Basic Floral Design Online

The training is broken down into 31 separate Instruction Segments. Each segment may include a combination of reading, videos, quizzes, design submissions and essay submissions. This is a hands-on program and you will be completing assigned floral designs which you will photograph and submit to our instructors for evaluation, critique, and suggestions for improvement.  The instructors may also suggest additional training exercises to help you improve you skills. 

Segment #1

Orientation 

Segment #2

Getting Started

Setting up your workspace

Tools that you will be using

Supplies that you will be using

Exploring floral foods and finishing materials

Correct usage of a floral knife

Working with floral foam

Floral wires and gauges

Taping and wiring techniques

Floral ribbons and sizes

Techniques for tying floral bows 

Segment #3

Finding Fresh Flowers 

Tips for sourcing fresh flowers

The types of flowers

The types of foliages 

How to select good quality flowers

Fresh flower care and handling

Creating a flower diary 

Segment #4

Designing with Fresh Flowers 

Designing with fresh foliages

Foliages through the seasons

Tip for greening arrangements

Designing with fresh flowers

Basic design mechanics

Understanding binding point

Proper stem insertion in floral foam

Understanding form and space

Creating a round arrangement

Creating an oval arrangement

Understanding breaking the line of the container

Student project submission 

Segment #5

Theories of Design 

The history of floral design

The elements of floral design

Color theory

The principles of floral design 

Segment #6

Creating One-Sided Arrangements 

Creating  a symmetrical arrangement

Creating an asymmetrical arrangement

Creating a western line arrangement

Student project submission 

Segment #7

Pricing for the professional florist 

Understanding markup

Classic pricing formulas

Contemporary pricing formulas

Designing to a price point

Student submission 

Segment #8

Designing for the Customer 

Customer focused design

Designing with a theme

Creating a novelty arrangement

Creating a basket arrangement 

Segment #9

Designing Without Floral Foam 

Foliage as an armature

Designing with a foliage weave

Grid supported design

Designing with a taped grid

Floral netting armature

Designing with chicken wire 

Segment #10

Hand-Tied Floral Design 

Classic weave technique

Designing with a foliage weave

Classic spiral technique

Designing a spiral hand-tied bouquet

Student project submission 

Segment #11

The Art of the Sale 

Taking a flower order

Flower orders and customer service

Descriptive words

Sample order form

Hospital rules and procedures

Delivering flowers to a hospital

Packaging flowers

Wire services and how they work

Student project submission 

Segment #12

Classic Roses 

Rose care and handling

Processing roses for long life

Rose arrangements

Designing a rose bud vase

Designing a dozen roses 

Segment #13

The Business of Weddings 

Meeting with the bridal couple

Sample wedding data sheet

Sample wedding flower contract

Profitable weddings

Pricing wedding flowers

Servicing the wedding

The wedding countdown

Servicing timeline

Segment #14

Holder Based Bridal Bouquets 

Creating a round bridal bouquet

Creating a cascade bridal bouquet 

Segment #15

Hand-Tied Bridal Bouquets 

Creating a classic hand-tied bridal bouquet

Creating a bespoke garden style bridal bouquet 

Segment #16

Hand-Wired Bridal Bouquets 

Creating a Cymbidium Orchid bridal bouquet

Creating a textural Tussie Mussie bridal bouquet

Student project submission 

Segment #17

Flowers to Wear 

Wiring and taping techniques

How to wire fresh flowers

Creating a classic boutonniere 

Creating a contemporary boutonniere 

Creating a wired line corsage

Creating a nosegay corsage

Creating a glued wrist corsage

Student project submission 

Segment #18

Flower Crowns 

Creating a partial crown

Creating a full crown 

Segment #19

Composite Flowers 

Creating a Glamellia

Creating a duchess rose

Creating a Galax rosette 

Segment #20

Large Scale Design 

The basics of large design

Mechanics of large design

Creating a large bow

Creating a fan shaped arrangement

Creating an inverted “T” arrangement

Creating a large garden style arrangement 

Segment #21

Sympathy and Celebration of Life 

The basics of sympathy design

Terminology and supplies

Sympathy flower sales

Working with the bereaved

Sympathy flower deliveries

Segment #22

Sympathy Flower Tributes 

Designing on an easel

Creating a large easel spray

Creating a small easel spray

Working with a form

Creating a sympathy wreath

Student project submission 

Segment #23

Sympathy Casket Spray 

Flowers for the casket

Creating a casket spray

Casket flower alternatives

Creating a casket scarf 

Segment #24

Cremation Flowers 

Designing for the cremation urn

Creating a cremation wreath

Designing for a celebration of life

Creating a cremation garland 

Segment #25

Bespoke Garden Style Design 

Alternative mechanics compote

Designing with floral netting

Designing a compote with floral netting

Traditional compote

Designing a compote with floral foam

Student project submission 

Segment #26

Contemporary linear design 

The Ikebana influence

Interpretive Ikebana design

Ikebana concepts and terminology 

Classic linear design

Creating a vertical design

Formal linear design

Student project submission 

Segment #27

Contemporary Vegetative Design 

Adding contemporary flair

Contemporary design techniques

Creating a parallel design

Designing with garden influence

Creating a landscape design 

Segment #28

Exploring Your Personal Style 

Expanding on linear design

Creating a horizontal design

Enhancing with decorative accessories

Adding treasures to your designs

