When my husband and I first started planning our wedding, we thought that our dream celebration seemed out of reach on our modest salaries.
But as they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way!
We decided to get creative and explore ways to boost our wedding budget. That’s when we discovered a whole world of side hustles and money-making opportunities we’d never considered before.
I’m excited to share our findings with you. Let’s dive into some fun and flexible ways to make your dream wedding a reality.
I’ve included suggestions to suit various skills and lifestyles so you’re sure to find an approach that works for you.
1. Ridesharing
Companies like Uber and Lyft are always looking for drivers, and one of the main advantages of working with them is the flexibility to set your own schedule.
The earning potential varies depending on your location and hours worked, but many drivers report making anywhere from $15 to $25 per hour. That could substantially boost your wedding fund!
If you wish to take on the role, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and a car that meets the company’s requirements.
Then, once you’re approved, you can start picking up passengers and watching your wedding fund grow.
Pro Tip: Keep a stash of mints and bottled water in your car for passengers – those five-star ratings could lead to better tips!
2. Handyman Work
If you’re the go-to person among your friends for fixing things, you can convert those skills into a little cash for your wedding!
Sites like TaskRabbit can connect you with people in your area who need help with everything from assembling furniture to minor home repairs.
One of the major benefits of handyman work is the flexibility it offers.
You have the freedom to select jobs that align with your schedule and expertise, allowing you to manage your time efficiently while focusing on tasks that match your skills.
Handymen on these platforms typically charge between $20 and $50 per hour. This could add up and help with your wedding expenses.
All that is required is for you to create a profile highlighting your skills and availability.
3. Online Micro Jobs
Since everything is online these days, generating extra money can be as easy as clicking a mouse!
Online micro jobs are perfect for those times when you’re waiting for your partner to finish getting ready or during your lunch break at work.
Sites like Swagbucks and Inbox Dollars offer a variety of small tasks you can complete for money. These might include taking surveys, watching videos, or even playing games.
While the pay for individual tasks might seem small, it can rapidly accumulate. Many users report earning from $100 to $200 per month just by dedicating a few hours each week to these tasks.
4. Renting Property
Got a spare room, parking space, or even an unused storage area? You might have a valuable asset on your hands!
Platforms like Airbnb have made it easier to rent out extra space for short-term stays.
If you live in a popular tourist destination, you could use this platform and potentially spend thousands of dollars per month renting out a spare room.
Even if you don’t want strangers in your home, you can consider renting out a parking space or storage area. In busy urban areas, parking spots can go from $100 to $300 per month!
What you need to do is to take some great photos of your space and create a detailed listing.
Also, you have to check local regulations regarding short-term rentals in your area.
5. Freelancing
As someone with experience in the freelancing industry, I can tell you that it’s a great way to earn extra cash for your wedding.
Whether you excel in writing, design, or coding, there’s likely a freelance opportunity suited to your skills!
I started my freelance journey doing SEO writing gigs on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
At first, I was making about $50 per article, but as I built my portfolio and reputation, I was able to charge upwards of $200 for more specialized pieces.
To set things in motion, you should first identify your marketable skills. Then, create eye-catching profiles on freelancing platforms.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t land high-paying gigs right away – building a client base takes time. Start with smaller projects to build your reputation and always deliver quality work on time.
6. Virtual Assistant
A lot of entrepreneurs are looking for virtual assistants to help manage their day-to-day tasks. You could be one of these VAs!
Becoming a virtual assistant can help you earn extra cash for your wedding while working from the comfort of your own home.
As a virtual assistant, you might be doing anything from managing emails and scheduling appointments to handling social media accounts or doing basic bookkeeping.
Many of these tasks can be done outside of regular business hours!
What you need to do is to first consider your skills and what services you can offer.
Are you super organized? Great at social media? Fluent in another language? These could all be valuable skills as a virtual assistant.
Once you’ve figured everything out, it’s necessary to check out websites like FlexJobs or Upwork, which are great places to find virtual assistant positions.
Virtual assistants can earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on their skills and experience.
7. eBay/Craigslist Selling
Turn your clutter into cash to get extra funds for your upcoming wedding! With sites like eBay and Craigslist, you can sell items you no longer need or use.
