Preston Bailey's Fantasy Weddings (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Beth Decker (Contributor), John Labbe (Contributor) "MY INSPIRATIONS FOR WEDDING DESIGNS SPRING FROM A SURPRISING VARIETY OF SOURCES..." (more)
Key Phrases: Cipriani Ballroom

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fiancées who dream of fantastic flower displays spilling over their engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, wedding ceremonies and receptions will want to peek at the nine floral-packed weddings Bailey features in this book. Lavish color photographs are the main appeal here, with Bailey’s bland text doing little or nothing to add or detract from his over-the-top creations. Each chapter presents a specific wedding theme, including a "Hamptons Countryside Fantasy" with five-foot tall centerpieces, a "Tropical Latin Fantasy" with gigantic red rose sculptures that seem to have been borrowed from the Rose Bowl Parade, and an "American Royalty Fantasy" in gold and white, which actually took place in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. Bailey’s fantastic designs recall the grandiose MGM studio productions of yesteryear, and he appears to delight in using flowers to construct architectural, decorative and religious objects: lamps, chandeliers, cornucopias, chuppahs, pillars, ribbons, place mats, paintings. In a final chapter, Bailey presents a few suggestions for creating some of these elaborate, time-consuming objects on your own. But those longing to be princess for a day (and who have the considerable funds it would take to realize one of Bailey’s fantasy weddings) may find it easier just to hire him. Photos.
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Product Description

In this incredible collection of inspirational photos and ideas, floral designer Preston Bailey shares his invaluable experience of more than 20 years in creating the decor for celebrity and high-profile events and tells how to create an unforgettable wedding for brides and grooms-to-be.

With engaging text, Bailey guides the reader through the process of planning engagement parties and receptions, and explains how to bring diverse yet elegant elements together to compose the stunning environment of ones dreams. Beginning with large decisions, such as choosing a theme and transforming a wide array of spaces to fit the vision, he moves on to the details--centerpieces, arches, place mats, lighting, table settings, and more.

Throughout the book are luxe full-color photographs of nine weddings, with chapters that include a Glorious Glasshouse Fantasy, a Tropical Latin Fantasy, a Modern Metropolitan Fantasy, and a New England Waterfront Fantasy. Also included are nine design motifs from the Signatures by Preston Bailey line. Above all, Bailey encourages anyone planning a wedding, whether large or small, to allow creativity to blossom and have fun while designing their dream event.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Bulfinch (November 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821228692
• ISBN-13: 978-0821228692
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #14,525 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Books > Home & Garden > Interior Design > Professional Reference
  #6 in	Books > Home & Garden > Weddings > Planning
  #15 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Decorating

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow... beautiful!, November 22, 2004

By	mwest - See all my reviews

Wow! What an incredibly beautiful book!!! While the decor and events pictures are way out of reach for "normal" people, the photography is absolutely stunning. It's also great for getting ideas for your own events, even if you can't afford the over-the-top stuff that's pictured. Overall, a gorgeous book that's going to be on my coffee table to enjoy for a LONG TIME!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous!, April 20, 2005

By	C. Roy (Maine Reader) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Preston Bailey never fails to astonish me with his imaginative, over the top work! The first time I saw another of his books, my jaw dropped. I'm a florist, and I look at many sources for inspiration. His work stands head and shoulders above any I have ever seen. This is a beautiful coffee table book for anyone who likes flowers or weddings or a book for someone always reaching for more in their floral profession. Of course he designs for clients with unlimited budgets, but I can dream!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wedding Ideas for Big $$$$, January 24, 2005

By	Simona Jovanovski (Rochester Hills, MI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I got this book as a gift and was just stunned by the beautiful pictures of these "fantasy weddings". If nothing else, it was a fun look into the way a wedding can come together if you have an unlimited budget. It can inspire some decorating ideas, but I wouldn't count on being able to copy these designs if you are on a budget. Just enjoy it for the photos.