What Are the Main Types of Florists?

To become a florist refers to creative professionals who design and arrange flowers according to the theme, occasion, and location. They work with fresh, dried, artificial blooms to create appealing flower displays.  Here are the main types of florists:

• Retail Florist: These are the most common types, and they operate flower shops that offer direct services to the public. They sell assembled bouquets, single flowers, and customized arrangements for various occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and holidays. They have physical stores and might also have an online presence to sell their flowers.
• Wedding and Event Florist: Florists design floral arrangements for events such as weddings, corporate events, parties, and other large gatherings. Floral decorations could be as elaborate as floral displays on the wedding venue, from bridal bouquets and table centerpieces to the smaller single arrangements or bouquets for each guest. Florists for events often work with an event planner or the client to fit in with a specific theme or preference.
• Freelance Florist: A freelance florist is a self-employed flower arranger who can offer bespoke services, such as floral dressing for an individual client and arranging flowers for contracts held with businesses or event organizers. They can operate from home, an independent studio, or on location and set their hours and prices.
• Wholesale Florist: In bulk, a wholesale florist supplies flowers to retail florists and other businesses, such as event planners. They buy flowers from growers and importers and provide them to their customers. Wholesalers need to understand what flowers are in season, what flowers are in demand in the market, and what flowers are available at any given time.
• Floral Designer: Also called artistic florists, floral designers often work with luxury clients, design studios, or high-end retail stores to create one-of-a-kind, artfully arranged florals, which might be classified more as artistic arrangements or statement florals than anything else.
• Online Florist: Florists are now starting to set up businesses online. They sell bouquets and flower deliveries through their website or app and cooperate with couriers to deliver flowers to customers on the same or the next day. Some also set up partnerships with florists in other places to deal with orders from different areas.
• Funeral Florist: Funeral florists design funeral flowers and floral arrangements for memorial services, funerals, and celebrations of life. They create wreaths, casket sprays, and sympathy bouquets, often on short notice, to ensure flowers are available for the service.
• Interior Florist: Interior florists work with businesses, hotels, and private clients to design floral arrangements that complement the interior space. They create floral displays for lobbies, offices, homes, and other interior spaces. The work is design-focused and involves knowledge of interior decoration.
• Floral Instructor: A florist with experience may transition into teaching floral courses or workshops for aspiring florists or hobbyists. The floral instructor will teach about different arranging techniques, floral design principles, and the business elements of owning a flower shop.
• Artificial Florist: Some florists specialize in creating artificial flower arrangements, usually for business or private clients who want their flowers to last longer. These florists design arrangements made from the highest-quality silk or plastic flowers, and they work to emulate the natural look and texture of flowers without the need for upkeep.

What Does a Florist Do?

Florists design, arrange, and sell flowers for various celebrations and events. However, a florist does more than place flowers in a vase. They use their creativity to make visually appealing flower arrangements that suit their client’s needs. Here is a list of what a florist typically does.

