How to Become a Floral Designer in Virginia

Becoming a floral designer in Virginia can be a creative career choice for those who enjoy working with flowers and have an eye for arrangements.

As a florist, you can work in multiple settings, including flower shops, wedding venues, and event planning companies.

If you want to become a Virginia florist, you must follow these steps.

Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Virginia

One needs to take steps before one can work as a florist.

While it’s not required to have any certificate or degree, you must learn about the crafts of the trade.

Below, we’ll tell you about the steps you should take so that you can work as a professional floral designer in Virginia.

Step 1: High School Diploma or Equivalent

The first step to becoming a floral designer is by getting your GED or high school diploma.

While it’s not required to work as a florist, it will be required if you plan to get an internship, own a business, or get a certificate.

Step 2: Gain Experience in the Field

Formal education isn’t the only way to gain experience in the field, as you can also intern or work as an entry-level florist.

Getting experience can help assist your career, as it can teach you floral design and how to manage the business.

Also, it can help give you hands-on experience with floral designs and help give you feedback on honing your skills.

Step 3: Get Certified

Becoming certified in the floral design shows that you’ve mastered the skill.

It’s not required, but a certificate can help provide credibility to your expertise.

Aside from that, certification teaches you more than just floral design.

It also teaches florists about how to run a floral design business and business management.

Step 4: Start a Portfolio

If you want to get better jobs, starting a portfolio is the best way to do this.

Showcasing your skills can help potential employers better understand your skills.

Try to create a portfolio with arrangements in your style and ones that have won recognition or awards.

Step 5: Become Employed

Becoming employed is the biggest step to being a fully-fledged florist.

Many people find employment at flower shops, wedding and event planning companies, and other hospitality businesses.

Use these opportunities to network and build relationships in the industry.

Floral Designer Programs/Classes

Certification or classes can help you master the basics or hone your skills.

Virginia has multiple floral design classes that you can register for each year.

Here are some of the top floral design programs located in Virginia:

Helen Olivia Flowers

 Helen Olivia Flowers is a professional floral design company that offers workshops.

Their classes are held both in-person and virtually.

The classes are general day classes, each focusing on a different floral design aspect.

Each class costs anywhere from $5 to $160.

Twinbrook Floral Design

Twinbrook is a floral design company that also offers classes on the side.

Their design classes are taught by professional floral designers who have industry knowledge.

The classes range anywhere from a day class to a few weeks.

The average pricing is $85 to $125 per class.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

The classes are offered in person and give hands-on experience on various floral design concepts.

They include holiday workshops that only are one day or more advanced classes that meet for a few weeks.

You can find unique stand-alone classes that you can’t find anywhere else.

Virginia Community Colleges

This Introduction to Floral Design class isn’t always available yearly.

However, when it is, it takes a semester and provides the basics.

Floral Designer Schools in Virginia – Summary Table

Salary

In Virginia, the average floral designer makes around $54,079 annually.

Of course, several factors impact the salary, including location, business, and experience.

This average is a bit lower than the national average of $60,565.

Regional Salary in Virginia

Floral Design by State