Allied Florists of Houston

DO PACK YOUR SUPPLIES CAREFULLY.
Many competitions have restrictions on what can and cannot be used. While you want to be prepared to tackle any design dilemma, you will often have a very limited amount of space for you and your equipment.

DO READ THE COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS CLOSELY.
Competitions take size dimensions and products used very seriously. You do not want to be disqualified because you did not follow directions. Be sure you have your own tape measure, as one may not be made available for you. If you have doubt about product, submit your proposed procurement list to the competition chair in advance for approval. It's better to find out you can't use Spanish moss before you arrive with your prop at the competition.

DO KEEP THE COMPETITION THEME IN MIND WHEN CREATING YOUR INTERPRETIVE DESIGN.
Creativity is great, but don't make the judges work to hard to understand your interpretation of the theme. For example if the theme is tropical, stick with a beach-type look. You may create a wonderful blue and gray tropical storm (think swirling water) but they may not "get it". Keep it straight forward and to the point. Being too obvious (think lacking creativity) is better than so out there you lose points for not interpreting the theme. If you are given an opportunity to express your thoughts on paper...do it!

DO PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY.
Late entries may be disqualified. Give yourself enough time to check-in, set-up, and settle in comfortably. Rushing will only make you more nervous.

DO PRACTICE RUNS.
Competitions usually tell you which categories will be included. You should have an idea of what types of wedding bouquets you like to design. You should also have a pretty good idea of how long it will take you to create each design. Have co-workers pull a bucket of flowers and a few containers and give you 20 minutes to practice your "Surprise Situation". Then ask someone to evaluate your test designs using the elements and principles of floral design. Some competitions allow designers to bring sketches. Ask if this is allowed before you take them to the competition.

DO REVIEW ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES OF FLORAL DESIGN PRIOR TO THE COMPETITION.
In fact, bring a copy with you to review during breaks. The judges aren't selecting the prettiest arrangement. They are selecting the design that most represents elements and principles of floral design correctly.

DO PAY ATTENTION TO INSTRUCTIONS.
If the Surprise Situation specifies a "centerpiece" your design will be viewed as an all around arrangement that would not obstruct views by people sitting at a table. It may be prettier if taller, or one-sided, but it will score poorly because you did not meet the design requirements given.

DO ASK QUESTIONS.
Competitions vary and you may have questions or concerns, even during the competition. While those who monitor competitions may not be able to discuss issues with you, they will be able to express your concerns to the Competition Chair. When in doubt...ask.

DO CONCENTRATE ON MECHANICS.
A design that scores well in other areas can be sabotaged by exposed glue, wire, or lumpy corsage tape. A perfect design is ruined if something shifts or falls off while in the judges possession. Take the time to double check this element prior to submitting your design for judging.

DO KEEP DESIGNS CLEAN AND UNCLUTTERED.
Create clean designs showing strong lines with distinct placements. Pay attention to detail. Designs do not have to be huge to make an impact. Less is more. Messy is hard to evaluate.

DO MAKE EACH ELEMENT STRONG.
Example: Two loops of lily grass is weak. Two loops of lily grass repeated 3 or 4 times in a design makes a statement. Strong (tight) grouping of elements has more impact and is more creative than polka dotting the elements throughout the design.

DO THINK AIFD.
Judges are also looking for creativity. "AIFD designs" are simple, clean, and uncluttered with an artistic flair. Consider the impact of negative space and/or voids in your design. Keep motion and movement in mind. Maintain a strong focal. Let the power of your flowers and design make the impact, not the volume of flowers used.

DO TAKE THE TIME TO EVALUATE YOUR WORK.
Take time to step back from your table and look at your arrangements from all sides at a distance. You'll see many things you don't notice standing close to them, or above them.

DO REMEMBER:
Bigger is not better....Better is better.
Less is more...Keep it clean and simple.
Mechanics are critical.
Be yourself.
Learn...Grow...Enjoy!

DON'T MARK ANYTHING YOU ARE SUBMITTING DURING THE COMPETITION WITH YOUR NAME.
This includes props, interpretive design explanation sheets, and product cost sheets UNLESS you are instructed to do so. Items are generally marked by your entry number when you check-in for the competition.

DON'T CLUTTER YOUR DESIGN WITH TRICKS.
Tricks are great, but tricks don't win competitions. Good design wins competitions. Showing a trick (unique design element) is nice, but more than one or two in one design will detract from the overall design itself. Know when too much is too much. Example: braiding of greenery

DON'T TRY ANYTHING NEW.
While competition encourages creativity, stick with what you know. If an idea hits you and it works...Great...GO FOR IT! But be sure it works. You do not want to discover that pan melt could crack a ceramic container or certain sprays or glues can discolor items during a competition. You may suddenly remember beautiful butterflies made out of bear grass, but you've never made one yourself. During the competition may not be the best time to develop this skill.

