This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on February 3, 2016 with Preston Bailey. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

Globally-celebrated for his unique ability to transform ordinary spaces into lush, theatrical environments, Preston Bailey is known as the premier event designer for a client roster that includes celebrities, royal families, CEO’s and athletes. With 35 years of experience in the industry, Preston is often sought out to create one-of-a-kind, transformative designs that serve as backdrops for some of the most memorable moments of his clients’ lives. His Art Installations have been featured across the world with showcases in New York, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and London.

The author of six books–five of them bestsellers—he is often asked to share his experience through speaking engagements, seminars, editorial profiles and television and radio interviews.

Preston is very excited to announce his current collaboration with Nuage Designs, a personally designed tabletop linen collection and his PB and Friends and PB Protégé programs in which he and his staff mentor new and seasoned event industry professionals.

For more information, visit Preston’s website at www.prestonbailey.com

 

Q1:  How did you get involved with designing weddings ?

 

Preston Bailey: I was in desperate need of a job and my friend, Vicente Wolf suggested I do in-home flowers for his clients.

 

Q2: How do you work and educate brides that have no design background?

 

Preston Bailey: It’s about getting into their shoes and listening. It’s my job to make their dreams and vision come true.

 

Q3: What is the best way to transform intimate spaces?

Preston Bailey:  Lighting can do wonders for all spaces, especially small ones.

 

Q4: What do you feel are the most important elements to designing a party or wedding?

Preston Bailey:  Your guests should feel they are being transported to a new space with surprises throughout the evening.

 

Here’s my #ValentinesDay inspired table for those of you who asked to see it.

 

Photo By Apiwich Bangrapimolpong

 

Photo by John Labbe

Q5:  What are your favorite wedding trends this year?

Preston Bailey:  I always say not to follow trends but to use your vision to create your own.

 

Q6: What tips do you have for brides on flowers?

Preston Bailey:  Really explore your options, read up on flowers and use ones to which you feel an emotional connection.

 

Q7: Where do you find inspiration for designing events?

Preston Bailey:  I am a big fan of Mother Nature and find my inspiration in the amazing work she does.

 

Q8: What design trends do you wish would go away?

Preston Bailey:  I am really not a fan of the whole vintage wedding thing. It’s been done and done for years.

 

Q9: Who has had the most influence in your career?

Preston Bailey:  My angel from above, Joan Rivers.

 

Image By: RobertEvans.com

 

Q10: Now you will be working with @DavidTutera at @YWExperience  ?

Preston Bailey: David is a friend and I am in awe of him as a designer and a host. I am honored.

 

Q11: What is your @YWExperience?

Preston Bailey: A wonderful forum that allows access to inspiration and expert advice. It’s a fantastic resource for brides and the industry.

 

Q12: What will you be doing at the @YWExperience ?

Preston Bailey: Sharing my secrets, my mistakes & hopefully offering inspiration and valuable tips for attendees through a special demonstration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Q13: Where can wedding pros find more information

about the @YWExperience event?

Preston Bailey:  http://yourweddingexperience.com has all of the details!

 

Q14: How does one become a @PrestonRBailey protégé ? 

Preston Bailey:  It’s very easy. You can sign up for the waiting list through my website or simply call my office.

 

Q15: Do you have any @PrestonRBailey Protege programs coming up?

Preston Bailey:  Yes, we have intensive 10 day #Floral Course coming up in March. You can call my office for more information.

 

Q16: What would you like everyone to take away from this #WeddingMarket Chat ?

Preston Bailey:  Hopefully they walk away a little more inspired, that’s always my hope.

 

#WeddingMarket Audience Questions

 

@UMBERbridegroom How do you learn how to design with florals! What are the basics? 

Preston Bailey: You have two elements: a vase and flowers. It’s all about how you organize them.
@UMBERbridegroom How do new planners learn how to design with florals? First step?

Preston Bailey: Very important: Take a class. I offer them through my #PBProtege #Floral Course.

@WedByJean Are there any trends/traditions that you wish more brides would embrace?

Preston Bailey: I wish #brides were not afraid of using more colors in #weddings.

 

@DreamyWeddingSK In your experience, what is most important to a bride having a destination wedding?

Preston Bailey: They need to think about weather and not just go on what they think it might be.

 

@mahoganydee Hi, I want do event floristry but find no one in London want’s a mature floristry intern. Advice pls?

Preston Bailey: Do an online floral course and start doing flowers for friends and family to gain experience.

 

@WedByJean Are there any particular colors/color schemes you prefer? 

Preston Bailey: I love to work with very feminine colors: pinks and peaches as well as apricots.

 

@Beliefiwp How do you deal with all the client’s expectation for a destination wedding that you are creating? 

Preston Bailey: By bringing them back down to reality. Make sure that you listen very carefully.
@FrillsBridal What are some of your favorite elements to incorporate with your floral arrangements? candles, etc.?

Preston Bailey: One word: Crystals!

 

@DreamyWeddingSK What online floral courses would you recommend?

Preston Bailey: Sit tight, I’ll be launching my #PBProtege Online course within the next month!

 

@HJBenken What has been your favorite event you have done and why?

Preston Bailey: My favorite event is always the one I am working on ;along with my bride, I get to see it for the first time.

 

@WedbyJean If you had to choose something other than event/floral design, what would you do?

Preston Bailey: With all of the experience I have gained, I would be a bride’s therapist 😉

 

@EventPassion What’s the greatest business challenge you’ve dealt with & how did you work through it?

Preston Bailey: After 36 years, I am still working through it: Pricing.

@EventPassion Wow! You too? Pricing is hard! Do you offer any best practices in your “Doing Business With Our Hearts” book?

Preston Bailey: Yes, and I have an entire class on pricing in my new online course coming out this spring.

 

@HJBenkin What have you found to be the best way to price for floral delivery and setup? A % of the total of the event?

Preston Bailey: No, you must consider the time that it takes plus your hourly rate.

 

@PrettyEntertain What’s your favorite way to communicate design ideas to clients? Sketches? Samples? Something else?

Preston Bailey: Sketeches and face-to-face sales.

@UMBERbridegroom When a bride asks for a wedding florist, is that the job of a wedding planner/designer?

Preston Bailey: That would be a job of a florist or designer.

 

@WedByJean Which Your Wedding Experience will you be at?

@YWExperience:  @prestonrbailey will be in Philadelphia on February 28th, Houston on April 17th, Fort Lauderdale on May 22nd.

 

@Beliefiwp Are you planning a wedding for #valentinesday weekend?

Preston Bailey: Just planning my anniversary.

 

@EventPassion What’s your favorite way to relax?

Preston Bailey: I love to go to the gym and have a great workout.