A Day in The Life of a Florist - Pointers For Planners (2024)

A Day in The Life of a Florist - Pointers For Planners (1)

Floral Design, General Tips, Your Event Career

By Sloane Seguin Leave a Comment

Many people look at florists and think, “Oh, that’s so pretty!” But they don’t actually realize the amount of hard work that goes into making those beautiful arrangements. A day in the life of a florist is far from easy – but it’s definitely rewarding!

In this article, we’ll give you a crash course on what working as a floral designer is truly like. This way, by the time you’re done reading, you’ll be able to confidently say whether this type of job is right for you or not.

So, areyouthinking about becoming a floral designer? Do you just want to learn more about this fascinating profession? If so, then read on!

What is a Florist?

A florist is a person who sells flowers and floral arrangements. Florists can work in a variety of settings, including grocery stores, flower shops, from home, and even online.

What Does a Florist Do?

The main job of a florist is to create beautiful arrangements out of fresh flowers. This involves skillfully selecting the right type and amount of each flower, then arranging them in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.

Florists must also have excellent customer service skills, as they will often be working closely with customers to ensure that they are happy with their final product.

In addition to creating arrangements, florists may also be responsible for watering plants, trimming stems, delivering orders, and keeping the work area clean and organized.

A Day in The Life of a Floral Designer: What are The Hours Like?

The hours of a florist can be very demanding, especially during busy periods like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Christmas. Florists often have to work long hours, and may even have to be on call in case of last-minute orders.

While many florists do have regular daytime hours, some may also have to work evenings and weekends. This is especially true for those who work in flower shops, grocery stores, or run their own floral design business.

Can You Make a Living Being a Florist?

In terms of salary expectations, there’s no clear-cut answer to this question. This is because your income will vary depending on your experience level, location, service demand, your target demographic, whether you’re self-employed or work for someone else, etc.

With this in mind, wecangive you a general idea of how much you could potentially make per year – depending on what country you live in. Here are some annual salary ranges, based on a handful of example countries:

  • UnitedStates: Between approx. $22,000 USD and $45,000 USD per year (Source: Career Explorer)
  • Canada: Between approx. $28,000 CAD and $42,000 CAD per year (Source: Payscale)
  • United Kingdom: Between approx. £22,000 GBP and £42,500 GBP per year (Source: Talent)
  • New Zealand: Between approx. $41,500 NZD and $68,000 NZD per year (Source: Salary Expert)
  • Australia: Between approx. $40,000 AUD and $60,000 AUD per year (Source: Payscale)

Is a Florist Job Stressful?

Like with most jobs, working as a florist can be stressful at times. This is especially true during busy periods, when you might have to deal with cranky customers, long hours, and tight deadlines.

That being said, many people find the job to be very rewarding – even in the midst of all the stress! If you’re passionate about flowers and enjoy working with your hands, then a career in floristry could be a great fit for you.

How to Become a Florist with No Experience

Interested in becoming a florist, but have no prior experience? Don’t worry, you can still make it happen!

One of the best ways to get started is by taking a certification course in floral design – such as the self-paced, online Floral Design Course offered by QC Event School. This training program will give you a thorough overview of the skills and techniques needed to be successful in this field long-term.

Once you’ve completed your QC course and are properly qualified as an International Floral Design Professional (IFDP), you should then start looking for internships or apprenticeships with local florists. This is a great way to gain some real-world experience, and learn from experienced professionals!

Moreover, you can also look into volunteering with organizations that deal with flowers, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or your local botanical garden. Not only will this give you some valuable experience; it’ll also help you make some important industry contacts.

No matter what route you decide to take, just remember that it takes time, patience, and a whole lot of hard work to become a successful florist. But if you’re up for the challenge, then a career in floristry could be very rewarding – both personally AND financially!

Want to know more about QC’s online Floral Design Course? Check out our full course page here and get started today!

Speaking of Schooling, Do You Need a Degree to Be a Florist?

This is a common question, and the answer is no – at least not in most cases. In general, you do not need a college degree to become a florist.

However, there are some instances where having a degree (or some form of post-secondary education) might give you an advantage. For example, if you’re looking to open your own floral design business, then a business-related degree could certainly come in handy.

Additionally, many larger companies or high-end hotels/resorts might prefer to hire candidates who have completed a formal training program in floral design – such as the one offered by QC Event School that we mentioned above.

At the end of the day, it’s really up to you whether or not you want to get a degree. However, if you’re truly passionate about this career path and want the best possible chances of success, getting some form of reputable qualification training is strongly recommend. Not only will being properly certified give you an edge over the competition and attract more clients – it’ll also help to boost your confidence and give you the skillset needed to excel in this exciting field!

