How To Plan Your Designs For The Hotel

One of the most beautiful aspects of working in the hospitality industry as a florist is the freedom and trust you’re given by your clients. Unlike the wedding space, where clients can be overly involved in every detail, hotels hire you for your expertise. They trust that whatever you design will enhance their space and align with their brand. This level of autonomy allows you to truly express your creativity, while still ensuring that your designs are a value add for the hotel. Let's dive in on some tips to plan your designs for the hotels you'll work with!

The Freedom of Design

When you're working with hotels, you often have the creative freedom to design as you see fit. General Managers (GMs) may have specific requests from time to time, but more often than not, they trust you to make the right decisions. For instance, when I plan my installations, I typically schedule them on a Tuesday, order my flowers for the following week on Wednesday, and make design choices that maximize the client’s budget.

This approach not only allows me to deliver high-quality work but also to be cost-effective, ensuring that every penny of the hotel’s budget is well spent. I plan my designs based on upcoming events and color schemes that will be relevant for the week. Sometimes, I even design weeks or months in advance, coordinating with my wholesaler rep to ensure that I get the best products available.

The Ripple Effect of Hotel Contracts 

Having guaranteed income from hotel clients is not just beneficial for your business; it creates a ripple effect that benefits your entire supply chain. Your wholesaler and flower farmers also enjoy guaranteed income, knowing that your orders are consistent and reliable. This steady stream of business helps everyone in the industry thrive.

Whether you choose to design a week, a month, or several months in advance, the key is communication. Talk to your wholesaler about what’s available or what’s coming into season. This proactive approach allows you to plan your designs effectively and keeps your clients happy.

Educating Your Clients 

While you have the freedom to make most design decisions, it’s important to educate your clients along the way. For example, if a hotel requests a specific type of flower that may not work well in their space or might require more maintenance, it’s your responsibility to explain this to them. Educating your clients about the practicalities of floral design not only helps them make informed decisions but also builds trust.

In the Hotel Florist Profit Method, I provide a comprehensive list of questions to ask hotels as well as a contract template, ensuring that you’re fully covered when it comes to design preferences and potential challenges. This level of preparation helps you navigate any requests that might arise, especially as your relationship with the hotel evolves.

The Importance of Communication 

Open communication is key to a successful partnership with any hotel. While GMs may initially have little input, over time, they might develop preferences or request specific changes based on how your designs impact their space. In such cases, it’s crucial to listen to their feedback and educate them on what’s feasible. Then you will find a compromise that satisfies both parties.

Remember, GMs want to feel heard and respected. By maintaining open lines of communication, you can handle any design preferences smoothly and ensure that your working relationship continues to grow stronger over time. Want to learn more of what GM thinks about hotel florists? Check out this blog.

Conclusion

Working as a hotel florist offers an incredible opportunity to showcase your expertise and creativity. Better yet, you get to enjoy the freedom that comes with trusted clients. The key to success lies in communication, education, and the ability to adapt and evolve alongside your clients. As you continue to work together, you’ll find that your designs become more aligned with their brand. This will lead to a long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnership.

Already a florist and eager to expand into luxury hotels and create consistent income? Check out our free masterclass! It's packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.

Keep blooming,
Franceska

PS: Did you know I have a bestselling book on working with hotels? It's available on Amazon!