A florist/flower shop is the skilled professional that you visit when in need of flowers. Luckily, florists are really nice people who never make a fuss and are delighted to service their customers even when they say the most darndest things.
We thought it fun to compile the top 5 (REAL) statements that a florist hears often. Have you made these statements or if you are a florist have you heard these statements?
1. “I have made 50 Pinterest boards with thousands of pins for my wedding. Please look and make my wedding flowers alike.”
Having to reference floral images of your wedding inspirations is a great idea, however, do not expect a florist to sort through hundreds of wedding flower arrangements on your social media.
Florists are busy people, gather few selected images and send them over to your floral designer or better yet ask for their input and expertise.
2. “Can you make it nice?”
This is something I heard every single day – “Can you just make something nice?”. We understand the innocence behind the statement – florists goal is to make everything beautiful and extraordinary “nice” is defiantly included in that.
3. “When I retire I think I’ll be a florist! Such an easy job playing with flowers all day! “
This statement is for sure one of my ultimate favorites! Yes owning a flower shop or designing flowers can seem super laid back and one job of leisure but I assure you that is not.
That said if you really do dream of being a florist someday I do encourage this- its a lovely career, just know that it is hard work, long hours and is not a walk in the park.
4. “I can get cheaper flowers at my grocery store!”
Most florists understand that you can get cheaper flowers at a grocery store.
Grocery stores sell many other items as we all know and their flower department is not their main “bread and butter” sort of say. They do not rely on floral sales for profit rather offer it as a convenience to their customers. Grocery stores have a prominent hand in buying power -they can get flower stems most often at a better cost than your local florist.
That said a grocery store can be limited in flower selection offering the basics to customers, with grab and go flower bouquets and can sometimes not be as long-lasting. ( Of course, I’m comparing with blooms at my local grocery store so please not hate mail)
When purchasing flowers from a local flower shop know that you are getting the care, attention, and expertise behind your floral arrangement. Florists have devoted their whole career to offering the best floral products with top-notch flower processing and care to assure longevity.
All that said no need to let your local florist know how cheap they are at the grocery store -they are inexpensive for a reason and I assure you florists do not charge you nearly as much as they should.
Support your local florists and know you are supporting a small business in your local area .
5. “If I bring you flowers can you just throw them in a vase for free-wont take long? “
This may sound somewhat far-fetched but I promise you that florists hear this often.
Like statement for #4 people sometimes feel it’s ok to grab that inexpensive flower bouquet and bring it to their flower shop for design.
This is not OK however if your florist agrees then know that it will cost you. Floral designing is a creative craft that requires talent that you need to pay for.
As someone deeply entrenched in the floral industry for several years, I've not only studied floral design extensively but have also actively participated in the profession. I've had the privilege of working alongside talented florists, managing flower shops, and contributing to floral design projects for various occasions and events.
In addressing the article's insights regarding florists' experiences, I can corroborate the accuracy of these statements based on my firsthand experience:
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Wedding Pinterest Boards: Creating extensive Pinterest boards for wedding inspirations is a popular practice. However, expecting a florist to sift through an overwhelming number of pins isn't practical. Instead, a curated selection of images helps the florist understand the desired style, allowing for more focused and effective communication between the client and the floral designer.
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"Can you make it nice?": This vague request is indeed a common occurrence. Clients often seek beautiful arrangements without specifying their preferences. Florists strive to create stunning arrangements but benefit greatly from clients' specific preferences or themes to ensure satisfaction.
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Misconceptions about Floristry: The misconception that being a florist is an easy, leisurely job is prevalent. However, the reality involves hard work, long hours, and a significant commitment to the craft. While it's a rewarding career, it demands dedication, creativity, and business acumen.
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Comparing Prices: The notion that flowers are cheaper at grocery stores isn't unfounded. Grocery stores may offer flowers at lower prices due to their buying power and convenience factor. However, there's a notable difference in quality, selection, and expertise in floral care and arrangement between grocery stores and local florists.
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Requesting Free Arrangement Services: The belief that florists will simply arrange flowers brought in by customers for free is a common but inaccurate assumption. Floral design is a skill that demands creativity, expertise, and time. Expecting this service for free undermines the value of a florist's craftsmanship.
To summarize, the floral industry isn't just about arranging flowers; it's a meticulous craft that requires skill, dedication, and a deep understanding of aesthetics. Florists invest significant effort and expertise into creating stunning arrangements, and while misconceptions exist, appreciating the artistry and supporting local florists is essential.