Start by taking a thorough inventory of your home.
That vintage lamp gathering dust in the attic could become a prized possession for someone else. Those old college textbooks might still command a decent price.
Even gently used clothing can find new homes and increase your wedding fund!
On eBay, it’s essential to focus on items that ship easily and have a broader appeal. Collectibles, electronics, and brand-name clothing often do well here.
Craigslist, on the other hand, is perfect for larger items or things you’d prefer to sell locally. Furniture, appliances, and exercise equipment are great candidates for Craigslist sales.
My husband and I actually made over $1,000 for our wedding fund by selling unused items from around our home.
We even turned it into a fun pre-wedding decluttering challenge that helped fund our celebration.
8. Etsy Shop
If you’ve got a crafty side and a creative mind, why not put those skills to work and open an Etsy shop? This popular online marketplace is perfect for selling handmade goods, vintage items, and even digital products.
With Etsy, you can start small and scale up as you go.
Whether you’re skilled with a sewing machine or create stunning digital artwork, Etsy likely has a market for your talents.
Start by brainstorming product ideas that align with your skills and interests.
Also, you have to research similar items on Etsy to get a feel for pricing and demand.
Then, create a few sample products and take high-quality photos. Keep in mind that your shop’s visual appeal can make or break your success.
If you’re a bride looking to sell on Etsy, consider selling custom wedding invitations on Etsy. You can charge between $50 and $200 per set, depending on the complexity of the design.
Not that artsy? Check out my article on 35 high-paying side hustle ideas for women for more earning opportunities.
9. Babysit
If you have a way with kids, babysitting could be a great way to earn extra cash for your wedding!
Busy parents are always on the hunt for reliable childcare, and you could be just the person they’re seeking.
You can start by reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors with children. Let them know you’re available for babysitting gigs.
You can also create profiles on reputable babysitting websites like Care.com or Sittercity. These platforms allow you to set your own rates and availability, making it easy to fit babysitting around your schedule.
Rates for babysitting vary significantly based on location, experience, and the number of children you’re watching.
On average, babysitters can earn anywhere from $12 to $20 per hour.
If you’re able to commit to regular hours or have special skills (like CPR certification or experience with special needs children), you could command even higher rates.
10. Pet Sit
Pet sitting can also be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra money for your wedding. With many pet owners seeking alternatives to traditional kennels, there’s a growing demand for in-home pet care.
Websites like Rover.com make it easy for pet sitters to reach pet owners in need of their services. This way, you get to spend time with furry friends while earning money for your big day.
Here are the pet care services you can offer through Rover, ranging from overnight boarding to quick drop-in visits:
Many sitters on Rover earn from $20 to $40 per night for overnight stays and $15 to $25 for a 30-minute dog walk.
If you’re able to watch multiple pets at once or offer special services like medication administration, you could earn even more.
To start pet sitting, create a profile on Rover highlighting your experience with animals and any relevant qualifications.
Then, you can ask friends or family members if you can pet sit for them to gain experience and reviews.
11. Cash Back Credit Cards
Here’s a clever way to earn money for your wedding without changing your spending habits: using cash back credit cards!
These financial tools can put money back in your pocket just for making your regular purchases.
You must find a card that offers rewards in the categories where you spend the most. Some cards offer higher cash back percentages on groceries, while others might focus on travel or dining out.
It’s important to research and find the best cash back credit card for your spending patterns.
For example, the Citi Double Cash Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases – 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill.
If you typically spend $2,000 a month on your credit card, that’s $480 back in your pocket over the course of a year. That could cover your wedding cake or those fancy invitations you’ve been eyeing!
12. Direct Sales
Have you thought about exploring direct sales? This can be a flexible way to earn extra money for your wedding, especially if you’re a people person with a talent for sales.
There are numerous direct sales companies out there, offering everything from jewelry and cosmetics to essential oils and kitchenware.
You need to choose a product you’re genuinely passionate about. Do some research on different companies and their products.
Consider factors like startup costs, commission structures, and the level of support provided to consultants.
Once you’ve chosen a company, reach out to a current consultant to learn more about the opportunity.
Many direct sales consultants earn between 20% and 35% commission on their sales. Some companies also offer bonuses for team building or reaching certain sales targets.
