You’re getting married — congratulations! Did you know that, according to Diamond Bridal Gallery, the average California wedding costs $39,000? You can have a less elaborate wedding, of course; however, most wedding costs need to be paid before your special day. You may need additional ways to earn income.
It’s important to have a budget for your wedding so you’ll know how much money you need. When you’ll start adding to your wedding savings determines how long you have to earn those funds.
Do You Need Extra Money for Your Wedding?
Many couples find themselves short of having enough money to pay for their wedding. You can look for a second job, but remember that you have to follow other people’s schedules for some of them. If you’ve had a hard day at the office and need to relax, that won’t be possible if you’re scheduled for a shift that night.
It can be a better option to do something with a flexible schedule. You can work for others doing freelance writing, for instance, yet pick your schedule. You might also choose to start a small business.
What Are Your Marketable Skills?
When you’re deciding what to do to earn extra money, think about your marketable skills. Are you good at photography, web design, making handmade items, handling pets, writing, accounting, or lawn care? Think about how you can turn those things into money.
If you’re a skilled photographer, consider asking your wedding photographer about hiring you. If you excel at making jewelry, set up an online store and open booths at local markets.
Your goal is to make as much money as possible but not take up all of your spare time. Try to find something that will pay well for a shorter time investment.
How Can You Find a Side Job?
Internet research is a great place to start. Look for ads or gig-type job listings in community forums, on social media, job boards, or on local buy/sell sites. Possible positions to check for include:
- Driver
- Dog walker
- Caregiver
- Housecleaner
- Pet sitter
- Part-time remote positions
How Do You Start a Small Business?
If you’d rather branch out on your own, you can do that, too. Tax laws state that you need to pay self-employment and federal income taxes for income you earn from your endeavor. You’ll also need an official name for your business entity.
Make sure your chosen business name isn’t already used by someone else in your state because you’ll have to register it with your Secretary of State. Before you file your paperwork, find out your state’s requirements and filing fees.
After verifying that the company name you choose is available in your state, see if that domain name is available for your website.
How Can You Gain Customers?
Different methods work better than others, depending on the type of enterprise you’ve created and whether your clients will be mostly locals or online. Social media advertising can be effective, but do market research to decide which platforms to use; your target customer’s age group plays a big part.
There are websites dedicated to gig workers where you can either bid on posted jobs or list your freelance services.
Are You Inspired?
You’re not alone if you need more funds to pay for your wedding. Finding a side gig may be the answer for you. Look at your strengths, decide if you’d prefer to work for someone else or yourself, and get started today.