Student project submission 

Segment #29

Designing to a Price Point 

Learning the math of design

Calculating flowers for your design

Vase design within a budget

Creating a vase design to a price point

Basket design with a budget

Creating a basket design to a price point 

Segment #30

Entering the workplace 

Career opportunities

Preparing for the job hunt

Creating a resume and portfolio

Resume samples

Preparing to be a floral entrepreneur

Beginning your own floral business 

Segment #31

Certification 

Assignment details

Submitting your final exam

 

What is the difference between Basic Floral Design, Classroom Study and Basic Floral Design, Online Study?

 While the curriculum and the syllabus are nearly identical, more effort and initiative is required of the Online student. In the classroom, we buy all of the fresh flowers and organize your classroom day for you. With Online Study, you have to obtain your fresh flowers and supplies, plus plan and organize your study time. If you are a motivated individual, and you finish all Instruction Segments fully and completely, then the resulting quality of training is nearly the same. 

How does the online program work? 

The online program consists 31 separate Instruction Segments. Each segment may include a combination of reading, videos, quizzes, design submissions and essay submissions. There are over 100 video training clips in this program.  All of the educational materials are available through an online instructional technology platform created and maintained by Floral Design Institute. Each student will be given access to this program upon enrollment. This is a hands-on program and you will be completing assigned floral designs which you will photograph and submit to our instructors for evaluation, critique, and suggestions for improvement.  Th e instructors may also suggest additional training exercises to help you improve you skills. 

I am only interested in doing wedding flowers; can I take the Wedding Flowers Instruction Segments only?

 No, the curriculum and lesson plan is designed to build your knowledge, skills and proficiency as you progress through the Instruction Segments. As a musician must learn to play scales before they play a piano concerto by Beethoven, you must understand basic floral design principles, learn basic mechanics, and master basic skills before creating a Cascade Style or Bespoke Garden Style Bridal Bouquet. The strong, broad base of instruction and skills taught in this program will serve you well as a Wedding Florist and will assure that you never have a bridal bouquet fall apart as the bride walks down the aisle. 

I want to start my own floral business and work from my home. Will the Basic Floral Design Online Career Program prepare me for that?

Yes, many Floral Design Institute students have begun their own home, or studio based businesses upon graduation from our Basic Floral Design program. The opportunities for home and studio based, floral design businesses continue to grow, and the Basic Floral Design Online Career Program offers excellent preparatory instruction.  We do recommend additional training for students planning to begin their own business.  Training in basic bookkeeping and small business management are valuable.  Advanced floral design training is also recommended.  To become a Floral Design Institute Certified Floral Designer, students must complete both Basic Floral Design and Advanced Floral Design. 

How much are the Fresh Flowers and supplies that I need for my design projects going to cost?

 While we encourage students to explore and practice all design projects presented in this program, there are only 11 projects required for submission and evaluation.  Each of these projects will cost between $25 and $75, with an average cost of $35 per project.  These costs can vary depending on where you are located.  We will offer guidance on where you can obtain flowers and supplies for the best prices, you can even use flowers and foliages from your garden. Our project lessons are organized so that you can reuse fresh flowers for the greatest economy.

 Can I use different Fresh Flowers than those suggested for my design projects?

In some projects you may substitute flowers. Yet, other projects require specific flowers (usually the more common flowers). We will offer a listing of acceptable substitutes where appropriate.

 What if I cannot find the flowers that I need for my design projects?

Flowers have such widespread distribution today, that you will be able to find the flowers needed for your projects. Even if you live in the middle of nowhere, there are flowers-by-mail sources that we can recommend. 

 Are there any time limits for completing my design projects?

I won't be able to watch over your shoulder as you complete you projects. However, developing good speed in design is critical to profitability. We will offer suggested time benchmarks that you will aim for in designing your projects. 

Can I enroll at any time for the Online Program? 

Yes, you can enroll at any time, and proceed at you own pace. 

How long does it take to complete the Online Program? 

For most individuals it will take four to six months to complete the program. But, the program can be completed more quickly. Our "fastest" student completed the program in five weeks.

This is the most complete, highest quality Online Program for Floral Design ever offered. Even more exciting is the very reasonable price. 

Program Fees of $1,750.00, include registration, tuition, and instructional technology.  There are no additional fees. The student will have to provide at their own expense various fresh flowers, foliages and supplies.  Each student will also need access to a computer / smartphone and internet access. A camera and a calculator are also needed. 

