A good floral design school can help you develop artistic, practical, and profitable skills, build your creativity, offer you socializing opportunities with people of similar interests, and also provide you with a great avenue for reducing stress. Several scientific studies have shown that living and interacting with flowers and indoor plants can relieve or significantly reduce psychological and physiological stress. Considering that an average of 68% of people report feeling stress on a weekly basis and 32% feel this stress daily, the benefits of attending a good floral design school near you cannot be overstated.
Whether you want to attend floral design classes for stress reduction, to learn skills for your own floral business, improve your current floral design skills, or just to have fun and interact with people, it is necessary to select the best floral design school near you. To ensure that you make the right choice, you should always ask the following questions:
Are You Licensed, Registered, or Certified?
Floral design teachers are not typically required to obtain state-issued occupational licenses. Therefore, when you need to attend a floral design class, you should always look out for professional certifications. While professional certifications are not mandatory, they are usually an indication of the floral design teacher's level of proficiency and competence in floral designs and arrangements. The American Institute of Floral Design is currently the most renowned organization that offers certification and accreditation opportunities to floral designers. Floral designers that wish to get certified by this organization are generally required to pass a written test and also a hands-on examination that involves designing various floral arrangements. Once certified, these floral designers are expected to meet certain continuing education requirements every three or five years to maintain their certification and retain their status as members of the organization.
In addition to certification, it is also a good idea to look out for floral design teachers or schools that belong to a trade association when searching for suitable floral design classes near you. These associations generally ensure that their members behave professionally at all times by enforcing strict codes of conduct and they also provide avenues for reporting and sanctioning unprofessional behavior or poor service delivery by these members. Examples of trade associations that floral designers belong to include the Society of American Florists, the Master Florists Association, and the World Flower Council.
Note that you should confirm that the floral design teacher that you intend to work with is duly certified and belongs to a reputable trade association by asking them for proof of this and authenticating it with the relevant organization. Also, even though floral design teachers do not generally need to have state-issued licenses, the floral design schools that they either own or work for may be required to meet certain state licensing and registration requirements or obtain local permits. As such, it is advisable that you contact your state's consumer protection agency to find out if there are any state or local regulations for floral design schools in your area of residence.
How Much Do Floral Design Classes Cost?
The cost of attending floral design classes in the United States is influenced by a wide variety of factors. As such, you can end up paying anywhere between a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars for these classes. Note that, depending on the floral school, this amount may also include the cost of materials required for the classes and a certificate of completion at the end of your program. Some of the factors that affect the total cost of floral design classes include:
- The reputation of the floral design school and the level of experience of your floral design teacher
- Your location
- Your reason for attending the classes
- The duration and frequency of the classes
- The type of floral design and arrangements that you wish to learn or focus on
- The timing and structure of the floral design classes
- The floral design school's payment/billing structure
You can cut down on the total cost of your floral design classes by taking certain steps, such as:
- Getting multiple cost estimates: You should get estimates on the cost of floral design classes from at least two or three floral design schools near you before settling on a particular one. Doing this can help you get an idea of the average rate for these types of schools in your geographical location. However, note that costs alone should not be your determining factor when searching for a floral design school near you, and you should always make sure that the school can suitably meet your specific goals and needs.
- Considering online classes: Some floral design schools offer online classes to prospective students that usually cost less than in-person classes and are also convenient for students that can't physically attend lessons.
- Considering group classes: Another way to save money on floral design classes is through group classes. In these types of classes, students typically work together to create specific floral pieces or arrangements instead of working on these projects individually. Doing this generally means that they collectively use fewer materials, which in turn lowers the total cost of the classes.
- Utilizing free resources, lessons, and discounts: Some floral design schools provide free resources and step-by-step lessons on their official websites that can provide you with basic information on floral arrangements and designs. Taking advantage of these resources can help reduce the total length of your floral design classes and invariably reduce your total costs. Similarly, some private floral design teachers also offer free or discounted first lessons to potential students. However, note that in some cases these discounts will only apply if you sign up for subsequent lessons.
