One of the best parts of attending floral conventions and trade shows is the chance to be visually overwhelmed and inspired. Big, dramatic, high-budget floral displays stop you in your tracks — which is exactly the point.
But while those showpieces might not seem relevant to your customers or your price point, dismissing them as “not for us” is a missed opportunity. These large-scale, high-style creations are more than just decoration — they’re design school on display.
With a little creativity and critical thinking, you can take what you see and transform it into something beautiful, profitable, and perfectly suited for your shop.
As a reminder: the Society of American Florists Annual Convention is coming up the week of August 11, 2025, in Phoenix. If you’re attending, TeamFloral will be there, too — taking notes, talking shop, and soaking up inspiration from every corner.
Look Past the Price Tag
When you see an extravagant piece, don’t walk away thinking, “My customers would never buy that.” Instead, ask: What made me stop and look?
Is it the movement of the line? A surprising color combination? A technique I haven’t used in a while? Your goal isn’t to copy the design — it’s to understand why it works.
Dissect the Structure, Contents & Elements
Take mental (or literal) notes on:
- How the mechanics hold it all together
- What line materials were used to create motion or height
- Which elements provide rhythm, contrast, balance, or texture
You’re building a toolbox of techniques. Later, you can scale them to your space, budget, and clientele.
Reimagine, Don’t Replicate
Even the most lavish design can be reworked into something accessible. For example:
- Instead of 25 roses, use five — and surround them with blush spray roses and soft filler
- Replace tropical blooms with more common ones in the same form
- Focus on the composition: eye rhythm, line, focal area, and balance
- What gives it visual impact-” The WOW Factor?
The form and color of the flower matter more than the name on the invoice. If a design relies on the fullness of round blooms, that look can be achieved with carnations, mums, or a single hydrangea.
Keep the Essence, Add Your Own Voice
Take a photo of the original design and use it as a reference. As you begin to recreate it in your style, ask:
- What parts of the design are most important to keep?
- What can I simplify, scale down, or reinterpret?
- Where can I push my creativity — with mechanics, containers, or color palette?
Use the exercise not just to design something new, but to create a recipe you can repeat or adapt.
Dare to Experiment
Big statement designs can be intimidating — especially if you’ve been in a production mode for months. If you feel rusty with more conceptual or artistic work, start small and stay playful. Take a leap forward and experiment.
Let your first version be awkward. Try again. Eventually, you’ll hit on a version that balances inspiration with your own style — something your customers will connect with and be excited to order.
Final Thought: Big Designs Are Teaching Tools
What you see on the convention floor isn’t meant for sale. It’s meant to stretch your perspective. Use those moments to sharpen your skills, spark new ideas, and expand your design vocabulary.
You might not be able to sell the showstopper as-is — but you can sell its story, its energy, and its inspiration. If you create one, put it on display with a price tag. “If you don’t show it, you will never sell it.”
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