Dear Preston,
The Royal Wedding was very beautiful and romantic, and I loved watching it. They were clearly going for an elegant look, but I thought the decor was a little boring. What did you think?
Sincerely,
Underwhelmed
Dear Underwhelmed,
Yes, the Royal Wedding was very romantic! Even more importantly, Prince William and Kate looked very much in love and seemed to be having a great time. Remember, though, that this was truly a ROYAL wedding. Royalty, especially British Royalty, do things differently than you or I might do them for one of our private clients. I’m sure there was a lot of protocol involved. Consider, too, what the Prince and his bride wanted.
That being said, I hear what you’re saying. After all, I do come from the school of thought that more is always better. I’m also a firm believer that elegant doesn’t have to mean boring. And as wonderful as the decorative trees looked inside Westminster Abbey, I do wish they had used more flowers. Though, I bet you knew I was going to say that, right? You know I love flowers, folks! They could have even put flowers in the trees; I think that would have looked gorgeous.
Readers, what do you think? Was the Royal Wedding decor perfect just the way it was? Or do you think it could have used a little more pizazz? Please chime in!
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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.
Ruby
June 7, 2011
It definitely could have used more pizazz! I too was very underwhelmed. I understand that they wanted to have a certain look for their wedding, however, if you’re royalty I think going over-the-top is almost a responsibility. If royalty really didn’t want to be over-the-top they wouldn’t live in a palace, or be driven around in a Rolls Royce or wear crowns!
Eve
June 7, 2011
I really wish we knew what their reception(s) looked like! The ceremony was lovely, and the trees were unique, but yes the front arrangements could have looked more impressive.
twee
June 7, 2011
I’m a floral designer, and I know alot of watchers and people in our industry thought it was boring….I on the otherhand, thought it was perfect for her. Not too much, not too little. It looked natural, she seems like a simple gal, and it seemed to suit her. Seemed to be no fuss about anything like some brides I know would. She was going to be royalty, and all eyes were on the two of them. I could see how it was bland, but everything focused on her. A bouquet that wasn’t too much, very simple and elegant. But ask me if Prince William asked me to marry him, and I’d prolly have the place decked out in flowers and trees…….:o)
JACLYN
June 7, 2011
I was dissapointed and thought there should of been more flowers. Her bouquet was very sweet and thoughtful but the surrounding area could have been more of a “wow” factor.
joana tomova
June 7, 2011
I think the royal floral designer, has to come and take some lessons from you Preston, because for me, the flowers at that wedding were missing, the bridal bouquet too simple, and too small. And absolutely no, elegant doesn’t mean boring.
Ashley Paz
June 7, 2011
I thought that the wedding was perfect for them. The Royals put a lot of emphasis on sustainability, and the wedding was a perfect representation of that. They COULD have put flowers in the trees, but it wasn’t necessary to make them beautiful. I think the restraint that the floral designers showed was what contributed so much to the understated elegance of the event.
afcpam
June 7, 2011
I’m conflicted about this one. Personally, I would like to have seen more of a Princess Diana wedding. Kate’s dress was classic and lovely, but when I think of a princess, I want her to look like Cinderella or Princess Diana, so I was a bit disappointed. However, it was a welcome change to see the lace sleeves as opposed to the strapless gowns we have had for the past several years. I do hope this will be trend-setting.
Regarding the flowers and decor, as a floral designer I would like to have seen the reception, but my guess is that is was understated as well. I rather like that the decor at the ceremony wasn’t a distraction from the focus of the union of a Prince and Princess.
I respect that maybe they didn’t want to flaunt their wealth when the economy of the entire world is unstable, but a royal wedding is one time that I believe the majority of us would like to have escaped from reality into a royal fantasy world.
Sharon Johnson Lott
June 7, 2011
The Abbey itself is really very beautiful. The decor was very understated, considering the history and beauty of the Abbey understated was probably the best way to go.
