Why Wedding Florists Should Take Floral Workshops + Continue Their Education
At the beginning of my floral design career, I was learning an incredible amount about design, mechanics, and business. After some time, at some point, I felt the need to take another step to further my education within floral design. In many ways, I believe that my decision to invest in floral design workshops has greatly helped me in my floral design journey and has brought me to where I am today.
Top 4 Reasons for Wedding Florists to take Floral Design Workshops
Learning From Other Florist’s Design Processes
The first thing I found incredibly useful in taking a flower workshop is the chance to see how another florist designs. Florists are used to their own ways of designing things from centerpieces, bouquets, and large-scale designs. Sometimes, the way we’re used to designing can be limiting. By watching someone else design and talk about why they design the way they do, we learn new ways to go about design work and are given the opportunity to expand our own knowledge and abilities.
I took two workshops at the beginning of my floral design career, one with Kiana Underwood of Tulipina Design and one with Katie Davis of Ponderosa & Thyme. Each of these incredibly talented florists has their own unique way of designing and both workshops included bouquet design.
At that point, I had my own way of designing as well, but I hadn’t designed enough bouquets to be able to confident in bouquet making. Having the opportunity to watch each of them design a bouquet and explain their process gave me a fresh perspective on how to tackle the process. Let’s face it, beginner florists and seasoned florists both go through times where they struggle with a design. Learning new methods gives you the chance to try new things and eventually figure out what design methods work best or you.
Working With an Abundance of Quality Flowers
Another incredible thing about floral design workshops is the chance to work with an abundance of florals without worrying about budget and cost. It’s not every day that florists are able to work with the most incredible blooms and color palettes and go all in on their designs with the chance to design only for yourself.
Getting Professional Photos of Your Floral Designs
On top of that, many design workshops have incredible photographers who are there to photograph your work. At the beginning of my career, I had very few, if any, quality photos of my floral design work. Portfolios are important and having good quality images of your work really matters.
Connecting With Other Florists and Wedding Vendors
Another perk, and in my personal experience, one the best things I got out of taking a workshop is connecting with the workshop hosts and other attendees. My floral journey consisted of several years of freelance floral design before making the leap to launch my own business.
Now, I’m incredibly grateful for all that I’ve learned by working alongside other florists. The connections I made during workshops lead me to working with some of the most successful florists in the nation and I fostered several friendships through these connections. Even years later, I’ve found these connections to still hold up.
Workshops without a doubt, are an investment and for me, at the beginning of my career, I think was a pivotal moment that got me to where I am today.
As for continuing my education in floral design, I still look for opportunities to learn from other florists and entrepreneurs. The learning never ends and there’s always room for growth. Whatever field you’re in, there’s so much value in looking towards people who are where you’d like to be someday and in investing back into your education.
If you’re a creative who hosts your own workshops, part of my services include floral design for workshops, content days and photoshoots. Feel free to get in touch here.
Workshop: Ponderosa & Thyme
Photography: Kelsee Thaten
Floral Assistant: Christy Villasenor
Food + Hosting: Kara Elise
Model: Monica Kim
Dress: Shop Gossamer
Silk Ribbon: Nettle Textiles