How to Become a Florist or Floral Designer (2024)

How to Become a Florist or Floral Designer

Becoming a florist or floral designer can be an exciting and fulfilling career that allows you to express your creativity through the beauty of flowers. As a true artist, you will use your skills to evoke emotions and captivate your clients with stunning arrangements. While florists typically arrange flowers in retail shops and sell to individuals, and floral designers arrange flowers for weddings and other special events, developing design skills is essential for both careers.

If you have a passion for flowers and an eye for design, you are already on your way to success! By following a few simple steps, you can start your journey toward becoming a skilled floral designer and enjoy a career filled with joy, beauty, and endless possibilities. Let’s get started!

What Does a Florist Do?

A typical floral design or florist job description includes creating stunning floral arrangements for various occasions, such as:

• Weddings
• Birthdays
• Holidays
• Funerals
• Corporate events

Their expertise lies in understanding the language of flowers and using their creative flair to design arrangements that evoke emotions that leave a lasting impression. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), floral designers do the following:

• Buy flowers and other products from wholesalers and suppliers to ensure that an adequate supply meets customers’ needs
• Determine the type of arrangement desired, the occasion, and the date, time, and location for delivery
• Recommend plants or flowers and greenery for each arrangement per the customer’s budget
• Design floral displays that evoke a particular sentiment or style
• Answer telephones, take orders, and wrap arrangements

How Much Do Florists Earn?

The average florist salary varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and clientele. According to the BLS, the median yearly salary for florists was $33,160 in May 2022, with opportunities to earn more as you establish yourself and your unique style in the market. On average, about 4,700 new jobs for floral designers are expected each year, over the decade (by 2031).

More recently, Salary.com reports that the average floral designer or florist salary in the U.S. is $54,983 as of July 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $44,635 and $66,449. 

Floral Design Qualities You Need to Succeed

Here are some important qualities that can help you thrive in the world of floral design:

1. Creativity

Florists are like painters, but instead of using a canvas, they use flowers. Having a creative mind allows you to come up with beautiful and unique arrangements that capture the essence of different occasions.

2. Attention to Detail

Flowers are delicate, and the way they are arranged can make a big difference. Being detail-oriented helps you ensure that every petal is in the right place, creating visually pleasing arrangements.

3. Patience

Working with flowers requires patience. From carefully handling delicate petals to creating intricate designs, taking your time ensures that your arrangements turn out perfectly.

4. Color Sense

Knowing which colors go well together is crucial in floral design. A good sense of color helps you create harmonious and visually appealing arrangements.

5. Adaptability

Floral design is diverse and can range from simple bouquets to elaborate event decorations. Being adaptable allows you to adjust your designs to fit different styles and preferences.

6. Customer Focus

Florists often work with clients who have specific preferences. Listening to your customers and understanding their needs helps you create arrangements that truly resonate with them.

7. Physical Stamina

The job can be physically demanding, involving lifting heavy buckets of water and spending long hours on your feet. Having physical stamina ensures you can keep up with the demands of the job.

8. Floral Knowledge

Knowing different types of flowers, their seasons, and how they interact is fundamental. This knowledge helps you choose the right flowers for each arrangement.

Steps to Become a Florist or Floral Designer

Here are a few steps to help you start your florist career:

1. Cultivate Your Passion

Passion is the root of any successful career. If you have a genuine love for flowers, nature, and design, you are already on the right path. Spend time learning about different types of flowers, their meanings, and the basics of floral arrangement.

2. Enroll in Formal Education and Training

While some talented florists are self-taught, formal education can provide you with a strong foundation. Consider enrolling in a reputable floral design course like Preston Bailey’s Fundamentals of Floral Design. This comprehensive course covers essential techniques, design principles, and business aspects, setting you up for a flourishing career either as a florist or floral designer.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Work as an intern or apprentice at local flower shops, event planning companies, or floral studios. This hands-on experience will help you refine your skills, gain insights into the industry, and build a portfolio.

4. Develop Your Style

As you gain experience, you will develop your unique floral design style. This could be modern and minimalist or lush and romantic. Your distinctive style will set you apart in the competitive world of floral design.

5. Start Networking and Building Clientele

Attend industry events, join floral associations, and connect with vendors, event planners, and potential clients. Building a strong network can lead to lucrative opportunities and collaborations.

6. Learn About Business Management

You also need to learn how to manage a business. Explore the basics of pricing, marketing, and customer service to ensure your floral venture thrives.

Cultivating a Blooming Career in Floral Design

Embarking on a journey to become a florist is about orchestrating emotions, creating memories, and turning nature’s beauty into art. By following these steps and investing in your education and skills, you can blossom into a successful and fulfilling floral design career. Explore Preston Bailey’s Fundamentals of Floral Design course and start learning when you are ready!