Last Updated on July 24, 2025 | 10 : 32 pm by Fiestasline
All the Pros and Cons as an Event Planner
Working in event planning can be both lucrative and incredibly rewarding. However, like many service-based professions, it presents unique challenges as well. In this article, we’ll delve into the top advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a career as an event planner.
Our goal? To help you determine whether this path is truly your calling. If you’re inspired, consider beginning your journey with professional certification from Accredited Event Schools in your area.
Advantages of Choosing a Career as an Event Planner
Event planning is a vibrant field with countless opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at some of the major perks:
PRO #1: Enjoy a Flexible Work Schedule
One of the standout benefits of becoming an event planner is the freedom in setting your own hours. Whether you want to work part-time or manage a full-time business, you’re in control of your schedule. Evening and weekend availability may suit certain clients better, offering increased flexibility based on your preferences.
Graduates from an Acreditted Event School often launch their independent businesses, granting them total autonomy over their work hours. Owning your own venture means you set the pace—you decide when and how much you work, tailoring your schedule to match your lifestyle and client needs.
PRO #2: A Diverse Range of Event Types to Plan
Another perk is the tremendous variety of events you can work on. From weddings and corporate events to birthday parties and non-profit galas, the industry never gets dull. Choosing a niche—or exploring multiple—is entirely up to you.
You’ll encounter a wide range of clients, each with different personalities and expectations. Some may be relaxed and hands-off; others may have detailed visions and high standards. Your role? To be reliable, organized, and calm—ensuring their experience goes smoothly.
PRO #3: Creativity at the Core
This profession is a great fit if you thrive on creativity! You’ll be able to flex your design muscles when curating themes, selecting menus, arranging florals, and orchestrating décor. Want to offer styling services too? Many planners enjoy handling the aesthetic elements—lighting, tablescapes, music, and more—creating immersive experiences beyond logistics alone.
If creative expression excites you, event planning might just be your perfect match. Add event styling skills to your roster course!
PRO #4: Opportunities to Network and Meet New People
Social butterflies, rejoice—this profession lets you interact with a wide range of people! You’ll connect with clients, suppliers, venue coordinators, and numerous vendors. You may even attend some events yourself, gathering fresh ideas by observing how other planners work their magic.
Building a strong professional network is essential. These relationships can provide future collaborations, referrals, or partnerships—helping grow your reputation and business.
PRO #5: The Reward of Making a Difference
There’s something truly special about helping others commemorate significant life events. Whether you’re planning a dream wedding or milestone celebration, witnessing a client’s joy and gratitude is immensely fulfilling. You get to shape moments that turn into lifelong memories.
If bringing happiness to others fills your cup, event planning offers an emotionally rewarding path.
To sum it up: If you love staying organized, being creative, and working with people, this profession delivers big. Popular reasons for pursuing event planning include scheduling freedom, diverse project types, creative expression, ongoing network building, and the chance to make a meaningful impact.
Challenges That Come with Working as an Event Planner
While it has many positives, event planning isn’t all glamour—it demands hard work and resilience. Let’s look at some of the difficult aspects:
CON #1: Dealing with High Pressure and Stress
There’s no denying—event planning can get stressful. Clients may expect miracles on tight budgets and little time, and misunderstandings can arise about costs and timelines. If something doesn’t go as planned, you’ll often be the one handling the fallout.
Staying calm during crises is crucial. Being diplomatic, composed, and a good communicator—especially under pressure—will serve you well. Also, having solid negotiation skills can diffuse potential conflicts before they escalate.
CON #2: Long Hours, Including Weekends and Holidays
This isn’t your standard 9-to-5. Most events take place on weekends or holidays, requiring planners to align with their clients’ preferred timelines. While you can opt to avoid weekend work, doing so might limit your earning potential and client base.
Being an event planner often means embracing an unconventional schedule. Though taxing, these extended hours come with the territory.
CON #3: Juggling Paperwork and Meticulous Details
This job includes lots of logistical tasks beyond the creative work. You’ll scout venues, manage RSVPs, coordinate vendor contracts, and plan seating arrangements—all while considering dietary needs and special requests.
Event planning success depends heavily on organization. You’ll need to track a mountain of information for each event, so being highly detail-oriented is not optional—it’s essential. If managing many small-moving parts stresses you out, this role may be a tough fit.
CON #4: Limited Early-Career Income
Turning a profit in your first few months (or even years) may be challenging. Many new planners offer discounted services—or even volunteer—for portfolio-building purposes. This is a normal part of gaining credibility in the industry.
To stay financially secure early on, a second income source might be necessary. But don’t get discouraged—when paired with marketing savvy and experience, your rates and income can grow quickly. Learn how to scale your business with our Accelerate Your Business course.
CON #5: No Two Events Are the Same
This field is anything but predictable. Each event—even those of the same type—brings new challenges and logistics. While that may excite some professionals, others may find it overwhelming or tedious over time.
Adaptability is key. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so creative problem solving is part of your job description. That’s why professional training is essential—it equips you with tools and frameworks to handle the unexpected with confidence.
Professional education not only prepares you to handle real-world situations but also elevates your credibility in the eyes of potential clients.
Is Event Planning the Right Fit for You?
We’ve walked through the most common advantages and disadvantages you’ll face as an event planner. Ultimately, this dynamic career offers flexibility, rewards, and growth—but also requires grit, patience, and problem-solving under pressure.
If you’re ready to level up your skills, visit any accredited Event School that offers world-class education and professional certifications to launch your career.
