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Freelance Event Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Happily

Wedding Planner

Boston, MA · On-site

$10 - $20/hr

Company Description Happily is a nationwide network of freelance event producers, coordinators, and ... Requirements: + Pass our planner skills assessment tests. + Maintain a customer satisfaction rating ...

Happily

Wedding Planner

Boston, MA · On-site

$10 - $20/hr

Company Description Happily is a nationwide network of freelance event producers, coordinators, and ... Requirements: + Pass our planner skills assessment tests. + Maintain a customer satisfaction rating ...

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How much do freelance event planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance event planner in the United States is $30.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance event planner do?

A freelance event planner works to prepare and plan everything needed for a successful event on a contractual basis. In this career, you work closely with the client to understand the needs and wants of the event and how to fit them into their budget. You research venues and vendors, compare the options, and discuss with the client to confirm they are happy with your selection. You are also responsible for coordinating everything before and during the event, ensuring payment is given, and assisting with the cleanup at the end. A freelance event planner works independently to coordinate various sizes of events, programs, and other gatherings.

What does a freelance event planner do?

A freelance event planner is a self-employed professional who organizes and coordinates events such as weddings, parties, corporate gatherings, and conferences. They work independently, managing all aspects of event planning including budgeting, vendor negotiations, logistics, and on-site coordination. Freelance event planners often tailor their services to meet each client's specific needs, ensuring that every detail is handled efficiently. Their responsibilities may also include marketing their services, networking, and maintaining relationships with venues and suppliers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance event planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Event Planner, you need strong project management, organizational, and budgeting skills, typically supported by experience in hospitality or event coordination. Familiarity with event management software, budgeting tools, and online marketing platforms is valuable, and certifications like CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) can enhance credibility. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help you build client relationships and handle unexpected challenges. These skills ensure you can plan seamless events, meet client expectations, and grow a successful freelance business.

What are some common challenges freelance event planners face when managing multiple clients?

Freelance event planners often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and organization particularly challenging. Balancing overlapping deadlines, diverse client expectations, and varying event scopes requires excellent communication and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Additionally, freelancers must consistently market themselves to secure new clients while ensuring high-quality service for current events. Building reliable vendor relationships and maintaining a robust network can help streamline logistics and reduce last-minute stress.

What is the difference between Freelance Event Planner vs Event Coordinator?

AspectFreelance Event PlannerEvent Coordinator
CredentialsOften self-taught or with certifications in event planningTypically requires experience or certifications in event management
Work EnvironmentIndependent, flexible, often remote or client-siteEmployed by an organization or venue, working on-site
Employer & Industry UsageWorks with multiple clients across industriesWorks for a specific company or venue, managing events in-house
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance or independent event planning servicesSeeking in-house event management or coordination services

In summary, Freelance Event Planners operate independently, managing various clients and events, while Event Coordinators are typically employed by organizations to oversee events in a fixed environment. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but their work settings and employment structures differ.

Is a freelance event planner a good side hustle?

A freelance event planner can be a good side hustle for individuals with strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills. It offers flexible scheduling and the potential for additional income, but success depends on building a client base and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
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Freelance Event Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Event Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,335 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Freelance Event And Engagement Lead

ZETETICK - A Unique Housing Charity

Croydon, UT • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the planning and coordination of the winter festival, including developing the event plan, timetable, budget, and responsibilities.

  • Design and facilitate an accessible festival with activities, quieter spaces, and options that accommodate different communication, sensory, and support needs.

  • Source, coordinate, and manage venue, suppliers, activities, and services, ensuring accessibility, safeguarding, and value for money.

Job description

Freelance Winter Festival Event & Engagement Lead


About Zetetick


Zetetick Housing is a specialist supported housing charity providing safe, high-quality homes for adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs across London and the South East.

Purpose of the role


We are seeking an experienced freelance event and engagement specialist to lead the planning and delivery of a National Lottery-funded winter festival for tenants with learning disabilities, autism and other additional needs. The event should be welcoming, accessible and enjoyable, while creating meaningful opportunities for tenants to share their views and experiences.


Working with a small Zetetick delivery group, the freelancer will take day-to-day ownership of planning and coordination, with a strong focus on accessibility, inclusion, safeguarding and practical delivery.


  • Role: Freelance Winter Festival Event & Engagement Lead
  • Reports to: Housing Operations Lead and Fundraising Manager
  • Location: Flexible - with travel between Croydon and Lewes as required
  • Contract: Freelance to complete delivery by year-end
  • Time commitment: Up to 20 days between September and early December
  • Fee: Please provide a proposed day rate / project fee and estimated number of days


Key responsibilities


  • Lead the event plan, timetable, budget and allocation of responsibilities, keeping the Zetetick delivery group updated on progress, risks and decisions.
  • Design an accessible winter festival with varied activities, quieter spaces and options that work for different communication, sensory and support needs.
  • Work with tenants, Housing colleagues and care providers before the event to shape the programme and a meaningful engagement theme using accessible approaches.
  • Source and coordinate the venue, suppliers, activities, catering and other services, ensuring value for money and agreed procurement requirements.
  • Plan transport, accessibility, staffing, safeguarding, insurance, risk management and contingency arrangements.
  • Work with Communications colleagues to develop accessible invitations, information and engagement materials, including Easy Read, visual or supported formats where appropriate.
  • Facilitate or coordinate inclusive engagement on the day, creating clear opportunities for tenant voice, choice and feedback.
  • Capture agreed evidence, feedback and outcomes and provide a short post-event evaluation and recommendations.


Person specification


Essential

  • Proven experience of planning and delivering events or engagement activities.
  • Experience of directly engaging with people with learning disabilities and autistic people, supporting them to have their say and understanding different communication, sensory and support needs.
  • Strong communication, relationship-building and organisational skills, with the ability to plan inclusive activities and adapt approaches.
  • Experience coordinating venues, suppliers, logistics and partners, and confidence managing a project independently while working collaboratively.
  • Understanding of safeguarding and safe working practices with adults who may be at risk.


Desirable

  • Specialist experience in participation, co-production or community engagement, including accessible methods such as Easy Read, visual communication, creative expression or supported consultation.
  • Knowledge of supported housing, adult social care or the voluntary sector.
  • Experience gathering feedback and turning engagement activity into useful evidence or evaluation.


Safeguarding


This assignment involves working with adults who may be at risk. The successful freelancer must follow Zetetick Housing safeguarding policies and procedures and complete any checks or training considered appropriate, including a basic DBS check. 


How to apply


Please send a short statement outlining your relevant experience and approach, examples of similar work, your proposed project fee to include an estimate of time required up to 20 days.


  • Closing date: 01 September 2026 
  • Interviews/conversations: Rolling on receipt of applications
  • Applications: hello@zhc.org.uk


Questions are welcome. Contact Helen Clegg, Fundraising and Communications Manager: hclegg@zhc.org.uk | 07950 688776.

Apply