OAF Cultivate’19 will be held July 13-16, 2019 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
For more information about this year’s event, please visit OFA Website.
As a florist, you have a good idea of what makes a beautiful floral arrangement, and how to communicate with types of flowers and their placement.
The next step is to achieve awareness of your floral brand. You need to look different, striking, and eye-catching to rake in these customers just like your floral arrangements. The question now is, how?
There are many options for graphic design out there, and fortunately he great thing about them is that you can go about it in many different ways, from DIY (Doing It Yourself) to hiring professionals to design your shop’s look. Here is a guide – a set of design resources for florists.
image via pexels
You should understand that doing the design yourself means more than just thinking of the design. You also need to know the technical skills required in using the tools and software needed to make the design. Luckily, these tools are getting easier to learn and use.
Design and photo editing software Adobe Photoshop is powerful but the user interface of the program can be overwhelming to first-time or inexperienced users. Thankfully, the Internet is bustling with easy graphic design software:
Image via Shutterstock
The upside of these sites is that they provide templates from which you can start building upon. There’s a huge array of choices available from their catalog, each designed for specific purposes and with modifiable text and/or images. These websites also provide extra graphics assets readily at your disposal. With a theme as flowers, you are sure to have a template or two ready to be edited!
The downside of these is that you have limited control over the assets; most of these websites do not have the full breadth and robust tools that something like Photoshop has. With a badly done design, this can be a disaster. However, you can do most of the work that you want to be done on these sites. Also, free members and guests might need to attribute the design to the website, with some watermark that you don’t want to have. These websites are great for simple work that can be done with a template, and they do it really well.
These websites usually offer these services in memberships, likely in two tiers, a free one and a premium one. Needless to say, free members get limited access to templates and assets, while premium members can access their entire library and even ask for professional help in the website.
image via pexels
If you are confident with your editing skills, you probably wouldn’t be here. However, if you are willing to expand your skill set, you can take a swing at learning Photoshop or Illustrator (a similar program, used to open most assets from design sites). You can actually get decent work done after a few YouTube tutorials or so.
Of course, Starting from scratch is a monumental task. You can take a look at several graphic design sites like Freepik and Creative Market and see some templates that you can modify. Graphical assets like icons are also readily available in these sites. You can download these files and modify them in the program, making it into the design you want.
This can be the most taxing option available, because of the nature of these programs that are aimed at professionals. Plus, just like the maker websites, you will need a premium membership to access all their assets. This option is certainly not for quick jobs, but if you want to really do it yourself, then you can just make it yourself.
Image via Shutterstock
In all honesty, we don’t have the luxury of time to actually do the design ourselves. Plus, the design can easily go horribly wrong in the hands of inexperienced users. Hiring professionals for graphic design services can be quite the number in your financial account, but for the sake of exposure and gaining customers, this can be a worthy exchange.
image via Shutterstock
The easiest way to hire professionals is to go to a freelance website and scroll from the long list of freelancers willing to do your bidding in a heartbeat’s notice.
Consider using a freelance platform like:
Upwork and Fiverr have a healthy population of freelance graphic designers that would jump at your job posting. Behance and Dribbble also have designer portfolios, though are harder to navigate. The positive thing about hiring freelance graphic designers is that the price can be relatively cheap, and you can state that they do not hold any rights to the work done.
However, revisions with freelancers are usually also paid, unless stated otherwise beforehand. You need to talk with your freelancer before getting the job done.
The first thing to look for in a freelancer is their portfolio. Freelancers usually have them posted in their profile, and you can also ask for samples during the interview phase. This helps you identify the right freelance graphic designer whose style that you prefer, although most professional designers should be able to do what you want to be done.
Because freelancers work in contracts, hiring them is great for designing quick things like posters for an upcoming promo. Turnaround times are also good because the competition in the market is rather tight.
Image via Shutterstock
This is as professional as professional design can get. These teams offer packaged deals in graphic design, like getting a logo, poster templates, and business cards done for one payment. These deals are also usually very flexible, like letting you order just a logo, or letterheads and business cards. They also allow revisions of the design, in case you didn’t like the first designs.
