What's the difference between
a FLORAL DESIGNER and a FLORIST?
ARE YOU A REAL FLORIST?
Today I smiled to myself, as I juggled the partly-made designer gift bouquet in my studio whilst answering my phone. The voice on the other end of the phone asked: ‘Are you a real florist?’ followed by, ‘What is a floral designer anyway?’ In our flowery world we sometimes forget that although we know the difference in the wedding and event industry, perhaps couples don’t.
WHAT IS A FLORIST?
A professional florist usually has a high street or online store, offering an array of pretty cut flower stems, plants and a small selection of gift items for you to select from.
They purchase flowers which are designed to open and be enjoyed at home or gifted for a special occasion such as birthdays, anniversaries and calendar events like Mother’s Day.
Sometimes they use predetermined recipes and work with third-party delivery services like Interflora, enabling you to send flowers across the country.
Most offer a walk-in service where you can order gift bouquets as you wait, collect an order or pre-order a delivery to your recipient on the required date. They also produce funeral tributes for a farewell to a friend or loved one and yes, they may offer weddings too.
WHAT IS A FLORAL DESIGNER?
A floral designer is an artist who creates custom-made, one-of-a-kind floral pieces to a client's instruction for weddings, parties or events.
The beautifully crafted florals are usually designed and made in a studio or onsite. The designer doesn’t keep flowers in stock; they order luxurious blooms which are handpicked and sourced just for you. The flowers arrive early and are nurtured to ensure they open to perfection and look truly spectacular for your wedding or event, so they may not always last as long as those from a flower shop.
A designer will commit more time focussed on you and your special day, considering your style, from candles and linens to bespoke floral constructions, ensuring all the little details are going to make the event breathtaking. Since they also look after the logistics of delivery, including setup and breakdown, in effect it’s like having a project manager caring for your florals.
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Your florals are the fragrant focal point of your wedding style; a source of scent which will evoke memories of your wedding for years to come; a symbolic accessory rich with personal significance, so you need to consider carefully whether a Floral designer or a Florist is best for you.
A florist may be right for you if all you need is a few small elements that can be picked up ahead of time, such as bouquets and buttonholes, as you will get the variety and it will keep the cost lower.
If you are wanting an expert to bring a theme or venue to life, a personalised experience and custom-made decor, then a Floral designer may be for you. What’s more, with a floral designer you hand over all the responsibility to them to manage. However, whichever you pick, you need to consider what’s right for you. How did they make you feel? Can you say I don’t like it, or can we change this? Does their floral style match your vision or your aesthetics? Does their ethos align with yours?
And finally, follow your heart; you know what’s best for you.
P.S. Just in case you're wondering, I am a floral designer! I have studied both the art of floristry and design to ensure I am an expert in my field and I offer the most beautiful floral creations for your wedding, party or event.
Photographer: Emmy Shoots