Themed kids' party setup and planner
Plan, decorate and style themed birthday parties, from balloon arches to dessert tables, ready for the guests.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
6,270 US businesses with employees in this field, +2.0% in a year
NAICS 561920 “Convention and trade show organizers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
You plan the whole look of a child's party: theme, decorations, balloons, backdrops, tableware and a simple schedule. You set up before guests arrive and may stay or return to clear up.
Your first three steps
- Pick two or three popular themes and build sample setups to photograph for your portfolio
- Set up an Instagram or Facebook page and a simple booking form with your packages and service area
- Meet local party venues, bakers and rental companies about referring clients to each other
Who pays
Busy parents who want a polished party without the work, often booking for birthdays, baby showers and milestone events.
How it makes money
Setup packages priced by theme and size, plus planning fees, prop rental and optional add-ons like a host or party favors.
Skills that help
- Eye for design and color
- Planning and budgeting for clients
- Reliable timing and hands-on setup
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, especially when setting up in rented venues, which may require proof of coverage
- Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and venue rules on decorations such as helium balloons or taped walls
- Check home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules if you store props at home
- If you sell or serve food, check your state's cottage food or health department rules, or partner with a licensed baker instead
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: themed kids' party setup and planner
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a kids' party planning business?
Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on the props, balloons, backdrops and tableware you buy and how much insurance and marketing you set up. These are estimates, so start with a few popular themes.
How much revenue can a party planner and stylist make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $4,000, depending on how many parties you book, your package prices and the hours you work. Birthdays, baby showers and milestone events are common bookings.
What rules should I check before styling kids' parties?
Check general liability insurance, especially for rented venues that may want proof of coverage. Also check your city or county business license, venue rules on helium balloons or taped walls, home occupation and HOA or lease rules for storing props, and food rules.
Other ways to run this business
Similar events ideas
Pop-up comedy night in a local bar or venue
Run a recurring stand-up show in a bar, brewery or theater room, selling tickets without leasing your own club.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Night market at a brewery or venue
Curate a small evening market in a brewery, shopping center or courtyard that already has space and customers.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Trade show booth planner for exhibitors
Help small companies plan, book and run their trade show booths so they can focus on meeting buyers.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Singing telegram booking service
Take bookings and send a small roster of local singers to parties, offices and events.
- $500-3k
- Part-time
- From home
Local entertainment booking agency
Book local bands, DJs and performers for weddings, parties and corporate events from home.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Seasonal craft fair organizer
Rent a hall or park space a few times a year and charge makers booth fees to sell handmade goods.
- $500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about