Out of all the options presented, this one is the one that you can get the most professional designs from. With design teams, one person may be doing the design, but then passed on to another for quality checking in order to maintain a standard set by the team internally.
Well-established teams also have great customer support, in order to create a positive reputation around themselves. Having a design team make your creative works also makes any design to be done, with little to no effort at your side. Of course, this convenience may come at a high price.
Design teams usually have a dedicated website, and you can easily scroll their portfolio to see if they are a great fit to your job. They are great for having work done about your brand, and they can produce design materials like templates that you can use for the future. Plus, you hold all rights of the designs, so you need not to worry about copyright.
What do you need to be designed? For a field as varied and subjectively beautiful as design, you need to clearly delineate your requirements and express what you want to see in your design.
If you have a particular design in mind, clearly communicate this with your graphic designer:
The idea here is that you explicitly told them of what you expect from them; this helps build a clear understanding of your end-goals.
image via pexels
We hope our how-to guide on floral design resources was useful – there are lots of tools now to design it yourself or hire a professional. But more than ever, for the floral industry branding and design are at the heart of a businesses’ success!
Florists, what are some ways you use graphic design in your business and what options do you use? Please post your comments below!
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Floranext makes great florist software. Florist websites, floral POS, florist wedding/event proposal software, and florist technology. Let us know if you want a free demo or try our software for free here.
Conveying compassion and respect for one’s passing is traditionally defined by sending flowers. The utmost disappointment is that customers take “In Lieu Of Flowers” literally. We understand it does say “In Lieu Of Flowers,” however, that in no way means the family does not want flowers at the viewing/funeral service.
As floral professionals you understand how somber a viewing/ funeral service would be without flowers. The added beauty of sympathy flower arrangements is there to offer comfort to the visitors and also pay tribute to the deceased. The terminology of “In Lieu Of Flowers” has caused an uproar in the floral community as it should, this is awfully mistaken too many times by customers.
What is a floral business owner to do with the phrase “In Lieu Of Flowers?” We do not pretend to have all the answers, however, maybe it’s time once and for all the floral industry with working with funeral businesses to boycott this phrase altogether.
Although many florists have expressed their frustrations with local funeral homes, the “In Lieu Of Flowers” phrase offers a direct message not to send flowers and undermines the floral business. This is absolutely unacceptable, besides that, the true meaning of giving flowers is lost here. Regardless if someone wants to convey sympathy with flowers or not, there is no reason for the subliminal message!
So how can you educate customers? First is take the steps to post a blog on your floral website explaining to customers what “In Lieu Of Flowers” really means. Have a small write up on the sympathy section on your website as well. Don’t be afraid to also post on social media as well!
This may or may not work, however, all it takes is one funeral home director to understand the importance of re-wording “In Lieu Of Flowers” and make a difference. Changing wording to “Send flowers and donations here,” “Memorial contributions can be sent here, ” completely changes the playing field.
There are so many different phrases that can be used to convey a less discriminatory message. What the floral community is asking for is not to make people send flowers for funeral services, but to leave tradition alone and allow people to make their own heartfelt decision.
There truly is no other sentiment you can send for a memorial service be it, charity donations or even money itself that can express as many emotions as flowers do.
Since the beginning of time flowers have been displayed for the deceased as a symbol of condolences, sympathy, and love. Thousands of years ago, they were used for their wonderful fragrances and soft beauty. In this time of mourning when words are forgotten the flowers offer comfort to its surroundings. Flowers also represent one’s life’s cycle, from one’s birth to one’s passing.
Taking the flowers out of memorial service will make the ambiance look dim and murky. The flowers are there to create an environment which is more comforting for people when mourning.
We could go on and on why flowers are so important at memorial services, the simple reason is flowers are natures miracles, and florists are natures miracle workers. Nothing in this world expresses the same sentiment as flowers do when given as an expression of sympathy. Let’s encourage people to respect tradition an appreciate flowers.
