Founder of Hummingbird Events, Thérèsa Jordan, combines nearly a decade of wedding planning expertise with a commitment to creating a truly stress-free experience for every couple she works with.
How does Thérèsa thrive in an industry known for its high-pressure demands, all while maintaining her signature calm and precision? It’s a blend of her meticulous attention to detail, a dynamic background in the fast-paced worlds of theatre and television, and an unwavering passion for bringing flawlessly executed events to life—qualities that set Hummingbird Events apart.
In today’s interview, we’re delighted to sit down with Thérèsa to learn more about her inspiring journey, the core values that drive Hummingbird Events, and her vision for redefining the art of event planning.
With a background in theatre and TV, what inspired you to transition into the events industry, and how have your previous experiences influenced your approach to event planning?
Creating an event or wedding is, at its core, putting on a show. So, I thought: why not make my hobby into a career? Plus, I love being creative! The approach I have to event and wedding planning is that we don’t know until we try, and that is very much a theme my past experiences have taught me.
After starting your professional life in London and later moving back to Bristol, how have these diverse experiences shaped the services you offer at Hummingbird Events?
We’re also always looking for something a little different which is something our time in London taught us. We understand that one size doesn’t fit all and whilst we offer packages, we’ll always take time to talk through what is right for each client.
Can you share a particularly memorable event you’ve planned that showcases your creativity and attention to detail?
Last year, we curated and created an ‘A Midsummers Night’s Dream’ 18th birthday party. We took inspiration from the play’s themes, but also made sure that there were personal touches in honour of the birthday girl. Seeing the two worlds blend together for the final event was a creative dream!
Hummingbird Events emphasises flexibility and adaptability. How do you ensure each event reflects the unique vision and personality of your clients?
From the very beginning, we work hard to nurture a bond with our clients and really listen to them to make sure we understand their exact needs and wants. We’ll always make sure that the suggestions we put forward match not only their vision but who they are as people. We don’t want to be generic, so we always take the time to get to know each individual, and to think outside of the box!
Sustainability is a growing concern in event planning. How does Hummingbird Events incorporate eco-friendly practices into its operations?
Where possible, we’ll use suppliers who are locally based (in relation to where the event is). For caterers in particular, we try to ensure that as much of their products are ethically sourced and produced where possible. Also, we try to limit the carbon footprint with strategies like grouping deliveries.
Collaboration with trusted suppliers is crucial. How do you select and maintain relationships with the independent businesses you work with to deliver quality and excellence?
An event/wedding only happens if every element works in harmony. Therefore, our suppliers are as important to us as our clients. Without them, we’d have nothing. We often select suppliers based on previous experience or reputation and trust. However, we’ll always spend time speaking with them before putting them forward to our clients.
What are some common challenges clients face during the planning process, and how do you assist them in overcoming these obstacles?
The main challenge is often clients not knowing what it is they want. That’s where we come in – it’s my job to talk things through with them, and offer realistic expectations of what will work and what won’t. Time can also be a challenge, so I’ll often put together a timeline of things and when they need to be done to keep everything on track.
Personalisation is key to special events. How do you collaborate with clients to incorporate unique elements that make their event truly special?
We get to know them really well. We have a great relationship with our clients, and depending on the event, their family and friends too. This means that we understand who they are as people and what’s important to them, so our ideas are tailored to their personalities.
What advice would you give to individuals or couples when it comes to managing their event budget without compromising on their vision?
Be realistic. You can’t drink champagne on a prosecco budget. Also, make a list of things you don’t mind compromising on. Often, I’ll suggest a traffic light system – things you must have, things you would like, and things that you won’t mind not having!
How can readers find out more about you?
You can find the team and I on socials. We’re active on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook every week – it’s a great place to learn more about what we do, see real examples of our work, and get to know who we are behind the scenes! You can also contact me directly.
A huge thank you to Thérèsa for sharing some of her industry insight with us. If you’re starting to plan our special day and what to find out more then visit www.hummingbirdevents.co.uk for photos, ideas and how to get in touch.
Lead image by Lauren Julliette Photography.
