(Image via planetofsuccess)
Hi dear friends. In today’s FAQ, I want to hear YOUR questions. You’ve sent several of your questions to me before, and hopefully I’ve answered most of them.
Today, I want to hear about the newest batch of issues on your mind. It can be related to anything–a new client, a design problem, maybe a budget question? I also want to hear from the brides out there.
Do you have questions about your wedding I can help with? We can talk about colors, theme, issues with mom (or dad), questions from grooms, etc.
Leave your question below and I’ll start answering this new batch next week!
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.
Lia
March 15, 2011
Hi i would like to post a question as i saw your request onlne ! , im planning a wedding what is the best way to cut down flower cost? in particular calla lily.
Lia
March 15, 2011
Also i would like to know if you have any internships avaliable?
Theolotus
March 15, 2011
The general perception among some people is that fresh flowers are cheap. Wholesale costs have gone up considerably because of fuel prices. How do you get your client to understand the real cost of fresh cut flowers?
Jenny
March 15, 2011
Hello Preston,
When you provide flowers and decor for nonprofit events, do you require a retainer up front?
Christie
March 15, 2011
Hi,
I would really like to know more about insurance for events companies. What insurance should you have in place if you are starting a company?
Thank you.
Hileni David
March 15, 2011
Hi Preston, I am a great fan of your blogs, I’ve been reading them every day from last year and im currently doing your design course online as well. Thanks alot for all the knowledge transfer and guidance. I am an upcoming event designer and i always admire the way you drape the roof in your events. Could you kindly let me know what type of hardware do i need to drape the roof sucessfully? any tips on how to go about this? Thanks
Mackie Hill
March 15, 2011
I have two questions Preston.
1) Having changed my location and gone from large upscale events in NYC to smaller less extravagant events in Bangor, ME I am finding it hard to realize my design concepts. People, especially non-profits find it hard to understand that sometimes you have to spend money to make money and although they have the funds they are reluctant to spend it! How do I convince them to make the changes in order to ramp up their events, especially when it takes two to three years for the attendance and income to change as a result of their extra financial efforts?
2) My second question is about your classes. I am very interested in taking them, but I would love to attend a design school rather than online. Are there any of these offered say at Brooklyn College?
Thanks Preston! I look forward to your answers!
Ani Kitsinian
March 15, 2011
I have a design problem. I’m trying to wrap florals around a stand that is cylindrical but has curly willows wrapped around it. I’d like to florals to wrap around in a “snake” form. (sorry for a lack of a better word). I tried using chicken wire, I tried taping foam but then the tape will show on the side where there are no florals. The best way I found to do it is by sticking the florals between the twigs, but wait! they are white hydrangeas! If I use picks they may show. I also tried garland foam, way to big and heavy. Any suggestions?
Anthony
March 15, 2011
Hello Preston –
I am planning a same-sex wedding for a couple in rural West Virginia this coming Fall. The ceremony and reception will be held at a quaint wine vineyard with around 100 guests. I’d love to hear your thoughts on suggestions for making the ceremony have a traditional feel but at the same time, acknowledge the modern/non-traditional aspects involved with such a situation as this. The couple wants to find alternatives to traditional aspects such as walking down the aisle, tossing the bouquet/garter, best man/maid of honor, favors, etc. Thanks in advance.
Lara Goldman
March 15, 2011
Hi Preston
I’m hoping my little package of Belizean goodies found you safely.
How do you recommend Brides engage their potential guests for the highest “yes, i’ll come to your destination wedding!”. How far in advance should they send “save the dates” for a destination wedding, and how much information about the destination wedding location (country) be included?
Looking forward to your thoughts!
Lara
Constance
March 15, 2011
Hi Preston:
Could you please do a blog about lighting? I am a new small business starting out and finding it very hard to find information about event lighting. I am looking for the basics for lighting an event (ie: stage area / podium, around the room, pin spotting tables, etc. What are the minimums?) Also, should this (as well as AV) be part of my design or something I hire an outside company to do (or does that depend on how big my company is)?
Thank you
Kim
March 15, 2011
Will you plan/coordinate my wedding?
Marisa Chanel Guerrero
March 15, 2011
As a florist, brides frequently ask us to make sample centerpieces. Should we charge for this service? If so, how/when? And should we offer this service to every bride or only the ones that ask?
sharon jackson
March 15, 2011
Hi Mr Preston! I’m decorating for my “daughter’s babyshower/special moment. The “color” is purple, what other shade can I use to go with that? Thanks again, Sharon Jackson.
Tiffanie Elliott
March 15, 2011
I need advice on how to keep hydrangeas alive. I work them them a lot but when I use them in oasis they don’t stay alive long. Do you have any tricks? For hydrangeas and other flowers?
Katie McLaughlin
March 15, 2011
Hi Preston,
I’m a wedding planner in Canada and my business partner and I are finding it difficult explaining to clients why we charge what we do. Not only do other local planners charge significantly less than what the industry standard is, but our clients expect that we should be cheap. Obviously we put a lot of time and effort into wedding planning, and I’m at a loss for how we can convince our clients that we are worth the money they spend. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Zyanya Itzel
March 15, 2011
So many questions but the main is: how do you (wedding planners, event designer, event producer) choose your vendors of lighting, audiovisuals, DJ & performances (services my company offers) we are finding hard to know what you really value technology? talent? price?
