Gift Floristry Professional Programme

Starting September 2026, our intensive programme transforms passionate flower enthusiasts into confident gift floristry professionals. Over nine months, you'll master everything from classic bouquet construction to luxury gift presentation—guided by working florists who understand what the industry actually needs.

Students learning advanced bouquet wrapping techniques in natural light studio environment

Your Journey From Beginner to Professional

Foundation Phase (Months 1-3)

Start with proper handling, conditioning, and basic design principles. You'll work with seasonal stems daily, building muscle memory and understanding how different flowers behave. Most students find this phase challenging but rewarding—there's real satisfaction in finally getting ribbon to cooperate.

Skill Development (Months 4-6)

Progress to complex arrangements, wiring techniques, and gift presentation standards. We introduce business thinking here too—understanding margins, managing waste, and recognising quality suppliers. Your portfolio starts taking shape as projects become more sophisticated.

Professional Practice (Months 7-9)

Apply everything through realistic client briefs and timed work scenarios. You'll handle rush orders, budget constraints, and demanding specifications—the stuff that actually happens in shops. By graduation, you're ready for employment or confident enough to start small.

What You'll Actually Learn

Nine modules covering technical skills, design principles, and practical business knowledge. Each module builds on previous work—by the end, it all connects into a complete professional skillset.

1

Flower Fundamentals

Understanding stems, seasonality, and proper care protocols that keep arrangements fresh.

  • Flower anatomy and behaviour
  • Conditioning techniques
  • Storage and handling
  • Seasonal availability patterns
2

Design Principles

Form, balance, colour theory, and texture—the foundation of everything that looks good.

  • Classical design structures
  • Modern arrangement styles
  • Colour harmony methods
  • Creating focal points
3

Hand-Tied Bouquets

The spiral technique and proper finishing that makes bouquets stable and beautiful.

  • Spiral stem technique
  • Tension and structure
  • Wrapping and ribbons
  • Water presentation
4

Gift Arrangements

Creating stable designs that travel well and wow recipients when unboxed.

  • Foam mechanics
  • Container selection
  • Transport considerations
  • Luxury presentation
5

Wiring Techniques

Support, extension, and construction methods for complex designs and delicate stems.

  • Support wiring methods
  • Corsage construction
  • Delicate flower handling
  • Buttonholes and pins
6

Seasonal Specialties

Working with each season's unique stems and understanding why timing matters commercially.

  • Spring bulbs and blossoms
  • Summer abundance
  • Autumn richness
  • Winter foliage
7

Packaging Standards

Professional wrapping, boxing, and presentation that protects flowers and looks impressive.

  • Luxury wrapping techniques
  • Box arrangements
  • Ribbon work mastery
  • Card writing standards
8

Business Essentials

The commercial side—pricing work properly, managing stock, and understanding shop operations.

  • Pricing and margins
  • Supplier relationships
  • Waste management
  • Customer service basics
9

Portfolio Development

Building a body of work that demonstrates your range and gets you noticed by employers.

  • Photography for flowers
  • Presenting your work
  • Style development
  • Professional standards

Learn From Working Professionals

Our mentors aren't just teachers—they're active florists managing their own businesses or leading shop teams. They bring current industry knowledge, honest advice, and real examples from daily work. You'll get straight answers about what works and what doesn't in actual practice.

Portrait of Florian Vanhorne, head mentor for gift floristry programme

Florian Vanhorne

Lead Mentor
Advanced gift wrapping demonstration showing luxury presentation techniques
Portrait of Dimitri Asplund, specialist mentor for seasonal floristry

Dimitri Asplund

Seasonal Specialist

Programme Information

Start Date September 2026
Duration 9 months (part-time)
Schedule Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6-9pm
Location 37 Bloom St, Manchester
Group Size Maximum 12 students

Applications for September 2026 intake open in March. We accept students based on genuine interest rather than previous experience—you'll learn everything you need during the programme.

Express Your Interest