Back in the day, some may remember, it was acceptable to give a monetary donation and flowers, a mass card, food and flowers for someone’s funeral service. No matter how you looked at it flowers works hand in hand with any other expression of sympathy.
Why are things different now? Do people have less money? Why not donate to desired charity and send flowers together?
In certain circumstances, if you cannot beat them, then intrigue them! Perhaps the future of the floral business is to partner up with charities. Sympathy flowers can be sent to the memorial service and florists can also donate to the respected charity on the customer’s behalf.
Although this may sound far-fetched, there are ways to accomplish this by directly participating with well-known cause affected charities
Florists, Has “In Lieu Flowers” hurt or has had a very little effect on your floral business? Please share your feedback in the comment section below. If you have any questions please post below as well!
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Floranext makes great florist software. Florist websites, floral POS, florist wedding/event proposal software, and florist technology. Let us know if you want a free demo or try our software for free here.
An ever-increasing number of individuals share in this fun occasion by spending millions of dollars per year on sweets, home decor, costumes, and more. Couldn’t florists take advantage of Halloween?
Is it because of lack of inspiration or interest, or is Halloween outside the brand? Not everything needs to be in black and white…or purple and orange!
Instagram is a great source of inspiration for some frightening floral arrangements that can generate some interest with customers while helping you stay true to your brand and style.
Arrangement and Image by @houselarsbuilt
Arrangement and Image by @myglendaleflorist
Arrangement and image by @bernsflowersandgifts
Arrangement and image by @violetrosefloral
Arrangement and image by @itsallarranged
Arrangement and image by @sallyrosestudio
Arrangement and image by @bloomandwild_de
arrangement and image by @kendallsflorist
Arrangement and Image by @houselarsbuilt
Arrangement and image by @nwaifdchapter
Florists, are you selling Halloween arrangements at your flower shop? Are you seeing an influx in sales during this holiday? Share your comments below!
Floranext makes great florist software. Florist websites, floral POS, florist wedding/event proposal software, and florist technology. Let us know if you want a free demo or try our software for free here.
Halloween has gained serious recognition among business retailers and no wonder why, as adults look forward and partake in this fun holiday and are spending millions on the holiday.
It is said that Halloween sales surpass every holiday except Christmas. So why aren’t Florists cashing in on Halloween? In this blog, we want to help floral businesses cash in on Halloween profits and establish long lasting patrons.
image via wikipedia.com
Make a few creative, spine – chilling, Halloween flower arrangements and donate them to your local busy eateries, pubs, hair salons, and so on.
Think large crowds and make sure your business card is displayed and visible.
Many florists have participated in donating arrangements and it has paid off big time. The purpose here is to bring recognition to your flower shop business.
Tip: Donate an arrangement to the main office of your high school. Kids love these and will remember your flower shop when prom comes around.
image via pixabay.com
First impressions count! Be sure to make your window display or front entrance stand out and ooze with creativity. Getting patrons into your flower shop is key in increasing your profits.
Tip: Adding an enticing sign to your entrance will help bring traffic into your store, remember, everyone loves bargains incorporate these signs in the Halloween decor.
image via pixabay.com
Think of carrying a few Halloween specific items in your store. Patrons flock for candles, Halloween baskets, soaps, lotions, and jewelry. Make a small display, preferably at the front counter near cash drawer. Create designer pumpkins with ribbon, wheat, and other fall items to create a centerpiece that will last through the fall season.
Tip: It’s great to include mums, hay, and pumpkins for sale, at your shop. These items will allow your patrons to buy all they need from one location.
image via pixabay.com
Cold calling still works, if you are located near hotels, corporate businesses, and busy restaurants, pick up the phone and give them a ring. Ask them if they would like a jaw-dropping Halloween arrangement for their lobby or front entrance, you will be surprised how great this works.
image via pixabay.com
These are all the rage and create fun exciting pass times for your patrons. Remember the theme is Halloween. You can teach anything from a fun Halloween arrangement, like adding flowers to a pumpkin or even decorating a Halloween wreath.
