Floral Design Certificate Program
Floral classes:
- Floral Design 1, 2 & 3
- Principals & Elements of Design
- Sympathy & Funeral Flowers
- Wedding 1 & 2
- Fit to Be Tied
- Wearables
- Glass Menagerie
- The Business of Flowers
- Testing for the Test
- Team Experience
- Home for the Holidays
Bucks County Community College is a proud Educational Partner with the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Through this program floral design students have a chance to become a Certified floral Designer (CFD) by completing BCCC's comprehensive curriculum.
Students who successfully complete the required Education Partner coursework as listed below, will be invited to participate in the hands-on Capstone, wherein their work will be evaluated. Once completing the Capstone, all students will receive a Certificate of Completion from BCCC, and, if the student's work is deemed at the level of a CFD (Certified Floral Designer), an invitation to proceed to the final step in the CFD certification process with AIFD will be extended. For full information about the CFD certification, please visit: https://aifd.org/membership/becoming-a-cfd/
The course is to be completed at your own pace, there is no time limit on finishing the program. By engaging in all classes as they are offered throughout the year, the program could be completed in as little as 9 months.
Students who receive a Floral Design certificate of completion by successfully completing the program may be eligible to earn up to 20 credits of technical competencies/trade skills towards the requirements of the A.A. in Technical Entrepreneurship (2070).
Please note: Unless otherwise noted, only one absence per class is permitted in order to receive a certificate of completion. If class is canceled due to weather, the class will be rescheduled in the same week.
| Core Classes | Prerequisite | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Floral Design 1 | 15 | |
| Floral Design 2 | Floral Design 1 | 15 |
| Floral Design 3 | Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2 |
15 |
| Principles & Elements of Design | Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2 |
12 |
| Wedding 1: A Personal Touch | Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2 |
15 |
| Wedding 2: Ceremony & Celebrations | Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2 |
15 |
| Sympathy & Funeral Flowers | Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2 | 15 |
| 4 Electives | ||
| Capstone (Final Evaluation) | All 7 core and 4 electives | |
| Total Certificate Hours (not including Capstone) | 102 |
- Must complete 102 hours plus 4 electives in order to register for the capstone.
- Unless otherwise noted, only one absence per class is permitted in order to receive a certificate of completion. Missed classes cannot be made up. Unless other arrangements have been made directly with the instructor prior to the start of the class that you will be missing, you forfeit the materials for the class that have been ordered on your behalf. Ask the Community Education & Professional Certification Department for instructor contact information to inquire about the possibility of collecting the materials.
- If the college should close for some reason and your class is cancelled, the class will be rescheduled in the same week.
- There is a $35 non-refundable withdrawal charge if you cancel your enrollment in a course. The following conditions apply to refunds:
- For all courses: 100% refund (less withdrawal charge) when you notify the Community Education & Professional Certification Department at least five (5) days prior to the course starting date. No refunds after this time.
- If you withdraw your registration from a floral design course within 72 hours of the start of that course, you have the option of picking up the fresh material for the first class that has already been ordered on your behalf. Picking up the fresh material must take place during the time slot that the class is taking place. If you do not make these arrangements with the instructor prior to the start of the class, you will forfeit the materials. Ask the Community Education & Professional Certification Department for instructor contact information to make these arrangements.
Bucks Art in Bloom
Flower Show
NOVEMBER 10, 11 & 12, 2023
More information to come!!!
FLORAL DESIGN 1 (CORE) FLORA 1000 C02
5/16 - 6/13 6:00pm - 9:00pm
You will be introduced to the basics of floral designing - how to care and condition fresh flowers to prolong their life, floral design terminology, and various design trends and techniques. You will learn to arrange in a variety of vases (including but not limited to glassware, plastic, and basket containers) using a wide range of flowers and foliage. No prior experience necessary. Students should bring a floral knife, bunch cutters, wire cutters and scissors to class. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD
Cost includes $350 material/book.