Interested in learning even more about how to become a florist – even if you have no previous experience? Our ULTIMATE Guide will break down everything you need to know in 10 easy steps!

Working as a Florist: Pros and Cons

Like any job, being a florist has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some of the main advantages and disadvantages of this career path:

Pros:

  • Can be very rewarding, both personally and financially
  • You get to work with beautiful flowers every day
  • Helps people celebrate important life events/milestones
  • You can be your own boss (if you decide to open your own business)
  • Relatively easy to get started in (no formal education required in most cases)

Cons:

  • Can be stressful, especially during busy periods
  • Requires physical dexterity and artistic ability
  • May involve working long hours, including weekends and holidays

All in all, being a florist can be a very rewarding career – both emotionally and financially. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it also has its challenges. If you’re up for the task and willing to put in the hard work, then a career in floristry sounds like it’s right up your alley!

A Day in The Life of a Florist

Alright, let’s get to the main event: looking at what a florist does on a daily basis! As a florist, it’s important to know that no two days are ever the same. However, there are some general tasks that you can expect to perform on a regular, day-to-day basis.

These include:

  • Working with customers to choose the right flowers for their needs
  • Arranging flowers in vases or other containers
  • Delivering arrangements to customers
  • Taking care of plants and flowers in the shop
  • Selling floral supplies such as vases, potting soil, etc.

In addition to these day-to-day tasks, you’ll also need to keep up with some general maintenance duties – such as watering plants, trimming stems, and keeping the shop clean. Depending on your location and clientele, you may also be responsible for setting up and breaking down floral displays for events such as weddings or funerals.

Running Your Own Floral Design Business

Furthermore, if you choose to launch your own floristry company, there are additional tasks you’ll have to take care of on a regular basis that tend to the business side of things. Necessary business-related duties will often include:

  • Bookkeeping and accounting
  • Ordering flowers and supplies from wholesalers
  • Marketing your business
  • Maintaining your website and social media accounts
  • Hiring and managing employees
  • Networking, attending events, etc.

Of course, the list of potential responsibilities is endless – but these are just some of the most common duties you can expect to find yourself taking care of a business owner.

Ultimately, no matter what tasks you’re responsible for on any given day, one thing’s for sure: working as a florist is NEVER dull! If you’re looking for a career that’s both creative and challenging, then this is the perfect path for you!

Fun Fact: QC Event School Student Ambassador, professional event/wedding planner, and florist extraordinaire, Neena McConnell, has also shared what a typical day as a floral designer is like for her! Want to check it out? Give her blog article a read here!

Conclusion

So, there you have it – everything you need to know about what it’s like to be a florist! We hope this article has given you some insights into this exciting career field and helped you to determine whether or not it’s the right path for you.

Got any questions or comments? Leave them down below and we’ll reply back ASAP!

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Enroll with QC Event School today and become an internationally-certified floral designer in as little as 12 short weeks!

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A Day in The Life of a Florist - Pointers For Planners (2024)

FAQs

What is the daily routine of a florist? ›

Being a florist is a physically intense job with long hours of standing and tons of packing/cleaning to do. If you are thinking about being a florist, on average you will only spend 40-50% of your time doing flowers while the rest of the day will be filled with other preparation, admin and cleaning work.

What does a floral designer do in a day? ›

If you plan to open your own flower shop or begin working in someone else's, your day to day responsibilities will revolve around putting together floral arrangements, taking care of all the flowers in the store that haven't yet been purchased or made into arrangements, or helping to brainstorm flower design concepts ...

What are 3 things florists do? ›

Floral designers, also called florists, arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. They also help customers select flowers and containers, ribbons, and other accessories.

What are five skills needed to be a successful florist? ›

The Skills You Need To Work As a Florist: What To List On Your Resume
  • Artistic ability.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Detail oriented.
  • Able to work well under pressure, etc.
Jun 30, 2022

What is the basic rule in flower arrangement? ›

The perfect arrangement of flowers is the one with the right balance. This means that the height of the arrangement should be at least one and a half times more than the height of the container. Although the height of the arrangement can be higher than this, it is never lower.

What are the 9 basic floral design principles? ›

The primary principles are Proportion, Balance, Dominance, Rhythm, Contrast and Unity. The secondary principles of Design are: Scale, Focal Area/Focal Point, Repetition, Accent, Depth, Transition, Variation, Opposition, and Tension.

