Today I’ll like to reach out to all you floral designers and floral aficionados. I need your help.
Presently, I am finishing my fifth book called Preston Bailey Flowers. The main topic, of course, is flowers.
I fell in love with the perfection of flowers over 30 years ago, and am still in awe at the effect its presence has in my events and my everyday life.
Only my fellow florists could possibly understand how healing and exciting it is to work with the beauty of flowers.
I’d like to get a bit of direction from you with four questions as I finish my book:
1. Do you think the modern, contemporary floral arrangement has been over used?
2. If you have any of my four other books, what floral arrangements did you or your clients like best?
3. What would you like to see more of in my new book Preston Bailey Flowers?
4. What floral arrangements did you not like in my prior books? (List as many as you want.)
Please feel free to answer one or all of the above questions. Your suggestions and guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
PREVIOUS
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.
david vasquez
February 18, 2011
Preston me parece espectacular que hagas un nuevo libro de flores,mi opinion seria que en el nuevo libro mostraras un catalogo para los que tienen floristeria, algo nuevo que podrian mostrarle a sus clientes,mostrar el paso a paso de como elaboran tu y tu equipo de trabajo los arreglos florales, para ser mas exactos las mecanicas de produccion
un abrazo grande desde colombia
y que Dios te bendiga siempre!!!
Eve
February 18, 2011
I simply cannot wait for your new book!
Unfortunately, I have only managed to buy one of your books as they are not readily available in South Africa, and I asked a friend to bring one from the States (Celebrations). Another friend of mine had your other book (Inspirations), so I cannot answer question 4.
However, I do not feel that modern arrangements are overdone. I feel that most brides are too scared or intimidated to go that route. I also encountered situations where the parents have a huge influence on the bride and groom.
In the past year I have been requested to do more traditional flowers. Especially when it comes to the ceremony. I have a wedding tomorrow and I am arranging candelabra arrangement. So yes, in Johannesburg there is a swing back towards the traditional and classic. Again, I feel it is mostly due to the ‘known’ and ‘less rsky option’. Perhaps your book can inspire???
Yet again, I am speaking purely from the point of view of someone who lives in a different country on a different continent.
I love your work and make any plan to get my hands on your new book when it comes out.
Good luck with finalizing all the details.
meliana ~ blubells flower
February 18, 2011
Weww.. so excited to hear that you gonna publish new book!..
Answering you questions..
for no. 1. In my country Indonesia, which we do follow the east culture, which mostly follow what our parents said, we do still used a lot of traditional arrangement with a little bit touch of modern. The basic is still there.. we do need an arrangement that represent the family who held the party.
I always love your works, can be said that none of it i don’t like..
I would loveeee to see a lot lot of new simple but stunning floral arrangements… hmmm.. hope its not hard, the concept is to look the SMALL things in big way..:)
i also would love to see any new type of flowers to arrange!
Success for your new book!..
Arlan Geronimo-Dionaldo
February 18, 2011
your talented is a monumental fact that the world knows…i admire your honesty special when your venting your feeling about the industry…who would ever do that only preston…so i would like to read from your nrxt book how you weave the fanstastic scenarios…the hurdles in pulling it off…the drama in realizing it…how chaotic the scene then blossom to a magical set=up…i would suggest you entitle it ….weaving a dream
i have all your books and they continue to amaze me.the first one is a classic…i have outgrown my book on vera but never yours.
Jennifer
February 18, 2011
I do not think that the modern, contemporary arrangement has been overused. I think most people in general are afraid of going that route because they have not been educated to its possibilities. Most people are afraid of change and therefore stick with the known or traditional arrangements. It is up to us as designers to bring those type of arrangements to their attention and get people thinking outside of the box. I love your style and the way you use flowers as the focal point and really showcase their beauty. I also love the way you use props or additional items such as branches, crystals, glassware etc. It would be nice to see some more simple ideas using these items a little more and fewer flowers for the people who are on a tighter budget but still want your “style”. I don’t have your past books but often check out your design on your blog as well as online. Thanks for sharing your talents with us. I look forward to your new book.
Alexandra Jusino
February 18, 2011
Another book! That is great.
Here are my answers.
1. I don’t believe the modern look is going to go away. There is a place and something different for everyone. I DO however think that brides are going back to traditional and softer flowers such as their endless love for peonies but learning more about flowers such as garden roses and clemantis that have a softer look.
2 I loved seeing what you created for celebrities. I don’t know why but always love seeing all of it. Matt Laurer’s, Ivanka Trump or even Melissa Rivers’ weddings.
3. Would love to see more of the “back stage… what happens from opening the boxes from the wholesalers, to cleaning to here is the final product” I think it’s good for brides and clients to see what goes on from the moment you receive the product until you set it on the table and how much work and love goes into it.
4. It’s hard not to like anything you do Preston. I get a lot of inspiration for my own designs looking at your books. Even the way you hung candles in the ceiling gave me tons of great ideas.
LFS little flower shop
February 18, 2011
#1. I really feel that the contempory designs are still hot — but we need to spoce it up alittle with greens or another blossom so that we of great art can do design!
#2 — I have all your books what I would love to see is more direction on how it made. Silk or fresh
Foam or wire tips for bigger things to stay hydrated and that . More info on getting started we all know it will be amazing but how do we get there. We are your followers for inspiration and knowledge !
