Preston Bailey, known as the GURU when it comes to flowers and floral sculptures, hates trends. Best known for creating large-scale, theatrical floral installations all around the world, he finds his inspiration in creating something that will surprise his clients and their guests, and he has won numerous awards for his wedding design concepts.
As a celebrity favorite, he has designed many over-the-top weddings all over the world including in India, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North America for royalty, celebrities, politicians, and business tycoons. His clientele list includes Joan Rivers, Oprah, Nita Ambani and royal family members, just to name a few. After attending Preston’s talks and events in the past, we finally had the chance to converse with him about his style and his sensory overload flower installations. Here’s what he has to say about trends and the people who follow them.
How and why did you get into the event and wedding industry? I got into the event business, because I was broke and needed a job. My best friend and famed Interior Designer Vicente Wolf, suggested that I do weekly flowers for one of his client’s home, and as they say, the rest is history!
What’s your secret, dream profession, if you could do it all over again? Movie director!
If you had to label your design style, what would that be? Surprise. I love the idea of surprising my clients and their guests with beauty.
You are known for your floral structures. What’s the most elaborate structure you have ever conceived? How many flowers were used in that installation? This is one of the carousels that we designed for the Wynn Palace. Over 300 thousand flowers were used to create this design.
What is the most over the top theme you have ever been requested to design?The most impressive concept we were asked to design, was to build a permanent pavilion for a Middle Eastern royal wedding.
Can you name one time, a theme or structure didn’t work out so well? And how did you solve it? How much time do you have? I always said that my next book is going to be called, “Preston Bailey Mistakes.” The good news is that as soon as they are solved, I learn and forget about them.
Now that you’ve worked in India with the Ambani family twice within recent months, what are some wedding trends that you envision for South Asian weddings? So, so sorry, but I tend not to follow or pay attention to trends. I very much try to create an idea with my clients that has never been seen before. I believe the reason why most events look the same, is because of lazy people that follow or pay attention to trends.
How was it like working with the Ambani’s on both of the famous weddings? How did you bring their dream wedding into reality? What were their requests? Clearly, my clients are private, and I cannot discuss details. I do have just one comment though, I believe Mrs. Ambani is one of the most creative persons I have ever worked with.
Your list of notable clients is amazing. Which celebrity wedding would you like to design next? In Hollywood, in Bollywood or worldwide? JLO, I love this lady!
What trends and inspirations do you forecast for the 2019 wedding season? I try not to follow forecast trends. I truly believe that trends are for lazy, creative folks.
Images Courtesy of Preston Bailey