What are the 6 principles of floral design? ›

Size: In Floral Design, size is a visual dimension of a component, rather than the actual dimension. The six Principles of Design are: Balance, Contrast, Dominance, Proportion, Scale and Rhythm.

What does the day to day life of a floral designer look like? ›

Floral designers often spend hours unpackaging, cleaning, and cutting each flower stem before they are ready to be used. Professional training will better one's skill set, client reach, reputation, and business.

What makes a great florist? ›

Having a quick eye for balance, color, and harmony are essential for any florist looking to delight customers with stunning arrangements, so creativity is crucial. Being able to convey emotion and tone through cut flowers is a real skill, and a great florist brings a genuine love of the art to the table.

How can I be a good florist? ›

Here are some steps you can take to become a florist:
  1. Complete your high school education. ...
  2. Gain experience. ...
  3. Develop florist skills. ...
  4. Cultivate your own style. ...
  5. Seek formal training. ...
  6. Build a work portfolio. ...
  7. Consider earning a certification. ...
  8. Join a professional organization.
May 17, 2021

What are the 5 elements of floral design? ›

The five elements of design are line, color, form, space and texture. I will discuss each element and what the importance of each element is.

What are 8 basic tools used in floral design? ›

10 FLORAL TOOLS EVERY FLORIST SHOULD HAVE
  • The Floral Knife.
  • Floral Branch Cutters.
  • Flower Thorn Strippers.
  • Floral Cages.
  • Floral Tape.
  • Floral Foam.
  • Florist Wire.
  • Floral frog.
Sep 20, 2022

What are the top 5 most important factors to consider when starting a floral business? ›

Let's take a look at the steps you need to follow to start your own floral business.
  • Understand the Pros and Cons of Being a Florist. ...
  • Develop the Required Skills. ...
  • Register Your Business. ...
  • Get the Essentials for Starting a Floral Business. ...
  • Choose a Location for Your Flower Shop. ...
  • Capitalize on Floral Market Trends.
Feb 5, 2021

What are 8 principles that should be followed in making a flower arrangement? ›

In order to arrange flowers in such a manner it is necessary to become acquainted with all the elements of good design. The elements of design are color, light, space, line, form, pattern, texture, and size. The principles of design are balance, dominance, contrast, rhythm, proportion, and scale.

What are the three levels of flower arrangements? ›

Next you must decide on the style or design for arranging your plant material. Three general styles — Line Arrangements, Mass Arrangements, Line-Mass Arrangements —are the basis of all floral designs. 3. In selecting a style, consider the place where the arrangement will be used or the occasion for its use.

What are four major lines used in floral design? ›

There are five lines in Western style design: vertical, horizontal, curvilinear, zigzag, and diagonal. Pattern – Patterns are repetitive compositions of line, form, color, texture, and space. Size – The physical dimension of an object or floral design.

What's 1 of the 8 basic principles of design? ›

The elements, or principles, of visual design include Contrast, Balance, Emphasis, Movement, White Space, Proportion, Hierarchy, Repetition, Rhythm, Pattern, Unity, and Variety. These principles of design work together to create something that is aesthetically pleasing and optimizes the user experience.

What are the 10 basic principles of design? ›

There are 10 principles of design in total! They're also known as the elements of visual design, and are: movement, balance, contrast, proportion, repetition, rhythm, variety, emphasis, harmony, and unity.

What are the 5 core design principles? ›

Summary: The principles of scale, visual hierarchy, balance, contrast, and Gestalt not only create beautiful designs, but also increase usability when applied correctly.

What are 2 common forms in floral design? ›

These are “closed forms” and “open forms.” Both are key elements of floral design and are essential to creating beautiful flower arrangements appropriate for any space or occasion.

What is the rule of thumb in floral design? ›

Most professional florists stick to the simple rule of thumb that the height and width of the arrangement should be 1 1/2 to 2 times the height and width of the container holding the flowers.

How do you balance a floral arrangement? ›

Balance in Floral Arrangements

It doesn't mean that each side of a design must match the other, but that one side, color, or texture, is offset by an equal element on the opposite side. Make sure arrangements have equal visual weight or equal eye attraction on each side of the arrangement.

What are the 7 elements of great design? ›

The elements of design are the fundamental aspects of any visual design which include shape, color, space, form, line, value, and texture.

How many flowers should be in an arrangement? ›

The diameter of the chosen vase should be in proportion to the number of stems you want in the arrangement. In a vase with a diameter of 3 inches you can have 12 to 25 flowers. Each additional inch in diameter can need up to 12 more flowers. But once again it all depends on your personal taste.