Angela
June 7, 2011
The royal wedding decor was boring. There was little or no decor seen at all. Just a little bit more of flowers would have been good. Nothing exceptional seen. The ceremony was beautiful and interesting to watch so that made up somewhat…
paula
June 7, 2011
I would like to see photos of the evening reception that Pippa planned. I’ll bet it had more wow factor!
It is my understanding that the wedding was intentionally “elegantly understated” due to the economic situation that so many families are dealing with in Europe and the US.
Hopefully, the beautiful, fruitcake-wedding cake wasn’t “elegantly understated” ; )
Janet Hall
June 8, 2011
Yes, the decor was a little boring. More flowers would have been a wonderful touch to Westminister Abby. The wedding seem to be no fuss so maybe the attention was on the guests, food and protocol. With all of the other festivities, the ceremony site was so natural. Alot of money was spent on the food and cake. Instead of spending more on decor, all of the guest could eat, drink and be merry. They had only one ceremony but several parties. I would rather have good food instead of the decor.
Gloria Brown
June 8, 2011
I was told the wedding was kept low-key due to the economy … they didn’t want to flaunt their wealth. I think they could have added more flowers and the public would not have had a problem seeing flowers. Personally, I wanted to see more bling and flowers. Preston, your wedding is going to look more royalty than the royals … LOL
Nicole Goodyer
June 8, 2011
Love the fact they used items from the royal gardens but did look a little like “Auntie” had done the flowers! I too would love to have seen florals in the trees and couldn’t help but feel the trees as they were belonged in a shopping mall!
We have a lovely letter from St James’s palace in our testimonal book as we did write and offer our floral design services to the couple. I had designed a larger bouquet utilising the “Language of Flowers” but also items from the many commonwealth countries…It was a thanks but no thanks reply! but chuffed they wrote back. The bouquet small but right for her and she did use the language of flowers! wasn’t fussed on the bent shield handle at first but can see the connection with the overall theme……all in all it was a good watch but luckily for our business the “Common” folk can justify a bit more show. Have a great weekend blog followers enjoy your flowers and bump ins
Couldnt agree more as a british Florist I was embarrased!
June 8, 2011
I thought the royal wedding was beautiful but the flowers were a huge disappointment–did the florist simply take on too much or is he really just not that good?
The whole day I felt was let down by below average flowers–it could have done so much for the wedding flower industry which is sufferning in the UK.
Tanya Walker
June 10, 2011
I agree, the decor was a bore. I woke up in the wee hours of the morning JUST to see what the decor would look like. And I was like, “that’s it”?! I understand keeping things minimal due to the economy, but come ON people. I think a better job could’ve been done…to me it just looked like somebody just slapped a few trees in the Abbey and called it a day. Boooo.
Doyin
June 10, 2011
I agree! More flowers could have been added to the trees even if they were white flowers. I loved the Royal Wedding though and i think it was very elegant.
Navjot Kaur
June 13, 2011
I kept waiting for more on the television screen as the wedding began. Trees were done beautifully but yet flowers should have been incorporated. I felt color was missing which always represents celebrations.
zazee bou zultan
October 11, 2011
Hi Preston,would like to know if you have done any work in the Middle east or if you are intrested ? Love your work ,it’s a piece of art,i have lots of clientel and i am really intrested in working with you.Thank you.
Cheryl
January 11, 2012
There was quite a ruckus over having a royal wedding in such a dismal economic year in Britain. And over the years, there has been an increase in anti-monarchy sentiment due to the ever growing gap between rich and poor. Extravagance, while expected of royals, is not their prerogative. Their aim is to represent the best of Britain. Elegant and restrained. I believe that Kate and William have simple tastes and that the organizers (under watchful eye of Buckingham) were trying to be sensitive to the state of the economy at the time. Mind you, I too believe that it lacked a bit of something. But the experience of watching this young man turn into a husband after watching him grow over the years is one everyone should have experienced.