- 1). Obtain the necessary licensing. Running a flower or bridal shop will require you to have one or more federal, state or local licenses or permits, including a resale permit to resell the flowers, bridal gowns and other products that you will purchase wholesale. Visit www.business.gov to find helpful information regarding which licenses and permits you need as well as where to get them in your area.
- 2). Choose a location for your flower or bridal shop. Set up your business in a neighborhood where you will get lots of foot traffic and walk-in customers, which is especially good for a flower shop. Choose a location that is easy for future brides and their families to find.
- 3). Rent or buy a space for your flower or bridal shop that has plenty of room for the following: a refrigerated cooler to store flowers and display floral arrangements; a workspace to assemble floral arrangements; a sink with running water; shelves to hold and display vases, cards, and other flower-related merchandise; areas to store unused flowers; racks to display bridal gowns; shelves to display bridal accessories like jewelry, shoes and tiaras; dressing rooms; a seating area to meet and talk with brides and their families; a counter for a telephone, computer, and cash register.
- 4). Determine what products to offer. Decide how many types of fresh flowers to keep in stock, and which varieties. Determine whether you will also sell plants. Choose what types of bride-related merchandise will sell, such as gowns, shoes and accessories.
- 5). Decide what services to offer. Determine whether you will just sell fresh flowers by the stem, or if you will also design flowers for funerals, weddings, parties and other events. Consider specializing in wedding flowers if you are starting a combined flower and bridal business. Decide whether you will offer a flower delivery service. Think about whether you will offer custom tailoring on wedding gowns, or sell dresses for bridesmaids, flower girls and brides' mothers.
- 6). Establish relationships with flower wholesalers and bridal merchandise manufacturers. Contact wholesalers and manufacturers once you have the proper licensing. Let them know about your new business. Peruse their catalogs and websites to learn which specific flowers and bride-related products they offer.
- 7). Buy all the flowers and bridal products you want to have available in your shop when it opens. Obtain flowers no more than three days in advance of selling them, so that they are fresh. Have an assortment of bridal gown styles available for clients to try on. Purchase or rent any equipment and supplies you will need, such as a cash register, floral knives, buckets, gift wrap, ribbons and more.
- 8). Create an inviting shop layout. If you are starting a combined flower and bridal business, divide your shop into two natural sections: the flower section and the bridal section. Unify the two sections with one counter where customers can pay for either type of item. Consider setting up a seating area where customers can relax between trying on bridal gowns, look at flower and wedding books and magazines, or meet with you about placing orders.
- 9). Set up a website for your flower or bridal shop. Include an "About" section, a "Products and Services" section, and a "Contact Us" section. Make your website a colorful, inviting expression of your business. Include photographs of the products, including floral arrangements and/or bridal gowns, and shop.
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Advertise your business. Let the community know about the grand opening of your flower or bridal shop by displaying flyers and placing ads in local newspapers.
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