I spent £1.5k splashing out on a wedding accessory but made it my side hustle – now I rent it out & make £19k every year
WEDDINGS can be expensive, but one bride and groom found a way to make some cash from one item they purchased for their big day.
Bride Sam shared how she had initially forked out £1,500 buying a wooden cart for her wedding - but she now rakes in £19,000 a year renting it out.
She wrote: “Best thing I’ve ever done.
“POV you spend $2,000 (£1,500) on a mobile bar cart from Etsy and rent it out twice a weekend for $250 (£189).
“You make your money back in one month and have an extra $24,000 (£19,000) a year.”
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Sam said she started her party rental business a year ago and is triple booked almost every weekend.
To market it, she mainly uses TikTok or Instagram to reach as many customers as possible.
Sam added: “I just provide the cart!
“However, you could totally do a charcuterie business/snack cart business with it.”
Sam delivers the cart to each wedding in a trailer they have, but it also collapses to fit in her husband’s car.
She added: “It folds up pretty well! We store it in our storage unit with other rental items but it would fold up in a garage corner no problem.”
Not only does she rent out the cart for weddings, but she also sells carts she has made for around £2,000 on Etsy on her Thatpartygirlco account.
People were seriously impressed with her side hustle business, particularly as weddings can be so expensive.
One person wrote: “I love it! It would be so fun at a party!”
Another added: “This is actually genius.”
And a third commented: “I need to do this.”
Sam replied: “This is your sign that you should.”
Budget-Friendly Wedding Tips
PLANNING a wedding on a budget doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your dream day. Here are some tips to keep costs down while still creating a memorable celebration:
Set a Budget and Stick to It
- Determine your total budget early on and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding.
- Track all expenses to avoid overspending.
Limit the Guest List
- Keep your guest list intimate to reduce costs on catering, venue, and other per-person expenses.
Choose an Affordable Venue
- Consider non-traditional venues like parks, community halls, or a family member's backyard.
- Look for venues that allow you to bring your own vendors.
DIY Decorations
- Create your own centerpieces, bouquets, and other décor items.
- Use seasonal flowers and simple, elegant designs.
Opt for a Weekday or Off-Season Wedding
- Venues and vendors often offer discounts for weekday or off-season weddings.
Simplify the Menu
- Choose a buffet or family-style meal over a plated dinner.
- Limit the number of courses and opt for affordable, yet delicious options.
Borrow or Rent Attire
- Borrow wedding attire from friends or family, or rent dresses and suits.
- Look for sales or consider pre-owned wedding dresses.
Digital Invitations
- Send digital invitations instead of printed ones to save on printing and postage costs.
Hire a DJ or Create a Playlist
- Hire a DJ instead of a live band, or create your own playlist for the reception.
Simplify the Cake
- Opt for a small, simple cake for the ceremonial cutting and serve a sheet cake to guests.
By being mindful of these tips, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank. Remember, the focus should be on celebrating your love and commitment, not on how much you spend.