I am often asked if I have made any mistakes along the way and my answer is that I have made enough to write a book called Preston Bailey Bloopers.
Looking back recently through my archive of work, I have found many I’d like to share with you in hopes that you do not make the same design mistakes. However, as I’ve heard, if you make enough errors you might just eventually become an expert.
So, here are a few of my bloopers:
My idea for chair covers circa 1988.
I thought I was being so clever by taking all the additional tablecloths and wrapping them around each chair to create my own version of chair covers.
Blooper: They became undone during the party and folks started tripping over them. Oops! Also, is it just me or does this look a little bit like a wake?
Circa 2002
In this Harry Potter themed event, I used invisible wire to hang all LED candles from the ceiling.
Blooper: There were a few candles that fell around the guest’s heads. (Thank God for my great client who thought it was funny.)
Circa 1992
This was my first attempt at draping fabric in tent walls. Also my first attempt at decorating with trees.
Bloopers:
- Back wall poorly draped with exposed air conditioning vents.
- Have you ever seen sadder trees?
- I was soooo proud of my hand painted ceiling.
Okay, we are being very candid with each other–do you have the guts to tell me a few of your design or service bloopers? And hey, always keep in mind my old mantra, “The best way to improve is by learning from our mistakes.”
May 3rd last year I turned 60 and threw a big blow out party with all my friends and family. Today, however, I need to spend the day in quiet fasting and meditation, reflecting on all the many gifts and blessings I have received in my 61 years of living.
I love getting older. I also love the mystery that lies ahead. For me, aging is about discovery and challenging myself to bring all my darkness into light and at the same time learn how to love better. Of course, I shall be celebrating the rest of the month with all my friends and family.
I’d love to know: Do you have any birthday traditions? What do you like to do to celebrate your birthday?
I had such a great week. The weather was wonderful for the most part in New York. I started training again for an upcoming triathlon (my best ideas happen while I am in the zone exercising). However, last Monday after finishing an 8 mile run, I had a strong sneezing attack because of my allergies–no fun. That night I had dinner with the extraordinary folks from the Knot. Carley is one of the most brilliant strategists in the industry.
Wednesday night, I was taken to the theater by my friend (she’s also an amazing publicist) Amy Brownstein to see the musical
Memphis. I enjoyed this show a lot, however my only comment is that I think Broadway shows have too much of a formula. It’s a lot of high energy dancing with lots of loud belting voices. By the time I left the theater I was exhausted. I rushed home to see the last (DVR’d) episode of
Ugly Betty. Amy represents two characters, Betty’s nephew Justin and Hilda his mother. Betty never looked better. It’s such a big disappointment this show was cancelled. It was one of my funniest escapes.
Last night my partner Theo took me to Carnegie Hall to see
La Commedia by composer Louis Andriessen. First of all, I always feel extremely glamourous in this historical space. I have seen great talents perform here, like Shirley Bassey, Nina Simone, Josephine Baker (yes, way back in the seventies), Bruce Springsteen and many others. Whenever I step into Carnegie Hall, it feels like going back in time. The performance last night was musically challenging for me. I had to work hard not to fall asleep even though I walked away feeling inspired. (Yes folks, at times we need to work for our inspiration.)
Inspiration requires time to play. Every weekend I plan an ARTIST DATE for myself. I’d like to encourage you all to do the same. This weekend, I am planning to visit the Museum of Modern Art In New York to see the exhibit of the amazing artist
Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present. I am really looking forward to this. One always needs to work in filling the creative well of ideas.
Now please share with me:
What inspired your creative juices this week? And, if you were planning an artist date any place in the world, where would you go for inspiration?
I found some old pictures of me when I was organizing some things this weekend. I thought it might be fun to share. Here you go!
An old yearbook picture
In the men’s boutique I used to own
When I run into former clients on the street, I’m always so happy to see them and immediately want to catch up and ask how they are doing. I breathe a sigh of relief when it sounds like they’re doing well and are still happily married. Usually, they then show me pictures of the kids.
However, sometimes I hear a story about how it didn’t work out. Of course, this happens. There’s not an exact science to what makes a marriage work and relationships are always a challenge (even when you’re happy). In spite of hearing tales of break-ups and marriages not working out, I still believe in being able to live happily ever after.
Which is why, I guess, I love to get wrapped up in the details of designing an amazing wedding. For me, walking down the aisle is the highlight of any wedding. It’s the first time guests get to see the bride, which is an image most people keep in mind when they think about any wedding. I can’t even count how many weddings I’ve done and how many aisles I’ve designed.
It would seem like a pretty straightforward piece of the ceremony, but I’ve spent a good amount of time making sure each bride experiences something magical on the path I created for her. One thing I’ve done over the years is try to re-interpret the idea of an arch over the walkway.
At the beginning of my career, I made the terrible mistake of using real candles down the aisle. As the bride and her father walked down the aisle, stray candle wax accidentally dripped on the father’s tuxedo. This is not good, especially since it was the bride’s father (and he pays the bill!), so I will advise never using real candles to decorate the aisle. No matter how romantic it seems, it’s not worth the potential consequences.
Now, I have a special question for all the brides out there. I’ve always been curious about what you’re thinking when you’re standing at the beginning of the aisle, ready to walk to your destiny. Please share with me what you’re thinking about right before you start walking down the aisle (and hopefully it’s not something like, “Oh my gosh, these heels are too high. I’m going to trip!”). Oh, and if you can get it out of your husband, ask him what he was thinking too. Maybe it was, “Oh wow, this is it!”
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