FLORAL DESIGN 1 (CORE) FALL FLORA 1000 C01
9/5 - 10/3 6:00pm - 9:00pm
You will be introduced to the basics of floral designing - how to care and condition fresh flowers to prolong their life, floral design terminology, and various design trends and techniques. You will learn to arrange in a variety of vases (including but not limited to glassware, plastic, and basket containers) using a wide range of flowers and foliage. No prior experience necessary. Students should bring a floral knife, bunch cutters, wire cutters and scissors to class. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD
Cost includes $350 material/book.
FLORAL DESIGN 2 (CORE) FLORA 1001 C01
6/14 - 7/19
(no class 7/5) 6:30pm - 9:30pm
You will be able to advance your knowledge and skills in floral design with this intermediate course. You will have opportunities to design larger arrangements using more complex techniques. You will learn to use some of the most common design techniques including: mille de fleur, Biedermeier, phoenix, and waterfall designs. Ron Mulray, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1
Cost includes $250 material/flower cost.
FLORAL DESIGN 2 (CORE) FALL FLORA 1001 C01
You will be able to advance your knowledge and skills in floral design with this intermediate course. You will have opportunities to design larger arrangements using more complex techniques. You will learn to use some of the most common design techniques including: mille de fleur, Biedermeier, phoenix, and waterfall designs. Ron Mulray, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1
Cost includes $250 material/flower cost.
FLORA DESIGN 3 (CORE) FLORA 1002 C01
7/25 - 8/22 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Students will utilize innovative techniques to create advanced floral designs. Designs created in this class will demonstrate applied knowledge of the elements and principles. Creations will focus on Contemporary, European and Asian Design. Students will learn critical thinking skills and how to edit design applications. Shannon Toal, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2
Cost includes $250 material/flower cost.
FLORA DESIGN 3 (CORE) FALL FLORA 1002 C01
11/7 - 12/5 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Students will utilize innovative techniques to create advanced floral designs. Designs created in this class will demonstrate applied knowledge of the elements and principles. Creations will focus on Contemporary, European and Asian Design. Students will learn critical thinking skills and how to edit design applications. Shannon Toal, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2
Cost includes $250 material/flower cost.
PRINCIPALS & ELEMENTS OF DESIGN (CORE) FLORA 1030 C01
How can you balance a floral design with color? What accents can you use to create rhythm? What's the best way to line up the scale of your design for proper proportion? Take a deep dive into the Principles & Elements of design in this course where we'll explore inspirations and refine hands-on floral design applications. Attendance at all classes is required in order to receive a Certificate of Completion. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2
Cost includes $150 material/flower cost.
SYMPATHY & FUNERAL FLOWERS (CORE) FLORA 1004 C01
10/16 - 11/13 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Expand your floral design skills by learning one of the biggest parts of the industry. We will explore all the different ways that floral design is used for funeral and sympathy work. Our designs will be based on the principals and elements of design, and we will be looking at modern trends in sympathy design. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2
Cost includes $275 material/flower cost.
WEDDING 1: A Personal Touch (CORE) FLORA 1014 C01
From Brides and Grooms, to Moms, Flower Girls and that Great Uncle who's never missed a birthday, we'll walk through the best ways to create all of the personal flowers for the wedding day, along with techniques to add that creative and personal touch for each unique client. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD & Ron Mulray, AIFD, CFD
Wedding 1 and Wedding 2 are independent courses, and do not need to be taken in succession.
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2
Cost includes $250 material/flower cost.
WEDDING 2: CEREMONY & CELEBRATIONS (CORE) FLORA 1015 C01
We're going to the chapel, and the church, and the Cathedral! Then we'll explore the techniques and mechanics used to create inspiring reception décor. All instructors will teach this class.
Wedding 1 and Wedding 2 are independent courses, and do not need to be taken in succession.
