The Best Global Floral Design Workshops and Flower Schools in 2025
- capelily
- Oct 15
- 12 min read
If you’re serious about floral design, whether to sharpen your skills as a hobbie or explore floristry as a career path, the best way to learn is through hands on training with experts. The best way to expand your arranging techniques, learn new sustainable floristry mechanics, or get confident doing larger floral installations is to work with and learn from professionals who are also great teachers and believe in sharing their expertise. As someone raised in the industry, I still seek out opportunities to upskill and meet my flower people each year. Here are some of the floral design workshops and flower schools in 2025 and beyond, from in person to online, that we think are worth investing in.
NOTE: This is a list we have compiled based on our extensive industry knowledge. We are not affiliated with any of these programs. If you know of a course that should be added to this list please contact us: info@capelily.com
Featured Floral Design Workshops and Flower Schools in 2025
Sue McLeary Workshops & Retreats - Sue McLeary, USA
Known for her innovative mechanics and sculptural, wearable florals, Sue has become one of the most influential voices in modern floral design. Her work blends fine art principles with technical mastery, inspiring designers around the world to reimagine what flowers can do. We're a little biased but "Passionflower Sue" is forever our number one choice!
Flora Retreat - Sue McLeary, Nantucket USA
For a more immersive experience, Sue is hosting Flora Retreat in Nantucket. This three-day intensive covers seasonal flower arranging, advanced floral design practice, and hands-on technique for creating sculptural and lasting arrangements. This retreat is ideal for those wanting serious design practice and to refine skills in a small, focused setting.
Date: October 27–29, 2025
Location: Nantucket, USA
Cost: $2,700 per person
Link: Sue McLeary Events
Everlasting Flowers Course with Tallulah Rose Flower School - Rachel Wardley, Cumbria UK
This is a hands-on flower school nestled in Cumbria (Levens Hall) where both beginners and seasoned florists can find their fit. Their courses range from one-day seasonal workshops to longer “Career Change” and foundation courses, all taught using seasonal British flowers via Rachel’s ethos of sustainability. They partner with local growers so students work with flowers that are fresh and meaningful.
Date: November 2025
Location: Tallulah Rose Flower School, Cumbria, UK
Cost: £250+
What it includes: Create dried and preserved floral arrangements, learn techniques for sustainable floristry, and practice design with longevity in mind.
October in New England Workshop - Ariella Chezar, USA
There are workshops, and then there’s Ariella in autumn. Her October in New England workshop takes place amid peak fall foliage and focuses on seasonal floral design, rich autumn palettes, and sustainable mechanics. Ariella Chezar herself teaches this intimate, small-group experience, offering hands-on guidance that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Date: October 2025
Location: New England, USA
Cost: $3,000
Fall Workshop - Jennie Love, Philadelphia USA
Nothing beats learning floral design surrounded by dahlias in full bloom with Jennie Love. The Fall Workshop at Love ’n Fresh Flowers focuses on seasonal flower selection, arranging techniques, and farm-to-vase mechanics. Participants get hands-on experience with locally grown flowers and sustainable floral practices, making it ideal for both budding and experienced floral designers.
Date: November 7, 2025
Location: Philadelphia, USA
Cost: $175–$250
Catherine Muller Flower School - Catherine Muller, Paris France
If you want to study the art of French floral design, this is where you go. Catherine Muller’s Paris school offers both foundation and advanced courses covering composition, seasonal design, and her signature romantic aesthetic.
Date: Multiple dates across 2026
Location: Paris, France
Cost: Approximately €2,000 for a four-day course
Example Courses:
A Week to Become a Florist - intensive foundation program
Special Wedding Florals - wedding centerpiece and bridal bouquet design
Parisian Florist - seasonal arrangements with a classic French style
Old-master Painting / Still Life - flower arrangements inspired by art history
Floral Design Program - New York Botanical Garden, New York USA
The NYBG Floral Design Program offers a structured, curriculum-based approach to learning floral design, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced designers. Students can take foundation courses or advance to more specialized modules covering seasonal bouquets, wedding centerpieces, large-scale arrangements, and flower selection techniques. Classes emphasize hands-on practice, sustainable methods, and professional design principles, giving participants the skills needed for both personal projects and a career in floristry.
