets you apart from other photographers and attracts clients seeking something distinctive.

Ask for Testimonials

Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful. Ask your previous clients to provide reviews and testimonials about their experiences working with you. Include these on your website and social media to build trust and confidence in potential clients.

Remember the Business Aspects

Many wedding photographers are self-employed and run their own businesses. Ensure you follow the necessary protocols for establishing your business, such as obtaining licenses and determining your pricing strategy. Consult with a lawyer and other photographer business owners to ensure you comply with all legal and business requirements.

By following these steps and continuously refining your skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful wedding photographer and making a good income from it.

Start a catering business

Starting a catering business can be a tricky venture to run, but taking the right steps can improve your chances of success. Here are some tips on how to start a catering business, specifically for wedding socials.

Step 1: Choose your business name and business entity type

First, you'll need to choose a name for your business and make sure it's available in the state where you plan to operate. You'll also need to choose the business entity you want your business to operate as. If you decide to operate as a sole proprietor, your business will be unincorporated and be owned by you alone. If you want to have a partner or want to limit your personal liability, you can choose to register as a partnership, a limited liability company, or another structure.

Step 2: Write a business plan

The next step is to create a business plan, which will serve as a roadmap for your company. Include an overview of your company, a market analysis, your business's organisation, the products and services you'll provide, and your marketing and financial plans. Research your competition and identify potential customers to tailor your offerings accordingly. Identify vendors and suppliers, and consider renting equipment and supplies before buying them outright.

Step 3: Register your business and obtain an EIN

Register your business name and obtain any necessary licenses and permits. Depending on your business entity and location, you may need a business license, health permits, a liquor license, and other certifications. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which will serve as a business tax ID number.

Step 4: Obtain licenses and clearances

Obtain a business license from the state and a food handling license. Pass any necessary health inspections, which may require a commercial kitchen. Obtain workers' compensation insurance and any other required permits or licenses to work in your desired venues. Consult local resources, such as the Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Development Centre, to ensure you meet all legal requirements.

Step 5: Determine your pricing

Pricing depends on your location and the type of catering you offer. Consider creating price tiers or custom proposals to meet the specific needs of your clients. Research the costs of ingredients and supplies to set competitive prices.

Step 6: Hire and train staff

Hire and train staff to help with catering events. Consider the number of staff you'll need for different types of events and budget for training and uniforms.

Step 7: Market your business

Networking is crucial in the catering industry. Attend bridal shows and corporate events to showcase your food and connect with potential clients. Utilise social media, LinkedIn, and traditional marketing methods to reach a wider audience. Offer samples and provide exceptional service to turn one-time customers into loyal clients.

Step 8: Plan for emergencies

Finally, always plan for emergencies, both financial and otherwise. Unexpected expenses, equipment breakdowns, and vehicle repairs can impact your business. Be prepared to handle last-minute changes and adapt to different venues and kitchen setups.

Make and sell wedding cakes

Making and selling wedding cakes can be a lucrative business, but it's important to keep a few things in mind to ensure success and profitability. Here are some instructive guidelines on how to make and sell wedding cakes, specifically for a wedding social:

Know Your Target Audience

Understanding your ideal client is crucial. Consider who you want to sell to and create cakes that align with their desires, problems, and budget. For example, middle-class parents with multiple children might be willing to pay a higher price for a well-designed and tasty cake but may not want to spend extravagantly.

Calculate the Cost of Ingredients and Overhead

To ensure you're making a profit, calculate the cost of ingredients for each cake, including packaging, marketing materials, and non-ingredient items like foil and parchment paper. Also, factor in business costs such as utilities, rent, tools, licenses, and taxes. This will help you price your cakes appropriately and make room for business growth.

Determine Your Pricing Strategy

There are a few ways to approach pricing. You can assign yourself an hourly wage based on your skill level and the time it takes to make and decorate each cake. Alternatively, you can choose a reasonable lump sum profit you want to make from each cake, considering factors like the size and complexity of the cake.

Choose Great Recipes

While the appearance of a wedding cake is important, don't forget about taste! Choose recipes that are moist, sturdy, and use real ingredients. Having gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options can also set you apart and cater to a wider range of clients.

Transportation and Delivery

Decide on your delivery approach. You can require clients to pick up their cakes, or you can offer delivery services for an additional fee. Keep in mind that transporting wedding cakes can be challenging, especially if they are large or tiered. You may need to assemble tiered cakes on-site, so be prepared with extra frosting and tools for last-minute touch-ups.

Legal Considerations

Depending on your location, there may be cottage food laws and regulations to consider. You might need to bake the cakes in a registered kitchen, obtain permits, and undergo inspections. Ensure you are familiar with the legal requirements for running a cake business from home.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully make and sell wedding cakes, providing a valuable service to couples planning their special day while also turning a profit for yourself.

Frequently asked questions