10 Ways to Find Clients as an Event Planning & Decor Professional in New Zealand

The event planning and decor industry in New Zealand is vibrant but competitive. Whether you’re starting out or looking to grow, attracting local clients requires practical, down-to-earth approaches tailored to Kiwi customers. This guide offers 10 friendly, actionable tips designed to help you connect with clients who appreciate creativity, reliability, and local knowledge.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is a key tool to ensure locals find your event planning and decor services when searching online for options in their area.

Upload photos showcasing your best event setups and decor styles, detail services offered, and add your business hours and location to boost local visibility.

Client reviews play a big role here-ask happy clients to leave positive feedback to enhance your trustworthiness.

2. Leverage Yada for Local Clients

Yada is a growing platform in New Zealand that connects local specialists with clients directly, without charging lead or success fees, making it cost-effective for you.

You can respond to event-related job posts for free (based on your rating), and the built-in chat feature keeps communication private and straightforward.

Its mobile-friendly design fits neatly into the busy lives of New Zealand event planners and decorators, helping you secure gigs from all over the country.

3. Participate in Local Market and Trade Shows

Showcasing your decor and planning services at local trade shows, bridal expos, and markets puts you face-to-face with prospective clients keen to book trusted professionals.

Events like the Auckland Bridal Expo or Wellington Wedding Show attract engaged couples and event hosts seeking inspiration and reliable vendors.

Weirdly enough, these personal interactions often lead to bookings faster than online enquiries alone.

4. Get Listed on Reputable Directories

Directories such as NoCowboys, Builderscrack, and Trade Me Services are popular with Kiwis looking for vetted event planners and decorators.

Maintain a detailed profile with photos, client testimonials, and up-to-date contact info to stand out.

Many event professionals in Christchurch credit directory listings as a significant source of new clients.

5. Engage with Community and Event Planner Facebook Groups

Facebook groups dedicated to local events or wedding planning are buzzworthy spots where you can join conversations and build your reputation.

Sharing valuable tips, pictures of your setups, or advice without hard-selling invites engagement and trust from potential clients.

Consistent, friendly participation has helped entertainers and decorators in Tauranga and beyond grow their bookings.

6. Collect and Share Sincere Testimonials

Happy clients are your best salespeople. After events, ask for written testimonials or permission to share photos showcasing your work and client joy.

Posting these on your website, Yada profile, and social media builds social proof and greatly aids decision-making for prospective clients.

One Auckland event decorator noted that testimonials helped turn hesitant enquiries into confirmed bookings.

7. Offer Seasonal Promotions and Packages

Time your promotions around peak event seasons like wedding season or holiday parties to catch attention.

Special packages or discounts for early bookings can encourage clients to commit sooner rather than later.

Advertise these offers via social media, direct emails, and event-related platforms like Yada for maximum reach.

8. Collaborate with Complementary Businesses

Team up with photographers, caterers, venues, and entertainers to create referral networks that benefit everyone involved.

Drop your business cards or brochures at partner locations and suggest bundled offerings for a seamless client experience.

Local providers in regions like Hamilton have found this collaborative approach boosts bookings and client satisfaction.

9. Host Workshops or Inspiration Sessions

Organise small workshops or decoration demonstrations to engage the local community and showcase your expertise.

This hands-on approach builds trust and personal connections, especially in close-knit towns throughout New Zealand.

Workshops also offer content for social media, reinforcing your brand to clients both current and potential.

10. Utilise Community Noticeboards and Flyer Distribution

Strategically place clean, eye-catching flyers on noticeboards at libraries, community centres, and supermarkets.

Keep the flyer details concise: your services, service area, and contact info. People often photo flyers to save details.

This old-school tactic resonates well with locals, including demographics less active online but who appreciate personal recommendations.