With options ranging from one-day workshops to multi-week intensives, it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to train in New York. Full course details and registration are available here: NYBG Floral Design Classes.
An example of one of the classes on offer is Floral Design for Beginners. This foundational class is ideal for beginners wanting an introduction to floral principles, technique, and creative styling. You’ll get hands-on guidance, work with live materials, and leave with confidence in composition fundamentals.
Date: October 18 & 25, 2025 (Saturdays, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM EDT)
Location: Watson Room 101, Bronx, NY
Cost: $265 (non-member) / $239 (member) - materials included
McQueens Flower School - McQueens, London UK
McQueens has long been a training ground for floral artists who care about balance, proportion, and design as much as flower types. Their London school offers one-day signature arrangement workshops, multi-day courses in European design techniques, and longer professional florist training programs. Classes cover everything from wedding flower styling to large-scale installation mechanics. Small-group settings ensure personalized attention, and participants leave with practical skills they can apply immediately in studio or event work.
Date: 2025, 2026 (short courses throughout the year)
Location: London, UK
Cost: Varies by program
Link: McQueens Flower School
Seasonal & Holiday Workshops
Not all workshops are about wedding flowers or large-scale installations. Many schools run seasonal sessions that are more about flexing creativity than scaling a business. Think holiday wreath workshops, pumpkin floral centerpieces in October, or dried flower arranging for winter longevity. These are perfect for floral enthusiasts who want design practice without the pressure of full-service wedding florals. They also double as excellent training in seasonal flower sourcing and sustainable mechanics, skills that transfer directly to professional floral design.For example, there is a dried floral arranging class below.
Date: October 21, 2025
Event: Dried Floral Arranging class
Location: Longwood Gardens, USA
Cost: $99
Workshops at Flower Farms
A growing number of flower farms in the U.S. and Europe host seasonal workshops, offering hands-on access to freshly harvested blooms while teaching sustainable arranging techniques and flower processing. These farm-based classes also provide insight into the farm-to-vase side of floristry that’s hard to replicate in a city classroom. Examples include The Flower Patch (UK) - check their seasonal wreath workshops in December.
Floral Business Intensives
For anyone considering floristry as a career, or already in the industry, look for workshops that go beyond arranging flowers. Some programs include modules on floral business practices, social media strategy, or managing the unit price of flower materials. The European Master Certification and similar advanced design programs are popular among floral designers who want a professional edge. These courses may feel expensive, but the long-term value is in learning how to build a sustainable floral business, not just how to build a centerpiece.
Here are a few recommended courses:
Cost (2025): $475 for AIFD members / $515 for non-members
What’s covered: Practical skill sessions combined with business modules (e.g. vendor management, pricing)
Enrollment: Usually via AIFD’s workshop registration pages during the Symposium or in separate sessions
FlowerSchool New York – 5-Day Intensive Series
Dates: October 20–30, 2025
Location: New York, NY
Focus: Comprehensive floral design training that includes creative styling, studio management, and marketing for floral businesses.
Cost: $2,600.00
Link: 5-Day Intensive Series
Cost: $950 for the full distance-learning program (includes registration, tuition, instructional technology) Floral Design Institute
Extras: Students cover costs of their own flowers and supplies; no hidden fees.
European Master Certification (EMC): note this is for very advanced students only!
Course: EMC Fundamentals in European Floral Design (online or in-person)
Cost: ~ €3,300 (for the 8-week online or 8-day in-person course, excluding travel & accommodation)
What it includes: Live coaching, design theory, creative language, business strategy, and mechanics.
Next steps: After completing this, you may be invited into Practicum or Advanced modules.
Real Flower Business - Flower Math Course
Course: Flower Math – The Florist’s Guide to Pricing & Profitability
Cost: Starting at $497 (self-paced online program)
What it includes: Practical pricing formulas, step-by-step markup and margin breakdowns, profitability strategies, and real-world business guidance tailored for working florists.
Next steps: Ideal for experienced designers or studio owners looking to refine their pricing strategy and increase profit margins.