Phillippa Biggs
March 15, 2011
I’m having a lot of requests for Stephanotis bouquets lately, but I just can’t figure out how to stop the blooms from browning! I’ve tried Chrysal, I’ve tried picks, I’ve tried making everything at the absolute last minute (Oh, God, the stress!) What am I missing? Is there a magic secret you could let me in on? Thanks Preston.
Shirley
March 15, 2011
Hi! First of all, I was absolutely delighted to meet you in Vegas at the Event Solutions conference.
My question: We are a new event planning/design firm, we are looking in investing in a bridal show booth as an initial way to get some exposure. Do you think that this would be a wise investment? If so, what could we do in our booth to really “wow” our potential customers?
Sara
March 15, 2011
What kind of adaptors do you use atop tall glass standards to create the large, lush centerpieces that have become your signature look? We often feel frustrated by what the floral wholesalers offer and spend hours engineering the mechanics. In the end we are rarely satisfied! We’d love to know more about the mechanics of your floral design.
Thank you time a thousand.
Gloria Buckman Yankson
March 15, 2011
When is the best time to ask for a retainer? At the first meeting, budget meeting, mood board?
Angela Bernhardt
March 15, 2011
My non-profit has been doing an annual gala for over thirty years using the traditional silent auction, dinner, live auction, dance format. What ideas do you have to freshen up this format?
iris from cebu philippines
March 15, 2011
hi!
i have always been an avid admirer of your works. your creativity never fails to astound me. you are so blesses with imagination and skill to execute what your mind conjures and always deoivers to the table what is more that expected. thank you for being so generous in sharing your talent with us.
here is my question:
i am planning a wedding with an expected turnout of 800 to 1000 guests. medding colors are yello with sivler gray. what is the best way for a decor? they are intersted on a winter theme. would this be possible with this color combination? your opinion will be highly appreciated and considered. thanks once again!
Gina
March 15, 2011
Preston, I have always admired your work and I am in my third year of business. Would love to know how I can overcome the obstacles and challenges in today’s economy in order to book more clients. Also, it is very hard when there are planners out there who are undercuting me. How do I deal with that? What obstacles did you have to overcome in the first few years of business?
Gina
March 15, 2011
Hi Preston,
Would love to know what obstacles or challenges did you have in your first couple of years of business and what did you do to overcome them? Thanks!
Jose Ojeda
March 15, 2011
Hi Preston,
Im 20 years old, I love planning events Ive been doing it since I was 15. I am about to graduate with a Hospitality Events Management Degree and plan to continue school to earn a Business Management Degree. I want to have credentials so that my clients know I’m serious about what I do. I use to want to have a company named AJ Events but I soon figured out I don’t want people to know me by my company name but by my name and style. I believe that in our industry personal branding is very important, along with having a talent of course. Id like to know if you have any advice on personal branding?
Thank You,
Jose
Deb Jasinski
March 15, 2011
I am a florist in Canada and I am currenty reading the book “Flower Confidential”. I am feeling quite horrified by the conditions in which flowers are produced in south america (child labour, pesticide poisonings, water contamination, employee illness due to dangerous working conditions). I dont think that I will be able to see flowers in the same light. Have you ever been to these flower “factories” and witnessed any of this first hand??? Are there many environmentally/socially responsible growers in south america that I can source out product from with a clear conscience????
ALFONSO
March 15, 2011
Hi Preston,
I would like to know about the process you use to deal with clients in the first time you met onto you closed the deal. And what topics you touch in every step. For example, 1st meeting (goals, objective, products), 2nd meeting….. and go on!!
I´m asking because when we met with some clients sometimes we giving away proposal design, advices, layouts, referrer other vendors and in occasion this client never show up again! My concern is because they runaway with the ideas and all the material we gave to them and I really want to be sure its we are make the things right and in the right moment in the process!
I got a company of Wedding Planner and decor, my wife its in charge of the decoration part and I manage the administration part of the company.
I apologize for my English, I´m from Santo Domingo.
Chris Daniels
March 16, 2011
My all-time favorite answer from you was one of your blog posts from about a year ago….where you talked about happy staff being key to long term success…..I also enjoy your comments on knowing your own worth and sticking to that valuation, to the point of turning down work if necessary to maintain your own standards of quality………nothing is more frustrating than trying to deliver quality product when you are consistently expected to do so “under budget”
Chris Daniels
March 16, 2011
Another question I have is-How should an employee handle a consistent issue at work where your employer “punishes you for being strong”?
I’m talking about consistently understaffing, when they know you will “bust your butt” to deliver client expectations, while the company chuckles all the way to the bank with a 65% and up profit margin…….it seems like such short-term thinking to burn staff out this way…..leaving you with a sheen of sweat on your face as you try to deliver gracious and consistent strong work product against deliberate cost cutting in-office with no knowledge/regard for what happens on the floor, but only an overzealous eye on the profit margin..how would you suggest handling this within the store, so to speak, or should you just cut and run and go where you’re appreciated?
