North Bay Woman

20 NORTH BAY WOMAN | S U M M E R 2 0 1 5 everything allows Doherty to offer her clients a wide variety of options. "Bridget always has an up-to-date inventory and it continues to grow every year," says Kristen Stimpert, who manages events for multiple venues through her Sonoma-based company, K. Venues. "And, she really takes care of it so it always looks good." For those who might be overwhelmed by options or want a professional opinion, Doherty offers the services of her trained sales consultants. "Our sales team is a great help in coming up with design ideas and product suggestions," Doherty says. "They have so much knowledge about event planning that they can make suggestions to fill in any holes." They also know how to work with budgets. "It's surprising to most people how affordable event rentals are," she says. "There are lots of options in price ranges so there's always an opportunity to stay within your budget." And while some hosts enjoy changing up the look of their parties with a different color palette and different chargers, linens and china every time, not everyone needs to rent a complete look, she figures. Some just need a few pieces – extra chairs, a set of matching china or a stack of pressed linens – to supplement their own supplies. A bistro chair costs $9, for example; a five-foot long barbecue costs $85 and an eight-foot long table drape costs $25. A full picture gallery with prices of every item and a blog with creative ideas and recipes can be found on the company's website, www.encoreeventrentals.com. In addition, the company offers custom CAD drawings for large events that create a virtual model of a party space that illustrate the placement of tables, chairs, staging, dance floor and other particulars. All these options and services will be in steady use for both her local clients and an ever-growing number of out-of-towners who head to the region for destination weddings and events because Doherty expects "this year will be the biggest year ever." And, Doherty, who over 15 years has turned Encore Events Rentals into a destination itself, has found that, in the process, her personal life has been graced by her professional one. "I'm good friends with my clients by nature of our working together and having similar passions," she says reflectively. "Business can be stressful sometimes but bonding over it and making it successful is the best experience." ■ Left: An Encore Events wedding details and overhead view of Glen Ellen wedding. – Photos by Melanie Duerkopp Photography. Above: Encore Events warehouse in Healdsburg. – Photo by Stuart Lirette.

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