Behind the Scenes of Floristry
We typically only see the pretty side of being a florist but not everything is “Instagram Perfect.” Here are some things florists encounter that you might not think about:
Dirty Buckets
We go through a lot of buckets throughout the week, especially on busy weeks with multiple events. The buckets need to be cleaned when reprocessing your coolers. The dirty buckets pile up and need to be washed and dried before using again. It’s a simple task but takes time to wash multiple large buckets.
You need to think of a good space for drying as well. Outdoors works nice if it’s not too windy. Stacking into a pyramid formation is also a great way to take up less space & make sure the buckets are completely dry before stacking for storage. (Otherwise you end up with mold & mildew...NOT good for the flowers!)
Moldy Flowers
Finding moldy flowers in your cooler is never fun. That’s why it’s important to reprocess your coolers by giving your flowers a fresh cut and refreshing their water. We also sometimes come across moldy flowers in new shipments. This doesn’t happen often but when it does you need to call your supplier and let them know. That’s why it’s important to plan and order early in case you need to reorder.
On your Feet (a lot!)
As a florist you work on your feet quite a bit. You can get a chair to work on arrangements but I find it easier to stand. I stand on a cushioned anti-fatigue mat and wear comfortable shoes to help minimize back pain.
Cold Weather
When the temperature drops below freezing and you have to make a delivery you need to make sure your flowers are protected. We use plastic sleeves designed to fit our delivery boxes. But in a pinch...or for really large arrangements, I’ve use a trash bag to cover the arrangements to keep them safe. (Just make sure it’s unscented!) One of our coolers is outside so we have to be careful and watch the temp when we’re bringing them inside. Even just a few minutes in freezing weather can ruin flowers.
Broken Nails and Dry Skin
Washing buckets and working with flowers can leave your skin dry so I suggest wearing gloves. Your nails may break as well. O’Keefe’s Working Hands lotion is a life-saver!
Transportation
Having enough space to deliver multiple arrangements safely is very important. A van is a great investment as a florist. You don’t want to make multiple trips, especially when the delivery location is out of the way.
