How to Up-Sell DIY Weddings with a Private Floral Design Workshop

Chances are, you’ve received an inquiry from a couple interested in do-it-yourself (DIY) wedding flowers. If you’re a flower farm or studio florist with an events focus, you likely serve these couples. Perhaps you provide bulk buckets of flowers from your flower farm or a mix of sourced blooms from your studio.

When the couple picks up their buckets of flowers a couple of days before their wedding, their first reaction is usually all gasps and heart-eyes.

This may be quickly followed by smiles draining from faces as couples realize how much work is ahead of them.

One solution? Offer your clients the option to purchase a private design workshop when they book their flowers. Even with this add-on, they’ll still be saving money compared to hiring a full-service event florist, and they’ll gain confidence and peace of mind when it comes to creating their wedding flowers—priceless!

Reasons to Offer a Private DIY Design Workshop

A private floral design workshop helps your flower business increase revenue by up-selling a current client. You’ll build your relationship with them and allow the couple to gather and create with friends and family before their wedding. Typically, these workshops are held in person at your flower farm or studio, but technology can also allow you to instruct and inspire from afar. Look into platforms like Zoom for live-streaming, and consider creating a floral ingredients list for participants with easy-to-find flowers and supplies.

You can market your private design workshop offering along with your DIY event service level. Your website and social media are great places to start. Try to include photos of participants having a blast at past workshops or stage a set-up if you don’t have other pictures.

Your DIY wedding couples aren’t looking for a lot of specific, technical design instruction. They simply want to get comfortable working with flowers and follow some basic rules, so they know their flowers will look beautiful and intentionally arranged on their big day.

What to Teach in your DIY Floral Design Workshop

Stick to the basics.
Teach them about focal, secondary, and filler flowers.
Clue them in on how tall their arrangements should be for their chosen vessel and remind them not to block the view of seated guests.
Go over any flower handling and processing they need to know.
Mention any supplies they should have on hand.
Discuss how to store and transport their finished creations safely.

Your couples will be so grateful that you enlightened them on details they may have overlooked!

During the workshop, your goal is to be helpful and kind and share in their excitement. Invite your attendees to bring their own snacks and sips and have a table ready for them to set-up. Consider contributing a little something such as a batch mocktail or box of goodies from your favorite local bakery for an extra-special touch.

During the workshop, remember to take photos for your own marketing. Then send a few of the best ones to the bride so she’ll remember all the fun she had at your studio or farm!

Up-selling a DIY wedding client with a private design workshop is a win-win.

The client gets peace of mind knowing they’ll be able to make the most of their floral investment. As a florist or flower farmer, you’re able to increase revenue with a committed client and build relationships while providing a unique service.