Floral Design Program: Professional Training for Careers in Floral Design
Our famed six-week program is the best way to quickly enter the floral design industry. Learn from top florists in the nation, to prepare for a professional careers and be immersed our simulated environment filled with flowers! At the culmination of the program students will have the foundation skills, techniques and design aptitude to work in or open their own professional flower shop or design studio.
The Floral Design Program is the only licensed floral program in the State of New York by the New York State Education Department. Licensure under the State recognizes the school as a high quality and career oriented school.
Why FlowerSchool?
- All FDP students receive an internship at a popular NYC based floral design business.
- Only licensed floral design school in New York by NYSED BPSS
- Our curriculum and faculty is State reviewed and licensed by the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision
- Students receive vital work experience and resume building opportunities
- Use premier blooms and varieties of flowers for hands-on work
- Our faculty includes some of the best designers in the business
- We offer flexible payment plans
- Access to job placement and alumni assistance after graduation
The Floral Design Program is a total cost of $8,150. Learn about our various payment plans, please email flowerschool@flowerschoolny.com
Included in your enrollment is:
- Six-weeks of instruction
- Hand-guide and additional hand outs
- All flowers, materials & container per class
- Floristry tool kit: apron, floral knife, floral clipper
- Access to alumni opportunities & outreach
To enroll in the Floral Design Program students must submit:
- the completed Enrollment Form
- a copy of High School Diploma or equivalent
- $600 Down Payment & Registration Fee. All students must be at least 18 years old
Floral Design Program Curriculum
The comprehensive Floral Design Program course requirements.
The Floral Design Program is comprised of multiple series and individual classes that focus on subject matter that is critical to succeeding in the floral design industry. The curriculum is outlined below, with approximations of the hours required to complete each series. From this specific curriculum students not only learn the best practices and skills, but also build confidence in their abilities to find success in the industry.
The Floral Design Program also requires a 50 hr internship after completing the 84 hours of curriculum.
Introductory Series
9 Total Hours
This series of classes starts at the very beginning of floral design and teaches the foundation level skills in floral design. Skills include how to correctly handle and care for flowers, how to use a floral knife and clippers, and the conditioning of flowers for optimal vase-life longevity. This series teaches simple, high-end designs that highlight the flowers’ most beautiful and unique characteristics. Once learned, these designs can be recreated at home again and again.
Learn about the hybrid tea roses and other varieties. How are they grown and where. How are they shipped and how does this process effect the price and quality of the product. What characteristics can you expect from the different shipping and growing countries including longevity and flower conditions. Techniques to help hydrate roses and other hard stemmed flowers after shipping. How to use floral equipment safely and effectively. Students complete “Rose Twist” design using the knowledge and skills taught during the session .
Learn about about soft-stemmed flowers; how they grow and who grows the best varieties. How to get them to hydrate and last. Methods of conditioning soft-stemmed flowers. Learn a set of general designs to help soft stemmed flowers keep their shape including manipulating the stems so their best face is always shows and using other materials as aids to hold designs together. Student complete a graphic twisit design using only soft-stemmed flowers as a test of student knowledge.
Learn to start mixing different flowers and textures. How to achieve a chic seemingly garden look while keeping to a strict set of design instructions. Students will learn how to condition hydrangea and the other seasonal elements. The positives & negatives of floral foam and how to use it correctly. The techniques of building a composition so it can be consistent in design and travel well. Each student is responsible to build on arrangement using the above-demonstrated method as a test of student knowledge.
Traditional Dutch method where bouquet is made in the hand. This style and look is reminiscent of classic Dutch still life paintings. Students will learn the methodical construction of making bouquets by having all the stems going in the same direction and evenly distributed. Students will all build Dutch hand tied bouquet of their own as a test of student knowledge.
Intermediate Series
11 Hours Total
After learning the basic floristry techniques in the Introduction Series, the Intermediate Series will introduce the next level of floral design skills and techniques including purchasing flowers and building recipes.
