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Become a Florist for Weddings and Events
Do you love to use your creativity? Do you have great color coordination? Florist work might be right up your alley. What better way to put your natural talents to work and brighten people's days at the same time! If this sounds interesting, here are some things to think about:
First of all, you will need to sharpen your customer service skills. This will really help you in any job. Remember the golden rule of working retail (say it with me now): "The customer is always right," or as our good friends at Burger King say, "Your way right away!"
Research top florist schools in your area. Some classes can be taken online and most florist schools offer certification courses. Some schools offer licensing as well as internship programs (it's great to get some hands-on experience under your belt as well as on your resume!).
Interview local florists about the pro's and con's of being an independent florist versus owning a franchise. If you are considering owning your own store, it will necessary to take some business courses to better prepare yourself for that aspect of the industry.
You will also need to educate yourself and get to know flowers by name and sight. Get to know what flowers are available in what seasons. Learn how to make different floral pieces including boutonnieres, corsages, bridal bouquets, vase arrangements, etc. Practice different techniques. Volunteer to decorate for your friends' parties and receptions, then take pictures and put together a portfolio of your work. You can also donate your skill and arrangements to low income families who have weddings or funerals. Immerse yourself in the industry and get familiar with every aspect of it.
-Heidi Silva
Job Skills of Successful Wedding Planners
• Creative
• Multi-tasker
• Detail and deadline oriented
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Calm and personable under pressure
• Excellent verbal and written communication
Job and Education Requirements
Floral design is the only design occupation that does not require formal post secondary training; most floral designers learn their skills on the job. Employers generally look for high school graduates who have creativity, a flair for arranging flowers, and a desire to learn.
Education and training. Most floral designers have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn their skills on the job over the course of a few months. Although typically not required, some private floral schools, vocational schools, and community colleges award certificates in floral design. These programs generally require a high school diploma for admission and last from several weeks to 1 year. Floral design courses teach the basics of arranging flowers, including the different types of flowers, their color and texture, cutting and taping techniques, tying bows and ribbons, proper handling and care of flowers, floral trends, and pricing.
Some floral designers also can earn an associate or bachelor's degree at a community college or university. Some programs offer formal degrees in floral design, while others offer degrees in floriculture, horticulture, or ornamental horticulture. In addition to floral design courses, these programs teach courses in botany, chemistry, hydrology, microbiology, pesticides, and soil management.
Since many floral designers manage their own business, additional courses in business, accounting, marketing, and computer technology are helpful.
Certification and other qualifications. The American Institute of Floral Designers offers an accreditation examination as an indication of professional achievement in floral design. The exam consists of a written part covering floral terminology and an onsite floral-arranging part in which candidates have 4 hours to complete five floral designs: funeral tributes, table arrangements, wedding arrangements, wearable flowers, and a category of the candidate’s choosing.
Floral designers must be creative, service oriented, and able to communicate their ideas visually and verbally. Because trends in floral design change fairly quickly, designers must be open to new ideas and react quickly to changing trends. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure also are important traits. Individuals in this field need self-discipline to budget their time and meet deadlines.
This information courtesy of http://www.bls.gov
Occupational Outlook
For more info go to www.bls.gov
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