It shocked me I have to say as a qualified florist, yes that's correct we do have qualifications and I am very proud of mine, as well as years of experienced learning from my peers in the industry; its scary to think that the general public may not know what a florist does!! that little shop on your high street is only their to sell bunches?? Problem is anyone can, and does call themselves a florist...............everyone knows someone who does flowers, very few realise that there is so much more to being a florist than playing with flowers.
You see before you can play with the flowers ( and I know that term winds me up but that's what everyone thinks I do) they have to be selected from a grower or a wholesaler, there are different grades/quality this affects the cost, better quality gives better, stronger flowers, they last longer. Then they have to be put into water, this is called conditioning. Done correctly it adds to the quality of the flowers and in turn this is passed on to the customer upon purchase; helpful tips depending on the flower, flower food etc Flowers that can, depending upon the variety last for weeks. Roses, yes roses that last for weeks!!
We , as professionals, know whats in season when, what will look best if your working to a theme or budget. What will last the longest sat in a hot marquee on your wedding day or designs that will sit on your loved ones grave, weather permitting for a while , so when you visit your not greeted by a mass of dead heads, rotting away the next day.
Then there is workmanship, yes I'll be the first to say you can cut corners and save money but this does affect the design you end up with. I focus on this because to many people email or ring up for a price.....they have know idea what the price is for, as they don't ask. Believe me no two florists work the same, even if we copied each other or were given the same flowers, I promise you the work would be different. That is what you pay for. Funeral letters are always a good example, the frames are all the same, same size, similar makes so its the flowers/design you pay for.............and yes when I make them up I could move the ribbon edge further up and use less flowers, or I could just not put any sprays on the letters but I won't. Why not? because that's my work and I am proud to say its my work, I can't cut corners and produce something sub standard because then I can't tell everyone I made it, I would be ashamed of it.
Yes I could use much smaller roses for a Brides bouquet, yes it would be half the cost but they won't last more than a few hours out of water and this is your big day, when your evening guests arrive you should still be able to show off your flowers, not a wilted heap hidden in the corner.
Its hard enough being in business, its even harder when everyone thinks they know how easy your job is?? Don't find out the hard way, that the difference between a professional florist and someone who does flowers is the fact that you get let down with your order. The difference is often years of industry based training, City and Guild qualifications and a wealth of knowledge that is constantly being updated up against a 12 week evening class course. There is no comparison and you will get what you pay for. Always check out the florist you use, they should be able to provide with references of past customers, albums and portfolios of there own work, visit their shop or studio and see what they have. Ask them about their experience, qualifications....its your money you should feel happy where you spend it??
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