The company was started in January 2019 by Richelle Soliano, 45, and Jules Tang, 36, the two “girls” (“gadis” in the Malay language) who run the business, doing what they love best.
“Instead of choosing an English word, we wanted a name that reflects our Malaysian identity,” explained Soliano about the inspiration behind their company name.
Soliano oversees the operation and styling aspects of the business, and Tang is in charge of social media and graphic design.
Gadis Events handles a variety of events, such as weddings, marriage proposals, birthday and dinner parties, barbecues on the beach, as well as corporate dinners and retreats. It also provides decorating services.
Soliano says the dry season, from November to May, is a popular time for people to holdweddings on the beautiful island.
When it comes to wedding planning, Soliano shared, she is honest and realistic with her clients.
“I’ll make sure that I stick to the budget given, or maybe do it for even less,” she said.
Sometimes, it means having an honest conversation with her clients about certain things that they may have to forego although she strives to find equally good substitutes.
Soliano said that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, people have scaled down their wedding events, with only immediate family members and close friends in attendance.
Citing examples of wedding receptions that they have organised in the past couple of months, she said, “It’s more of a celebration for two families coming together, and the size of the gathering is about 25-30 pax.”
“Some of these couples have gone through the civil ceremony and take the opportunity to have the reception,” she explained.
Murder mysteries and luxury picnics
One unique event that the duo plan is a Murder Mystery dinner party.
Drawing inspiration from similar parties that she used to attend with her friends, Soliano said, “We plan everything, from the decoration to the theme, and we partner with a restaurant.”
Before the event day, guests are assigned a “role” to play, and come dressed accordingly. During dinner, they are given certain tasks to do to solve the mystery.
“It’s good for group gatherings as there is so much fun and laughter. We also have a lot of fun planning it,” said Soliano.
Additionally, Gadis Events also organises stunning picnic set-ups called “Langkawi Luxe Picnics”.
Each picnic is luxurious and beautifully arranged. Typically organised on public beaches, each picnic caters for two and includes food such as pizza, local pastries, and chilled non-alcoholic beverages.
According to Soliano, the team also caters to various custom requests such as a photographer or a birthday cake.
“Customers like the special and exclusive picnic experience as they lounge on the beach or enjoy the sunset,” she said.
Besides organising events in Langkawi, the duo also handles events elsewhere in the country, such as in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
The company has plans to introduce table styling services next year, called “Mimpi by Gadis Events”.
Soliano is grateful for the sense of community among the decorators on the island.
“If I am unable to take on a client, I will call to see if anyone else is free on that date. Our goal is not to let a job slip by, and no job is too big or too small for us.”
The personal touch
For Soliano, loving what you do makes a difference. “When you are passionate about something, it shows.”
Even years later, she is still in touch with some of the brides that she has organised events for, she said, adding that they often update her about news on the birth of their children.
Soliano said she takes every event she plans rather personally. “I believe that what makes us special is the personal touch. It’s more than a service I provide to my clients – and, in the end, we become friends.”
To find out more about Gadis Events, view their website, Facebook and Instagram profiles.
To view their picnic set-ups, visit Langkawi Luxe Picnics on their Facebook and Instagram profiles.