Learn what the wholesale market is and what advantages & disadvantages it provides. Sellers insure competitive prices, larger selection of different flower varieties and consistency of product. Students will learn about how to purchase from a variety of sources. Learn how to work with local flower farmer’s and wholesalers workflow and how to manage expectations. How to buy flowers based on cost, quality and location. Students will price out the designs made in the class using actual prices from the day’s purchase as a test of student knowledge.
Students will learn how to build a palette of similarly toned, monochromatic colors using different varieties of flowers. All students will make the design using the above techniques while seeing the different color and texture variations as a test of student knowledge. Learn to construct an arrangement using the crisscross technique using heavier flowers first to form a more stable grid.
Learn about bridal bouquets and the different popular styles. Condition the seasonal flowers used in this bouquet. Use the skills learned in Class 4 and improve on them to make a more polished, professional, balanced bridal bouquet. All stems need to be arranged going in the same direction while blooms need to be at the appropriate height. This class is a focus on detail, color, texture, wrapping styles and bow styles. All students will make the design using the above techniques while seeing the different color and texture variations as a test of student knowledge.
Learn how to condition large botanical elements for large-scale floral designs including selecting the right clippers and how to use them. How to prune each piece to make sure that it is the right shape for designing and selecting the right vase styles. Students will learn how to Insert stems into the vase in the spiral fashion to easily manipulate the position and look of each branch. Each student will make a large-scale design with branches, flowers and other elements as a test of student knowledge.
Introduction to Tablescaping. In this class students will learn how to coordinate the entire look of a table including the silverware, candles and of course flowers. We will create two different looks or design styles to demonstrate how the flowers and decor can change the environment. Students will learn how to gauge the height and dimension of flower arrangements to work within sight lines, how to keep multiple arrangements similar to achieve a coherent and overall look and to maintain consistency of theme and concept according to the event or client’s request.
Conditioning & Floral Workflow Lab
4 Hours Total
The Conditioning Lab is a simulated design studio experience where students spend the entire day conditioning flowers for up and coming projects. Student will learn the best workflow to process flowers including how to check-in materials, prepping containers and conditioning different varieties of flowers depending on their needs and time of use. * Conditioning Lab will end when the project for the day is complete; time can vary.
Advanced Design Series
9 Hours Total
The Advanced Design Series is a continuation of the Intensive Series where students learn more advanced techniques and develop their own style of floral design. Students will learn four different mechanics of arranging that are commonly used for achieving a specific look. Each student will also be responsible for creating a sketch of the concept and design, picking their own color palette for each instructional technique and selecting their own flowers to best fit their concept.
This class will focus on using chicken wire to help build a grid for floral design. Rather than replicating a design like in earlier classes, students will have to develop their own colors and style based on the class lecture. The instructor will coach each student to insure that they are successful.
This class will focus on building a tape & grid system for large-scale design. Rather than replicating a design like in earlier classes, students will have to develop their own colors and style based on the class lecture. The instructor will coach each student to insure that they are successful.
This class will focus on creating organic containers and how to create cohesive floral compositions. Rather than replicating a design like in earlier classes, students will have to develop their own colors and style based on the class lecture. The instructor will coach each student to insure that they are successful.
Over the last ten years a new standard of design has become prominent and celebrated throughout the floral design community, best demonstrated by designers like Ingrid Carozzi of Tin Can Studios, Sullivan Owen and Summer Robbins Flowers. With origins in Brooklyn, California and Texas, this contemporary aesthetic will feature asymmetry with an emphasis on foliage. Building upon the techniques learned in Class 10, students will create their own interpretation of an asymmetrical design that is both engaging and representative of today’s most exciting arrangements.
Advanced Design Floral Photography & Content Marketing 101
5 Hours Total
Photographs of floral designs can often be the only record of a beautiful design or concept. In this introductory workshop students will learn the basics of floral photography & content marketing. Students will learn the essential skills to improve their photography practice and how to better market, generate a brand and reach out to your customer base. In this workshop, students will learn:
- Marketing & Branding 101
- Traditional vs. Content Marketing
- How to Write a Press Release
- Social Media Engagement, Strategic Plan & Vision
- How to take a professional still life photo
- How to make a good photo GREAT
Wiring Wiring Techniques & Methods
6 Hours Total
Wiring flowers is a classic technique of the masters. From head wreaths, to boutonnières to fully wired cascading bouquets, this class aims to make you a pro. You will learn how to wire 12 different flowers using 3 solid techniques that will enable you to wire everything. You with then make a head wreath, boutonnière, corsage and cascading bouquet.
