Basics to Become a Florist
Individuals send flowers to express feelings of love, sympathy or appreciation. The florist is responsible for creating arrangements and beautiful displays of flowers that buyers purchase to send to loved ones. A single flower is beautiful, but when the florist creates arrangements with different colors and types of flowers, ribbons, bows, crystal vases and other receptacles, the beauty of the flowers stand out.
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Education
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There are no educational requirements the aspiring florist must meet for a position or to start a business. There are certificate programs available in floral design that aspiring florists can take to enhance artistic skills. The certificate programs focus on color, design and techniques that the florist uses to construct a bouquet properly. Some florists pursue a bachelor's degree in fields such as botany, floriculture or horticulture. The degree program educates the florist in sciences such as chemistry and microbiology. Some florists receive on-the-job training working under the supervision of a skilled florist.
Management Skills
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A successful florist must be effective with time management, budgeting and human resources. Some florists are self employed and must manage all the details of the company, which requires business and management skills. Self-employed florists must manage aspects of the shop such as the cost of supplies, prices for arrangements, ordering and storing fresh flowers. They must also meet deadlines and work with clients to create arrangements for specific occasions such as weddings. One crucial duty for a florist is making sure that there are fresh flowers available for arrangements. The florist must order the flowers and supplies needed for each season. The independent florist may also hire and train new staff. A self-employed florist must also handle bookkeeping and accounting duties. Business courses can help.
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Artistic Talent
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One of the most important qualities a florist can possess is artistic ability. Florists not only create bouquets, but also wreaths, window arrangements, baskets and centerpieces. Each type of floral display requires different flowers, colors and accessories. It is up to the florist to integrate the pieces correctly. Florists must possess the ability to visualize a customer's needs and create an arrangement to bring it to life.
Certifications
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Florists can obtain certification from the American Institute of Floral Designers to demonstrate skill as a designer. The florist must pass an examination which consists of a written test on the terminology used in floral arranging. The examination also has a hands-on section, which requires the florist to complete five different styles of floral designs -- a funeral arrangement, centerpiece or table arrangement, wedding bouquets and arrangements and wearable flower arrangements. The florist is able to choose a style for the fifth arrangement, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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References
- Photo Credit mother's day bouquet image by Colette MacDonald from Fotolia.com