• Make Floral Arrangements: The primary tasks of a florist are to design and make floral arrangements, bouquets, and other decorative floral pieces. This entails selecting floral components that complement each other in terms of color, texture, size, etc., and making visually pleasing arrangements.
• Make appointments with clients: As a florist, you often have to meet with clients face-to-face to discover their requirements and expectations. You can be working with a bride who wants a bouquet for her wedding or a company that needs some flowers for a corporate event. Whatever the purpose, you will need to work with the client to ensure their thoughts become a reality. For example, you may have to discuss what type of flowers they want, what colors they want, and what overall design they have in mind.
• Order: Florists have to ensure that they have a continuous supply of fresh flowers. This involves establishing relationships with wholesalers, growers, or flower markets to source the required flowers. Florists must have a working knowledge of flower varieties, seasonality, and quality control to ensure the best materials are sourced for their designs.
• Keep Flowers Alive: After the flowers are delivered, the florist is responsible for keeping them in tip-top shape. Hence, they stay fresh as long as possible. This includes trimming stems, changing water, and storing the flowers in the right conditions. Florists need to know how to care for all types of flowers to keep them looking fresh.
• Sell Flowers and Arrangements: Florists who work in retail stores also handle sales, either of pre-made designs or custom orders. They must maintain excellent customer service, guiding customers toward flower selections and finding the right design for their needs.
• Making Deliveries: Florists who work in retail shops often make deliveries of their floral arrangements for clients. This involves coordinating with delivery drivers to ensure flowers reach clients on time and in good condition. For clients having events or weddings, this may include delivering flowers to the venue on their behalf.
• Design for Occasions: Florists design floral arrangements for several occasions, such as weddings, funerals, birthday parties, anniversaries, and holidays. Different occasions require different approaches, and depending on the theme and atmosphere of the occasion, the florist needs to customize their design to suit the occasion.
• Design Floral Displays for Shops or Events: Florists may work in a retail shop, restaurant, or hotel, where they are responsible for designing floral displays for the location. This type of design requires a creative sense as well as technical skill. Floral displays for shops or events are typically larger in scale, and it’s essential to design them with an understanding of the space and a desire to complement it.
• Stay on trend: A good florist should know the current trends regarding types of flowers, colors, and arrangements. They might stay on trend by attending trade shows, taking workshops, or keeping an eye on Pinterest or Instagram.
• Balance Books and Stock: Florists who run their businesses must balance their books, such as pricing arrangements, tracking inventory, and ordering supplies, as well as all other aspects of running a business. Creativity must be balanced with business sense to make their flower shop successful.

Average Florist Salary

In the UK, the salary of a florist could vary from person to person based on their experience, the location they work in, and the type of work they are employed to do. Florists who have their own shop could earn. In contrast, those who work for large retailers may have to earn a steady wage that is lower in comparison. Here is a breakdown of the typical salary of a florist.

• Junior Florist: Entry-level or junior florists earn between £16,000 and £20,000 a year. These florists could work as assistants in retail flower shops or as apprentices to more seasoned florists.
• Experienced Florist: Florists with two or three years’ experience can expect to earn an annual salary of £20,000 to £25,000 and might be entrusted with more tasks such as order management, looking after clients, and running the day-to-day running of the shop.
• Senior/Head Florist: For those with floristry skills and a good eye for detail, senior/head florist positions can be very well-paid and their salary can be upto £25,000-£35,000. These individuals manage their shops or work in high-end flower bouquets. They often have specialist skills and are responsible for employing and managing other staff, sourcing top-quality flowers, and creating intricate floral designs.
• Freelance Florist: Since freelance florists choose their rates, earnings can be quite variable based on their work type. Hourly rates and project fees can be charged, and annual earnings can range from £20,000 to £50,000 or more, depending on clientele and reputation.
• Wedding or Event Florist: Wedding and event florists earn the most money. While this type of florist is not necessarily in charge of a shop, the nature of event work means that there is a significant amount of work to do and a significant number of people to coordinate with, so these florists also tend to be at the higher end of the pay scale. They can earn anywhere between £25,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on the number of events they have and the size of their business.
• Bonuses and Perks: Some florists earn commissions or bonuses based on their sales or clients’ satisfaction, and florists who work in retail receive employee discounts on flowers and other goods.

Florist Skills

A career as a florist requires creative talent, technical skill, and entrepreneurial talent. A florist must know how to work flowers, understand the properties of the flowers, and use artistic talent to create beautiful arrangements. Here are the skills required to become a florist:

