How to Become a Party Princess

What is a Party Princess?

A party princess is a woman who cosplays as a popular Disney Princess for children’s birthday parties and special events. They stay in character as they interact with children. Most party princesses work as freelancers, though some find full-time work through certain agencies. 

Requirements of Being a Party Princess

If you are working with an agency, there will typically be age and height requirements to become a party princess:

• Princesses must be at least 18 years old and typically under the age of 30. 
• Princesses generally must be between 5’4” – 5’10”. This is especially true if they are using the agency’s dresses as their costumes. 

Princesses are also expected to meet some personality requirements:

• You must enjoy interacting with children and have a calm temperament.
• You must stay in character and answer children’s questions in the way the princess would be expected to answer.
• If you have acting or singing experience, you may be able to charge a premium to sing the princess’s favorite song. 

How Much Can a Party Princess Earn?

Party Princesses earn an average of $50 per hour, though rates will vary depending on the actual gig and location. Many will work for a minimum set amount of time as it also takes time and money to dress up and apply makeup. 

Pros and Cons of Working as a Party Princess

As with every job, there are pros and cons to being a party princess. While the job can seem (and is) fun and lucrative, there are a few drawbacks that you may want to consider if you are planning to enter it as a full-time or side gig.

Party Princess Pros

Here are some benefits to becoming a party princess: 

• Dress up

  If you enjoy dressing up and acting like a princess, this is the perfect job for you, especially if you enjoy thespian-type activities. Not only will you need to wear the right clothes, but you will need to apply the right makeup to look like your favorite Disney character. Practice moving around in your costume so that you can get your movements and mannerisms right.

• Inspire Others

  As a party princess, you have the opportunity to inspire a child. Whether they want to become more graceful (like you) or they also want to enter an acting profession, you can be a spark of inspiration they will always remember.

• Good Pay

  Most party princesses make a good amount per hour. Even if you don’t get many hours per week, it can be the perfect side gig or occupation for people who don’t have much time to work.

Party Princess Cons

There are also a couple of cons for becoming a party princess:

• Some gigs are sad

  Many princesses choose to visit sick children in hospitals or will be recruited by the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Hospice. It can be heartbreaking to be near a sick or dying child.

• Can’t break character

  You can never break character. Regardless of what is happening around you, you need to remain happy and joyful, even if (as mentioned above) you are in the presence of a sick child.

Where to Find Gigs as a Party Princess

You may be able to sign up with an agency, such as Party Princess Productions,  to become a party princess. However, if there is no agency in your area, you may need to create your own business and manage your own marketing. Here are the typical events where a party Princess may be hired. 

• Birthday Parties
• Corporate Family Events
• Parades/Fairs
• Child-Friendly Restaurants
• Local Family Attractions

Working with Other Princesses/Princes

When Freelancing, you may be able to earn more if you work with another actress/actor dressed as a princess or prince. This is especially true when you are characters from the same film, such as Elsa and Anna or Ariel and Eric. You should find someone with whom you enjoy working to make sure to remain professional and share chemistry.

Where to Find Party Princess Dresses

When you are first starting out, you may need to rent a dress. Many costume shops will rent them for a reasonable price while you save up for your own dresses. You can also purchase dresses from Disney, Halloween shops, or online.

If you want a custom dress, visit a seamstress, or contact a seller on Etsy. 

Most Popular Party Princesses

While any princess will be picked from time to time, newer princesses and the princesses of the 90s (the typical decade that the child’s parents were children). Here is a list of 6 princesses who are often requested. 

• Elsa and Anna
• Ariel
• Moana
• Rapunzel
• Belle