Fall Holiday Planning & Trend Guide for Florists

As a florist, fall is an exciting time of year to prepare for holiday events and boost profits. With many holidays from Halloween to Thanksgiving and Diwali to Veteran's Day, there are many opportunities to offer your customers creative floral arrangements. Planning ahead and staying up to date on current fall flowers and trends is a crucial aspect of maximizing your profits and can help you stay ahead of the competition. 

Before we dive into holiday planning, let’s take a look at some of the popular fall flower trends. Warm and inviting colors are all the rage, including shades of orange, red and burgundy. Neutral colors, like beige and white, are also popular, as well as jewel tones like emerald and sapphire blue. Some of our top fall flowers and trends to consider incorporating into your designs include:

1. Dahlias – these colorful and unique flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any arrangement.
2. Chrysanthemums – "mums" are a classic fall flower that comes in a variety of colors and sizes. 
3. Sunflowers – sunflowers are a cheerful and vibrant addition to any fall bouquet or centerpiece. 
4. Roses – roses are a year-round favorite, but in the fall, deeper and darker colors like burgundy and deep red are especially popular. 
5. Marigolds – marigolds are a festive flower often used in Day of the Dead celebrations and Halloween décor.
6. Warm Colors – use warm and earthy colors like deep oranges, intense yellows, reds and browns to create a dimensional but cozy and inviting atmosphere. 
7. Seasonal Foliage – incorporate seasonal foliage like leaves, branches and berries into your flower arrangements for a rustic and natural look. 
8. Textures – Add texture to your arrangements by using different types of flowers like dahlias, mums and asters. 
9. Fall Blooms – some popular fall flowers include sunflowers, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies and asters.
10. Rustic Décor – use rustic and vintage décor like wooden boxes, burlap and mason jars to add character to your designs. 

Shop a wide range of fall flowers with Farm2Florist, your wholesale source for fresh blooms delivered quickly, direct from the farm to you, at great prices.

Holiday Planning Guide for Florists

The first step to maximizing profit no matter the time of year is to plan ahead. As a florist, you want to be prepared for the increased demand for your services. Below are some tips to get started:

• Know You Target Market - Before you begin planning, it is important to understand who your target market is. This can vary season-to-season, so consider the demographics of your local area, such as age, gender, income level - Who’s ordering these flowers? Who’s receiving? – and tailor your offerings to meet their needs.
• Choose Your Products Carefully - For fall holidays, focus on seasonal flowers and colors, such as sunflowers, chrysanthemums, dahlias, asters, marigolds, and fall foliage. These flowers are not only beautiful but are associated with fall and are perfect for creating a variety of stunning floral arrangements that capture the spirit of the season.
• Plan Your Inventory - Once you know what products you want to offer, it’s time to plan your inventory. Reflect on last year’s sales – What did well? What did not? Make sure you have enough stock of the most popular items and consider ordering in bulk to take advantage of volume discounts.
• Market Your Products - Marketing is crucial to the success of any business, especially during the holiday season. Use social media, email marketing and other channels to promote your products and services. Create eye-catching visuals with beginner-friendly programs such as Canva (free) or Adobe Express, and always use hashtags when posting on social media to increase your reach!

Maximizing Profit for the Holidays

• Offer Special Promotions - Everyone loves a good deal, especially around the holidays. Consider offering special promotions to your customers, such as offering discounts on bulk orders, free delivery or special holiday packages.
• Host Events - Hosting events is a great way to attract new customers and increase sales. Consider hosting a wreath-making workshop, a floral arrangement class, or a fall-themed open house.
• Create Customized Packages - Many customers are looking for unique gifts during the holidays. Consider creating customized packages that include floral arrangements, chocolates and other small gifts.
• Upsell - When customers place an order, consider upselling them on additional items. For example, if a customer orders a bouquet, you can suggest adding a vase or a card to their order.

In addition to the major holidays, there are other events during the fall that can help boost your business.

• National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)
  October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an excellent opportunity to create pink-themed arrangements and raise awareness for breast cancer. Consider creating arrangements using pink roses, carnations and tulips, as well as donating a portion of your sales to a breast cancer charity.
• Military Family Appreciation Month (November)
  November is Military Family Appreciation Month, which honors the sacrifices and contributions of military families. Consider offering special discounts or arrangements for military families and partnering with local military organizations.
• National Native American Heritage Month (November)
  November is also National Native American Heritage Month, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Native American tribes. Consider creating arrangements that feature Native American-inspired elements, such as feathers, beads and earthy tones.
• National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month (September 15-October 15)
  During National Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, celebrate the culture and traditions of Hispanic and Latino Americans with bright, bold floral arrangements that incorporate traditional colors and themes. Consider using marigolds, sunflowers, and zinnias in shades of orange, yellow and red.
• Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead (November 1-2)
  Dia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday that honors deceased loved ones. Traditional offerings for this holiday include marigolds, candles and sugar skulls. Incorporate these traditional offerings as well as bright colors like pink, orange and yellow into your designs.
• Halloween (October 31)
  Halloween is an excellent opportunity to get creative with your floral arrangements. Consider creating spooky centerpieces with black roses, spider mums, and other dark and dramatic flowers. You can also create Halloween-themed bouquets with orange roses and black feathers.
• Veterans Day (November 11)
  Veterans Day is a day to honor and remember those who has served in the military. Show your support and appreciation by creating patriotic flower arrangements with red, white and blue colors. Using props such as flags and star pick elevate any arrangement.
• Diwali (November)
  Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and is celebrated with bright colors and decorations. Create festive flower arrangements with vibrant colors, focusing on deep purples and rich golds, and traditional Indian motifs to honor this celebration.
• Thanksgiving (November 24)
  Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and gather with loved ones. Create warm and inviting floral arrangements with fall flowers like dahlias, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers. Using gourds, pumpkins and fall foliage in in your designs makes for a stunning festive centerpiece!

Holiday planning lets you make the most of the season and fall is a time of year that is filled with many important holidays and occasions. As a florist, it's essential to be prepared for the increased demand that comes with these events. We’ll list some of the upcoming holidays and events that you can use to your advantage, as well as some tips and strategies for making the most of the season.