Online Floral Design Classes

How to Choose a Program?

There are a few factors that should go into your decision when choosing an online floral design program. How much time do you have? How much money are you comfortable investing? Programs range from as short as a few months to two years, with many options in-between.

Since there are so many different choices that don’t compare directly, it’s a good idea to research the staff. What is their professional reputation? Have they won any awards? Most importantly, do you like their work? Contact the program and ask for the names of some notable or recent grads who might be willing to talk with you, or whose work you can check out. This is an investment in your future, and the school’s administration should be able to show you that their program produces good results.

Finally, you should seriously consider a program that provides as much personal feedback as possible. Thoughtful critiques from instructors and peers is very important for your development as a designer.

How Does Learning Floral Design Online Work?

Every good floral design program will teach you the basic elements of design, such as color and composition. You will also learn all the tools and equipment used in the floral design trade and learn the most often used flowers and foliage, and their practical qualities such as durability, relative cost and seasonal availability. A good program will guide you in creating a professional portfolio of photographs of your arrangements that you will be able to use during your job search.

Some programs focus entirely on the creative aspect of floral design, while others include training in business management. Consider whether, and when, you plan to manage your own business. E-commerce and social media are changing how business is done at a very rapid pace, so if you don’t plan on setting up shop for yourself immediately, it might be good to wait. Supplies for your projects will be ordered or purchased locally by you, with direction from your course instructor.

What are Some Online Floral Design Programs?

• The Floral Design Institute is a brick-and-mortar school in Portland, Oregon, but also offers courses online. Beginners to the industry can take a basic course, an advanced course and a wedding course, with certificates. They also offer many specialty classes such as bridal bouquets and sympathy arrangements. The basic course consists of 120 instruction hours and costs $2,850.00.
• Penn Foster Career School offers an online Floral Design Career Diploma that is self-paced but can be completed in five months. The program consists of eight courses and paid in full costs $639.00.
• The American Institute of Floral Designers also offers in-person and online courses in a series of five courses costing $79 for AIFD members and $99 for others. AIFD offers a certification through the Professional Floral Design Evaluation but advises would-be applicants to supplement online courses with on-site courses to in order to be fully prepared to pass their exam.

Floral design is a great choice for creative and artistic people who want to be a part of peoples’ most special occasions. Fortunately, with todays technology and the wide variety of offerings there is training available at every price point to help you embark on this exciting career.