Results for clients Tag

Preston Bailey business advice don't cross the line

How Do You Know When You’ve Crossed the Line?

(Image via hpnvsn) Everyone is a beginner once. And we all have to start somewhere. Let’s say you hire a beginner to work for you. You take this person under your wing and teach him everything you know. After awhile, though, he decides he’s ready to leave and open his own business. You’re hurt but [...]

Posted in blog, Tips, Uncategorized | Tagged boss, business advice, business morality, client relations, clients, employee, employer, making money, Preston Bailey | 9 Comments

Preston Bailey planners commissions vendors

Dear Preston: How Do I Get My Money?

(Image via Legilimens) Dear Preston, On your blog you’ve written a lot about the importance of planners not accepting commissions. However, I’m a planner, and my payment model is mostly commission-based. I charge my clients a minimal fee with the understanding that I’ll be collecting a 20% fee from the vendors. To make things easy, [...]

Posted in blog, Tips | Tagged accepting commissions, business advice, clients, commissions, Preston Bailey, vendors | 15 Comments

SETTING CLEAR BOUNDARIES WITH CLIENTS

(Image via Ed Meyer CPA) Over the years, I’ve learned to establish a very clear protocol with all of my clients. Setting boundaries is imperative. In the coming weeks I’d like to set aside Thursdays to discuss different strategies for establishing and maintaining these boundaries. Let’s start at the very beginning: 1. A client calls [...]

Posted in blog, Uncategorized | Tagged client first meeting, client protocol, client services, clients, establishing client trust, event planning, getting hired, maintaining boundries, Preston Bailey, Preston's blog, wedding design, wedding planning | 8 Comments

MY FIVE MOST CHALLENGING CLIENT DESIGN REQUESTS

(Image via wisdomportal) On Monday I wrote about some of the tough floral requests I’ve gotten from clients; today I want to tackle some of the tricky design ideas clients have requested. I never forget that my clients are, ultimately, my boss, and I love making their wedding and event dreams come true. But I think we can all [...]

Posted in blog, Uncategorized | Tagged budget, challenges, challenging clients, client requests, clients, design, design requests, difficult, difficult clients, dramatic candles, evening light, five most challenging, five most challenging design requests, LED candles, off-white flowers, off-white linens, outdoor wedding, outside, planner's fee, Preston Bailey, Preston's blog, rain plan, signature event, small budget, tall candles, tent, tight budget, wedding candles, wedding planner, wedding planning, wedding tent, white flowers, white linens | 10 Comments

MY TOP 5 MOST DIFFICULT WEDDING FLOWER REQUESTS

(Image via konaboy) The bottom line is that our clients are our bosses. But we’re also artists with our own unique sense of vision and expertise. So, how do we merge these two? It’s not easy. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re a florist, a wedding and event designer or a wedding planner: it’s a [...]

Posted in blog | Tagged birds of paradise, bouquets, bridal flowers, challenges, clients, design, difficult clients, difficulties, floral centerpieces, floral design, florist, flowers, gardenias, goldfish, orchids, phalaenopsis white orchids, Preston Bailey, Preston's blog, silk flowers, top five, top five most difficult wedding flower requests, wedding bouquets, wedding flowers | 15 Comments

ASK YOURSELF THE TOUGH QUESTIONS TODAY NOT TOMORROW

(Image via Mabelhood) I used to be so bad about addressing my finances that I once ended up in a lot of financial trouble. This is one of my demons, and, to this day, it keeps me in check. I don’t want to be in that situation ever again. One of the ways I’ve learned [...]

Posted in blog | Tagged business, business questions, clients, creative process, creativity, expenses, finances, financial trouble, life, money, new clients, new potential clients, organizational skills, play, potential client, potential clients, price, pricing, service, successful job, time, value, vendor, work | 13 Comments

GOOD WEDDING AND EVENT BUSINESS DECISIONS: GET CREATIVE

(Image via Vi.sualize.us) Somehow, it’s already August, and, suddenly, fall is just around the corner. Fall is the season of new beginnings, and, for me, that means a time of new creations. Regardless of who you are or what you do, you too can be creative. Creativity is a natural gift; the secret is figuring [...]

Posted in blog | Tagged business, business decisions, clients, creative, creative strengths, creativity, event planning, happy clients, industry, new creations, positive, reevaluate, unhappy clients, wedding | 5 Comments

THE LOVE BUSINESS: LOVE YOUR CLIENTS AND YOUR WORK

(Image via hello bauldoff) “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” – HELEN KELLER. Helen Keller was a very wise woman, and I think her quote captures what it means to be an artist. Even after all these years, I [...]

Posted in blog, Uncategorized | Tagged artist, clients, create, design, designing, events, genuine connection, guests, heartfelt creation, heartfelt job, helen keller, love, love business, love design, love vendors, love what you do, make heartfelt connections, music to my soul, personal, professional, quote, reactions, talent, vendors, wedding and event industry | 8 Comments

DEAR PRESTON: HOW DO I AVOID POTENTIAL CLIENTS GOING STRAIGHT TO VENDORS?

