While florists are known for creating and selling gorgeous floral arrangements, many are happy to share their skills in workshops. For a price, customers can have fun learning how to create flower arrangements with their own flowers and vases. But is the work of organizing a floral design workshop worth it? Follow our tips for hosting a successful and profitable flower arranging workshop.
Are Flower Arranging Workshops Worth It?
Teaching a floral arrangement workshop is a great way to show off your skills to potential customers.
You’re already busy filling orders, promoting your business, and ordering more supplies. Is a floral design workshop worth the work?
Workshops can be another stream of revenue for florists. You get to charge participants for sharing your knowledge and hosting a fun event. You also get more foot traffic in the door. Participants will get a first-hand look at your work. If they don’t need flowers for an event or their home now, they’ll remember you down the road when they do.
A workshop also gives you a fresh way to advertise your products. Put your event on social media and internet search platforms so people looking for something fun to do will see your business. Post photos of the event on your social media accounts. Attendees will likely post about your workshop on their own social media accounts, too. You’ll likely get customers from your increased online presence.
How To Host A Successful Floral Design Workshop
Your workshop will go smoother if you have all the supplies organized beforehand.
Workshops go beyond a purchase transaction. They’re a whole experience. The most successful ones are informative and fun. You don’t want your workshop to be too formal, but you don’t want it to be disorganized, either. Everyone will enjoy your flower arranging workshop when you are adequately prepared with these tips:
- Create an online sign-up for your class. Add the ability to pay online for everyone’s convenience.
- Choose a date and time that appeals to your target audience.
- Choose a venue. If your shop or studio doesn’t have enough space, you’ll need to rent a place.
- Consider a theme for your workshop. Call it a girls night out event, or invite guests to learn how to make a seasonal centerpiece.
- Limit your class size to something reasonable for your space. Attendees need space to work, and you don’t want to overwhelm yourself.
- Price your workshop to be profitable. The charge should account for the cost of flowers, vases, other supplies, a rental venue if needed, and your time.
- Focus on teaching a single project or a few basic techniques.
- Have all the supplies ready beforehand. Order in bulk from a wholesale supplier to get many identical items for a good price.
- Set up a workspace for your demonstration and workspaces for participants.
- Consider serving hors d’oeuvres and drinks for an evening workshop. Something to nibble and sip makes an evening of flower arranging the perfect evening out.
- You can partner with another small business to split costs and responsibilities. For example, you could host your workshop with the help of an event caterer or flower farmer who may want some exposure for their services.
The final ingredient to a successful floral design workshop is your passion for flower arranging. Your event will be a hit when participants feel inspired by your creativity and love for what you do.