Floral designers, also known as florists, typically work in floral shops. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this job has a high turn-over rate due to low wages, which means there are continually opportunities for new employees to break into the business. In 2008, the average salary for a florist was $23,230 per year, according to data published by the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics. While this is not always a high paying career, there is significant opportunity for people to work in a creative environment and many florists find the work rewarding.
The International Institute of Weddings is a professional training company aimed at educating individuals on careers in the wedding field. This company offers a home-study floral design course specifically aimed at those wishing to create bouquets, centerpieces and ceremony flowers for a wedding. The course functions in a study-at-your-own-pace format and students are given 12-months to complete the coursework. Students enrolled in the program are given an instruction manual and round-the-clock access to course instructors to answer questions and provide hands-on assistance. Upon completion of the program, students earn a career certificate in Wedding Floral Design.
Penn Foster Career School is an accredited distance-learning academy offering students the opportunity to earn a floral-design career diploma through their home study course. The course focuses on tools of floral designs, design techniques and styles, wedding floral arrangement techniques, promotion techniques and artificial floral arrangements, according to the school's website. The school includes books, equipment, instructional videos and lessons in the cost of the course. Students have the option of submitting their work on the school's website, via mail or by phone. Penn Foster aims to help students complete their work in a fashion that does not compete with their daily lifestyles or obligations. Students have access to support in the form of student forums, phone support and on-line instructor support.
Like Penn Foster, Ashworth College is an accredited distance-learning institution. Ashworth College offers a career diploma certification in floral design, according to the school's website. Students taking the floral design course complete coursework in floral design techniques including an emphasis on color and composition. Additionally, students complete supplemental courses in wedding consulting, plant care and fruit and gift basket making. Students at Ashworth receive invitation to local, industry events. All course materials including a floral design tool kit are included in the price of the course. Course instructors, which are available through on-line interaction, are always experts in the field with first-hand knowledge of the floral design business.