How to become a florist

Day-to-day tasks, roles and responsibilities of florists

Florists play a vital role in creating and delivering the beauty of nature through the art of floral design. They use their creativity and practical skills to bring the joy of nature to people’s special moments and times of need. A floral designer’s daily work involves many tasks. Let’s take a look at what they actually do on a day-to-day basis:

• Choosing the right types of flowers for various occasions, taking into account colour, size and freshness.
• Crafting exquisite floral arrangements, bouquets and centrepieces based on customer preferences.
• Conditioning and maintaining flowers to ensure their longevity and freshness.
• Interacting with customers to understand their needs and provide advice on flower choices.
• Managing orders, including taking orders, preparing invoices and arranging delivery or pick up.
• Keeping track of inventory, ordering fresh flowers and managing the shop’s supplies.
• Staying updated with floral design trends and creating innovative and aesthetically pleasing displays.
• Preparing floral arrangements for events such as birthdays, corporate functions, weddings and funerals.
• Handle aspects like budgeting, marketing and staffing if running a business.
• Ensuring customers are delighted with the final product and promptly addressing any concerns or issues.

What qualifications will I need to become a florist?

Becoming a florist in the UK doesn’t necessarily require formal qualifications. However, having the right knowledge and skills is essential to excel in this creative field.

Let’s take a look at some of the routes you can take to become a florist in the UK:

Do a college course

Many aspiring florists choose to enrol in floristry courses offered by colleges. These courses provide a solid foundation in the art of floral design, covering topics like flower care, arrangement techniques, colour theory and customer service. A level 2 or 3 diploma in floristry can particularly benefit those seeking structured training.

Your entry requirements may include:

• 1-2 GCSEs at grades 9-3 for a level 1 course.
• Minimum of 2 GCSEs at grades 9-3 for a level 2 course.
• 4-5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 for a level 3 course.

Do an apprenticeship

Undertaking an apprenticeship to become a florist in the UK can be a fantastic and practical way to kick-start your career in the world of floral design. Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to learn the art of floristry while gaining real-world experience.

Floristry apprenticeships provide a structured and hands-on learning experience. You will work alongside experienced florists who will teach you the essential skills, techniques and industry knowledge required in the field. One of the benefits of an apprenticeship is that you will be paid for your work while you learn. This means you can earn while you gain the skills needed to start a floristry career. The pay may begin with a lower rate but often increases as you become more skilled.

The entry requirements may include:

• Some GCSEs for intermediate apprenticeships
• Pass in Maths and English

Work as an assistant

Starting as an assistant in a local florist shop is an accessible way to enter the world of floristry. While formal qualifications are not initially required, having some educational background, some GCSEs, and a natural creative talent can increase your chances of securing such a position. With dedication and a strong work ethic, you can learn and grow within the role. Eventually, you can become a skilled and successful florist.

What are some essential skills needed to become a florist?

In this vibrant and creative field, the ability to transform simple flowers into captivating floral arrangements is just one part of the equation. If you want to become a florist and be successful at it, you will need a unique set of skills.

The essential skills for florists include:

• Flair for creating visually appealing and balanced floral arrangements.
• Understanding of colour theory, shape, and texture is vital for crafting stunning bouquets and displays.
• Effective communication skills to understand customer preferences and needs.
• The ability to pay attention to detail when selecting, conditioning and arranging flowers.
• A deep understanding of different flower types, their characteristics and the seasons in which they thrive.
• In-depth knowledge of how to care for various flowers to keep them fresh and vibrant.
• The ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Efficient time management skills.
• A strong sense of creativity to think outside the box and create unique, personalised arrangements catering to each customer’s needs and requirements.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure.
• A good understanding of business aspects like budgeting, marketing and inventory management if you plan to operate your own flower shop.
• The ability to work in a team to ensure good teamwork if working in a large floral shop.
• The ability to adapt to changing customer preferences and seasonal variations in flower availability.

What is the average salary of florists in the UK?