DON'T OVERDO THE WOW FACTOR.
Refrain from using open flames/fire, water, or electrical connections. First of all, the focus of floral design competitions is the flowers. You don't want to detract from their beauty with unnecessary elements. Secondly, you have little control over your design once it is submitted. It may be moved. It may be sitting under an air vent, on a table that is not level, etc. What looks fantastic in your design space may be a disaster by the time the judges see it.

DON'T USE EVERY FLOWER IN YOUR BUCKET.
Competition organizers want you to be successful. They want you to be creative. They want to provide you what you need to do this. However, just because they give you carnations in four colors does not mean you have to use them. Be selective. Choose the best of what you are given and leave the rest. If you are required to use something or a specific amount you will be instructed to do so. Use a critical eye and use only what is necessary to get the desired effect without becoming too complicated or overly involved. Know when to say when.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF COLOR.
Choose colors that are pleasing to the eye and not one of each item given. Keep it simple and make the design complex with use of color and textures. Vary shading for impact. The judges are familiar with the color wheel. You should be too.

DON'T CLUTTER DESIGN WITH TEXTURE.
Filler flowers and greenery are the most overused items in competition design. Competition organizers give you multiple options, but are hoping you don't use all in the same design. Choose one or two and leave the rest for the next design. Be careful with placement of these products. For example: pair solidago with lily grass rather than tree fern. The result is cleaner with more visual impact. Accents should add contrast, not compete with each other or with the flowers they are accenting. Again, less is more. Filler flowers and greenery should accent your design, not overpower it.

DON'T FORGET TO MONITOR YOUR TIME.
Time Management is critical in competition. Exceptions are rarely made. Manage your time in a way that allows you to double check your design prior to submission. Mentally review the elements and principles of design to make sure you meet each requirement.

DON'T PICK AT IT.
When you're done, you're done. Just as designers "stuff" in the flower shop, designers "pick at it" in competition. If you finish early step away from the design table and take a deep breath. After you evaluate your design on the elements and principles continuing to design when you're done is just asking for trouble.

AFTER THE COMPETITION

DO REVIEW ALL ENTRIES.
Floral competitions should be a learning experience. Take a look at all of the designs in each category. Pay special attention to those that scored well. What do those have that your entry didn't? What do those not have that yours did? Which ones really stand out to you? Why? What can you learn from this experience?

DO BE OBJECTIVE ABOUT YOUR DESIGNS.
How do your designs compare with other entries...size, style, volume of flowers, color selection, etc.? Discuss the designs with those involved in the competition. You may learn a great deal from other competitors, the competition organizers, judges, and commentators.

DO REVIEW JUDGES COMMENTS.
Often you do not receive written feedback immediately after a competition. This is a good thing. You are usually more objective about your performance after some time has passed. Hopefully, rather than just a score, you will receive constructive feedback that will not only help you in your next competition, but will also make you a better designer overall.

DO REMEMBER JUDGES SCORES/COMMENTS ARE SUBJECTIVE AND OPEN TO INTERPRETATION.
However, they would not be asked to judge if they were not qualified to do so. Respect their expertise. Their evaluations are not personal, they are professional. Consider their feedback and use the evaluations to improve your skills.

DO REMEMBER YOUR GOALS/OBJECTIVES.
Winning a competition is wonderful, but if you're just in it to win you may be disappointed. Hopefully, after competing, you will feel you did your best and met a personal goal. Feel good about yourself. Win or lose, you've taken a step forward. Be proud of yourself!

DON'T BE TOO HARD ON YOURSELF.
While challenging yourself is admirable, just entering a floral competition proves you are a talented designer concerned with improving your skills. The floral industry is luck to have you!

DON'T GIVE UP.
Learn from this experience. Sign up for the next competition and GO FOR IT !!!

DO PACK TO CONSERVE SPACE.

DO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
Scissors for flowers
Scissors for ribbon
Knife for flowers
Utility knife
Clippers for woody stems
Tape measure
Apron

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:
(Verify at check-in what is acceptable - these items may be provided for you)
Paddle wire
Rose/Floral wire
Corsage tape
Oasis tube glue
Leaf Shine
Green wooden pics
Anchor tape
Pins

GLUE:
Most competitions allow for one electrical plug per designer. This means you can't plug in pan melt and a glue gun. Verify with the competition chair what may be used. You don't want to take a heavy, bulky item you won't be able to use. Additional glues, (tube glues, stem-locks, glitter glue) may be provided for you. If they are not, ask before you use them. Competition organizers do not want to disqualify anyone, but the rules must be followed by all.

DO NOT PACK:

Most competitions do not allow artificial enhancements unless they are provided. This includes, but is not limited to: glitter, birds, butterflies, color sprays, leaf shine, colored wires, etc.

Some competition restricts the use of mosses, curly willow, and woody stems, both natural and artificial.

These items may be allowed on your Interpretive Design. Double check any items used with the Competition Chair, preferably at least a week before the competition. When in doubt...leave it out.

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- your assurance of Professional Quality and Service.

The Association of Professional Florists

Designing for Floral Competitions

Designing for
Floral Competitions