These are buzz worthy, don’t forget to post on social media!
Make sure to update your floral website. Do not skip over Halloween, make sure to add some beautiful Halloween arrangements and items for sale.
How about also writing a Halloween blog? Offering your readers some creative tips for this festive holiday. This will help increase your SEO and make your eCommerce store recognizable across the internet. Be sure to add enough content and images. Remember, Dia De Los Muertos is November 1st.
Involving the media is a sure way to get you and your flower shop recognized. There are many things you can offer on Halloween to get you recognized in the media.
If you are close to your local news channel, send them a beautiful creative flower arrangement. Make sure to offer the arrangement to all the anchors and thank them for a job well done. You are sure to get your flower shop and creative arrangements on the news.
Another way is get your schools involved, offer free arrangements for students who write the best essays, these can include why Halloween is their favorite holiday, someone they admire and so on.
Image purchased with license through dreamstime.com
If you are open on Halloween have everyone dress up. This may sound far-fetched, however, you will see an increase traffic into your store if everyone is participating. Have one of your best -dressed employees stand out front your store throughout the day preferably holding an enticing sign.
Offer special discounts on single stem or bunched flowers for costumes or accessories for customer Halloween costumes.
These are just a few suggestions on how florists can tie Halloween into marketing and sales. We would love to hear about your Halloween marketing and sales tips, please share with our readers below.
SAF’s 1-Day Profit Blast Was launched in 2016 and since then has been presented in many cities across the U.S.
The Profit Blast is to provide florists with great educational content from aspects of design, business, tech and more.
The one-day event is perfect for florists that can’t be away from their flower shops for more than one day at a time.
Florists can also enjoy the supplier expo.
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. – Registration, Breakfast & Supplier Showcase
8:30– 9 a.m. – Opening Comments
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. – M3 : Money Making Mechanics – Speaker: Derek C. Woodruff, AIFD, CFD, CF, PFCI, Floral Underground, Traverse City, Michigan
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Vendor Spotlight/Refreshment Break/Supplier Showcase
11:00 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. – Treasure Hunt: Finding Your Hidden Profits – Speaker: Derrick Myers, CPA, CFP, PFCI, president of Crockett, Myers & Associates, Inc.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Supplier Showcase, Networking Breaks & Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Smart Selling – Speaker: Tim Huckabee, president of FloralStrategies, LLC
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. – Vendor Spotlight/Refreshment Break/Supplier Showcase
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. – What’s Up (and Coming) with Social Media – Speaker: Crystal Vilkaitis, owner, Social Edge
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Supplier Showcase, Networking Breaks & Lunch
For more information and registration – please visit SAF website.
image via Instagram via budsandthornsla
It’s very rare that the floral industry makes controversial news, but with the legalization of marijuana in some parts of the world, florists have seen this as an opportunity to market to new customers by offering something a bit risqué and novel in their creative floral designs.
Some say this is their ticket to gain notoriety and bring in more traffic and book more events by offering mariflorals. Yes, that is correct, Marijuana in floral arrangements.
Floral design with marijuana is a fairly new concept in the flower industry—only a handful of floral professionals are taking this leap now, but who knows—this may become the norm in years to come.
Image via Instagram via budsandthornsla
For those who have dabbled in designing with cannabis/marijuana, the results have been positive with delicate flower arrangements incorporating a touch of marijuana, some even say the greens from the marijuana leaves actually create a balanced fusion in their designs. With more customers opting for marijuana in their florals mainly at weddings, the rise for birthday mariflorals is now picking up speed as well.
