This last week was Bridal Fashion Week in New York City, and even though I was in Jakarta attending my good friend designer Biyan Wanaatmadja’s runway show, I still made sure to check out all the gorgeous new fall 2012 collections online.
Some of my favorite designers like Rivini and Reem Acra showed off dresses with lots of fabulous embellishments: feathers, crystals, intricate beading, gold lace, and blushed-colored flowers.
I love when fashion designers don’t take themselves too seriously and remember that fashion should always be fun.
I feel the same way about designing weddings and events; they should be fun! Which is why my designs have so much color and so many whimsical elements like sparkles, feathers and tassels.
Whether it’s bringing trees indoors or creating a life-size floral carousel or entire walls of flowers, I want to not only wow my clients and their guests but also make them feel giddy with excitement.
After all, if you’re at a party with giant poodle centerpieces made out of flowers, anything can happen!
Dear Readers, I’m curious, how do you infuse fun into your work? Whether you’re a baker, a fashion designer, an event designer, a florist, a photographer, a DJ, a caterer, whatever your work, I want to know: how do you make your creations fun?
Please share your answers in the comments!
(All images courtesy of Rivini)
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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.
Elaine Rakoczy
October 20, 2011
Hi Preston, I am continuously inspired by the {FUN} that couples infuse into their Rehearsal Dinners and try to show this on my site via the blog and “real” photo gallery of rehearsal dinners on the RDG homepage. Fun is the “operative” word to me for making the Rehearsal Dinner a success..through entertainment such as karaoke, or my favorite…rapping bridesmaids, to two-stepping at a country western themed RD, to simply renting a hot dog stand to offer a taste of the groom’s favorite food, to zanny props at a photo booth….there are so many ways to incorporate a {Fun} element…it’s {fun} to think how to have {fun}..now that’s the essence and true meaning of FUN! Just be creative, think about entertaining guests and don’t take the night too seriously too! The next day is huge, and stressful at times so to me, the rehearsal dinner must be FUN!
sharon jackson
October 20, 2011
These dresses are cute, but the lst dress(in Pink) is very beautiful! The desginer has a “unique” way of capturing a women attention to his work!
Rebecca Lang
October 20, 2011
Its always great to have fun, takes the stress out ofa wedding or anything you do. BTW the pink dress is so cute and flirty! LOVE IT!
Erik
October 20, 2011
Passion IS fun…and fun is in the passion.
That’s all there is to it!
Larissa
October 21, 2011
Eric
How right you are! Being passionate about everything you do, brainstorm with colleagues and staff- to create a unique approach/details of every event , make it different, get the WOW effect- that is what it’s all about…. In reality, budget does make a difference but there is other ways to make your work stand out.
I like guests walk in and drop their jaws on the floor in awe of how beatiful and thoughtful their hosts were( B/G).
There are so many honest, hardworking talented people in our industry – networking and keeping on your toes helps immensely, at least for me!
Ocassionaly I cross a few traditions from one culture to another- and clients love it!
Food- another way to make them remember your event. And , ofcourse, music.
I never do a dinner full time- how about dancing between the courses!? most of mY clients are European descent and band / orchestras : core the same but adding a different singers and musicians and DJ really creates something spectacular. One of my MC/ Band leader is perfect example. by the way he is like family to me, Marat ( known him to perform since 3yr old!) – incredibly talented young man and sings every thing from opera to Italian to Russian andSpanish etc. As a MC – He can get literally get a dead person to dance….lol This is a key for any planner / designer : think about your event as the puzzle- all pieces should fit perfectly!!!
Savannah (Pearls and Pages)
October 21, 2011
Sounds so “un-fun” but I love checklists and meeting goals, however abstract or silly the goal may be. At the end of the day, when you see all those checkboxes marked, you can’t help but feel so accomplished and productive…and for someone who is quite obsessed with organization, this is a BIG part of the FUN of my work. Staying organized=fun
…..And cranking some nice tunes makes you feel like you’re having a party at work, too!
Have a great weekend, Preston!
The French Bouquet: Wedding Floral Design
http://www.thefrenchbouquettulsa.com/blog
Beverly Spann
October 21, 2011
Hi Preston;
I am always researching and researching how to be more and more creative with events. Sometimes, that’s the fun part for me. And when I present my findings and suggestion to people, they love them. When I see people smiling and having a good time after I’ve had a helping hand in designing the event, makes me feel like a million bucks. they feel giggly and so do I. You have to love people in this industry. No matter what! But having fun while putting together an event is kind of hard sometimes, because you get so serious, I find that if I allow staff to be part of the designing process and watching them have fun with the designing aspect, then the mission is almost accomplished. Staff must feel a part of the event themselves. If you love what you do, then you’ll never work a day in your life. I surround myself with people who think just like that.
Angela
October 23, 2011
Really love the designs, particularly the first outfit.