Introduction to Floral Design

What is a Florist? For whom or what occasions do people buy flowers? What does a florist do besides just flowers? Examples – balloons wedding party decorations, candy arrangements, potted plants, bows, stuffed animals, gift baskets Can you think of anything else?

How many Florists are there? In our area: 57,000 Florists This includes wholesalers, growers, grocery chains with florist departments, greenhouses that offer floral services, as well as individual florists. 57,000 florists sounds like a lot, but why do we have so many? Think… Look at all the different things they do!!

Different Types of Shops Full Service - Traditional retail shop - Wide variety of services & products - Regular & special deliveries Specialty Shop - Specialize in one segment of the market (i.e. weddings or parties)

Different Types of Shops (cont’d) Carriage Trade Shop - Cater to elite clientele - Lawyers, government officials, etc… Stem Shop - Cash & carry - Long stem roses or bouquets

Different Types of Shops (cont’d) Studio Operation - Concentrates on specialty & party work for a exclusive client base (TV shows)

Different Job Opportunities Flowershop owner / manager - Train others - Hiring / firing - Managing: money, records, prices - Orders & supplies - May do planning for major events Designer - Arranges flowers or other items - Knows the principles of design - Can give others information about flowers and their care

Different Job Opportunities (cont’d) Design Assistants - Usually the person training to be a designer or to own their own shop - Prepares the flowers with wire for the designer - Observes the designer Delivery Person - Well-mannered, timely, good with directions - Good driver

Different Job Opportunities (cont’d) Sometimes only 1 or 2 people assume all of these jobs It is very common for 2 people to completely run a flower shop with the exception of occasional extra help.

Florist Training How is a florist trained? Do they go to a special school?