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Florist

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Florist Career Details

Florists design and make up floral arrangements, bouquets, wreaths and floral tributes. They may also sell cut flowers, pot plants, dried and artificial flowers, gifts and decorations.

Florists need to use imagination and flair to create original floristry designs, as well as working to customers’ suggestions. Caring for flowers to keep them in the best condition and prolong their life is an important part of floristry.

Florists deal with customers in person and by telephone, advising them on choice and care for their purchase.

Those running their own floristry business need to budget and keep accounts.

Working Environment

Florists work shop hours, including Saturdays and possibly Sundays. Early starts to buy stock or complete orders may be necessary.

More than half the florists in the UK work part-time.

Although some have outside stalls, most florists work indoors, mainly in shops.

Most of the time is spent standing, either dealing with customers or working at a bench in the workroom where flower arrangements are made up.

Travel to wholesalers, nurseries, or to make deliveries to customers may be required, therefore a driving licence is useful.

Florist Related Skills

To be a florist you should:

be creative and artistic, able to grasp the principles of colour, shape, design and display
be able to understand the properties and needs of the different plants and flowers
be good at conveying your ideas to customers
be good at working with your hands
be able to work as part of a team and get on well with other staff
be helpful, pleasant and tactful with customers
be able to handle money and work out costs
be able to work under pressure - especially at times such as Christmas, St Valentine’s Day, and other special festivals.

Florist Career Opportunities

The majority of opportunities occur in specialist shops, which are situated in most towns and cities.

Many trained and experienced florists start their own businesses, although the increased competition from multiples and E businesses is likely to lead to a decline in numbers of successful independent florists shops.

With further training some florists may move into areas such as freelance floral decoration, floral design, exhibition work, demonstration and teaching.

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Florist related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Florist? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Florist? Take a look at Training Florist courses, Undergraduate Florist courses, Adult learning Florist courses, Adult learning Florist courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.

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