• Creativity: Florists must find ways to arrange floral elements visually appealingly. This involves a sense of color theory, texture, and balance to compose a floral arrangement that is aesthetically and conceptually appropriate for the occasion.
• Insight into Flowers: Florists need to learn about the many different types of flowers, including their peak season, how to care for them, and what they symbolize. This helps a florist determine the best flowers to use in an arrangement and which ones will have the most extended vase life.
• Paying attention to detail: Making beautiful flower arrangements requires keen attention. Florists must first select the flower varieties, ensuring that all the flowers chosen are in perfect condition. Then, they need to arrange the flowers, incorporating each stem into the overall design so that the final product matches the requirements of their clients.
• Customer service: Florists work closely with clients to select flowers appropriate to their needs and to suggest design options. Good customer service helps to build relationships with clients for repeat business.
• Manual dexterity: Moving flowers takes good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Florists must be able to work with them, and tools such as scissors, floral foam, and wire must be used to make reasonably stable arrangements.
• Business Management: A florist running her own business needs to be a good business manager with skills such as budgeting, pricing, and stock control, as well as the ability to balance good design with the practicalities of running a trade.
• Time management: Florists must work within tight deadlines, particularly on large-scale projects like weddings or funerals. It is critically important to have strong time management skills to meet client expectations and provide flowers on time.
• Physical fitness: Floristry is physically demanding; it involves standing for long hours, lifting buckets of flowers, and working in low temperatures to keep them fresh. To become a florist, you need to be physically fit to cope with the day-to-day demands of the profession.
• Teamwork: Florists are often involved with a team, particularly in larger flower shops or at events, and the ability to work well in a team with other florists, assistants, and even event planners is vital to ensure the arrangement fits the client’s purpose perfectly.
• Adaptability: Florists need to be versatile and be able to work with different flower varieties, materials, and design styles. They also need to be willing to change their approach if a client has a specific request or if they realize that a particular type of flower is out of season or too expensive.

Florist Tips

Here are some practical tips for aspiring florists who want to build a successful career:

• Develop Your Artistic Eye: Practice, practice, practice. The more time you spend designing, the better your eyes will become. Combine a few colors, flower types, and textures you like and see what happens. With practice, you will even develop a knack for matching the design to the occasion!
• Learn about Flower Care: Learn how to care for flowers by understanding their needs. Learn how to cut stems and condition flowers to make them last longer; also, learn how to store flowers properly to keep them fresh.
• Keep Current with Trends: Floral trends are constantly evolving, so if you want your work to be relevant, you need to stay informed on the latest styles. Follow floral designers on social media, take a workshop, or read floral design magazines to keep your skills fresh and current.
• Build a Portfolio: Eventually, you will have enough experience to begin building a portfolio of your work. When you make something nice, take a nice photo from multiple angles and then display it in a portfolio on your website or social media. It is tough to get clients or get hired without a portfolio.
• Network with Other Florists: It’s important to network in the flower-design community. Go to flower shows, workshops, and events; meet other florists, growers, and suppliers. By networking, you’ll learn about industry trends and prospects.
• Think about formal training: Although you don’t have to study to become a florist, you can learn and feel more confident in your work if you take a course in flower design. Several colleges and vocational schools offer courses in floristry, which will teach you all you need to know, from floral arranging to business management.
• Provide Great Customer Service: A key to your success as a florist is to develop sound business relationships with your clients. Listen to what they want, make valuable suggestions, and follow your promises. Clients who are satisfied with the service they receive are more likely to be repeat customers and refer their friends.
• Plan seasonally: Some flowers are seasonal and may not be available at certain times of the year, so plan your designs accordingly. Learn which flowers are in season and plan your offerings always to have fresh, high-quality materials.

Florist Requirements

A formal degree is optional to become a florist in the UK. However, training and experience will undoubtedly help you to succeed. Many florists begin with short courses or apprenticeships to gain a basic understanding of floral design, flower care, and business management. Here’s a quick summary of what qualifications you might need to get started:

