Cómo convertirse en diseñador floral en Delaware
Flowers can symbolize a wide range of feelings, and it’s important to understand them. From vibrant colors to soft hues, a skilled florist should know what to offer for all of life’s special moments. Florists cut and care for the flowers, decide on appropriate design elements such as vases and ribbons, and inform customers.
A good listener, style and having your own unique touch will help you stand out from the competition. Clients must trust you. This will lead to more referrals and a thriving business.
Requirements to become a floral designer in Delaware
Floral design is not a nationally or state-regulated career field. A high school diploma or GED is usually a minimum requirement; however, some florists will be willing to hire you without either.
While you may not need a post-secondary education to find employment, learning more about your trade will help you move around the industry with ease. An internship would also be a great way to start your career.
Local colleges and universities may offer on-campus floral design courses. You will receive hands-on training in the appropriate setting. There are also regional organizations that offer one-day courses, in addition to certificate programs that can be completed entirely online. Completion times for certificate or degree programs will range from less than a year to two years.
A local internship can be found by networking with peers and colleagues in the floral industry. A quick online search might uncover free events in your area related to gardening, horticulture, or floral design. You may also be able to find apprenticeship or job shadowing opportunities by simply visiting a local greenhouse or florist and introducing yourself.
National Floral Design Certification is available to those interested in earning official credentials. While employers typically don’t look for this certification, having it will set you apart from your competitors and exemplify your passion for floral design. Traditional employers may also be willing to offer you a higher salary with this credential. Additionally, if you’re interested in starting a business on your own, you’ll be able to market yourself with the official title of Certified Floral Designer (CFD) by earning this degree.
Delaware Schools for Floral Designers
Getting an education in floral design will help you stay on top of current trends within the industry. You will understand traditional ways of arranging flowers and position yourself as a professional who is attentive to certain details that you might overlook if you choose not to enroll in formal training. Some of the courses are:
- Delaware Garden Clubs has ties to a large number of garden clubs in the state. Joining one of these clubs will give you access to regular monthly meetings featuring educational programs offered by local experts on the latest gardening techniques, floral design, conservation, butterflies and beneficial insects, and more. Membership in each individual club costs around $40.
- Floral Design Institute offers three online courses in floral design. The basic course costs $1750 and can be completed in just five weeks. The advanced course costs $650 and can be completed at your own pace. The final step is the Wedding Floral Specialist course, which can be completed in six to nine months and costs $1440.
- Penn Foster College offers a career diploma program in floral design, which is also conducted entirely online. The program can be completed in as little as five months and costs around $640.
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National Certification for Floral Designers in Delaware
Most employers look for candidates who have at least six months of experience in floral design. In some cases, employers may be willing to accept CFD certification in lieu of this prior professional experience.
The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) is responsible for administering the CFD credential. To obtain CFD status, you must first pass the AIFD exam. To do so, you will need to complete the following:
- Attend and successfully complete the appropriate floral design education programs at an AIFD partner educational center, approved State Floral Association, or SAIFD Chapter (AIFD Student Chapter) and then pass the online Professional Floral Design Assessment (PFDE) test.
- Take part in the PFDE online test and practical design assessment.
Your certification will include a CFD certificate, a pin and a listing in AIFD’s online and print directories. You can display it in your place of residence to attract clients.
The AIFD does not currently list approved training programs in Delaware, so to become CFD certified in this state you will need to pass the PFDE online test and the practical design assessment. This requires you to pay a $150 registration fee and the $1550 PFDE exam fee.
Maintaining your CFD status means renewing it every three years, you will need to submit documentation proving that you have completed at least 25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). You will also be responsible for paying an annual fee of $124 to maintain this title.
CEUs can be earned in a variety of ways. You can attend workshops, state conventions, public presentations, and more. The number of CEUs earned will vary depending on the event you choose to attend. The AIFD provides a list of events, workshops, classes, and other opportunities that will help you earn the required number of CEUs.
Career prospects and salary expectations
In 2016, there were 150 floral designers working in Delaware. By 2026, The Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) reports that there will only be 130 florists working in this state. This means there will be a 12.3 percent decline in floral designers over this 10-year period.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2017, floral designers in Delaware earned an average of $13.41 per hour, or $27,880 per year. The highest-paid floral designers in Delaware earned $38,560 during the same year.
Working as a Floral Designer in Delaware
Although the job market for floral designers in Delaware is expected to decline in the coming years, it is still a good time to enter the industry. If you are passionate about floral design, work and get an education, and try to be original to attract clients or employers.
Floral designers in Delaware have the highest salary in cities like Rehoboth Beach, Wilmington, and New Castle. Floral shops can be found in grocery stores, retail stores, or online. Good communication skills are important as customers need to understand how to properly care for their flowers. Also, build long-lasting relationships with customers, which will help you excel in this career. Let your love of plant life turn into a lucrative business.
Delaware Federation of Garden Clubs
- 35548 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island 19944
- https://www.delawaregardenclubs.org/flower-shows
Garden Club of Wilmington
- PO Box 3855, Wilmington 19807
- http://www.gcwilmington.org/about/