If you’re the go-to person for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, or corporate retreats—event planning might be more than just your passion. It could be your next high-profit side hustle or full-fledged business. And thanks to a range of digital platforms in 2025, it’s never been easier to connect with clients, showcase your skills, and build a thriving event planning brand.

Whether you specialize in logistics, design, coordination, or all three—here’s where to start offering your services and growing your income as an event planner.

1. The Bash (formerly GigMasters)

Best For: Local party planning, entertainment coordination, weddings, and private events.

The Bash is a marketplace for all things celebration—from DJs and photo booths to full-service planners. You can create a profile, list services, share photos and packages, and get discovered by people actively planning events. It’s location-based and very effective for building local clientele.

Pro Tip: Use strong visual branding and highlight themed events or specialties (e.g., “Luxury Picnic Packages” or “Boho Bridal Showers”).

2. Thumbtack

Best For: General event planning services and growing your local business.

Thumbtack connects you with clients searching for event coordinators, day-of planners, or full-service packages. You only pay when someone reaches out, and you can set your own prices. It’s especially good for small events like baby showers, proposals, dinner parties, and community gatherings.

Pro Tip: Be fast with responses and proactive with quotes. Thumbtack rewards quick turnaround.

3. Eventective

Best For: Large-scale event planning (weddings, corporate retreats, venues).

Eventective is like a digital Rolodex for event professionals. You can list your services in categories like “Event Planner,” “Wedding Planner,” or “Corporate Event Manager.” Clients use it to compare packages and check availability. It’s ideal for professionals offering mid- to high-ticket services.

Bonus: You can list venues or packages directly if you offer bundled services.

4. HoneyBook

Best For: Client management, invoicing, and building a personal brand.

HoneyBook is not a client marketplace—it’s your all-in-one back office. But many event planners use it to streamline proposals, bookings, client communication, contracts, and payments. Paired with platforms like Thumbtack or referrals from social media, HoneyBook helps turn leads into repeat clients.

Pro Tip: Use HoneyBook’s smart templates to wow clients with fast, professional quotes and branded experiences.

5. Zola

Best For: Wedding planners and coordinators

Zola has grown into more than a wedding registry site. Vendors can now list their planning services on the Zola marketplace. Brides and grooms love using Zola as a one-stop shop, so planners who specialize in weddings or elopements can gain high-quality leads here.

Pro Tip: Highlight what makes you unique—elopement expert, multicultural ceremonies, destination packages, etc.

6. PartySlate

Best For: Luxury event planners and stylists

PartySlate is all about the visuals. Think of it like Pinterest meets portfolio for event professionals. You upload full galleries of past events, tag vendors, and get discovered by people planning luxury and high-end events. It’s ideal for planners who focus on aesthetics and custom design.

Pro Tip: Invest in professional photography. This platform is highly visual and attracts higher-end clients.

7. LinkedIn & Instagram

Best For: Building your personal event brand

These aren’t traditional platforms—but they’re powerful. Showcase behind-the-scenes stories, client testimonials, and curated portfolios. Instagram Reels, Pinterest boards, and carousels are excellent for showing your planning process and design skills. LinkedIn is great for booking corporate gigs, company holiday parties, and retreats.

Must-Haves:

• Branded highlights on Instagram (e.g., “Weddings,” “Corporate Events”)

• Booking links, testimonials, and clear service packages

Bonus Tools to Scale Your Event Planning Side Hustle

• Canva – for proposals, lookbooks, and vendor decks

• Trello / ClickUp – for timeline and checklist management

• Calendly – for easy discovery calls

• Google Workspace – for contracts, spreadsheets, budgets

How to Stand Out as an Event Planner in 2025

1. Specialize. Focus on a niche like baby showers, micro-weddings, or themed kids’ parties.

2. Document everything. Show before-and-after transformations and tag vendors to expand reach.

3. Bundle and price smart. Offer tiered packages so clients can choose the right service level.

4. Over-communicate. Clients want reassurance. Be transparent and proactive.

5. Ask for reviews. Every successful event is an opportunity for a testimonial or referral.

Final Thoughts: Turn Your Planning Passion into a Thriving Side Hustle

Events are personal. When people hire an event planner, they’re trusting you with memories that last a lifetime. And with the right platforms, tools, and strategy, you can turn your gift for organization and celebration into a well-paid, flexible business.

Start with one platform. Build your portfolio. And plan your way to profit.