How to Start a Side Gig to Help Pay for Your Wedding

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Your wedding is one of the happiest days of your life. Planning and paying for a wedding, however, can be pretty stressful. Some couples are lucky enough to have relatives who are willing and able to help pay for their wedding. For the rest of us, though, it’s an opportunity to get creative. Perhaps this is why many couples consider starting their own businesses and side hustles in the gig economy to help bring in some extra cash to spend on their special day.

The average cost of a wedding in San Diego is about $37,599, which is a year’s salary or more for many people. Many couples are working around this staggering figure by cutting corners with wedding planning, creating DIY wedding decor, and finding ways to make some extra income. Sure, you could rent your home on AirBNB or open an Etsy shop, but let’s be honest: that probably won’t raise enough money to pay off your big day.

Another option that is more realistic for many people is starting your own business. Although most businesses are owned by men, researchers estimate that women-owned businesses will make up one-third of all new jobs created this year. If you’re a bride-to-be (or groom-to-be), here are some of our favorite tips on how to start and manage a side hustle to help you earn more money for your wedding:

First, consider what type of business you will start. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to quit your full-time job. (Trust us, you’ll need all the money you can get while planning your wedding!) Instead, start with your passions. If you love kids, why not start babysitting on nights and weekends? Most of us know busy parents who would love a break – or a date night. If you’re good with computers, you might consider opening a side business where you design websites or repair laptops. Find something you enjoy, are good at, and that people would be willing to pay you to do.

It’s also important to research what options are available to you in your local area. For instance, if you live in California, you will have access to a variety of statewide and regional organizations that will help you with nearly every aspect of your business. This makes the Golden State one of the best places in America for entrepreneurs. No wonder there’s so much innovation in Silicon Valley! What’s more is that there are plenty of San Diego-specific groups for the self-starters out there, making San Diego a melting pot of entrepreneurs, side-giggers, and freelancers.

One of the biggest hesitations most people have when it comes to starting a business is money. Startup costs can be expensive. Depending upon what type of business you’re creating, you might have initial or ongoing overhead costs. These costs can feel intimidating if you’ve never run a business before. After all, most of us are not made of money, especially when we’re planning a wedding!

Luckily, there are still options available for you. Many women don’t realize they qualify for special business loan options specifically created for all types of women entrepreneurs. Small business loans for women include SBA Loans, Term Loans, Business Lines of Credit and Short-Term Loans.

Of course, the loans listed above are just a few of the many options available. You might also consider microlending or crowdfunding websites to help get your new business off the ground. With a little creativity, your money-making options are almost endless!

As you can see, you don’t have to stress over not having enough money upfront to start your business, especially if you’re a woman. Thanks to the wide variety of loans available for female entrepreneurs these days, there’s something for everyone. Why not go for your dreams, bring in some extra income, and pay for your wedding costs all at the same time?