We grant that while some of you may think this is genius, others may find the idea downright inappropriate, but having awareness of the evolving flower industry is key to keeping us all current.
image via instagram via mother_indica
At this time, due to current State laws in regards to Marijuana, the customer/client will actually need to provide the florist with the marijuana plant itself and must be legal in your area. After your customer provides the marijuana plants it cannot be delivered, it must be picked up by the customer.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only, we are in no way telling you to incorporate or sell marijuana with your florals. Please check your local laws before designing with cannabis, and do so at your own risk.
image via Instagram via budsandthornsla
Florists, we would love to hear your feedback on designing with marijuana, and if you have incorporated marijuana in your florals please let us know all about it in the comment section below!
Floranext offers great florist software, florist POS, florist websites and florist wedding proposal software. Our florist technology products are built by florists, for florists. Let us know if you want a free demo or try our software for free here.
Ah, Fall! The time where kids are going back to school, the brisk autumn air and a harvest of flower trends galore.This bountiful season is approaching with exciting inspirational florals that encompass the beginning of this wondrous time of the year. Floral trends are defined by something that is new, different and copied because of its enormous popularity and demand. These forecasted floral trends are making a huge impact with loyal followers on social media.
Take a look at the top 5 Fall Forecasted Trends below and see if this is something you are currently implementing or inspired to try something new.
image via Instagram via la flor flower
It’s safe to say that flower baskets are used pretty much daily by floral designers, how wonderful that they are now actually trending for the upcoming Fall season.
The biggest component here is to use quality baskets with an organic flower design which is slightly more structured.
image via Instagram via fleurette
Oh my! Flowers in a box are so popular right now in Europe. Not to be confused with flowers that protrude out of the box. These floral box arrangements are made to be completely inside the box, revealing its beauty when the box lid is open.
Customers love these as gifts and sometimes add other surprises such as sweets or jewelry to complete this unique beautiful gift. It’s very simple to make these arrangements with cellophane, oasis and the box of your choice with matching lid.
Image via Instagram via Pink Diamond Co
Wedding bouquets with added multiple strands of high quality flowing ribbon are amongst the hottest trend for fall. Although already very hot this summer, the difference now is the longer the ribbon, the more romantic the look. Pair it with gradual lengths of ribbon either the same color or different hues in the same color family for Fall.
Image via Instagram via printa_zita via The Wildflower Bar
There is a new creative twist on flower wreaths this season which is more organic, rustic with a little whimsy. These floral wreaths are now being sold by large chain home decor stores because of their high demand.
Image via Instagram via Frosty Photo via Crimson Wedding Flowers
Flowers and feathers are actually not a new trend. Florists have been incorporating feathers in their floral arrangements for centuries. The difference this fall is the quality and uniqueness of the feathers. Opt for feathers with interesting geometric designs and length.
Do not limit feathers to only wedding bouquets these look great in any basket arrangement, vase or centerpiece.
Be sure to refer to this Floral Cheat Sheet for trending flowers and greens selection.
Florists, what are your thoughts on these trends for Fall Yay or Nay? Have you incorporated any of these top 5 Fall Trends in your flower shop? Please share your feedback or questions below in the comment section.
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Floranext makes great florist software. Florist websites, floral POS, florist wedding/event proposal software, and florist technology. Let us know if you want a free demo or try our software for free here.
Although flower crowns are hugely sought after for weddings and special events now, they are actually a floral trend of the past starting in Ancient Greece where they were worn to pay tribute to gods and then much later to represent peace, love and harmony.
We welcome the flower crown today which represents celebration, some say fertility, besides that there is no doubt about it, everyone just looks so attractive in a flower crown.
Most florists know how to make a flower crown, but for those who are new to the floral industry, this blog will show you the easiest way to make a basic flower crown.
You will need Wire, Wire Cutters or Floral Scissors, Stem Wrap Tape and Crowning Glory.
Floral Wire – You will need 22-inch gauge and 26-inch gauge wire. If you only have 26-inch gauge wire just be sure to double up to make the wire stronger when making the crown form.
Floral Stem Wrap – This is the same tape used for corsages and boutonnieres self-sealing wrap which sticks to itself and flower stems.
Wire Cutters/Floral Scissors – What ever your preference is, you may feel it is easier and faster to work with both of these.
