From elegant soirées to destination elopements Leah and the team at Encore Events have every details covered!
“Whether it’s a wedding, social soirée or corporate meeting we can create a signature event for you and bring your vision to life. You will have peace of mind in knowing that professionals are taking care of all the details while you relax and enjoy.”
Leah and her team at Encore Events have gone above and beyond for their clients. After a somewhat disheartening experience planning their own wedding, Encore have dedicated their business model to taking away the stress from couples planning weddings and making the process fun again. Providing top of the line services, guiding ideas and encouraging new options that go against the grain of traditional weddings. Encore Events have streamlined all things wedding planning with their systems that organise everything from budgeting to appointments and checklists.
Firstly, tell us about your gorgeous business, how it started and what services you offer within the wedding industry.
I’ve worn many hats over the past 18 years but the ones that I truly loved were working in planning and hospitality. I saw a real need for someone to provide genuine help within the wedding industry in our area. To compliment and not compete and support other businesses to grow.
When planning our own wedding we often found ourselves feeling pressured to do a certain way. It was quite confronting and I felt right then I wanted to provide a service that took the stress away from couples. To provide options that fit different budgets, styles, vibes and aesthetics. This was how Encore Events came about.
We want each and every couple to get the absolute most out of their wedding day, To look back and have no regrets and feel as they went into this day relaxed and surrounded by the family and friends that mean the most to them.
We grew over the years from a dedicated planning business to also being able to supply a wide range of hiring and style options which has seen us open a new showroom and studio, a place for people to come and play around with all the incredible new ranges and lines of products we stock.
What is the most rewarding part of working with couples planning such special events?
Hands down the most rewarding part of working with our couples is seeing them relax after coming in and talking with us! The comments like “i feel so much better after this”or “this is really starting to feel fun again” makes our hearts sing!
Behind the scenes we are confident that the big day is going to go off without a hitch. This is why we plan, but to give couples, friends and families the confidence to enjoy their time together is what really matters loads to us.
What areas of wedding planning do you find are most in need of support?
Often to be a sounding board and to encourage couples to think out of the box and to let them know it’s ok to go against the grain. Once you show them all the possibilities the decisions come so much easier.
What is your advice for clients budgeting and planning for their weddings financially? Is this something you offer support with?
Absolutely we can help, Budget is important to know but as long as expectations are managed then no matter what they are working with we can help make their day incredible! We strive to make sure every dollar is used with purpose that money is put towards their main priorities and they can look back confidently and not regret any part of the day.
Are there any apps or diaries you recommend for keeping track of planning information?
We have created our own automated system that all planning info is collected in. Appointments, invoices, timelines, vendor information and checklist so each couple can access anytime and keep that communication open.
What is the process for couples looking to plan their events with you and what is the best way for them to contact you?
Right from the start they can touch base with us and come in for consultations. We can help get them started or maybe just point them in the right direction. Going into this next wedding season I am already working with some super cool couples. I look forward to hearing from them, getting to know them and the anticipation till each one of their wedding days grows as the day gets closer for me big time!
How many months out should couples look to be in contact with your planning team?
We have an amazing team and have grown a lot over the last few years. We book out our planning spots a season ahead so the sooner they get in contact the better. Especially for large weddings or Marquee Weddings we will often dedicate a whole team to them for the weekend.
Do you work on events outside of Otago or is this a local service only?
We have a strong focus on supporting locally in the otago area but we do travel through to central otago and southland when we are needed, often this may be to support other planners in these areas or to provide staff especially in the past few years we will continue to help other wedding and events businesses when needed.
What are your favourite current trends in wedding styling?
Bringing back full floral arrangements. There is nothing better than a room full of flowers with hints of colour using beautiful linen napkins adding height with candles to draw the eyes up.
Ditching the wedding ceremony arch and utilizing frames, plinth, cloud stands with florals. There are some epic options right now and we can then utilise them in other places after the ceremony.
Do you have any teasers on what is next for your brand?
We are going to be utlising some amazing brands and designers for our hire products this coming season, we want to be offering otago the highest quality options and are really excited about whats coming. Also the consistency of the iconic business we already work with, they are how we build and grow… we love them all!
Book in for next season with the wonderful team at Encore Events and see more beautifully planned events on our Wild Hearts Vendor Collection HERE.
