Behind the Blooms: A Day in the Life of a Singaporean Florist

When you think of a florist, you probably picture someone putting together a pretty bouquet. But being a florist is so much more than just picking out flowers and arranging them nicely.

From sourcing the freshest flowers to designing custom arrangements, florists have a hand in every step of the process. They meet with clients to understand their needs, create arrangements that fit specific themes or moods, and handle the logistics of getting those flowers where they need to be, on time and in perfect condition.

It’s about knowing what flowers work well together, which are in season, and what each bloom symbolises. Florists have a knack for turning emotions into floral art, whether it’s for a joyful celebration or a tender farewell.

A Florist’s Daily Routine

A florist’s day typically starts early—often before the sun rises. The first task? Heading to the flower market or receiving fresh deliveries. It’s all about getting the best blooms to work with because quality is everything.

Once back at the shop, the real work begins. The day might start with processing flowers—trimming stems, removing thorns, and ensuring each bloom is ready for its final display. Orders start coming in, and each one is a puzzle of colours, textures, and shapes.

Afternoons are often a mix of designing, consulting with clients, and managing the business side of things—ordering supplies, managing inventory, and sometimes even updating social media. By the end of the day, the shop might look like a whirlwind hit it, with petals and leaves scattered everywhere. But there’s also a sense of accomplishment in knowing that the work done today has brightened someone’s day or brought comfort when it was needed most.

What Holidays Look Like

If you think a florist’s life sounds busy, imagine what it’s like during Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. The shop is packed with orders, and the phone is ringing off the hook.

It’s all about planning ahead—weeks, sometimes months in advance. Florists ensure they have enough inventory to accommodate orders. The shop is buzzing with activity, and everyone’s working double-time to get those bouquets out the door.

For many florists, the rewards far outweigh the stress of even the busiest days. There’s nothing quite like seeing the joy on a customer’s face when they pick up a bouquet or hearing how their flowers became a part of their surprise. It’s a humbling reminder of the impact their work has on people’s lives.

The Challenges that Come with the Job

Being a florist isn’t all about playing with pretty flowers. It’s hard work. They’re on their feet all day, lifting heavy buckets, dealing with last-minute changes, and sometimes working late into the night. It can be physically and emotionally draining, especially when they’re helping people through tough times.

But the rewards are pretty amazing too. Maybe it’s the joy of a bride as she holds her bouquet, the excitement of someone receiving an unexpected gift, or the comfort a beautiful arrangement brings during a difficult time. These are the moments that remind them why they do what they do; it’s a privilege that comes with the job.

Making Contributions to the Floral Industry

Florists are key players in the agricultural supply chain, especially when they source their flowers locally. As they partner with local growers, florists provide consistent demand for locally grown flowers, which goes a long way for small farms to thrive. These partnerships allow farmers to focus on what they do best—growing high-quality flowers—while knowing they have a steady market to sell their products.

Crafting Beautiful Arrangements That Speak Volumes

A day in the life of a florist involves creativity, hard work, and a deep connection to the community. So, the next time you see a stunning bouquet or a flower arrangement, remember the passion, care, and commitment that goes into it.

[Image Credit: Floristique Website]