Crowning Glory – Slows the deterioration and browning of flowers, greens and plants.
There are so many variations of greens you may use in a floral crown. If making a dainty floral crown you may opt for smaller leaf greens. We encourage you to try many variations of greens in your flower crowns.
Eucalyptus – is a great leaf choice, There are multiple variations of Eucalyptus that can be used to achieve that so sot after bohemian flower crown look.
Tip: Do not limit yourself, experiment with different floral green variations when making your floral crown and try mixing greens together it looks amazing.
Pick your desired flower stems, think of what you want to accomplish with the flower crown. For a cluster on one side use, the main flower stem called the “statement flower” these can be big dahlias or garden roses, these look best with smaller surrounding flowers.
For the bohemian flower crown, that is ever so popular with smaller flowers, loads of greens, berries and filler flowers work to accomplish the look and feel.
Filler flowers should be selected as a compliment to the floral greens and flowers, use little touches here and there which provides lots of whimsy to the flower crown.
Be sure to select different variations of flowers if using spray roses, select buds and open roses, to create movement within the flower crown.
Tip: When you have the basics down on making a flower crown, there really are no rules when selecting flowers, greens and filler. Use a little of this, or no greens, or more filler, it’s up to your imagination and creation. Just be sure the flower crown still consists of the basic principles of flower design, Balance, Harmony, Proportion, Movement & Unity.
We promise its way easier then it looks.
Tip: Be sure to always use 100% Crowning Glory do not dilute with water, adding water does not allow Crowning Glory to work to its full benefit and has little affect in prolonging the life of your flowers.
Submit your Flower Crown images and be featured in August blog with credit to you and your flower shop! For all Flower Crown image submissions email here info@Floranext.com be sure to add your name, shop name and designer of flower crown.
Florists do you have a Flower Crown tip? Please share your feedback in the comment section below. If you have any questions please post below as well!
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Floranext makes great florist software. Florist websites, floral POS, florist wedding/event proposal software, and florist technology. Let us know if you want a free demo or try our software for free here.
Surprisingly people have taken an interest in the actual floral and greenery stems of the arrangement rather than the overall look and feel. Of course, the look and feel is just as important but picking the blooms and greens is equally as important.
Florists, we understand how this can be a catch 22, as some florals and greens may not be readily available or could even be impractical. However, we must pay homage to the overwhelming interest in florals and their greenery counter-partners, as this has given florists the recognition they so deserve for their exceptional creativity and artistry status.
In this blog, we will list the hottest most sought after trending floral, greenery and succulent stems. Most florists will be familiar with these blooms however for those that are new to the floral industry, this will be your go to blooms cheat sheet.
These are the hottest trending greens right now and are here to stay for a long time. Using these greens will beautifully accentuate any floral arrangement. Try incorporating a new go to green at your flower shop to any floral vase, or design piece you make to add that updated look and feel.
Tip: Mixing eucalyptus varieties in floral garlands looks absolutely breathtaking and offers that vintage look that is so in right now.
Let’s face it, succulents in floral arrangements are here to stay. Strategically placed succulents in any floral design offer high impact. We also love the fact that succulents are so resilient and long lasting.
If you are not using herbs in your floral arrangements yet then just wait, these are so current and will get even more popular in time.
Using herbs in floral designs are very popular because of the special meaning behind each herb, which provides a specific good fortune. Try incorporating some of these trending herbs in your floral arrangements and wedding designs.
These flower stems offer that bohemian modish style that is so alluring and captivating for all. Paired with greens, succulents, and herbs these blooms make for a show-stopping presentation.
We hope that this list will be helpful in providing knowledge of the top trending blooms, greens, and succulents. Florists are there any floral blooms, greens, or succulents not listed? Please share an essential flower, green, succulent or herb that you feel every florist should utilize in their flower shop.
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Floranext makes great florist software. Florist websites, floral POS, florist wedding/event proposal software, and florist technology. Let us know if you want a free demo or try our software for free here.
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