Sustainable Sympathy Flowers Course
Two Day Course
At The Bath Flower school we believe that farewell flowers do not need to look a set way. Funerals and the way they are carried out is starting to change. There is no longer a one size fits all option. Families are seeking alternative solutions in order to create their own unique way of saying farewell. Whether that’s a casket or coffin made from different materials like cardboard or willow, or opting for an alternative burial option at a natural burial ground, funerals are definitely evolving. Celebrants and non-religious individuals are now leading ceremonies - funerals are now seen as an event that’s part grieving, part celebratory. In turn, flowers for funerals are also changing. We’re stepping away from the traditional style of sympathy work that is all too often seen at funerals. People need to be given choices about what flowers they would like without worrying that they need to follow some sort of protocol. It is becoming more and more important for people to be able to choose an environmentally friendly and of course beautiful, option.
This two day course is specifically tailored and designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to be able to produce beautiful, naturally styled, sustainable funeral flowers. At The Bath Flower School we are passionate about using only sustainable foam free techniques and will show you how to implement these methods. We will demonstrate the techniques whilst encouraging you to adopt your own style, so that you feel your floral creations reflect your individuality and fit in with your brand.. Of course at the flower school the flowers will always take centre stage. We will cherry pick the best that the season has to offer and will always where possible use British flowers from our amazing local flower farms.
DAY ONE
We start the course with a cuppa and chat as we like to get to know you, your individual needs and learning goals so that we deliver not only a great course but be sure you’ve got as much out of your time at The Bath Flower School as you possibly can.
Chats complete, we move on to practical. Getting our hands dirty we start by making a living wreath. We will use seasonal flowering plants, succulents and adorn the wreaths with moss and twigs. These wreaths are a great alternative to floral funeral wreaths. They can be laid on a grave or form part of the main funeral ceremony. The beauty of living wreaths is that they continue to thrive long after a floral tribute would.
During the afternoon session we will make a sympathy sheaf. Essentially this is a bouquet that can be laid down flat without looking squashed – technically it’s a bit different than making a hand tied spiral bouquet. For the sheaf we will use textural, interesting foliage, along with lovely seasonal flowers to create the perfect sympathy arrangement suitable for a natural burial ground.
DAY TWO
We will begin the day with Catherine Miller, an independent funeral director from Family Tree Funerals. Catherine will talk to you about her job and all that it entails, debunking any myths and answering as many questions as you might have. This is an inspiring and uplifting part of the course and a great opportunity to find out about the details behind a funeral, especially about how to talk to friends and family of the deceased. No question is too silly!
Following Catherine’s session we will move onto make a Casket Top Arrangement. This is a technical piece concentrating on shape and dimension. This will be the largest arrangement you will make over the course, therefore there will be an abundance of many beautiful flowers and foliage so that you can create something stunning. Casket tops in most cases are the main tribute at funerals, so we will give you as much help and guidance as you need to ensure you are happy and confident with your creation.
Using backdrops and props, you will have the opportunity to style and take photos of all your work. We will also visit a nearby churchyard and use this as background scenery for photos of all your creations made over the last 2 days.
To conclude the course we will gather for a final cuppa and some cake and finish with a Q&A, to ensure we have answered all your questions before leaving us.
DATES AVAILABLE?
4th - 5th July
21st - 22nd October
Each day starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Anyone looking to learn/improve their sustainable, sympathy floristry methods.
WHERE IS IT?
5 Lambridge Buildings, Larkhall, Bath, BA1 6RS
HOW MUCH?
£650 – Includes all tuition, materials, flowers (all of which are yours to take home) and refreshments.
HOW TO BOOK?
A £200 deposit is required to confirm your course place.
Select your date below, add to cart and then follow the payment instructions.
The remaining balance of £450 is due six weeks before your course date and will be invoiced for payment via bank transfer.
Prior to booking, please read our Payments, Cancellations & Refunds Policy
COURSE ENQUIRIES…
If you have any questions regarding our Sustainable Sympathy course please click below.