What Are Common Floral Design Class Expenses?
When you sign up for floral design classes near you, you will typically be provided with details on the materials that you will need for these classes. The specific materials may vary by floral design school, but they generally include items like flowers, vases and containers, guide books and hand-outs, as well as floristry tools like adhesives, floral knives and clippers, flower care products, tapes and wires, aprons, floral foam, picks and anchors, and dried materials like unique pods, twigs, and foliage.
Some floral design schools include the cost of these materials in their total fees, while others may require you to either get these materials by yourself or pay an out-of-pocket fee for them. Therefore, you should always find out what will be included in the cost of your floral design classes before making any payments. It is also a good idea to inquire about the floral design school's payment structure. Some floral design schools may require full payment before you can begin any classes, while others may utilize a pay-as-you-go plan for their classes that allows you to spread out your payments. Finally, you should also request a receipt for any payments that you make, for record-keeping purposes.
Who Will Do the Work?
Before signing up for floral design classes near you, you should always make sure that the floral design school and teacher is the right fit for you. The first step to take is by confirming that the floral design school has satisfied any state or local licensing and registration requirements. Also, confirm the teacher's qualifications and make sure that they are duly certified in floral design. If more than one teacher will be involved in your classes, then you should do this for each of these teachers. Once this has been done, you should ask questions like how long the floral design school has been around, whether you will be given enough time to properly learn and understand the guide materials and hand-outs, if you will receive adequate hands-on training, and if you will be allowed to take home any floral designs that you make. It is also a good idea to inform the teacher of your aim for attending the floral design classes and ask if the school has any specific programs that can help you achieve this. Find out the scope of these programs, and how simple or advanced they will be.
You should also inspect the floral design school and make sure that it has adequate facilities that promote a good learning environment. Finally, find out how accessible your floral design teacher will be to you during and after the classes, and whether the floral design school has support systems for students that have completed classes with them. This includes continuing education options, job referrals, and other avenues that you can utilize to get assistance on floristry-related issues and also keep up with the latest floral arrangement and design trends and innovations.
What Qualifications Should a Floral Design Teacher Have?
Data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that there are currently more than 36,800 floral designers employed in various sectors and industries across the United States. The minimum educational requirement for becoming a floral design teacher is a high school diploma or its educational equivalent. Nonetheless, many of these individuals complete post-secondary educational institution programs in floral design, applied horticulture, fine arts, floriculture, plant sciences, and other floristry-related courses. When employed, floral design teachers typically acquire hands-on work experience by training with more experienced floral design teachers before handling classes on their own. Many floral design teachers also obtain professional certification and accreditation from organizations like the American Institute of Floral Designers. Note that while these certifications and accreditations are not mandatory, obtaining them indicates a measure of knowledge and expertise in floral design and also helps with career advancement. Finally, floral design teachers may also voluntarily join reputable trade associations like the Society of American Florists, the World Flower Council, and the Master Florists Association.
Will You Provide References?
It is vital that you ask floral design schools and teachers for references before you sign up for classes with them. During your search for suitable floral design classes near you, you may get referrals to schools and teachers from relatives and colleagues. Organizations like the American Institute of Floral Designers also provide interested members of the public with access to a list of education partners that you can utilize to find good floral design classes near you. However, it is always in your best interest to request at least three verifiable references from any floral design school or teacher that you contact. Reputable schools and teachers will readily provide you with the contact details of past students that can vouch for them, the professional way that they conduct their classes, and their methods and techniques. On the other hand, floral design schools or teachers that are hesitant to provide you with a list of references usually turn out to be problematic, and you should always be wary of them.
You can also determine if a floral design school or teacher will be suitable for you by utilizing third-party websites like Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google Review to get personalized opinions and reviews on the school's facilities and the teachers themselves. You should also consider contacting your state's consumer protection agency or attorney general's office to find out whether your preferred floral design school or teacher has been the subject of any official complaints and reports made by past students or other interested parties.
Quick Facts about Floral Designers
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Expert Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Floral Design Classes
What Are the Rules of Flower Arranging?
