What Does a Florist Do?

Florists are responsible for the design and creation of floral arrangements. They work with a variety of different flowers, foliage, and other materials to create unique bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral designs.

Florists may also be responsible for managing their own business—from hiring staff to overseeing finances. In addition to creating beautiful floral arrangements, they often sell these arrangements directly to customers or through retail outlets such as flower shops or grocery stores.

Florist Job Duties

Florists have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Communicating with clients about order status, delivery schedules, and special delivery instructions
• Preparing floral arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and other types of floral arrangements
• Maintaining inventory of flowers, supplies, and other materials needed to create arrangements
• Consulting with clients regarding flower choices, colors, and other details to ensure satisfaction with finished product
• Creating designs using computerized design software or hand drawing sketches of arrangements
• Ordering flowers and other materials from wholesalers and growers to meet demand for specific items
• Coordinating delivery of flowers to events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions
• Handling customer service issues such as complaints about damaged flowers or incorrect deliveries
• Creating floral arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and other types of floral arrangements

Florist Salary & Outlook

Florist salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the size of the company they work for, and the geographic location of their job.

• Median Annual Salary: $33,500 ($16.11/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $58,000 ($27.88/hour)

The employment of florists is expected to decline over the next decade.

The number of flower shops has declined in recent years, and retail establishments such as grocery stores and big-box retailers have increased their floral offerings. As a result, fewer new flower shops are expected to open, leading to slower employment growth for florists.

Related: Florist Interview Questions and Answers

Florist Job Requirements

Florists typically need to have the following background:

Education: Florists need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some florists choose to pursue an associate’s degree in floral design or horticulture. These programs teach students about the science of plants and flowers, including botany, biology, chemistry and anatomy. They also teach students about the art of flower arranging and design.

Training & Experience: Most florists learn the skills and knowledge they need for their role while on the job. Training may include shadowing current employees, learning about the products the shop sells and how to arrange them and learning about the shop’s delivery process. Training may also include learning about the shop’s computer system, how to use the point of sale system and how to use any inventory management software.

Some florists may also receive training in a related field before becoming a florist. For example, a landscape designer may become a florist after learning about plants and how to arrange them. A horticulturist may become a florist after learning about the maintenance of plants and how to arrange them.

Certifications & Licenses: Some states require florists to get a license to work in the industry. Candidates must pass an exam to earn a license, which may include basic horticulture and floral design questions. The exact questions can vary by state, so it’s best to review the requirements before applying.

Florist Skills

Florists need the following skills in order to be successful:

Creativity: Florists use creativity to create unique arrangements for their customers. They can use their creativity to design unique floral arrangements that reflect the personality of the recipient. Florists can also use their creativity to create floral arrangements that reflect the season, holiday or theme of an event.

Communication: Florists communicate with customers to understand their needs and preferences. They also communicate with other florists to understand the customer’s needs and preferences and to ensure the customer receives the correct flowers. Florists use verbal and written communication skills to communicate with customers and suppliers.

Attention to detail: Florists must be able to pay attention to detail when working with flowers. This includes knowing the proper way to arrange flowers, knowing which flowers work well together and knowing how to properly care for the flowers. Attention to detail can also help ensure that the arrangement you create is exactly what the customer wants.

Organization: Florists often have excellent organizational skills, which help them keep track of their inventory, orders and other business records. Organization skills can also help florists create beautiful arrangements and bouquets.

Time management: Florists often have to manage their time well to ensure they complete all of their tasks on time. This includes tasks like preparing and delivering arrangements, maintaining inventory and completing paperwork. Florists may also have to manage the time of their employees, so they can ensure everyone is working efficiently.

Florist Work Environment

Florists typically work in flower shops or greenhouses and may also work in grocery stores, garden centers, or florist supply stores. They typically work regular hours, although they may work evenings and weekends to accommodate customer needs. Some florists are self-employed and set their own hours. Florists typically work with their hands, using scissors and other tools to cut and arrange flowers. They also use their knowledge of color, texture, and form to create pleasing arrangements. Many florists have a good sense of business and are able to run their own shops.

Florist Trends

Here are three trends influencing how florists work. Florists will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Rise of the DIY Wedding

The rise of the DIY wedding is a trend that is quickly gaining popularity among couples who want to have more control over the planning and execution of their wedding day. This trend has led to an increased demand for florists who can provide the flowers and decorations needed to make a DIY wedding come to life.

Florists who are able to adapt to this trend will be in high demand as they are able to provide the flowers and decorations that couples need to create the perfect DIY wedding. In addition, florists can also offer services such as floral design and consultation to help couples plan their weddings from start to finish.

More Focus on Environmental Sustainability

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of environmental sustainability, businesses are beginning to focus on ways to reduce their impact on the environment. This is leading to an increased demand for products and services that are environmentally friendly.

Florists can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in eco-friendly flower arrangements. They can also develop relationships with local businesses that are interested in reducing their environmental footprint.

A Shift Towards Smaller Floral Designs

The trend towards smaller floral designs is a result of the increasing popularity of minimalist decorating styles. As people move away from traditional, ornate designs, they are looking for florists who can create elegant, simple arrangements that fit into their modern homes.

Florists who are able to adapt to this trend will be in high demand as they will be able to provide the type of floral designs that customers are looking for. Additionally, they will need to be able to communicate effectively with clients about what they are looking for so that they can create the perfect arrangement.

How to Become a Florist

A career as a floral designer can be both rewarding and lucrative. It’s important to start by learning the basics of floral design, including how to arrange flowers, create bouquets, and design floral arrangements. You can do this by taking online courses or attending workshops at local florists.

Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to start building your portfolio. Start by creating floral designs for friends and family members, then move on to designing arrangements for small businesses. Once you have built up a strong portfolio, you can begin applying for jobs at larger florists.

Advancement Prospects

Floral designers typically start out as assistants to more experienced designers. With experience and training, they may eventually become designers themselves. Some floral designers may eventually open their own shops. Some may become instructors in floral design.

Florist Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we understand that flowers are more than just a pretty decoration – they are a way to show someone how much you care. We are looking for a talented and passionate florist to join our team and help us create beautiful arrangements that bring joy to our customers. The ideal candidate will have experience in a professional setting, as well as a strong understanding of the different types of flowers and how to care for them. He or she will be creative and have a good eye for detail, as well as be able to work well under pressure.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Arrange fresh flowers according to the customer’s specifications
• Keep a clean and organized work area
• Help customers select flowers based on their budget, occasion, and personal preferences
• Process payments and record sales information
• Restock supplies of flowers, vases, and other materials
• Maintain a positive attitude and provide excellent customer service
• Follow all safety procedures when handling sharp tools and chemicals
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in floral design
• Create custom arrangements for weddings, funerals, and other special occasions
• Deliver flowers to local businesses and residences
• Set up displays in the shop and at off-site events
• Train new employees

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1-2 years of experience in the floral industry
• Proficiency in design software, including Floral Designer Pro and Flower Shop Manager
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent customer service skills
• Creativity and artistic ability
• Ability to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, floriculture, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience in the floral industry
• Management experience
• Experience with wedding and event planning
• Familiarity with social media and marketing