In this class students learn how to choose flowers for boutonnieres, head wreaths and corages based on longevity and appropriateness for each application. Hand-wiring techniques will be demonstrated for specific flower types and then applied to each application. Students will take home a head wreath and boutonniere as created in class.
Students will learn how to create a modern, cascading bridal bouquet incorporating hand-wired blossoms with natural blooms. Students will learn how to wire stems to create length, how to manipulate stems and blooms to feature a flower’s best features and how to create a lush, cascading bouquet to produce an overall dramatic effect. Students will take home their romantic bouquets!
Large-Scale Installations for Weddings, Events & Corporate
12 Hours Total
This 2-day series focuses on large scale installations for maximum wow. The installations program is the closes program we have to large scale sculpture with living materials and includes an elevated centerpiece design, large-scale monumental urn, flowering arch and hanging chandelier. Each student will make very big things. The only problem, how to fit them in the cab!
In this class, students will learn how to decorate a ceremony site with large-scale, 180-degree arrangements. A short talk will focus on vessel choice and scale of arrangements. The instructor will demonstrate how to prep a large-scale container with oasis and chicken wire, and create a three-sided arrangement that is structurally balanced as well as stunningly beautiful! Students will work in groups to recreate large-scale arrangements.
This class will feature elevated designs for events or weddings. This style allows for a floral component to be raised at least 24 inches off the table, which greatly changes the direction and viewpoint of the design. Students must concentrate on the viewer’s perspective as well as making a perfectly round design building on Oasis techniques from Class #3.
A brief discussion on the meaning and appropriateness of Chuppahs, arches and canopies for wedding ceremonies. Construction of a canopy or Chuppah will be created and students will learn specific techniques for applying flowers to canopies. The floral canopy will be decorated collectively by the group, weather permitting, in our beautiful outdoor garden space.
In this all-day workshop we will pull back the curtain on large-scale designs discussing real-world logistics, construction, pricing, installation practices and managing client expectations when it comes to over-the-top design. Students will create their own hanging chandelier that will teach the best techniques for these ever challenging design concepts.
Sympathy Workshop
4 Hours Total
In this class students with work through the stages of planning a funeral using flowers as the medium to soothe and comfort the bereaved. Reviewing funeral traditions and treatments from around the world, this class will focus on the meaning of sympathy flowers in a non-cliched approach demonstrating how flowers can send a powerful message during a difficult time. Students will learn how to decorate a funeral wreath and casket spray using seasonal flowers.
Flower Shop Series
9 Hours Total
The Flower Shop Series is a four part series that will teach the class the workflow of owning a flower shop and will cover the following subjects. This class is for students with floral design experience who plan to open a retail shop or people who have shops who are looking to expand and redefine their businesses.
Understanding the type of business that you wish to have is the first task in preparing to open a shop. Do you want to have a shop that focuses on events (wedding and corporate) or gifts (retail) or a combination of the two? We will provide three working models so that you can visualize the type of business that would a best fit. Upfront costs will be discussed.
Section two focuses on preparation for daily orders. Students will be tasked with designing a variety of common requests, ordering the flowers for those designs and making sure they are within budget. Here, we will go over standard pricing practices, presentation, customer expectations and vendor relationships.
In the morning of day two, students will start their day operating as they were in a flower shop. The flowers will be conditioned; orders will be filled for specific clients with specific requirements. Finally, we will learn different wrapping styles and demonstrate successful working methods for each.
