Why Use an Events Company?
'Because we do the installations ourselves,
we understand the logistics and the bigger picture.
From a client's point of view, what will be
sold will be exactly as described and not come
as a surprise on the day. It stems from professional
experience at making the practical happen behind
themes and dreams, rather than talking round
a portfolio and contracting out to others. All
of our services are on-site; the only ones not
in-house are the specialized such as entertainers,
ice sculptures and chocolate fountains. An events
company such as ours offers a one-stop package
under one roof - and also turn up on the day
to sort things out. In the long run, it can
mean less of a headache in having to find and
keep track of, say five separate services to
achieve the whole production.'
The Path to Events Organising
First established ten years ago as a party organising,
promotions company. By 2003, Mistique's profile
grew thanks to putting on concerts to corporate
events. Not to mention bringing across prestigious
live PAs from the States such as Destiny's Child
and Usher. This success led to natural expansion
by word of mouth into the wedding arena and
into areas from theming and draping to décor
and music. The majority of services offered
are now dealt with in-house.
The results show a fresh and contemporary twist
on the traditional. Though the company specialise
in grand, gala-style affairs, small and medium
sized events are taken on with equal flair.
Clients like the 'can-do' attitude and convenience
of one-stop shopping. All image options - draping,
lighting, pyrotechnics to mobile music and mandaps
are available in-house.
New product lines are also evolving all the
time, such as mandaps and the latest stylish
flambeau lights.
Highlights and Clients
Mistique has arranged events for top media personalities
and produced Bally Sagoo's gorgeous wedding
reception two years ago. For that main occasion,
the heartthrob opted for classy evening glamour
with starcloths decorating the Heythrop Park
hotel in Oxford. Other locations the company
have worked on include the Savill Court hotel,
the Waldorf Hilton and most challenging so far,
a distinctive 'double' transformation of the
Grosvenor House hotel from morning Hindu wedding
to full-blown,fairytale reception for 800.
The Events Process
'As an events management and production company,
we have the know-how to put the creative concept
into place practically. In contrast, wedding
planners put the whole jigsaw together from
outside suppliers, can be totally bespoke and
available 24/7.
We still tailor-make to the client's wishes
but source from within. We take equal responsibility
for the smooth running of the event, turning
up on the day to trouble-shoot, for example.
It's still a personal service from start to
finish - just a different approach.'
Tips on Choosing the Events Company
'Go with the place where you feel you can build
a worthwhile working relationship. A picture
in a file paints a thousand words, but do you
feel confident that the company can make the
reality turn out as perfectly? Double-check
their resources and contacts and even reputation.
Though the Asian market is large, it's actually
quite intimate. Venues can supply past references
so do a bit of detective work, ring round and
find out people's opinion. Reputable companies
have nothing to hide. Look for those that fuse
the creative flair behind great results with
practical expertise and of course have the full
regulation essentials such as certification
for public liability insurance.'
What's the Difference Between a Wedding
Planner & a Wedding Event Organiser?
'Where wedding planners deal in-depth with any
detail of the big day that's required, we deal
with the surface of the end product. We're like
the last, yet important, link in the chain in
putting together the jigsaw of what the couple
want. Wedding planners in contrast, act as the
first port of call. They deal with weddings
exclusively; we're in the business of dealing
with any and every event, including weddings.
In practical terms, it means the bridal couple
have some degree of flexibility and can arrange
the elements they wish to, while leaving the
harder to arrange logistics in our hands. A
wedding planner sources whatever the client
requires - the dress to draping, lighting to
music. Aspects we don't get involved in for
example, include the wedding dress, airport
runs, food tasting or venue sourcing.
Some event organisers out-source all elements
but being an in-house production company, we
can provide requirements such as centrepieces,
chair covers, lighting etc. There's a reassurance
to this sort of provision that means we have
control of the quality.
The event décor will always look brand new as
we first clean and prep on our premises. This
convenience is reflected in a competitive price.
Expect an all-inclusive package fee with cost
per individual specialised item and no additional
consultation fees. For couples who already know
mostly what they want, event organisers are
usually seen as the good value, all-round staging
option.'