The average salary of florists in the UK can vary widely depending on factors such as location, experience and the type of employment. On average, entry-level florists can earn around £13,000 per year. In larger cities and more affluent regions, the starting salary for novice florists might be slightly higher due to the demand for floral services.

With several years of experience and expertise, florists can earn around £24,000 per year. Those specialising in niche areas like wedding or event floristry may charge higher rates for their services. Additionally, florists who operate their own successful flower shops can potentially earn a more substantial income.

It is important to note that income can also vary seasonally, with higher earnings around special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas. The demand for florists’ services during these times can significantly impact their annual earnings.

Career path and possible career progression of florists

The career path and progression for florists is often guided by their level of experience, specialisation and individual aspirations. The path can vary, but it is marked by a continual commitment to honing their skills, staying inspired and providing customers with meaningful floral creations.

Many florists begin as assistants, working under experienced floral designers to learn the basics of the trade. In this role, they become familiar with selecting, conditioning and arranging flowers.

As assistants gain work experience and demonstrate their creativity and floral design skills, they can become full-fledged florists. They become responsible for creating a wide range of floral arrangements, managing orders and providing expert advice to customers. This role allows for greater independence in design and decision-making.

Florists can choose to specialise in particular niches, such as wedding or event floristry. Specialising allows them to focus their expertise and creativity on a specific type of floral design. Specialised florists often work on large, elaborate projects that require advanced skills and attention to detail.

Those who want to open their own flower shops and sell flowers get the creative freedom and opportunity to create a unique brand and style. Shop owners handle the business aspects. This includes budgeting, marketing, staffing and shop management.

Some florists choose to get into teaching or educational roles. They share their skills and knowledge with the next generation of florists. This may involve teaching at floristry schools, offering workshops or providing online tutorials.

Typical working hours for florists in the UK

The working hours for florists can vary depending on the specific job, the type of employer and the time of the year. Florists have the option to work full-time or part-time, depending on their personal preferences. Full-time positions involve working around 28-30 hours per week. Part-time jobs may have more flexible schedules.

Florists in flower shops usually work during standard business hours. This means they start in the morning or early afternoon and finish in the evening. On weekends, they may have to work longer hours, especially on Saturdays when there is a higher demand for flowers due to events and occasions.

Their working hours can vary significantly by season. They often work longer hours during major holidays to meet the heightened demand. Florists specialising in wedding and event floristry often have irregular working hours. They may need to work on weekends or late into the evening when events take place.

Self-employed florists or those who run their own flower shops often work longer hours. They may be responsible for shop management, inventory and marketing, which can extend their workday beyond typical business hours.

Working environment of florists in the UK

The working environment of florists is a unique and vibrant one. It allows for the expression of creativity, interaction with customers and the joy of working with the most beautiful creations of nature. It is an environment that appeals to those who have a deep appreciation for the art of floral design.

Many florists work in flower shops which feature a wide array of flowers and plants. Their environment is beautiful, and they create stunning flower arrangements to make people happy on special occasions. The flower shop is like an art studio. Florists use their artistic skills to make flower arrangements by using the right flowers and mixing them with other elements to make everything look amazing.

Tips for starting a floristry business in the UK

Becoming a small business owner in the floristry industry can be a fulfilling journey. It allows individuals to showcase their creativity and bring joy to people’s lives through the beauty of flowers. However, it takes careful planning, attention to detail and a commitment to quality to become a professional florist and establish a successful and flourishing floral business.

Let’s take a look at some essential tips for getting started:

• Begin with a florist business plan that outlines your business goals, target market, budget and strategies for marketing and growth.
• Register your business and fulfil all legal requirements.
• Choose a suitable location for your florist shop.
• Establish relationships with reliable flower suppliers.
• Determine what sets your business apart from competitors.
• Set competitive yet profitable pricing.
• Invest in effective marketing to help people know about your business.
• Utilise social media and local advertising to reach potential customers.
• Build relationships with other businesses, event planners and wedding professionals, which can lead to referrals and opportunities.
• Plan your stock and promotions around seasonal changes and holidays and be prepared to meet increased demand during these times.