How to Turn Your Event Planning & Decor Skill Into a Business in NZ (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Event planning and decoration are vibrant parts of New Zealand’s service scene-turning your creative skills into a business can be incredibly rewarding. However, managing client expectations, sourcing suppliers, and coordinating logistics often leads to overwhelm. This guide shares 10 practical, localised tips to help event planners and decorators grow their NZ client base with confidence and ease.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Understand NZ Event Industry Dynamics
New Zealand’s event market has unique seasonal and regional rhythms-from wedding seasons in summer to festive corporate events in December.
Weirdly enough, in tight-knit Kiwi communities, trust and reputation spread faster than flashy advertising.
Planners in regions like Auckland or Queenstown often balance intensive high seasons with quieter off-peak months, making smart workload planning essential.
2. Clarify Your Event and Decor Niche
Narrow down your speciality-weddings, corporate events, cultural festivals, or birthday parties-to attract targeted clients.
Some Auckland decorators focus exclusively on sustainable, eco-friendly decor, tapping into growing local demand for green events.
Knowing your niche sharpens your marketing and streamlines your operations.
3. Set Up Your Business Legally
Register your business, understand local council event permits, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in NZ.
Joining event industry networks like Meetings and Events NZ enhances credibility and offers valuable contacts.
Many successful Kiwis start as sole traders or small teams before scaling their event businesses.
4. Build a Professional Online Profile
Create a polished website or profile on Yada, a growing NZ platform connecting clients with trusted local specialists without commission fees.
Yada’s private chat and rating system help build client confidence and streamline bookings across devices.
Think of Yada as your digital assistant, helping clients find you easily and communicate smoothly.
5. Leverage NZ Business Directories and Social Platforms
List your services on directories like Localist, Trade Me Services, and NoCowboys to gain organic local traffic.
Engage authentically in Facebook groups and Neighbourly communities where event organisers seek referrals and advice.
Sharing event tips or decor inspiration boosts your visibility without hard selling.
6. Showcase Client Testimonials and Events
Kiwi clients trust peer recommendations. Ask for reviews and showcase photos or videos of your successful events.
A Christchurch planner tripled bookings after sharing testimonials on her Yada profile and Instagram, highlighting her attention to detail and reliability.
Social proof makes new clients feel confident and comfortable hiring you.
7. Offer Transparent, Competitive Pricing
Clearly communicate your pricing based on event size, decor complexity, and client needs to build trust and manage expectations.
Yada allows you to set honest prices without lead or success fees, making your services attractive to savvy Kiwi clients.
Consider packages or seasonal discounts to encourage repeat business and referrals.
8. Use Planning Tools to Manage Workload
Adopt digital calendars, project management apps, and checklists to keep event details on track and reduce stress.
Yada’s job alerts and private chat help manage client communications efficiently.
Many New Zealand planners report feeling more in control by batching tasks and setting realistic deadlines.
9. Build Partnerships with Local Vendors
Connect with local caterers, florists, venues, and entertainers for referrals and package deals that benefit all parties.
In Queenstown, planners often collaborate with accommodation providers and tour operators to offer all-in-one event packages for tourists and locals alike.
Strong local networks provide steady business and enhance client experiences.
10. Keep Evolving and Engage Creatively
Keep up with NZ trends like eco-friendly events, tech integrations, and client communication skills through courses and workshops.
Share behind-the-scenes content and tips on social media or Yada to build rapport and visibility.
Hosting free community event demos or webinars is a great way to showcase your skills and meet potential clients.