Generally, dedicated consultants earn from $500 to $1,000 or more per month.
13. Tutoring
If you’re skilled at explaining complex concepts, tutoring could be a great fit for you! There’s likely a student out there who could benefit from your ability.
You may start by reaching out to local schools or community centers to see if they have tutoring programs you can join.
Also, you can create profiles on tutoring websites like Wyzant or TutorMe. These platforms allow you to set your own rates and schedule, making it easy to fit tutoring around your other commitments.
Tutoring rates range between $30 and $60 per hour, depending on your subject area, experience, and location.
If you specialize in high-demand subjects like SAT prep or advanced sciences, you could potentially charge even more.
Pro Tip: If you want to stand out as a tutor, consider getting certified in your subject area or taking a course in effective teaching methods.
14. Sell Digital Products
Have you considered converting your digital creations into extra income for your wedding?
With Etsy, you can sell downloadable templates, art prints, and other digital designs. Once listed, you can continue to sell your products repeatedly.
You can sell wedding invitation templates, printable wall art, or even customizable planners. These items are in high demand, especially in the wedding market.
Another option is Creative Market, a platform specifically designed for digital creators.
Here, you can sell everything from fonts to stock photos. Many sellers on Creative Market earn a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month.
The first step is to identify your digital skills. Assess yourself and determine if you’re skilled at graphic design. Once you’ve pinpointed your strengths, you can start creating products that fulfill the market’s needs.
To give you an idea of what you could earn, a set of social media templates might sell for anywhere from $15 to $30. On the higher end, something like a full wedding planning kit could go for $50 to $100.
15. Social Media Manager
As a former social media manager, I can assure you that social media management is an excellent approach to boosting your wedding funds!
I started with managing accounts for businesses — I created content, responded to comments, and developed strategies to increase engagement.
Before I knew it, I was earning an extra $1,000 per month, all while working from the comfort of my couch.
What you need to do is enhance your social media skills. Familiarize yourself with social media scheduling tools like Hootsuite or Buffer. These are some of the best platforms for managing multiple accounts.
Then, reach out to local businesses or check freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork for social media management gigs.
As a social media manager, you can charge between $200 and $500 per month. With experience, you can adjust your rates accordingly.
16. Flip Flea Market Finds
Flea market flipping involves buying undervalued items at flea markets, yard sales, or thrift stores, and reselling them for a profit.
You need to know what items sell well. Vintage clothing, antique furniture, and collectibles are often good bets. Try browsing eBay or Facebook Marketplace to get a feel for pricing and demand.
Then, hit up your local flea markets and thrift stores. You have to look for items that are underpriced or just need a little makeover.
Once you’ve scored some deals, it’s time to sell!
Platforms like eBay are great for smaller items that can be shipped, while Facebook Marketplace is better for larger pieces.
My husband and I made over $3,000 for our wedding by flipping flea market finds over the course of a year.
We focused on mid-century modern furniture, which we’d clean up and sometimes reupholster before reselling.
It was a rewarding experience that not only helped fund our wedding but also gave us a fun project to work on together.
17. Task Services Like Yard Work or Assembly
If you’re comfortable using tools and don’t mind some manual work, this could be a beneficial means to generate extra wedding funds!
Platforms like TaskRabbit connect people who need help with various tasks to those willing to do the work. From assembling IKEA furniture to mowing lawns, the range of tasks is vast.
To begin, create a profile emphasizing your skills and availability.
Next, set competitive rates. Many TaskRabbit workers charge between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on the task and their experience level.
18. Live Chat Assistant
If you’re a whiz at typing, becoming a live chat assistant could be the perfect way for you to make some extra cash on the side.
It’s a flexible gig that lets you work from home, perfect for squeezing in between wedding planning sessions.
As a live chat assistant, you’ll be the friendly face of various businesses on social media channels.
Your main task is to chat with customers on Facebook and Instagram, helping them with purchases and answering their questions.
Starting rates for this role typically range from $25 to $35 per hour.
Plus, many companies provide all the training you need, so don’t worry if you’re not a customer service pro just yet.