The fee breakdown is as follows:

Registration…………………….. $     80.00

Tuition…………………………… $   550.00

Instructional Technology………. $1,120.00

Total Program Fees……………. $1,750.00

Full Enrollment…………………. $1,750.00

Yeahhhh! I’m so excited! I just completed the basic floral design online course. Thank you all so much! I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this program and the personal satisfaction it has given me now that I have a way to express my creativity in a way I could have never dreamed of! Thank You so much!  Francesca 

I recently completed the basic floral design distance learning program. I just wanted to say hats off to you for putting together such a great video course. And hats off to Elizabeth for being such a great coach. I wasn't quite sure how I would like a distance learning program as I am truly a hands-on person and prefer to have someone right there with me to watch and ask questions. But between your excellent video demonstrations and Elizabeth's thorough evaluations, comments and suggestions, it felt like I had a personal instructor and coach which combined to make a wonderful learning experience. The basic course covered so much more than I expected which makes me all the more eager to take the advanced course. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to do that in the near future. And if I ever get to Portland, you can be sure I will stop by to personally meet both you and Elizabeth! Thanks again, and keep up the great work! You are truly an inspiration!  Aimee 

I have thoroughly enjoyed the videos and the kind of communication your school is known for. I feel that my status as a student in your distance learning means that I am cared for by the school. This is not an easy thing to accomplish via distance learning. You all do a fabulous job making this an intimate and a positive experience for the distance learner. Bottom line, I really am enjoying your school. You all are doing a fabulous job serving those of us in the distance learning community. Bravo! Gwen 

I just want to take a moment after finishing my module 7 (almost half of the course!!) to let you know how I'm feeling about this great distance learning experience. I am very happy with the course and although it is challenging, and a bit stressful, what I'm learning and experiencing is really, really worth it all. I have been learning a lot and feel that these lessons are exactly what I was looking for. Corinne 

Thank You FDI for the incredible training, which inspired my design confidence! I just landed a great design job! Kim 

I just want to take a moment after finishing my module 7 (almost half of the course!!) to let you know how I'm feeling about this great distance learning experience. I am very happy with the course and although it is challenging, and a bit stressful, what I'm learning and experiencing is really, really worth it all. I have been learning a lot and feel that these lessons are exactly what I was looking for. Ana 

Finding FDI was the best thing that could have happened to me! After being home with my kids for 10 years, floral design had been a love and a hobby of mine for many years. As my kids all went off to school I had to opportunity to figure out what I really wanted to do career wise. To be able to pursue my education in floral design from my home was a dream-come-true. And to be able to get such a great education and continued support was more than I could have hoped for. Thank you! Kimberly 

I wanted to send a big thank you your way. The course has been everything I was looking for and more so far. I appreciate all the value adds in the segments like flowers for the diary and in modules 4 and 5 the additional demos on vessels and arrangements. It's a great experience and incredible value for me so far! Your team is friendly and I appreciate all the technical feedback too, I mean I want to be good at this!!!  Robin

Floral Design Institute is licensed to conduct a private vocational school by the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission. Floral Design Institute is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Education Partners and is an Approved Educational Pathway to AIFD Certification and Accreditation.  

FLORAL DESIGN INSTITUTE is part of Floral Design Institute, Inc., an Oregon Corporation. Floral Design Institute, Inc. is located at 1138 NW 17th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209 503-223-8089. Floral Design Institute, Inc. is held solely by Leanne and David Kesler. Leanne serves as the Corporation President and Director of Floral Design Institute.

REFUND SCHEDULE AND SCHOOL POLICIES:

1) Any student may cancel enrollment by giving written notice to the school within 

5 business days after the date of enrollment, or prior to accessing the Online Program Education Platform. 

If cancellation occurs during that 5 day period, all monies paid to the school by the student shall be refunded.  There will be no refund of the registration fee. 

2) If the student cancels their enrollment after they access the Online Program Education Platform and complete up to 50 percent of the Online Program Education Platform Instructional Segments and Lessons, the student shall be entitled to a pro rata refund of the total tuition cost and the instructional technology fee. There will be no refund of the registration fee. 

3) If the student cancels their enrollment after access of 50 percent of the Online Program Education Platform Instructional Segments and Lessons, the school may retain 100 percent of the total tuition costs, instructional technology fee and registration fee. 

4) Cancellation of the program is acknowledged to have occurred when written notice 

is provided to the school by the student. When a cancellation occurs, a calculation

of allowable charges shall be made using the record of the students access to the Online Program Education Platform Instructional Segments and Lessons as the base line. 

All Online Program Education Platform Instructional Segments and Lessons must be completed within one year of enrollment. 

COPYRIGHT:

All teaching materials which make up the Basic Floral Design Online Program, including the Online Education Platform, Instructional Technology, Lesson Plans, Instruction Design, Curriculum, Study Guides, Training Videos, Video Transcriptions, Floral Design Training Techniques, Floral Designs / Arrangements, Quizzes / Exams, Instruction Methods and Techniques are the intellectual property of Floral Design Institute, Inc., and are copyrighted © 1988 - 2018, Floral Design Institute, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

Permission is granted to an exclusive single user for the use of these materials for the sole purpose of completing the Basic Floral Design Online Program. Any other use, including, but not limited to; reproduction, distribution, republication, and classroom training is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of Floral Design Institute, Inc.