Thanks!
Angela Howard
March 16, 2011
Hi Mr. Bailey,
I have followed your work for years, truly a huge fan.
I’m an event planner for a private venue in Atlanta, Ga and we will be hosting our third bridal open house this weekend. I plan to feature nine table scapes and would love your critique and expert opinion. Would it be OK to send you some pics in the coming weeks for review? I would also like to know if you have plans to have any seminars in the Atlanta area this year?
Debbie
March 16, 2011
I just graduated with a masters in architecture and a bachelors in construction and my family owns a venue for special events, and I want to know what advice you have for me whose coming into this economy and wanting to use my skills in the wedding industry?
Kathy from The Party Place
March 16, 2011
Hello Preston! I need help. What program do you use to create your design sketches for your clients? Or do you have a graphic designer do it for you? What do you recommend for the cleanest way to present a sketch of a room and designs for an event if you can’t do a physical mock-up?
Misha
March 16, 2011
Hi Preston, I am from India and iv been religiously following your blog since the last one month and i love it. I hold a management degree and im working for a media company since the last 3 years, but my dream is to have a invitation design business of my own. I dont have any formal education in design and i am still toying with the idea of wether i should quit my job and start this. But i know one thing for sure that this is what i wana do! Request for your suggestions on what are the key pointers to keep in mind while starting such a business.
Adrienne
March 16, 2011
Hi. I am looking for new inspiration for an urban wedding that would resemble a manhattan roof top wedding. The bride is unconventional, trendy, upmarket & doesnt like the common flowers & centerpieces. The wedding colours are grey, white with some pewter. Any fresh ideas would be appreciated. Tx
Sandra Elidor
March 16, 2011
Hey,
My question: I wanted to know what computer software or programs you use or you would recommend for wedding planner, and event designers? I’m looking for great software that I can have my client budget, contact, and guest list and event layout in 3D. I’m looking for something similar, but better than I Do Wedding professional.
Thanks
Dianna
March 16, 2011
I am an event designer/decorator and Love every single minute of what I do. I have been doing weddings for about 3-4 years now and have lacked the courage, confidence and knowledge of how to price events properly. I stopped decorating for about a year and decided to attend a design workshop and research…..research….research. I have been successful in finding resources to assist in creating quality designs for my client. I have also improved drastically in presenting myself to a client. I just recently did an event that I am sincerely happy with…especially because I am very critical of my work. I would like to know what other steps u would recommend for re-do of my business….I need some direction as to where to go to get the info for contracts, pricing, etc. Everytime I google I find info for event planners but I am not an event planner:(….I just want to design events!!! Thanks Mr. Bailey
Jan Mazzone
March 16, 2011
Dear Preston
When you decide to donate your time or product how do you document for tax purposes?
joana tomova
March 16, 2011
#2
Diannna
March 16, 2011
Another question
For someone that wants to start out as a beginner in the floral world….what course would u recommend? A course just for flowers
Also what kind of steamer or equipment would you recommend for removing creases and wrinkles out of linen, drapery material, etc. when you are decorating for an event?
Sullivan Owen
March 16, 2011
Hi Preston,
I love your blog and have found it so helpful in branding my new floral & event design studio in Philadelphia. My business is taking off and I’m thrilled.
My question is more of a request, a few weeks ago you did a post on your Top 10 Mistakes but left us hanging on for the top 3. Any chance we could hear about those 3 biggies?
Thank you so much for investing your time in blogging, your posts are so tremendously helpful. I really appreciate it!
Yvonne
March 17, 2011
Not sure whether it is just a local practice, but I know some wedding decor companies have a minimum charge policy, say a couple will have to spend at least $2k for their wedding day in order to book the vendor. I will love to hear your thoughts on that. If the job is profitable, then should size of the bill matter?
Felicia
March 17, 2011
What’s the best way to procure free items for event showcase or charity event attendee giveaways?
Halfyard Designs
March 23, 2011
I’m starting my 4th season in business. My first 3 years have been incredibly successful, beyond my expectations. However, this year business has been very slow making me very uncomfortable. I usually have over double the weddings booked by now. Fortunately I have a very supportive partner!
1. I know I have to advertise. I’m just nervous about taking that leap of faith and putting the money out, knowing it’s not really there. How do I chose the best magazine to advertise with?
2. How do I power through a season that is so slow and create new opportunities for me?
3. Given the situation, would charging for consultations make the client take me more seriously?
Thank you so much for any insight you may give me Preston. I really appreciate it!
Susan
March 27, 2011
Hello Preston, I’m decorating my sewing room and I’d love to hear your ideas. My aesthetic is vintage inspired with a modern twist. I love color and I want the room to look like a sewing lounge instead of just a functional space. What colors, accessories, type of storage and wall decor ideas do you suggest. Thanks in advance for your help. Peace
Steve
March 30, 2011
What are the specific structural mechanics in making one of your taller, beautiful trees we see utilized in some of your weddings? Thank you!