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We have used flowers for centuries to express love, convey emotions, and beautify spaces.
So, if you have a passion for floral arrangements and want a creative career, becoming a floral designer in Maryland may be a perfect choice!
Floral designers combine their artistic skills with a knowledge of flowers to create beautiful bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral arrangements for a variety of occasions.
Below, we explore the steps you can take to become a professional floral designer in Maryland, including education, training, and certification requirements.
So get ready to turn your love for flowers into a fulfilling and exciting career!
Article Table of Contents
What Do Professional Floral Designers Do?
Professional floral designers create beautiful and unique floral arrangements for a variety of occasions and events.
They use their knowledge of color theory, design principles, and flower care to select and arrange different types of flowers, greenery, and other decorative elements such as ribbons, vases, and other accessories.
Floral designers work closely with clients to understand their preferences, theme, and budget and create eye-catching designs that meet their client’s needs and expectations.
Professional floral designers also have a deep understanding of the various cultural and symbolic meanings of different flowers, which allows them to create arrangements that are appropriate and meaningful for different occasions, such as weddings, funerals, and other milestones and important life events.
They also work closely with other event professionals, such as wedding planners and event coordinators, to ensure that their floral designs fit seamlessly into the overall theme and style of the event.
Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Maryland
Step 1: Research the Floral Design Industry
Researching the floral design industry can help you identify current trends, understand the types of services offered, and explore the demand for floral designers in Maryland.
You can start by reading industry publications, attending trade shows, and networking with established floral designers.
Step 2: Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent
A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement for most floral design programs.
Step 3: Gain Experience in Floral Design
To gain experience in floral design, you can start by working at a flower shop or a floral design studio.
Working in a flower shop will allow you to learn about the day-to-day operations of a floral business, as well as the different techniques and styles used in floral design.
You can also gain experience by volunteering at local events, such as weddings and parties, and creating your floral arrangements at home.
Step 4: Pursue Formal Education and Training
While experience is vital in floral design, pursuing formal education and training can help refine your skills and make you more competitive in the job market.
Look for accredited floral design programs in Maryland, such as community college courses or vocational schools, offering hands-on training and instruction in color theory, design principles, and flower care.
You can also consider pursuing certification through professional organizations.
Holding a floral design certificate from accredited agencies, including the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) or the Society of American Florists (SAF), can demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the industry.
Floral Designer Programs/Classes – Maryland
The Washington Flower School
About The School
This school offers a variety of classes and workshops on floral design for beginners and professionals in Takoma Park, Maryland.
Their professional floral design courses lead to a certificate program that prepares students for owning and operating their own flower shops.
The Washington Flower School offers day and evening classes that teach their students the basic principles of professional floral design and how to run a flower shop.
They also provide seasonal floral design workshops.
Courses Offered
- Professional Floral Design
- Design Competition
- Flower Shop Operations
- Flower Shop Ownership
Seasonal Workshops
The floral workshops offered by the Washington Flower School are available to flower enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Contact Information
Address: 6921 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Phone: 301-270-1848
Website: https://www.washingtonflowerschool.com/
Washington, DC School of Flower Design
About The School
This flower design school offers an intensive floral design school that teaches the fundamentals of professional design in just 5 days!
The Washington, DC School of Flower Design includes access to a wide variety of flower stems and greenery at the cost of the program’s tuition.
Courses Offered
- 40 Design Styles
- Classic American Design
- English Floral Design
- Contemporary Floral Design
- Bridal Floral Design
- Wholesaling for Florists
- Wholesale Tour
Contact Information
Address: 8818 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 414-617-7162
Website: http://www.washingtondcflowerdesign.com/
Floral Designer Schools in Maryland – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Washington Flower School | 6921 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912 |
| Washington, DC School of Flower Design | 8818 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910 |
Floral Designer Salary – Maryland
According to Salary.com, the average salary for a floral designer in the United States is around $54,406.00.
However, a floral designer’s annual salary can fall above or below this range based on several factors.
Floral designers with more experience and those who work in a specialized niche may command higher salaries than entry-level florists.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | $55,929 |
| Frederick | $58,438 |
| Bethesda | $60,565 |
| Gaithersburg | $60,401 |
| Germantown | $58,783 |
| Bowie | $60,437 |
| Columbia | $55,838 |
| Dundalk | $55,929 |
| Potomac | $60,528 |
| Rockville | $60,492 |
Regional Salary in Maryland
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 320 | $34,570 | $16.62 | $41,590 | $26,000 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 30 | $32,730 | $15.74 | $40,780 | $26,000 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 40 | $30,740 | $14.78 | $35,810 | $26,000 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Become A Floral Designer in Maryland?
You can become a floral designer in Maryland by researching your career and meeting the minimum requirements.
Then, gain hands-on experience as a floral designer by working in a flower shop or become a professional florist by taking a floral certification and training course through a private floral school or an accredited agency like the Society of American Florists or the American Institute of Floral Design.
How Much Do Floral Designers Make in Maryland?
The annual salary for floral designers in Maryland can fluctuate depending on skill level, work location, and niche.
However, Salary.com reports that the average salary for professional floral designers in the US is just over $50,000 per year.
Are There Any Online Floral Design Schools in Maryland?
While there aren’t any Maryland-based floral design schools advertising online floral design classes in the state of Maryland, there are online learning opportunities for floral design students from the American Institute of Floral Design.
They offer online floral design classes for basic, intermediate, and advanced floral design techniques.
Visit the AIFD website to learn more about taking floral design classes online.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State