The basic rules for flower arranging are:
- Balance: Always make sure that your floral arrangement is properly balanced when assembling it.
- Scale: Always make sure that the scale of your floral arrangement is suitable for its intended space or location.
- Color: Always consider the feelings that you are trying to evoke. Make sure that the colors of your floral arrangement capture these feelings or the overall theme of the occasion for which the flowers are needed.
- Texture: Always incorporate different textures into your floral arrangement.
- Dominance: Always pick a dominant element for your floral arrangement and try to stick to this theme to create a harmonious arrangement.
What Are the 6 Principles of Floral Design?
The six principles of floral design are:
- Proportion and scale
- Harmony
- Unity
- Balance
- Rhythm
- Emphasis
How Should Flowers Be Arranged for Beginners?
As a beginner or newcomer to floral designs, you can create simple floral arrangements through the following easy steps:
- Gather your tools: These typically include floral clippers, flowers, and a vase
- Pick the right flowers: Flowers like roses and lilies are generally more suitable for beginners because they last longer and do not typically require delicate handling and arrangement
- Choose a proper vessel: Rectangular tabletop vases are generally recommended for beginners
- Cut your flowers correctly: Stems should be snipped at an angle that will help the flowers take in enough water and leaves should be removed from stems so that the energy from the water can be directed to the blooms
- Layer your look: Place stronger stems into the vase first, followed by less sturdy blooms and foliage. Also, pay attention to the angle from which the floral arrangement will be viewed as well as the size and shape of your vase
- Fill in your vase: Consider adding greenery like eucalyptus and branches to serve as filler and give your arrangement a natural look
- Always remember water: Fill your vase about two-thirds full with room temperature water and add a sprinkle of flower food. Also, remember to change this water regularly to prevent bacterial growth and enhance your flowers' longevity
How Do You Make a Balanced Flower Arrangement?
Creating a floral arrangement involves more than just putting flowers into a vase. To make a properly balanced and professional-looking floral arrangement, you need to take the following steps:
- Decide on a particular type of floral arrangement or design
- Cut and prepare your flowers
- Select a vessel that is best suited to your intended floral arrangement
- Prepare your flower vase
- Create a greenery base and then add focal flowers
- Add filler flowers
How Can I Make My Flowers Last Longer?
You can make fresh-cut flowers last longer by adding a quarter teaspoon of bleach to every liter of water in your vase. Another popular technique involves a mixture of three drops of bleach and one teaspoon spoon of sugar per liter of water. These mixtures keep your vase water clear and also prevent the growth of bacteria. Other methods that can help make your flowers stay fresh and last longer include:
- Adding a quarter cup of soda into the water in your vase. It is preferable to use clear sodas to prevent the water from looking cloudy, especially if the flowers are in a transparent vase.
- Mixing two spoons of apple cider vinegar and two tablespoons of sugar in your vase of water. You should do this before adding the flowers and also remember to change the mixture every few days to maintain your flowers' longevity.
- Adding a few drops of vodka or any clear spirit and a teaspoon of sugar to your vase water. This mixture also limits bacterial growth and provides nourishment to the flowers. However, it should be changed every other day.
What's the Difference Between a Floral Arrangement and a Bouquet?
A floral arrangement is a group of flowers that has been designed and organized into a container that contains either water or moist floral foam. On the other hand, a bouquet is a group of different flowers that are selected, arranged into a specific design or style, and then bound together and wrapped in decorative paper.
What Is the Importance of Learning Floral Arrangements?
Learning floral arrangements and design provides you with useful skills that you can use to do the following:
- Express your creativity
- Boost your mood
- Transform dull rooms and areas into more welcoming and invigorating spaces
How Do You Arrange Flowers into Different Styles?
There are several styles and types of floral arrangements. These include the minimalist style, the long and wild style, the compact style, and many more. The type of style you wish to utilize is primarily dependent on the event or occasion that the floral arrangement is meant for. The best way to learn how to arrange flowers into a style that is best suited for your specific needs is by attending a floral design class near you and also utilizing any available free resources that many of these floral design schools provide.