Link: Flower Math | Enroll Here
DIY-Friendly Workshops
Not every floral workshop is designed for professional florists. Some are created with DIY wedding flowers in mind, teaching couples (or their bridal party) how to make a bridal bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, or flower crowns. Others focus on floral garlands or simple installations you can replicate without a full design team. These are lighter on mechanics and heavier on accessible design techniques, making them a good entry point for floral enthusiasts who just want to get their hands dirty.
For example, Sip & Stem: Chic Bridal Soirée (London), a light 2-hour workshop where participants make their own bridal and bridesmaid bouquets using seasonal flowers.
Event: Sip & Stem: Chic Bridal Soirée
Date: 2025
Location: London, UK
Cost: £70
Link: Sip & Stem Workshops
Online Resources:
Can’t travel to a workshop? Don’t worry, there are excellent online floral design programs that bring expert instruction right to your screen. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, explore new styles, or learn sustainable mechanics, these platforms offer flexibility and high-quality content. A few favorites include:
Susan McLeary offers subscription-based access to lessons on floral mechanics, arranging techniques, and seasonal design insights. Perfect for building a structured learning routine from home.
This online program offers a comprehensive look into flower farming, growing practices, and sustainable design principles. Ideal for floral designers who want to deepen their farm-to-vase knowledge or begin growing their own flowers.
Joseph Massie provides step-by-step courses covering floral composition, advanced styling, and creative concepts for both professionals and enthusiasts.
Team Flower hosts a variety of online classes and live tutorials that focus on innovative design, sustainable floristry, and practical techniques.
AIFD is an excellent hub for professional development, offering webinars, digital classes, and resources for floral design certification.
Ariella Chezar’s signature seasonal arrangements and Dutch-inspired techniques directly to your home, with recorded and live sessions.
This bootcamp is a hands-on online training program focused on bridal bouquets, centerpiece arrangements, and practical skills for aspiring florists.
Hitomi Gilliam offers courses blending modern and classical design concepts with sustainable flower sourcing and hybrid techniques.
Floristic Dialog emphasizes eco-friendly floristry, seasonal flowers, and innovative installation ideas for designers who care about sustainability.
Gregor provides exclusive tutorials, behind-the-scenes insights, and design exercises from a master European floral designer.
Sarah delivers online classes with a focus on flowing, natural arrangements, sustainable floristry, and seasonal design inspiration.
These online resources are ideal for designers who want to continue learning, whether you’re brushing up on basics, exploring advanced techniques, or experimenting with sustainable practices, all from the comfort of your own space.
Save the Date for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, several floral events are already shaping up to be highlights for designers and enthusiasts alike. Here are a few to mark on your calendar:
Dutch Flower Immersion with Ariella Chezar - The Netherlands
Date: April 13–15, 2026
Location: The Netherlands
Cost: From $3,600 (3-day immersive workshop)
What it includes: A three-day deep dive into Dutch floral design, seasonal arrangements, and sustainable techniques. Ideal for both professional florists and serious hobbyists.
Slow Flowers Summit - USA
Date: June 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Location: USA (venue announced closer to the date)
Cost: Pricing varies by pass type
What it includes: An annual gathering of designers, growers, and floral advocates focused on sustainable floristry practices, seasonal sourcing, and community building.
AIFD Symposium “Elevate” 2026 - USA
Date: July 2026 (exact dates TBA)
Location: USA (city to be announced)
Cost: Pricing varies (member and non-member rates)
What it includes: A premier professional floral design symposium offering master classes, competitions, and networking opportunities for industry professionals.
Seasonal Floral Workshops with Flowers by Semia - Rhode Island, USA
Date: Throughout 2026 (check calendar for seasonal sessions)
Location: Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Cost: Varies by workshop
What it includes: Hands-on workshops led by Semia, covering bridal florals, seasonal table styling, and design refinement techniques.
These events are excellent opportunities to learn from leading designers, explore new techniques, and connect with the floral community internationally.
Fleuropean Floral Retreats - Belgium
For a truly immersive floral experience, Fleuropean offers several retreats and workshops set in a charming Belgian chateau. These gatherings focus on natural floristry, community, and creative growth.