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1 & Floral Design 2
Cost includes $250 material/flower cost.
Fit To Be Tied (Elective) FLORA 1028 C01
4/5 - 4/26 6:30pm - 9:30pm Newtown 4 Wednesdays,
9/6 - 9/27 6:30pm - 9:30pm
During this course, we will explore five different techniques of hand-tied bouquets, from European spiral to using an Armature, creating a cascade. Hand-tied presentation bouquets and a faux hand-tied bouquet are all fit to be tied. You will expand your knowledge and confidence on hand-tied bouquets for weddings, proms, or even just a beautiful arrangement. Ron Mulray, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.
WEARABLES (ELECTIVE) FLORA 1034 C01
& Friday, 4/7 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Flowers aren't just great to look at, they're fun to wear! Join us in learning the mechanics and techniques of creating floral wearables and jewelry that can be worn around town, or to your next soiree! Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.
Glass Menagerie (ELECTIVE) FLORA 1036 C01
6/1 - 6/22 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Designing foam-free in a vase or other vessel can be a challenge. In this class, we'll explore the best techniques and mechanics suggested to create a beautiful vase arrangement in a menagerie of different vessel styles. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.
The Business of Flowers FLORA 1037 C01
7/13 - 8/10
Field Trip 8/17 (Time TBD) 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Ready to take your great idea, product or service and turn it into a Floral based business? In this class you will explore what is involved in creating, starting up and running a small Floral business. We will determine if you have the passion to be a entrepreneur, the steps required to start your business and options for financing your business venture. You will learn how to evaluate your idea, understand your customer, and define exactly what and why people will buy from you. By the end of the course, you will be prepared to define and implement the next steps required to start your own Floral business.
Cost includes $40 book fee.
Testing for the Test (ELECTIVE) FLORA 1027 C01
You've practiced, refined and studied the principles and elements of design in the world of floral design. Now it's time to put all of that effort to the "Test"! Join us as we create a mock-test scenario that will prepare you for what you can expect from our upcoming Capstone class, and, what you'll experience during the national AIFD certification exam. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD and Ron Mulray, AIFD, CFD
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.
Team Experience (Elective) FLORA 1031 C01
10/19 - 11/9 6:30pm - 9:30pm
This class will be offered in conjunction with the Bucks County Community College Art in Bloom flower show. Students will come together as a group and discuss a large art floral installment on the campus as part of the Art in Bloom flower show.
Students will brainstorm, sketch and scout out locations on campus where this floral structure can be placed. Students will assemble the arrangement in the location that was pre-determined and install it 95% of the way leaving the final touches until the opening of the flower show. This is a group effort and all decisions regarding the project will be made as a team. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD & Ron Mulray, AIFD, CFD
Prerequisite: Floral Design 1
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.
Home for the Holidays (Elective) FLORA 1021 C01
11/20 - 12/11 6:00pm - 8:00pm
In this class you will be creating designs to enhance your home for the holidays. Fresh flowers to permanent botanicals will be used in four designs. A beautiful swag that will last throughout the season, a holiday tree, a wreath that will transition through winter and a centerpiece to complete the collection. Renee Tucci, AIFD, CFD
Cost includes $200 material/flower cost.
CAPSTONE FLORA 1005 C01
10/3 - 11/7
(no class 10/31) 6:00pm - 9:00pm
All students that have completed the required core and elective class hours are invited to take this final step in receiving their Certificate of Completion for the Floral Design Program. Each week you will be evaluated on a design as you would be in a real AIFD test environment. During the final class you will receive your Certificate of Certification from Bucks. Shortly after, you will receive correspondence including your complete evaluation and, if applicable, recommendation to move on to the CFD exam.
Prerequisite: 7 Core classes and 12 hours of electives
Instructors: Renee Tucci, Ron Mulray, and Shannol Toal
Cost includes $225 material/flower cost.
Note: No classes can be missed. Must attend all sessions.