Part four will concentrate on the branding of the business, building a clientele creating a dynamic website and merchandising
Wedding Design Series
15 Hours Total
In this three-day course, students learn the full process of creating the overall floral design for a wedding. Students begin with creating storyboards, receive instruction in conducting consultations and creating proposals, how to purchase floral product and finally, creating the mock-execution of the event’s designs. Each student is required to develop their own wedding floral designs based on specific client requests and finishes with a mockup table decor and presentation to the “client.” This is a great opportunity for students to practice event production with specific client requests, budgets and of course, flowers. Day Two will focus on flower buying, production and construction of designs. This day will be led by designer Calvert Crary
Internship
50 Hours Total
Providing our students with opportunities in the floral field is an important goal for FlowerSchool NY. We work hard to help our students find real world experiences in order to continue their floral education in the field. We work with several affiliate flower shops and studios throughout the country that offer our students internships ranging from weekends to one month and full year opportunities. Many of our students build upon these experiences to open their own shops or secure a full-time position at an existing studio.
Registration & Requirements
Enrollment, Total Cost & Hours, Payment Schedule, Tuition Refund & Cancellation Policy
Enrollment Form & Policy
Registration for all classes is limited. Students are advised to register as soon as possible to ensure their enrollment in the Floral Design Program. Registrations are processed upon receipt and a letter of confirmation is e-mailed by the Registration Office. Students without access to e-mail will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within a week of registration. If the letter is not received within a week, students should call the School at 212.661.8074 to confirm registration. Course dates, times, and classrooms are subject to change—students with questions should check with the Registration Office. Students must notify the Registration Office of changes in their student information. Changes can be submitted at any time via phone, fax, e-mail, U.S. mail, or in person.
Students must:
- provide a high school degree, (or GED or equivalent)
- be at least 18 years of age at the time of entrance in the school.
Total Cost & Hours
The Floral Design Program is a total cost cost of $8,150 and requires a total of 134 hours which includes class time and internship hours. To reserve your spot in an upcoming session, please provide a $600 Down Payment & Registration Fee.
Please see below for payment schedule. Classes can also be accrued individually to work toward the total number of required hours for the program.
Payment Schedule & Methods
| WINTER SESSION ’22 (BEGINNING MONDAY, JANUARY 10TH) | |
| Non-Refundable Registration Fee $100 and $500 deposit due | December 27 |
| 50% of balance due ($3,625) | January 10 |
| Remaining balance due ($3,625) | January 24 |
| SPRING SESSION ’22 (BEGINNING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH) | |
| Non-Refundable Registration Fee $100 and $500 deposit due | January 14 |
| 50% of balance due ($3,625) | February 28 |
| Remaining balance due ($3,625) | March 14 |
| SUMMER SESSION ’22 (BEGINNING MONDAY, MAY 2ND) | |
| Non-Refundable Registration Fee $100 and $500 deposit due | April 18 |
| 50% of balance due ($3,625) | May 2 |
| Remaining balance due ($3,625) | May 16 |
| SUMMER II SESSION ’22 (BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 6TH) | |
| Non-Refundable Registration Fee $100 and $500 deposit due | May 23 |
| 50% of balance due ($3,625) | June 6 |
| Remaining balance due ($3,625) | June 20 |
| ̶F̶A̶L̶L̶ ̶I̶ ̶S̶E̶S̶S̶I̶O̶N̶ ̶’̶2̶2̶ ̶(̶B̶E̶G̶I̶N̶N̶I̶N̶G̶ ̶M̶O̶N̶D̶A̶Y̶,̶ ̶S̶E̶P̶T̶E̶M̶B̶E̶R̶ ̶1̶2̶T̶H̶)̶ *SOLD OUT* (INDIVIDUAL CLASSES STILL AVAILABLE) |
|
| Non-Refundable Registration Fee $100 and $500 deposit due | August 29 |
| 50% of balance due ($3,625) | September 12 |
| Remaining balance due ($3,625) | September 26 |
| FALL II SESSION ’22 (BEGINNING MONDAY, OCTOBER 17TH) | |
| Non-Refundable Registration Fee $100 and $500 deposit due | October 3 |
| 50% of balance due ($3,625) | October 17 |
| Remaining balance due ($3,625) | October 31 |
Tuition Refund & Cancellation Policy
A student who cancels within 7 days of signing the enrollment agreement but before instruction begins receives all monies returned with the exception of the non-refundable $500 registration fee. Thereafter, a student will be liable for:
- The non-refundable registration fee plus
- The cost of any textbooks, supplies accepted plus
- tuition liability as of the student’s last date of physical attendance. Tuition liability is determined by the percentage of the program offered to the student.