The Artist’s Retreat: An intimate, introspective opportunity to relax, recharge, and reconnect with your craft. Dates for 2026 include March 30–April 4, April 20–25, May 4–9, May 18–23, August 10–15, September 7–12, and September 28–October 3. Price: €2,500–€3,500
FLEURISH Retreats: A unique combination of creative self-discovery and self-reflection, personal and professional growth. Price: €2,000–€3,000
Florescence: Scheduled for April 14–17, 2026. Price: €1,800–€2,500
Camp Fleurish: A full week of unbridled adventure, creativity, conversation, friendship, and fun. Pre-registration for 2026 is now open. Price: €3,000–€4,000
For more details and to inquire about availability, visit Fleuropean Workshops and Retreats.
Flowerstock with Holly Chapple - Hope Flower Farm, Virginia, USA
Holly Chapple’s Virginia farm is renowned for offering some of the strongest hands-on training in American floral design. The headline event, Flowerstock, is a multi-day floral intensive that typically takes place in early October; this year it was held October 5–7, 2025. The event brings together top floral designers as guest instructors, including Jeff Leatham, Emily Thompson, and Lauren Cameron, sharing their expertise through demonstrations, arranging classes, and even social media strategy sessions.
Expect comprehensive coverage of all aspects of floral design, from altar flowers to full-service wedding installations. Flowerstock emphasizes seasonal blooms, thoughtful color palettes, and mechanics that perform beautifully outside of Pinterest-perfect images. Whether you’re refining your technical skills, exploring large-scale floral design, or networking with industry leaders, this event is an unmissable opportunity.
Full event details and registration: Hope Flower Farm – Flowerstock 2025
Flower House Mexico 2026 - Flower House Mexico, Ciudad de México
Flower House Mexico is hosting its next immersive floral design workshop in 2026 in Mexico City. The multi-day program brings together top floral designers from around the world to teach hands-on sessions using vibrant, seasonal blooms. Participants can expect to explore both contemporary and traditional design techniques, from sculptural arrangements to textural table displays.
The workshop emphasizes creativity, sustainable mechanics, and collaboration, offering attendees the chance to learn from leaders in the field while connecting with other floral enthusiasts. Flower House Mexico also continues its philanthropic mission, supporting families and communities through flower-based initiatives.
Learn more and register for 2026 here: Flower House Mexico Workshops
Is Floral Education Worth It?
Yes, floral workshops cost money, but they’re also one of the best ways to build technique, meet other floral enthusiasts, and understand the all the elements behind building a successful floristry businesses. Whether your goal is to create a signature arrangement, refine your flower selection process, or finally stop fighting with floral foam, a few days in the right workshop will shortcut years of trial and error.
FAQ
What will I get out of it? To make sure a workshop is worth it for you, ensure you select a teacher or school you select, talk to past students to get their feedback and ask for a detailed course outline. Choose a course where you will have like minded students as this community will be an invaluable future network. Many workshops provide opportunities to photograph your work with a professional photographer which can be very helpful when building your portfolio.
Do I need experience to join? Not always. Some workshops are beginner-friendly, covering basics like flower processing and seasonal bouquets. Others, like professional florist training programs, are best for those already working in the industry.
What do I actually learn? Depending on the course: wedding flowers, centerpiece mechanics, large-scale floral installations, seasonal tablescape styling, or even Japanese techniques such as Ikebana. Some courses may also cover business practices, social media, and sourcing flower materials.
Where should I start if I’m new? Look for a one-day foundation course or arranging class (NYBG and McQueens both offer them). You’ll get enough to test your interest without committing to a full floral design intensive.
How do I pick the right workshop? Be clear on your goal. Want better wedding centerpiece design? Go for a wedding-specific course. Need business skills? Choose a floral design intensive with a business module. If you just want an inspiring day surrounded by flowers, a seasonal or holiday tablescape workshop will do the job.
Can I learn installations at a workshop? Yes, some intensives cover large-scale floral installations like arches, suspended floral ceilings, or tablescape styling. These are labor-heavy designs that you won’t master from a book, but employing the mechanics in person makes them far less intimidating.
Are dried flowers included in workshops? More and more. Dried flowers are no longer a second-class citizen in floral design, they’re sustainable, versatile, and often part of autumn or winter workshops. Many courses now cover dried arrangements or hybrid designs combining fresh and dried material.
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