An example of one of my original designs.
That’s a great question. Here are some pros and cons for each scenario.
Pros for creating your own design (including tablecloths, vases, chandeliers, chair covers, structures, furniture, etc…):
- It’s only yours, so the event always looks fresh and new.
- If you use the designs of different elements more than once, you can make back your original investment.
- You become a trend setter.
Cons:
- Creating an original design is always more expensive.
- I hope you have great storage facilities.
- If not handled properly, the objects you create could be damaged and lead to a financial loss.
- Other folks might copy you. (However, I think it’s a huge compliment when folks copy my designs.)
Pros for renting design/decor materials:
- You do not need to worry about storage.
- It’s more cost effective.
- There is a way of renting elements and making it your own design by combining elements in different ways.
Cons:
- Your work starts looking like others’.
- You can become a bit lazier as a designer.
- Lack of surprise.
Ultimately, what matters in both cases is that your work remains fresh and new–and that you make a profit. I personally prefer designing and building all new work from scratch. Maybe that is one reason most people think of my company as being so expensive. My goal is to always, for better or worse, design something new.
Do you find that other folks copy your designs? How do you feel about it? I’d also love to know: what do you prefer, renting or designing new prototypes? What works better for your company?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Bisi Bordley
July 13, 2010
I love each event we design looking fresh and new, and not secondhand props.
Our designed props are part of our creative styling.
We are not bothered being copied, it’s a compliment.
Tina Marie Palmisano
July 13, 2010
I love designing from scratch!! I love looking for things it makes it so much fun to excercise my mind, to the point I look like a mad scientist!! I feel everyone is unique, and I like adding that something you just can’t get from renting, when I can
Gloria Brown
July 14, 2010
I would think that a mix of creating new designs plus renting to help supplement can be very rewarding. Example: Rent the linens and design and create the centerpieces. Preston, you’ve done this mix many times.
wande
July 14, 2010
I love designing events from the scratch. But usually I add a little bit of both to my events. Problem is usually storage.
Ko-Ko
July 14, 2010
As a Designer, I become increasingly upset when I see that My designs have been imitated. Some say that I should be flattered but I find that design is such that if you want people to enjoy it then you cannot mask it from view.
dental hygienist
July 15, 2010
nice post. thanks.
meliana ~ blubells flower
September 6, 2010
I had experience when folks copy my design.. First, of course i became upset because, they use my concept and create in cheaper way.. (while before they said ok and wiling to use me as their wedding decorator) But last, i realize, it was still different… money talks.. and sense talks..:D
Carolyn Fairley
September 29, 2010
Love your inspirations, I am Pittsburgh’s Event Planner/Designer I rock too! Preston you make me study and create harder. Thank you
Cindi Mladenka
September 22, 2011
Preston,
This is SO relevant to me this week!!
As a new wedding designer in the business (I’ve been a party planner for years) I have a dilemma on this very subject, and don’t know how to handle it.
How do I charge for my designs and creations? I ‘m afraid I’ve done this a little bit backwards, but I have been given 2 checks to help cover cost of designing the wedding. I have purchased many, many unique items that I’m sure they won’t want afterwards, and I do….so how, do I ‘charge’ for all the items purchased, in order for them to be mine after the wedding? I’ve used the first two checks as payment on items, but the rest has come out of my pocket. I want to ‘rent’ these items to them, but now that they’ve been purchased, do I ‘owe’ them money back in order to be fair? I don’t know what to do, as I’ve never been in this situation, and frankly it’s not stated in my contract. Oh and by the way, the wedding is in two weeks!!
PLEASE HELP!!
Asian Wedding Decor
January 12, 2012
We do both but are running out of space!! Maybe rent out afterwards or sell