| IF TERMINATION OCCURS THE SCHOOL MAY KEEP: | |
| 0 – 15% of the program | 35% |
| 16 – 35% of the program | 66% |
| 36 – 50% of the program | 80% |
| After 51% of the program | 100% |
Student Tuition Liability Chart
| PERCENTAGE COMPLETED | COMPLETED PORTION OF PROGRAM | TOTAL AMOUNT THE SCHOOL MAY KEEP |
| 0 – 15% | Day One – Day Five | $2,852.50 |
| 16 – 35% | Day Six – Day Ten | $5,379 |
| 36% – 50% | Day Eleven – Day Fifteen | $6,520 |
| After 51% | Day Sixteen – End of Program | $8,150 |
If an applicant accepted by the School cancels prior to the start of scheduled classes or never attends class, the School will refund all monies paid, less the registration fee ($100). The School retains an additional $150 when a student is recruited from outside the United States or its territories and possesses a visa to enter the country for study.The refund due will be calculated using the last date of attendance and be paid within thirty (30) calendar days from the documented date of determination. The date of determination is the date the student gives written or verbal notice of withdrawal to the School or the date the School terminates the student, by applying the School’s attendance, conduct, or Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
If the School cancels or discontinues its program, the School will make a full refund of all tuition paid for that period
Schedules
Class Schedules, Program Hours, Enrollment Deadlines, Holidays
2023 Class Schedules
Dates & Times may vary slightly to include holidays and take advantage of special opportunities that come up during the program.
Program Hours in Detail
| SIX WEEK PROGRAM | COURSES ACCOMPLISHED | # OF INSTRUCTIONAL HRS. PER WEEK |
Week One | Introductory Series Intermediate Series |
20 |
Week Two | Conditioning & Floral Workflow Lab Advanced Design Series Floral Photography & Content Marketing 101 |
18 |
Week Three | Wiring Techniques & Methods Large-Scale Installations Series For Events, Wedding & Corporate Sympathy Workshop |
22 |
Week Four | Consultation to Execution: Wedding Design Series Flower Shop Series |
24 |
| Week Five | Flower Shop Internship | 25 |
| Week Six | Flower Shop Internship | 25 |
Sessions & Enrollment Deadlines
The FlowerSchool New York Floral Design Program is a six-week program offered five times a year. FlowerSchool New York accepts a Rolling Enrollment; first come, first served until the program reaches capacity.
PROGRAM Winter Session 23′ | DURATION | ENROLLMENT DEADLINE Rolling Enrollment Deadline: | GRADUATION DATE February 17th |
| Spring Session 23′ | March 1 – April 10 | Rolling Enrollment Deadline: January 14th | April 7th |
| Summer Session 23′ | May 3 – June 12 | Rolling Enrollment Deadline: April 18th | May 2nd |
| Summer Session II 23′ | June 7 – July 17 | Rolling Enrollment Deadline: May 23rd | June 30th |
| Fall Session I ’23 | Sept. 13 – Oct. 23 | Rolling Enrollment Deadline: September 29th | October 20th |
| Fall Session II ’22 | Oct. 18 – Nov. 27 | Rolling Enrollment Deadline: October 10th | November 21st |
2023 Holiday Schedule
- New Year’s Day – Saturday, January 1, 2023
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 16th, 2023
- President’s Day – Monday, February 20th, 2023
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 29th, 2023
- Independence Day – Monday, July 4th, 2023
- Labor Day – Monday, September 4th, 2023
- Columbus/Indigenous People Day – Monday, October 9th, 2023
- Veteran’s Day – Friday, November 10th, 2023
- Thanksgiving – Thursday, Nov 23rd, 2023
- Christmas – Sunday, December 25th, 2023
Internship Programs
Our Internship Program
FlowerSchool partners will several of the best flower shops and studios in New York to provide a 50- hour internship experience as apart of the Floral Design program. These internship provide vital opportunities for students to practice their skills and techniques in real-world studio settings. Students assist will all aspects of the floral business from weddings, events, weeklies, conditioning & flower prep, deliveries and more. These internships have the potential to grow into longer opportunities outside the school ranging from weekends, to one month and full year positions. Many of our students build upon these experiences to open their own shops or secure a full-time employment at an existing studio. FlowerSchool works hard to help our students find real world experiences to continue their floral education and use their skills
FlowerSchool also offers an online Alumni Group where like-minded graduates can connect with each other, ask questions and even help each other on independent events. FlowerSchool posts all job opportunities and external internships on this group.
