How to Start a Dried Flower Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Starting a Dried Flower Business: The Complete Guide
Dried flowers are so in right now! People are loving their natural, rustic vibe for weddings, home decor, and more. If you’re crafty and business-minded, a dried flower company could totally be your calling. Let’s walk through how to launch your boho-chic brand.
Pick Your Petals
First, what’s your flower power focus? Love wedding work? Aim for bouquets and centerpieces. Have an eye for design? Rock wreaths and wall art. Want to hit events? Make corporate arrangements. Offering DIY supplies can attract crafty folks too. Choose one or two areas to start to really establish your niche.
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Make it Official
Okay, time to pick a catchy but professional business name and set up that LLC or corporation. Get your paperwork like licenses, permits, and tax IDs in order so you’re 100% legit. Research if your state needs any special flower seller approval. Ideally you won’t need an agriculture permit though unless growing too.
Show Your Style
Make sure your brand looks as artisanal as your products! Add a logo, color scheme, and vibe that feels boho and charming. Slap your brand on tags, signs, and packaging. Lifestyle photos of your flowers in action also help share your vision and attract customers.
Source Those Stems
You’ll need a steady flower supply. Consider hooking up with local growers or shops that sell dried surplus. Or order bulk online. Eventually you could grow some yourself too! Start with quality samples from different suppliers first to find the best pairings of beautiful blooms and fair prices.
Setup Your Studio
To keep your flowers fab, prevent breakage with a clean workspace. Have processing tables, sharp scissors, wires, tape, vases, and shelves for safe storage. Make it an inspiring area where you love to craft amazing arrangements.
Build Your Lineup
Take those loose stems and make ’em into sellable items! Popular picks arebundles, wreaths, bouquets, and wall hangings. Offer DIY kits and guides too for crafty peeps. Don’t forget useful supplies like hangers, fillers, and ribbons. Price smartly based on your costs.
Spread the Flower Power
Time to get the word out! Fire up that website and social media with gorgeous pics. Sell at craft fairs and markets. Send free samples to wedding pros who may need flowers. Partner with local shops. Use SEO, email, and some paid ads to reach online folks. Provide stellar customer service too!
Mind the Biz
As you grow, stay organized. Track income, expenses, inventory carefully. Don’t spread yourself too thin. Slow and steady wins the race here. Make sure your faves are always in stock for fans.
Embrace Your Creativity!
Have fun playing with new varieties, styles, and arranging techniques. Develop signature looks to build your reputation. Partner with other brands and makers for fresh inspiration. Scope flower trends for ways to innovate. Your imagination is your advantage so use it!
Follow this advice and you can totally turn your passion into a profitable, feel-good dried flower biz. Let those creative juices flow and your entrepreneurial dreams bloom!
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Dried Flower Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of flowers work best for drying?
The best flowers for drying have low moisture content and sturdy petals that hold their shape when dried. Top picks include ammobium, statice, lavender, roses, hydrangeas, protea, gomphrena, baby’s breath, and cotton. Avoid delicate flowers like tulips and carnations which don’t preserve well.
What methods can be used to dry flowers?
Common drying methods include air drying by hanging upside down in a dark, dry area, using silica gel, pressing between books or using a flower press, and drying in the microwave or oven at a very low temperature. Experiment to see which method works best for each bloom.
How long does the drying process take?
Drying times range from 1–3 weeks on average depending on factors like humidity, the flower variety, and drying method used. Frequent checking is key to catch them at just the right moment before they over-dry. Patience is required for the best results.
Should dried flowers be preserved or sealed?
It’s smart to preserve dried flowers by sealing or spraying them as the final step. This helps protect the flowers from humidity, dust, and pests so they maintain vibrant color and form. Common sealants include hairspray, floral sealant sprays, and varnish.
What are some tips for arranging dried flowers?
Use floral wire or tape to assemble arrangements, clustering stems together for fullness. Mix in greenery and filler like grasses and vines for texture. Prune extra leaves and petals as needed for the look you want. Play with heights, angles, and asymmetry for visual interest. Keep florals looking light and airy.
How long will dried flower arrangements and wreaths last?
With proper sealing and care, dried floral designs can last 1–3 years. Avoid direct sunlight, humidity, and heat which shorten their lifespan. Periodically clean away dust buildup. Re-seal yearly and replace any flowers that degrade. Handle gently to prevent breakage.
What are some top uses for dried flowers?
Dried flowers make gorgeous wedding bouquets and centerpieces. They add rustic charm to home decor in wreaths, wall art, and arrangements. Crafters use them in DIY projects and handmade gifts. Event planners utilize them for corporate functions and parties. Dried flowers even make whimsical cake toppers!
