Paying for a wedding is no small feat. In fact, according to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding currently stands at $30,000. This included the cost of booking a venue, catering, travel, and the ring(s). But, in the case of destination weddings and other special arrangements, the costs can increase significantly.
If you’re planning to tie the knot in the coming months, but the cost is making you stressed, we're here to help. We’ll explore various profitable side-gigs ideas and how to get started so that you can pad your income and earn enough to plan your wedding the way you want without any restrictions.
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1. Assess Your Skill Set
Most freelancing positions hire individuals for specialized projects such as blog writing, graphic design, data entry, etc. Hence, your first step will be to assess the skills you possess and the type of positions you should apply to. Here are a few examples to help you get going:
- If you’re great at writing content, consider becoming a blog writer.
- If you have a knack for photography, start working at local events to earn a steady weekly income.
- If you’re passionate about eco-friendly DIY cleaning options, start a green cleaning service.
It’s best to shortlist at least two marketable skills as it’ll provide a wide range of opportunities to choose from.
2. Apply for Openings
There are plenty of online freelance marketplaces where you can start applying for openings. Here’s a list of prominent websites to use:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Toptal
- Guru
On these websites, you’re bound to find various openings that differ based on pay, time commitment, project scope, and more. Hence, before applying, review the positions based on these factors:
- Does the compensation meet your expectations?
- Will you be able to earn enough from this position to cover wedding costs?
- Does the position allow you to work remotely?
- Are there fixed hours of work, or can you make your schedule?
In addition to gig websites, reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to check if they have any openings in their office/business or know someone looking to hire freelancers in your niche.
3. Learn to Market Yourself
Companies tend to hire freelancers faster compared to onboarding full-time employees. However, they still conduct a thorough interview process to ascertain if you’re the right fit. Additionally, as reported by Zippia, there are currently 70.4 million freelancers in the United States, making the gig market extremely competitive. Hence, as with any job, it is important to market yourself to stand out from the crowd. Here are a few ways to do just that:
- Dress up professionally for the interview. Even if it is a remote position, dressing up will help to establish your professionalism.
- Prepare a 30 - 60 second elevator pitch that includes who you are, your skillset, and why you’re a good fit for the position. Remember to tailor this for each position.
- Create a portfolio website where potential employers can review your work and gain insights into skills and experience.
4. Establish a Limited Liability Company
While freelancing is a great way to earn extra cash, it comes with its set of risks as well. By default, all freelancers are considered sole proprietors and are responsible for unlimited liabilities arising out of disputes with clients. This means that in case of a lawsuit, your personal finances and assets are at risk of litigation.
To avoid this predicament, the best approach is to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC). An LLC registers the company as a separate legal entity, providing you (the owner) protection from business-related liabilities. Additionally, you’ll be able to use business expenses as tax write-offs and keep more money in your pocket.
If you dedicate a specific part of your house to your business, you can deduct part of your household expenses, so consider investing a little bit of money to create a functional, independent business space if you plan to continue with your business after the wedding. You’ll find that these updates can also increase your home’s value, which will be great when you’re ready to sell.
Start Your Marriage on Solid Financial Ground
Having a side gig is a great way to raise money for your wedding! Once you hone in on one or more marketable skills, apply to various positions to increase your chances of getting hired. But before you start working, remember to establish an LLC to protect your finances and keep more money in your pockets.
By Michelle Casey from doityourselfpro.com