(Image via Wild Strawberry Events) Dear Preston, Firstly, I just want to say that I’m a huge fan. You write an amazing blog that offers very practical and real-life advice. Thank you for inspiring me to be more than I could ever have imagined. To introduce myself, I live in South Africa and am very [...]

Posted in blog, Uncategorized | Tagged Advice, befriend your peers, blog, caterer, clients, Dear Preston, dinner party, DJ, event, Event Planner, FAN, florist, Food, generosity, gentleman's agreement, guest, inspiration, lighting designers, LOYAL, loyalty, more business, party guests, passion, planning weddings, potential clients, Preston Bailey, south africa, strong ipression, trump card, vendors, wedding, wedding and event industry, wedding planing business | 10 Comments

WEDDING GUESTS: HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE

(Image via Positivityworks) “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” – Bill Gates I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Gates on this one. On Monday I shared a story about a happy bride and her very unhappy maid-of-honor who seemed intent on making my job more difficult. My first instinct was to give the [...]

Posted in blog | Tagged Bill Gates, bouquet, clients, flowers, guests, learn, lesson, maid of honor, pay attention, problematic clients, unhappy, wedding, wedding reception | 8 Comments

preston bailey floral sculpture sylvia weinstock cake

DEAR PRESTON: HOW DO I GET RECOGNITION FOR MY WORK?

(Cake Image via Sylvia Weinstock Cake Blog) Dear Preston, My team and I do a lot of weddings and events, and they’ve all been amazing. Our brides and their guests love our work. But, for some reason, I feel like credit is not being given where it’s due. The venues seem to get a lot [...]

Posted in blog, Uncategorized | Tagged bold glasses, brides, cakes, career, caterers, clients, credit, Dear Preston, design, event, floral animals, floral sculptures, florists, future jobs, guests, lighting designer, musicians, photographers, planners, recognition, signature, signature design elements, staff, sylvia weinstock, team, vendors, venues, wedding, wedding and event industry, wedding cake | 10 Comments

HOW TO DESIGN BIG ON A SMALL BUDGET

I can’t tell you the number of times a designer has said to me, “Preston, if I had the budgets that you have, I’d also be able to create great designs.” Every time I hear that, I want to scream. Folks, there’s no question that I can really let my imagination fly when I have [...]

Posted in blog, Uncategorized | Tagged big budget, boring, budget, budget decorating tips, candle centerpiece, candles, clients, create, creating a mood, designer, dramatic entrance, edible centerpiece, event, exciting designs, floral centerpiece, flowers, fruit, fruit centerpiece, great designs, guest, impact, money, mood, more is better, napkin, Preston Bailey, rose bowl arrangements, simple design, simple elements, spending money, strategy, votive candles, wedding, wedding and event planning industry | 6 Comments

DEAR PRESTON: HOW WILL LEGALIZED GAY MARRIAGE IMPACT THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

(Image via chubbear0426) Dear Preston, How do you think the legalization of gay marriage will impact the wedding industry? Sincerely, Curious Dear Curious, I believe the legalization of gay marriage here in New York is a great victory for human rights and a great victory for the wedding industry. However, legal gay marriage shouldn’t change [...]

Posted in blog | Tagged business, celebration, clients, contreversial, Dear Preston, engaged, equality, events, gay couples, gay marriage, human rights, Joan Rivers, legal gay marriage, legalization, logistics, love, marriage vows, New York, Preston Bailey, wedding, wedding and event planning industry, wedding industry | 14 Comments

DEAR PRESTON: IS MY REPUTATION ON THE LINE?

(Image via Retro Graphics) Hi, Preston. I am a huge fan of your advice and blog. So, I figure you are the one to go to with this problem. I have recently had a falling out with a planner who just bugs me to no end. Never mind the fact that I promoted her business [...]

Posted in blog | Tagged Advice, bugged, business, clients, communication, competing planner, competitors, Dear Preston, falling out, fight, friend, industry, lesser quality, loyalty, make money, planners, preferred vendors, problems, promoted, referrals, reputation, vendors, wedding | 14 Comments

WEDDING AND EVENT JOB BIDS: VENTING ABOUT REJECTION

(Image via David Chu) Over the years, many big corporations and brides shopping for the best deal have requested bids from me. But every time I bid on a new job, I can’t stand it. Why? The reason is simple: I take my designs very seriously. When I’m designing a job, I invest a lot [...]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged best deal, bidding, bidding on jobs, bids, big corporations, brides, clients, design, designer, designing, designs, endless shoppers, job, new job, potential client, rejection, shop around, time and effort, value, vendor, visualization, wedding | 14 Comments

HOW TO LET GO OF A BAD BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

(Image via Renato Pequito) If you’re in the wedding and event business, you’ve likely had a few difficult clients. More often than not, you’ll connect with your clients in a deep and profound way. Occasionally, though, you’ll find yourself with a client who seems impossible to please. I once did a job that was so [...]

