Alicia Rico

Bows and Arrows

 

Just as each flower is unique, we carry the belief that each client we meet is unique. Founded in 2009, Bows and Arrows Flowers is dedicated to the creation and communication of beauty via the art of floral and event design. We approach each design with the desire to preserve the integrity and natural presence of each flower and surrounding. Inspired by art, landscape and culture, we build our aesthetic and design around what resonates with each client to create an event that is tailored and thoughtful from the smallest detail to the overall impact. We specialize in customizing every detail to fit the customers vision. We source only the best florals from our local flower farm and other farms from around the world.

Bows + Arrows has extensive experience creating events in cities and countries around the world from Brazil to Thailand, Bali, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, France and Canada, and cities including Paris, Budapest, Bangkok, Toronto, Mexico City, New York City, Los Angeles, San Fransisco and many more. Bows and Arrows Flowers has been featured in numerous publications including: Magnolia Journal, Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Weddings, Veranda Home, Rue, Paper City, The Knot, Domino Magazine and more. We are devoted to creating a dream event for our clients in their favorite destinations around the world and at home.

florals by Bows and Arrows | image by Jona Christina Fine Art Wedding Photography | Rose Story Farm

Show Notes

  1. You want to be sure to develop positive relationships with wedding planners and designers and find the people that you connect with and in which you can collaborate. Alicia discussed working with Wedding Designer Joy Proctor. A Previous guest of the podcast, it is clear the beautiful result of wonderful collaboration.

  2. It is important to periodically regroup and reevaluate working conditions. Check for dangerous situations like inclement weather or potential issues in your work environment. 

  3. Always have a good backup plan and as Alicia said maybe even an another back up plan.  You can’t have too many.

  4. Alicia includes floral substitutions in her contracts. Be open with your clients and wedding planners.

  5. Charge appropriately especially for installations. Alicia shared how she prefers square footage pricing.

  6. It’s ok to be candid with perspective clients if you have a minimum. In the beginning it may be good to be tight on pricing for the exposure. When you notice you have too much work you probably need to consider having a minimum or increasing it.

  7. Staff appropriately. Don’t short staff your events. Having the proper amount  of staff allows for much needed rest and focusing on health in between and on jobs. 

  8. Alicia calls herself a master timeline maker. By organizing a timeline and giving staff a copy, expectations are set and she doesn’t need to micromanage.  Be transparent with your designers and have contracts for new independent contractors. 

  9.   And lastly, source locally grown flowers when possible