Affiliate Flower Shops & Studios
A list of the flower shops that participate in our Internship Program.
Alexander Florals
Alexander Florals is a flower shop that specializes in crafting gorgeous arrangements suited for home, gifts, and even events like funerals. Operating for over forty years, Alexander Florals offers a vast variety of fresh cut flowers and stunning floral arrangements.
Bedford Village Flower Shoppe
Bedford Village Flower Shoppe is a flower shop that specializes in events, weddings, and everyday arrangements that are sure to brighten any festivity or home. Lauren and Anthony Chillemi have owned Bedford Village Flower Shoppe in 2016 and put a focus on gardening as well as floral arrangements.
Belle Fleur
Belle Fleur is an award-winning floral studio that specializes in creating luxurious floral designs for grand events. Started by Meredith Waga-Perez, Belle Fleur is known for their meticulous level of detail and commitment to bringing your dream event to life. Belle Fleur has appeared on The Today Show, The Food Network, and TLC.
Casey's Flower Studio
Casey’s is a flower studio that specializes in weddings and events. Family owned and operated since 1987, Casey’s Flower Studio has provided New York City with exquisite blooms for over 35 years. Also experienced with residential, corporate, and weekly floral arrangements, Casey’s Flower Studio is a true full-service floral studio.
Designs by Ahn
Designs by Ahn is a floral studio that specializes in weddings and events. Visionary Victoria Ahn opened her studio following a career in dance, which has given her a unique perspective when creating stunning floral designs. Spanning all styles from chic and modern to rustic and organic, Designs by Ahn creates gorgeous arrangements for all.
East Olivia
East Olivia is a female-founded and women led floral studio. Creating gorgeous installations throughout New York City, East Olivia has taken on clients like TikTok, Netflix, Google, Amazon, and many more. Founded by Kelsea Olivia, East Olivia is focused on “building authentic connections with our clients” while crafting stunning floral designs.
Élan Flowers
Élan Flowers is a floral studio that specializes in both events and floral arrangements for corporate and residential purposes. Founded by Patrick and Christine Hall, the duo “strive together to create beautiful experiences in our events and weddings as well as in our daily life in the shop”. With this vision in mind, Élan Flowers has been creating stunning designs for over three decades.
Floratorium
Floratorium is a flower and art studio that specializes in large-scale arrangements for retail, dining, fashion, hospitality, and event spaces. Founded by Carlos Franqui, he “combines his knowledge of media and brand strategy with his innate passion for art and design”. Having worked with brands like Versace and SoulCycle, Floratorium has become one of the most established and trusted floral studios in New York.
Flower Bodega
Flower Bodega is a floral studio that specializes in creating large-scale arrangements for a wide variety of events. With clients like Kate Spade, Oscar de la Renta, and Refinery29, Flower Bodega crafts larger-than-life installations that are sure to stun all. Founder Aurea Sanabria Molaei officially launched her studio in 2018 following formal training at FlowerSchool.
Primrose
Primrose is a floral shop that specializes in gorgeous arrangements for gifts, home decor, and corporate settings. Founded by FlowerSchool Alum Raquel Goldish, she embraces each of her florist’s unique talents and looks forward to growing her business into a multi-faceted brand.
Rachel Cho Floral Design
Rachel Cho Floral Design is a floral studio that specializes in weddings, events, corporate, and weekly arrangements. Founded by Rachel Cho, the New York florist is best known for her “dexterity, innate artistry, and impeccable design sense”. Having been featured in The New York Times, CNBC, and Harper’s Bazaar, Cho and her studio have made a lasting impact on the world of floral design.