#3. — my brides look at your books and get scared they see many blooms and say. They will never have such – I slow them down and say ! Please look at color choice and bloom possabilities ,
#4 — I truley love the white on white ! In your books also the uplights
Can’t wait to see you in Winnipeg very soon — your on a tight schedual but I would love to have you see my studio. (It’s on my bucket list). Hope you can step out of the box for a feww hours. Would be awesome
Maureen
February 18, 2011
So many, many inspirational favorites! I have all your books and my brides “wow” over all of them – but it seems like the favorite is on the cover of “Inspirations” – and of course the “Pink Fantasy at the Waldorf” is a big big favorite…
Every event you do is a gift to many people, not just to the ones in attendance!
Erik
February 19, 2011
I would love to see how you create your flotral ‘sculpture’
Do you just carve out large amounts of oasis foam to form your subject?
Please..a step-by-step instructions with photos would be most appreciated.
I am thirsty for knowlege!!!!!
Please send invitation to your book launch party
‘rrrreeba-rrreeeeeba’ ‘ayyiyi!!!!!!’ ‘fiesta!!!!!
Debra Biagini
February 19, 2011
Hi Preston,
I believe that when reviewing the venue and knowing the client it is best to use the style that make sense. If a Contemporary style is needed then it is the right way to go. Other styles are better for other situations.
There isn’t any item in your book that someone did not like. Most people didn’t want a particular style for their event but still loved the style.
My problem is that italians tend to spend more money on the ceremony and less of the reception. This is a mostly catholic country so my customers look in your book for Church decorations and most of your ceremonies are Jewish in nature.
Generally I try to explain how a design can be modified to make it NEW, I don’t copy even Preston Bailey, and adapt a style for their church.
Thank you for asking our opinion.
Preston, I will be in NY April 10 – 19th. Can I stop by to meet you?
Debra
Navjot
February 20, 2011
I would not say that modern,contemporary arrangements are overused but yes, certainly clients like that elegance and many who are influenced with the dramatic architecture such very bright and open places.
Most of the ceiling decor is liked by most of my clients. I would like to see more ceiling decor with florals.
FP
February 20, 2011
As a floral designer, there is nothing negative I can say about any of your floral designs. They are all exquisite. Executing these designs require a lot more manipulating than many of the modern, contemporary designs. I like the over the top styles, but we all know we don’t have your kind of budgets to work. I would love to understand more of the mechanics behind many of your creations, such as the florals on the wall frames and your fabulous composite hanging gems. I know, you can’t give away all your secrets, but just a peek won’t hurt, please. Anxiously waiting for you next book, I have all the others. Thank you Preston.
Yvonne
February 20, 2011
I can’t wait to get my hands onto your new book!!!
2. Impossible to name all since everything is beyond amazing, but I am blown away everytime I see those larger than life centerpieces at the reception of West Coast Party and the crazy gorgeous chuppah and swan centerpieces in California Wedding of Celebrations.
3. As others have mentioned, I really love to see everything behind the scene, from constructing the props, ordering the flowers, conditioning them, to actually arranging, setting up etc… basically how to work with flowers!
4. I will be brave and honest.. the only thing I am not fanatic about are the floral pineapples in Fantasy Weddings…
Oh, am sooooo excited about your new book… can I pre-order?!?!
Gjertrud Marie Jensen
February 21, 2011
I haven`t seen any of your books, but I have seen photos of your amazing work every now and then, while searching for “floral input” on the internet
And it strucks me every time – and I love it!: it`s blooming, honest, generous, respectful, loving, floral, fresh, beautifully balanced. It`s PASSION, and I love floral passion. Thats why I`m a florist too.
If I allow myself to give you one advice for your next book, I would say :
continue the passion. You are truly amazing
Gjertrud Marie Jensen
studio blomst
Norway
sharon jackson
February 22, 2011
Hi Mr Preston! It’s such a “pleasure” to read your Blog…it brings important information that continues to inspire me. I saw photos of a “wedding reception” that included “flowers and fresh fruit”……….It was beautiful! Can you maybe include ideas in your next book about fruit and flower arrangements…………..Well take care and may “God” continue his wonderful blessings upon you and your talent………….from Ms Sharon J
L J
March 11, 2011
I don’t think that modern/contemporary floral arrangements are over used, but I do believe that the designs that are in this category haven’t evolved very much. it would be nice to see new materials be used.
I refer to a lot of european design books and they have some very unusual material, that I would love to see used more in the US. I feel that the US is somewhat behind in the trends and would love to see you challenge peoples comfort zones in your next book. If you do it, people will follow!
Wedding Reception Hall Rental in Los Angeles
August 6, 2011
Wow, great article, I really appreciate your thought process and having it explained properly, thank you!
estefania
October 22, 2011
Preston, me comentaron que haria un curso en colombia en mayo del 2012 y queria saber que tan cierta esta informacion es?
Gracias (we loveeeeeee u’re work arround here by the way)
gracias.
Saludos
Flower
March 2, 2012
szcsfs
CHANEL
March 7, 2012
DO FLORAL DESIGNERS LIKE TO
Ruchi oswal
March 8, 2012
Dear Preston,
Love all of your books and can’t wait for the new one.
I personally love more modern arrangements, may be just right for the right couple.
I would have loved to see more instructions, know how and details on lessons to create amazing pieces that you do. I have so many questions to ask and really want to learn and create like you. I love all your wonderful designs and concepts but still do not know how to follow through.
Please consider giving some ideas on mechanics to your loyal fans.
Ruchi