Floristry

What is Floristry?

Floristry is the art of working with flowers and plants to create arrangements and floral art or preparing cut flowers for sale to the general public.

Florists create pleasing and balanced arrangements and displays, typically for functions like weddings, parties, and other special events. For all of history, flowers have held a special place in human society and can help us connect with our emotions and communicate deep feelings to others in an elegant manner.

What 3rd level courses are available?

Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:

• Floral Art – A practical course of designs for gifts including fresh flowers and foliage.
• Floral Design – A study of floral design from classical to contemporary, covering all of the basics.
• Beginners Commercial Floristry – This course is an introduction to a career as a florist and includes important business aspects as well as flower handling and conditioning.
• Beginners Bridal Floristry – This course allows beginners to develop their Bridal Floristry skills and techniques.
• Professional Event Floral Design – This course is designed for students who would like to learn and practice the skills and techniques necessary to transform spaces of all sizes for events.
• Christmas Flower Arranging – Learn to make arrangements and table decorations with a Christmas theme.

Studying Floristry in college

Floristry courses are very hands-on and practical courses where you can learn as you work through different types of arrangements and bouquets. Courses can run over several weeks and are available full-time, part-time, or even online.

For most floristry courses all of the necessary supplies and tools will be supplied by the college provider but this will vary depending on which course you choose to take so please make sure to check the requirements prior, some online courses may require you to source your supplies.

Career options

Experiences Florists can have thriving careers running their own shop or business working in events. You may prefer to work for an already established shop when you are first trained so that you can enhance your skills further and learn from experience before taking the plunge to open your own store.

Having some experience in retail will be beneficial alongside your Floristry skills as you will be dealing directly with customers.

You should be prepared to work all through the year as Floristry adapts to the various holidays and occasions throughout the year as well as a continuous flow of weddings, events, and funerals. So if you believe that you have what it takes, then being a self-employed florist may be the right career path for you.

Related jobs include:

• Floral Designer
• Florist
• Flower Producer
• Flower Distributor
• Greenhouse Owner or Worker
• Event Manager
• Event Florist
• Interior Decorator

Further study

There are many career paths in the floral industry and some may require further study. Fields such as Design, Retail, Business Operations, Marketing, Teaching, and Biology or Horticulture may all be beneficial depending on your chosen career path and if you are interested in opening your own business or becoming a chief floral designer or planner for a larger organization.

FAQ

Are there any particular qualities essential for Floristry?

A genuine love of flowers and an interest in working with flowers every day is an excellent place to start!

You should also have an eye for design and colour matching. Some basic knowledge of plant and flower care would be beneficial but not critical as you will learn this as you go.

Important qualities to factor in are that as a Florist or Floral Designer you will be working with the general public and clients who have specific briefs so good communication and interpersonal skills are a must.

Floristry is a very time-sensitive field as flowers only have a limited amount of time that they are looking their best so good time management skills and the ability to work quickly and accurately are vital.

Is Floristry an enjoyable career field?

This is a very enjoyable field because it is so dynamic with a variety of events and creativity happening each day – whether it be planning flower arrangements for clients, arrangements for a shop, or events, there are so many flowers and filler options, colour choices, and themes to work within that there is never a dull moment.

Florists enjoy working with flowers because it is soothing and relaxing, and they can get lost in their world as they create beautiful arrangements.

It is not as feminine as one might think, there are a lot of heavy loads to carry, and you spend long hours on your feet, which can be tiring, but the positives far outweigh the negatives, and floristry is an excellent career choice for anyone who enjoys flowers and plants.

Where can I study Floristry?

Explore your options here

Did You Know?

• Tulips were more valuable than gold in Holland several centuries ago.
• Broccoli is not only a vegetable but also a flower.
• Certain plants do not require soil to grow and instead obtain all of their nutrients from the air. Orchids are an example.
• Some plants, such as the sunflower, produce toxic substances that kill other plants in their vicinity.
• Flowers did not always exist; they first appeared 140 million years ago. Before that, ferns and cone-bearing trees dominated the earth.