Despite the projected decline in employment, job opportunities are expected to be good because of the need to replace workers who leave the occupation.

Employment change. Employment of floral designers is expected to decline moderately, 9 percent, between 2006 and 2016. The demand for floral decorations will continue to grow as flower sales increase with the population and the lavishness of weddings and other special events that require floral decorations. As disposable incomes rise, more people also will demand fresh flowers in their homes and offices. Increased spending on interior design also is expected to create more demand for stylish artificial arrangements for homes and businesses.

Despite growing demand for floral decorations, few job opportunities are expected in floral wholesalers, primarily because an increasing number of shops are purchasing flowers and supplies directly from growers in order to cut costs. In addition, the growth of electronic commerce in the floral industry will make it easier for retail florists to locate their own suppliers. Discretionary spending on flowers and floral products is highly sensitive to the state of the economy, and during economic downturns employment may fall off as floral expenditures decline.

Job prospects. Job opportunities should be good because of the relatively high replacement needs in retail florists. Many people leave the occupation after a time because of its comparatively low starting pay and limited opportunities for advancement. Opportunities should be good in grocery store and Internet floral shops as sales of floral arrangements from these outlets grow. The prearranged displays and gifts available in these stores appeal to consumers because of the convenience and because of prices that are lower than can be found in independent floral shops.

As mass marketers capture more of the small flower orders, independent floral shops are increasingly finding themselves under pressure to remain profitable. Many independent shops have added online ordering systems in order to compete with Internet florists. Others are trying to distinguish their services by specializing in certain areas of floral design or by combining floral design with event planning and interior design services. Some florists also are adding holiday decorating services in which they will set up decorations for businesses and residences.

Floral designers held about 87,000 jobs in 2006. Approximately 33 percent were self-employed. About 45 percent of all floral designers worked in florist shops. Another 10 percent worked in the floral departments of grocery stores. Others were employed by miscellaneous nondurable goods merchant wholesalers, other general merchandise stores, and in lawn and garden equipment and supply stores.

For information about careers in floral design, contact:

• American Institute of Floral Designers, 720 Light St., Baltimore, MD 21230. Internet: http://www.aifd.org
• Society of American Florists, 1601 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Internet: http://www.safnow.org

To learn more about designing flowers for weddings and funerals, see "Jobs in weddings and funerals: Working with the betrothed and the bereaved," in the winter 2006 Occupational Outlook Quarterly and online at http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2006/winter/art03.pdf.