How to Become a Floral Designer in Indiana

Being a floral designer is a magical career choice.

You’ll make beautiful arrangements, to help clients celebrate their best days, and honor their loved ones on the worst.

If you have an eye for beauty and a creative spirit, becoming a floral designer in Indiana could be the right choice for you.

To learn how – keep reading below.

Options for Becoming a Floral Designer in Indiana

Indiana has no state requirement for becoming a floral designer.

This means you have some flexibility when choosing how to enter the field.

One option is to attend a floral design school.

This will give you the knowledge you need to be a floral designer.

You can also choose to get certification through the American Institute of Floral Design, or AIFD.

Lastly, you can simply find an employer willing to give you an apprenticeship or internship.

All of these options have their benefits and drawbacks, so we’ll take a closer look at each option.

It’s also important to note that you can choose more than one option.

This gives you the best opportunities for employment in the field.

Floral Design School

Attending floral design school is the best first step for most people.

If you don’t have a strong knowledge of floral design, it’s best to start here.

1. Get Your High School Diploma or Equivalent

Most programs require you to have a high school diploma or equivalent before attending their school.

Once you’ve graduated, you can move to the next step.

2. Find a Floral Design School

Now you’ll need to find a floral design school in Indiana.

Many programs offer hands-on training, as well as the knowledge needed to excel as a floral designer.

It’s important to note that if you plan to get your AIFD certification, it’s best to attend a school that is certified by the AIFD.

3. Attend and Complete the Program

The last step is attending and completing the floral design program.

Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll need to consider your next step.

4. Determine Your Next Move

You’ve graduated from a floral design school.

Now what?

You have a few options.

You can find employment as a floral designer, or an apprenticeship to gain more hands-on experience before branching out on your own.

Many floral designers say that this is the best way to learn everything you need to know.

You can also work towards an AIFD certification.

Certification typically isn’t required to find a job in the floral industry.

However, it can be beneficial, particularly if you want to open your own floral design business.

Apprenticeship or Internship

You may choose to do an apprenticeship after graduating from a floral design program, or get your start in the industry this way.

While it’s easier to find someone willing to take you on if you have some education in the industry, it’s not a requirement.

Some floral designers prefer apprentices who haven’t attended design school because they want to train them in the way they do things.

Certification

You can get your AIFD certification after graduating from floral design school, after learning through an apprenticeship, or after completing both steps.

Again, this isn’t required to become a floral designer.

However, it does provide a credential that can help you succeed within the industry.

Option 1: Graduate from an Approved Program

You can get your certification after graduating from a program certified by the AIFD.

Then, you’ll need to take the Professional Floral Design Evaluation, which is an online test.

You’ll need to get an 80 or better on the test to pass.

You’ll also pay a $150 fee for the exam.

Option 2: Hands-on Professional Floral Design Evaluation

If you don’t attend an approved training program, you can still get your certification.

You’ll need to take the PFDE online test, and get 80 or better as your score.

Then, you’ll need to sign up for and attend the annual Professional Floral Design Evaluation.

Based on your score, you can receive your Certified Floral Designer certification, or AFID accreditation.

You’ll need to pay a $150 enrollment fee for the online test, as well as a fee of $1,550 for the hands-on evaluation.

Floral Design Schools in Indiana

There is one floral design school in Indiana.

However, it’s not certified by the AFID.

Indianapolis School of Flower Design

The Indianapolis School of Flower Design is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The school was founded by celebrity florist Michael Gaffney.

The school is located in a flower wholesaler, so students have plenty of material.

In addition to learning how to arrange and care for flowers, students learn how to work with wholesalers.

Students will learn all styles of flower design, including Classic American, English, Contemporary, and Bridal.

You can begin with a one week Design Star course, which covers 24 different flower design styles.

This costs $1,850.

Once you’ve completed this course, you can attend the one week Master’s Class.

The Master’s Class costs $1,850 as well.

Floral Designer Schools in Indiana – Summary Table

Salary

Floral designers make an average of $52,937 in Indiana.

The lower end of the spectrum is $42,974, and the high end is $63,976.

Regional Salary in Indiana

Floral Design by State