• Floristry Courses: If you aspire to become a florist, you will likely have started by taking courses in floristry at colleges and vocational schools. These courses teach you the skills required for flower arranging, wedding floristry, event floristry, and floral design principles. Completing such courses can give you the basic skills to start working in the industry.
• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn how to do floristry practically. You can work with an experienced florist who will teach you the practical side of the job, as well as helping to develop your creativity and customer service skills.
• On-the-job training: one of the primary ways to learn the florist trade is to work as an assistant in a flower shop. This allows you to become acquainted with the day-to-day operation of a florist business and serves as a valuable hands-on experience for learning about the care of flowers, customer service, and floral design.
• Business Knowledge: If you open a flower shop, you need to know the basics of business management: budgeting, pricing, inventory, etc. Business classes can be helpful, but also talk to other florists to get their perspective on how they run their businesses.
• Physical and Creative Skills: Florists require excellent creative skills to create original and beautiful arrangements. They also need good physical stamina. The job requires standing for lengthy periods and lifting heavy flower buckets and supplies.

How to Become a Florist

Becoming a florist is a skill, art, and business. If you want to work in a retail flower shop, work for a wedding specialist, open your shop, or freelance, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along:

• Learn the Basics of Floral Design: Start by learning the basics of floral design, including color theory, texture, and balance. You can do this by taking an introductory floristry course or practicing at home with flowers from local markets.
• Get Hands-On Experience: Work as an assistant in a flower shop or an apprentice in a florist’s place of business. Hands-on experience will teach you how to handle products, plot arrangements, and interact with customers.
• Build Your Portfolio: As you gain some experience, start building a portfolio of your work. Take photographs of the floral arrangements you create, ensuring you have good lighting. This conveys your skill and creativity to potential clients or employers, such as a flower shop.
• Consider Specializing: Some florists confine their business to wedding, event, or funeral floristry. It can help to be seen as an expert by specializing in one area and focusing your marketing on those client types.
• Stay Informed About Trends: Keep up with the latest floral design trends by attending workshops, reading industry magazines, and following other florists on social media. Staying informed will help you offer fresh and modern designs to your clients.
• Start Your Own Flower Business: If you’re interested in running your own flower shop or working as a freelance florist, start by creating a business plan. Consider factors such as location, target market, pricing, and suppliers. You’ll also need to register your business and obtain any necessary licenses.

Get Qualified as a Florist

Overview of Floristry, Floristry Fundamentals, Flourishing with Floristry, Online Floristry Course

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Become a Florist?

It is also one of the most creative careers you can have. As a florist, you can simultaneously explore your love for nature and creativity. This is a very unique job. Floristry involves creating flower designs that can brighten anyone’s day. Therefore, it is a gratifying career. Many people also consider floristry a place where you can work with your hands while expressing your artistic talents. Additionally, you can make a living while helping your clients celebrate their special occasions.

Is Being a Florist a Good Career Choice for You?

So, floristry could be your dream job if you like working with flowers, have a good eye for color and design, and thrive on meeting new people. It is a varied, hands-on, creative occupation. You might design for a wedding or event or interact with the public daily.

Florist Salaries

Florist salaries in the UK can vary depending on the employee’s experience and the nature of their work. A novice florist can expect to earn between £16,000 and £20,000. Experienced florists and those running their businesses can earn between £25,000 and £50,000 or more.

Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career as a Florist?

Although you don’t need formal qualifications, a floristry course can help you hone your skills and confidence to be a successful florist. Apprenticeships and work experience can also help you develop the trade’s practical elements.

Do I Need to Be an Experienced Florist to Get Started?

You can start as a florist without experience. You can take classes, work at a flower shop, or even practice at home. You can start building your portfolio and getting hands-on experience.

Florist Career Outlook

Florists are in demand, with options to try and freelance in weddings, corporate events, or high-end floral design, and have a more significant potential to earn a higher income than those in other areas of floristry.

Florist Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

Floral designers generally enter the profession as apprentices or assistants and move up the career ladder to head florist/floral designer, management, or consulting. After gaining more experience, they may open their flower shops.

Florist Exit Options and Opportunities

Florists can become self-employed, work freelance, or pursue other lines of work, such as event planning, interior design, flower-arranging instructor, or one of the more specialized areas of floristry (e.g., wedding floristry, funeral floristry).