A florist is a skilled craftsperson who specializes in the selection and arrangement of flowers for decorative purposes. Florists work in a variety of settings, ranging from large warehouses that ship flowers around the world to small roadside stands in rural areas. Many people use the services of a florist at some point in their lives, as people appreciate receiving gifts of thoughtfully arranged flowers, particularly on significant life occasions.
Florists have been around since 1623, when the word “florist” first appeared in the English language. It is derived from the Latin floris, which means “flower,” just like the word “flower.” Florists are known for selling cut flowers, but some may also sell potted plants. Gardeners and horticulturists are in charge of flower cultivation, and florists have individual contracts with them to deliver flowers on a daily basis to ensure that they are fresh.
Florists do not typically require formal training, though most begin their careers as apprentices under a skilled florist who can teach them the ropes. A good florist has a good sense of color and flower arrangement aesthetics. He or she must also be capable of working on multiple projects at the same time; for example, a florist may be making arrangements for a large wedding while also dealing with day-to-day customers. Some florists also run their own businesses, which necessitates a strong business sense.
A florist’s primary responsibility is to arrange flowers. For people who just want to walk in and buy arrangements, most florists sell a selection of pre-arranged flower bouquets at set prices. Individual customers can come in and custom order a bouquet from available stock on the spot, or they can place an advance order, which is recommended when someone needs a large number of flowers for an event such as a wedding, funeral, or graduation.
Fresh flowers, dried flowers, ribbons, foliage, other plant material, and other ornamental features may be used in arrangements. Florists usually have vases, baskets, and other tools for displaying flowers on hand. They may also deliver their products to people recovering in hospitals, bereaved families, and others.
Florists who are well-versed in the symbolism of the flowers they work with are often very knowledgeable. Different flowers, as well as different colors, have different meanings in different cultures. Florists are generally knowledgeable about the cultural beliefs about flowers in the areas where they work, and they may also know about other cultures. This knowledge is crucial when planning flowers for special occasions such as weddings, as certain colors and flowers are considered unlucky.