You just have to look for opportunities on freelance platforms or directly with companies offering chat support services. Additionally, ensure that you have a reliable internet connection and a smartphone.
If you enjoy typing and want to make money online, check out my other article about 27 sites that pay you to type at home.
19. Review Apps
Not everyone realizes that smartphone addiction could actually help fund a wedding!
As an app reviewer, you can actually get paid to test out new apps and share your honest opinions.
Software companies are always on the lookout for app reviewers to test their newly-launched apps. They want to know what works, what doesn’t, and how user-friendly their creations are.
Many companies offer between $25 and $35 per hour just for using their apps and providing feedback.
If you dedicate a few hours each week to this gig, you could easily earn from $2,000 to $3,000 a month.
Start by looking for app testing opportunities on platforms dedicated to user testing. You’ll typically need to fill out a profile and maybe complete a short test to show your reviewing skills.
Then, you can download the necessary apps and share your thoughts.
20. Amazon FBA
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) lets you store your products in their warehouses and reach a large customer base, while Amazon handles the logistics and fulfillment.
In this e-commerce model, you’ll find products to sell and send them to Amazon’s warehouses, and Amazon FBA will take care of the rest. When a customer buys your product, Amazon packs and ships it for you.
While running this business, you’ll have plenty of time to plan your wedding!
The earning potential with Amazon FBA can be significant. Many sellers report making anywhere from $1,000 to $25,000 per month.
Even if you start small, you could potentially fund a good portion of your wedding with this side gig.
Your task is to research products that are in demand but not overly saturated on Amazon. Consider looking for items with a good profit margin to maximize your earnings.
Note: You can find tons of helpful courses and tutorials on YouTube to boost your Amazon FBA success.
21. Sell Handmade Items
Selling handmade items can be both enjoyable and profitable, offering a wonderful option to supplement your wedding fund.
Etsy is the go-to platform for selling handmade goods. From jewelry to knitted scarves, woodworking to digital art prints, there’s a market for just about every craft.
You just have to find your niche and create products that stand out. Think of product ideas that align with your skills and interests.
Then, take high-quality photos of your creations and write detailed descriptions.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of materials and your time when pricing your items!
If you’re looking for craft ideas, check out my comprehensive list of 38 profitable things you can make and sell from home to make some extra cash.
22. Rent Out Your Car
If you have a car spending more time in the driveway than on the road, you can put it to work and earn some extra wedding cash by renting it out!
Platforms like Turo make it easy to start your own mini car rental business.
Simply list your car on Turo, set your rental price and availability, and wait for bookings to roll in. Ensure that your car is in good condition and set competitive prices based on your car’s make and model.
When someone rents your car, you meet them for the handover, and that’s it! You’re making money while someone else does the driving.
The financial prospects are exceptional. Turo reports that car owners make an average of $706 per month by sharing their cars. That could add up to over $8,000 in a year!
Turo even offers insurance options to protect your vehicle.
23. Sell Your Unused or Unwanted Stuff Online
Time for a pre-wedding declutter that pays!
Selling your unused or unwanted items online can be a great way to clear out space and grow your wedding fund at the same time.
First, conduct an examination of your home. Consider items such as the guitar you never learned to play or the designer bag you purchased on impulse.
These could potentially be someone else’s treasure and provide you with additional funds for your wedding.
There are plenty of platforms to choose from.
Facebook Marketplace is great for local sales, especially larger items, while eBay is perfect for reaching a wider audience, particularly for collectibles or brand-name items.
For electronics, DVDs, or CDs, check out Decluttr.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding can be as exciting as it is expensive. But with a bit of creativity and hustle, you can boost your budget without losing your mind.
Whether you’re selling crafts online, freelancing on weekends, or turning your hobby into a side business, choose methods that fit your skills and schedule.
Don’t be afraid to try different approaches. Some might work brilliantly, others might flop, but each attempt is a step towards your goal. Plus, you might discover a passion or talent you never knew you had!
Involve your partner in this journey. Not only does it help share the load, but it can also be a fun way to bond and problem-solve together before the big day.
I’d love to hear your experiences! Have you tried any of these methods? Do you have other creative ideas for making extra money for the wedding?
Share your thoughts in the comments — your story might be just the inspiration another couple needs.