Posted in blog | Tagged artist, business, clients, designs, difficult client, drama, event, final project, frustrating, gut feeling, hard to please, inspiration, inspired, job, let go, let go of bad business, no drama, Planning, playing the victim, remain focused, take away from experience, turn down a job, wedding, wedding and event industry | 15 Comments

DEAR PRESTON: DO YOU HAVE BRIDEZILLA STORIES?

(Image via Modest Fly) Dear Preston, I love the show Bridezillas. With all the weddings you do, I’m sure you’ve had to deal with many crazy brides. Do you have any good “bridezilla” stories? Sincerely, Bridezilla Fan Dear Fan, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t think there’s much “reality” on reality TV shows. [...]

Posted in blog, Uncategorized | Tagged bride, bridezillas, clients, crazy brides, david tutera, Dear Preston, drama, emotions, event, groom, my fair wedding, perfect wedding, Preston Bailey, reality TV, reality wedding shows, TV, wedding, wedding and event industry, wedding shows | 9 Comments

ARE DREAM WEDDINGS A REALITY AGAIN?

(Image via Preston Bailey) Everyone knows summertime is big wedding season, but I’m also very busy with all of my fall and winter brides, who are in the middle of intently planning their own upcoming weddings. With the bad economy the last two years, many of my brides requested understated designs. They wanted elegance but [...]

Posted in blog | Tagged brides, centerpieces, clients, design, dream wedding, economy, event, fall, floral centerpieces, New York City, New York City brides, royal wedding, summertime, understated designs, wedding, winter | 8 Comments

Melissa Rivers Winter Wonderland Wedding

WHAT’S THE POINT OF BEING A DESIGNER IF YOU DON’T DESIGN?

(Image via Preston Bailey) When you create a great design that you and your clients love, how often do you repeat it? Do new clients come in, see this great design, and ask that you do the same for them? When Joan Rivers’ daughter, Melissa Rivers, got married, I created the winter wonderland wedding design [...]

Posted in blog | Tagged archive, brides, clients, design, design ideas, drawings, event, Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, money, popular, recreate, repeat, save, wedding, wedding design, winter wonderland | 7 Comments

DEAR PRESTON: WHY IS MY RACE SUCH AN ISSUE?

(Image via Poofy) Dear Preston, As an African American in the wedding and event industry, I’m encountering a problem that’s weighing heavily on my heart. I live in Pennsylvania. Brides see my work, love my work, get referred by other brides, and make an appointment to see me. But then they discover that I’m African [...]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged african american, blog, brides, client, clients, discrimination, event, family, fiance, groom, industry, minority, outcasts, pictures, Planning, prejudice, race, referred, talent, travel, twitter, website, wedding | 19 Comments

PRESTON BAILEY

Results for clients Tag

How Do You Know When You’ve Crossed the Line?

Dear Preston: How Do I Get My Money?

SETTING CLEAR BOUNDARIES WITH CLIENTS

MY FIVE MOST CHALLENGING CLIENT DESIGN REQUESTS

MY TOP 5 MOST DIFFICULT WEDDING FLOWER REQUESTS

ASK YOURSELF THE TOUGH QUESTIONS TODAY NOT TOMORROW

GOOD WEDDING AND EVENT BUSINESS DECISIONS: GET CREATIVE

THE LOVE BUSINESS: LOVE YOUR CLIENTS AND YOUR WORK

DEAR PRESTON: HOW DO I AVOID POTENTIAL CLIENTS GOING STRAIGHT TO VENDORS?

WEDDING GUESTS: HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE

DEAR PRESTON: HOW DO I GET RECOGNITION FOR MY WORK?

HOW TO DESIGN BIG ON A SMALL BUDGET

DEAR PRESTON: HOW WILL LEGALIZED GAY MARRIAGE IMPACT THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

DEAR PRESTON: IS MY REPUTATION ON THE LINE?

WEDDING AND EVENT JOB BIDS: VENTING ABOUT REJECTION

HOW TO LET GO OF A BAD BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

DEAR PRESTON: DO YOU HAVE BRIDEZILLA STORIES?

ARE DREAM WEDDINGS A REALITY AGAIN?

WHAT’S THE POINT OF BEING A DESIGNER IF YOU DON’T DESIGN?

DEAR PRESTON: WHY IS MY RACE SUCH AN ISSUE?

December 17, 2011

January 6, 2012

January 14, 2012

February 27, 2012

April 9, 2012

Friendly Friday: Let Go of Fear

Taking Worthy Risks

Dear Preston: My Former Boss Is Spreading Lies About Me

You Are Your Greatest Asset

Subscribe to RSS Feed

Signs You Picked the Wrong Wedding Dress, Win a Wedding Dress and More From the Bridal Blogs

The Final Aisle Design

PRESTON BAILEY

Results for clients Tag

December 17, 2011

January 6, 2012

January 14, 2012

February 27, 2012

April 9, 2012

Sign In

Event Inquiry Form