What are the 12 principles of design? ›

Understanding the basics

There are twelve basic principles of design: contrast, balance, emphasis, proportion, hierarchy, repetition, rhythm, pattern, white space, movement, variety, and unity.

Is being a florist stressful? ›

The disadvantages of being a Florist

You may experience some stressful working conditions during peak holiday seasons, such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas. There are regularly time critical jobs with unforeseen deadlines & urgent last-minute orders or additions to the original order.

What are the 3 most important floral holidays for florists? ›

The three biggest holidays for florists are Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Mother's Day.

What makes a florist unique? ›

They are very creative

Just like how a painter faces a blank canvas, a good florists can clearly visualize their floral creation and proceed to work their magic using various techniques to bring their creations to reality. After-all, they are artists and flowers & art are very much in sync with each other.

What is working at a florist like? ›

You will be constantly involved with your customers, whether advising on suitable gifts for boyfriends (and some of them know little about flowers) or designing custom arrangements for major personal events such as a wedding or a funeral. Thus, excellent customer service skills are a critical part of the job.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a florist? ›

A florist's duties usually include:
  • Ordering, unpacking and caring for flowers and plants.
  • Regular stock checking.
  • Displaying and selling cut flowers, plants and accessories such as containers and vases.
  • Discussing and taking orders for floral displays.
  • Advising customers on types of flowers and colour combinations.

Is a florist job stressful? ›

The disadvantages of being a Florist

You may experience some stressful working conditions during peak holiday seasons, such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Christmas. There are regularly time critical jobs with unforeseen deadlines & urgent last-minute orders or additions to the original order.

What should a daily routine include? ›

Best morning routine: 21 steps for a more productive day
  • Get a good night's sleep.
  • Avoid the snooze button.
  • Give yourself enough time to get to work.
  • Drink a full glass of water.
  • Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
  • Prepare a healthy breakfast.
  • Take advantage of self care.
  • Fit in a quick workout.
Dec 22, 2021

What are the pros and cons of being a florist? ›

The field can provide satisfaction to creative people with an eye for design, but it has numerous pitfalls to consider as well.
  • Pro: Advanced Degrees Not Necessary. ...
  • Con: Salaries Not High. ...
  • Pro: Outlet for Creativity. ...
  • Con: Stressful at Times. ...
  • Pro: Certification is Available. ...
  • Con: Advancement is Limited.

What personality type is a florist? ›

Florists tend to be predominantly artistic individuals, meaning that they are creative and original and work well in a setting that allows for self-expression. They also tend to be enterprising, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others.

What skills do you need to work in a florist? ›

You'll need:
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
  • the ability to work well with your hands.
  • the ability to work well with others.
  • customer service skills.
  • excellent verbal communication skills.
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things.
  • the ability to work on your own.

Are florists happy? ›

Nearly nine out of 10 florists and gardeners say they are happy, he writes in his book, Happiness by Design, which has been described by some as one that may make you quit your job.

What are the risks of being a florist? ›

You're dealing with exposure to chemicals, knives, sharp thorns, and potentially severe allergic reactions. Stems can be coated in a wide variety of chemicals, from pesticides to herbicides to who-knows-what, and there are a wide variety of aerosols used daily in your average flower shop.

How do florists make a living? ›

4 Out Of The Box Ways To Make Money As A Florist
  1. Teach. As a trained floral designer, you have a skill that many do not. ...
  2. Sell other floral products. The word is out, and floral accessories are in! ...
  3. Write. To make money writing as a floral designer, it is a combination of the last two methods. ...
  4. Affiliate Sales.

What are 5 daily routines? ›

List of Daily Routine Examples
  • wake up.
  • have breakfast.
  • brush your teeth.
  • take a shower.
  • take a bath.
  • get dressed.
  • go to school.
  • study English.

What are the 5 daily routine task? ›

Here's an example of a daily routine for a mid-level professional:
  • Wake up at the same time every morning.
  • Go for a walk before breakfast.
  • Eat breakfast and prepare for work.
  • Commute, if applicable.
  • Read emails and respond to correspondence.
  • Review project plans and daily calendar.
  • Work on projects.
  • Take lunch.
Jul 26, 2022

What are 10 daily activities? ›

10 Daily Habits Of The Most Productive Leaders
  • Get Enough Sleep. In the United States, 40% of people get less than the recommended amount of sleep. ...
  • Rise Early. ...
  • Meditate Daily. ...
  • Workout (No Matter How You Do It) ...
  • Eat A Good Breakfast. ...
  • Take A Nap. ...
  • Don't Waste Time Commuting. ...
  • Take Breaks To Re-energize.
Jul 14, 2017

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