Floral Design Programs in Denver, Colorado

Becoming a Floral Designer in Denver, Colorado

Are you passionate about flowers and creativity? Becoming a floral designer in Denver, Colorado, might be the perfect career path for you. Floral designers, or florists, craft beautiful arrangements using flowers and greenery for various occasions. This guide will walk you through the steps to start your journey in floral design, including educational paths, local programs, and certification options.

About Denver

Denver, the capital of Colorado, is known for its stunning mountain views and bustling urban life. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. The city is home to diverse neighborhoods, including the historic LoDo District and the artsy RiNo Art District. For more information about Denver, visit the official city website.

Floral Design Programs in Denver, Colorado

Denver offers several opportunities for aspiring floral designers to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. Here are some local programs to consider:

• Denver Botanic Gardens: Located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood, the Denver Botanic Gardens offers a three-day introductory course in basic floral design. This course is taught by a certified instructor from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and Professional Floral Communicators International (PFCI). Visit their website for more details.

• Palmer School of Floral Design: Situated in the Cherry Creek area, this school provides a comprehensive certificate program consisting of four 25 credit-hour classes. The tuition is approximately $3,200. Learn more about their offerings on their official site.

• The School of Floral Arts: Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, this school offers a floral design certificate program that can be completed in five weeks (daytime) or ten weeks (evening). The total tuition cost is $2,150.00. Check out their program details.

• Arapahoe Community College: This college, located in Littleton, offers a certificate in Floral Design Principles through a series of four consecutive classes. Visit their website for more information.

• Front Range Community College: Located in Westminster, this college provides a certificate in floral design as part of their horticulture and landscape technologies program. More information can be found on their official site.

Floral Design Employment Opportunities in Denver

Denver’s thriving floral industry offers numerous employment opportunities for floral designers. Here are some notable businesses:

• The Perfect Petal: Located in the Highlands neighborhood, The Perfect Petal is a well-known floral shop specializing in unique arrangements and event design. Visit their employment page for job opportunities.

• Bouquets: Situated in the LoDo District, Bouquets is an award-winning florist known for its creative floral designs. Check their website for career opportunities.

• Babylon Floral: Located in the Capitol Hill area, Babylon Floral is known for its artistic and unconventional floral arrangements. Explore job openings on their official site.

Prerequisites for Floral Design Programs

While there are no mandatory educational requirements to become a floral designer in Colorado, having a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred by employers. Most floral design programs do not require entrance exams or portfolio submissions, making them accessible to beginners.

Certification Options for Floral Designers

Certification is not mandatory for floral designers in Colorado, but it can enhance job prospects and earning potential. Consider the following options:

• American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Certification: Obtainable by completing an AIFD-approved program and passing the Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PFDE). Programs at the Palmer School of Floral Design and the School of Floral Arts are AIFD-approved. Visit the AIFD website for more information.

• Floral Association of the Rockies (FAR) Certification: This state-level certification, approved by the AIFD, requires passing an exam on flower and plant care and floral design. It also requires six continued education credits annually to remain certified. Learn more on the FAR website.

Get Started Today

Embarking on a career as a floral designer in Denver, Colorado, is an exciting journey filled with creativity and opportunity. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your skills, local floral design programs offer the training you need. Contact a school today to begin your path in the floral design industry.

For more information on the job outlook for floral designers, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics page.