by 
Have you ever needed flower arrangements for an event, funeral, or anniversary?
If you have, a floral designer was the person behind the scenes making sure the arrangement was perfect for your particular event or occasion.
Floral designers have the responsibility of arranging floral designs, among other things.
Here, we will learn how to become a floral designer and the programs or classes you can take in the state of Delaware.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Delaware
There are a few different directions to take to become a floral designer.
The minimum requirement for floral design is being a high school graduate.
Some florists will allow you to become an intern or apprentice as long as you have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Although many employers will hire you without experience in floral design, some employers will only hire florists who have job experience or can show proof of additional education and certification.
By completing a few courses or a program, you can greatly improve your chances of getting a job, plus you will already have some experience and knowledge that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Another option is to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in floral design.
This is a great option if you plan to own your own floral business.
These degrees or programs include courses that teach students some of the following things:
- How to grow and care for your flowers and decorative plants
- The proper ways to cut flowers for arrangement and display
- How to design floral arrangements appropriately for different occasions
- Basic courses for small businesses
Floral Designer Programs and Classes
Delaware County Community College
Delaware County Community College offers five classes for floral design.
These courses include Spring has Sprung, Parallel vs Radial, Cascading Elegance, Basic Floral Design I, and Basic Floral Design II.
The Spring has Sprung course teaches students about the bulb flowers that grow and bloom in the early spring.
The outcome of this course is to create a design that shows how flowers bloom in nature.
This course is four hours long and costs $79.
The goal of the Parallel vs Radial course is to create an arrangement with the application of line and space in floral design.
This class lasts four hours and costs a total of $79.
Cascading Elegance teaches students how to create a waterfall effect using different techniques by layering greens and flowers.
This course costs $79 and lasts as long as four hours.
In Basic Floral Design I, you can learn all of the basics of floral design, including how to start, how to finish, and how to use water, sand, and floral foam, among other basics.
This class costs $79 and lasts approximately three hours.
Basic Floral Design II teaches more advanced ways to design using taping, wiring, and other techniques.
This course is three hours long and costs approximately $79.
Delaware Valley University
Delaware Valley University doesn’t have a specific program or courses for floral design, but you can register for other programs that could contribute to plants, flowers, and design.
You can register for their Horticulture program where you learn about some of the following things:
- Plant physiology
- Plant pathology
- Breeding and genetics
- Greenhouse management
- Marketing of plant products
- and much more
Another program that might be beneficial is the landscape design/build program.
Through this program you can learn:
- Introduction to design
- Basic plant management
- Flower show design
- Soils
- Sustainability
- and more
Floral Designer Schools in Delaware – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Delaware County Community College | 901 Media Line Rd, Media, PA 19063, USA |
| Delaware Valley University | 700 E Butler Ave, Doylestown, PA 18901, USA |
Salary For a Floral Designer
According to salary.com, the average salary for a floral designer in the United States is around $54,406.
The amount you make depends on a variety of factors including the location, your employer, how long you have been working as a floral designer, and what kind of education and training you have in floral design.
The annual salary ranges from $44,167 to $65,751.
In Delaware, the annual salary averages approximately $57,126 with the low end starting at $46,375 and the high end at around $69,039.
As mentioned above, whether you are at the low end, the high end, or somewhere in the middle depends on the location you are at, what kind of training you have had, and how long you have worked in the field.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $57,126 |
| Dover | $57,279 |
| Newark | $57,083 |
| Milford | $57,567 |
| Seaford | $56,612 |
| Middletown | $57,091 |
| Bear | $57,061 |
| Smyrna | $57,150 |
| New Castle | $57,126 |
| Georgetown | $57,567 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Delaware have any requirements for floral design?
Delaware does not have any special requirements for floral design.
The main requirements are business-related if you own a floral business.
If you own a business, then there might be some requirements regarding business licenses and permits, as well as any employee guidelines and business insurance requirements.
Can I still get hired as a floral designer in Delaware if I don't graduate high school?
If you didn’t graduate high school, there are still options for you.
Although many employers won’t hire someone without a high school diploma or equivalent, some employers might take a chance on you and provide on-the-job training.
However, if you get a GED or finish your high school education, it will open up more job opportunities in the future.
What is the job outlook for floral design in Delaware?
The demand for floral design jobs is unfortunately declining.
Employment for floral design is expected to drop by 21 percent between the years 2021 and 2031.
Many people who start in floral design move on to other jobs in the related field that pay higher than floral design.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State