TeamFloral Blog

Go from Pretty to Premium: Elevating Floral Designs for Higher Value

Written by Dan McManus | 4/30/25 7:24 PM

It’s easy to sell flowers that are beautiful, but are you selling designs that are worth more than they are priced? The difference between “pretty” and “premium” often comes down to intentional design, elegant presentation, and the confidence to offer something truly special. By learning how to position your high-end arrangements and elevate the customer experience, your flower shop can increase average order values and establish an excellent reputation.

Let’s explore how you can transform your floral work from simply attractive to absolutely unforgettable.

Understanding What Premium Really Means

Premium design isn’t just about using more expensive flowers. It’s about refinement, style, and thoughtful composition. A premium arrangement feels polished and purposeful. It makes an impact—not just with the flowers themselves, but in how they’re styled, packaged, and presented.

Customers are often willing to spend more for something that feels more valuable. The challenge is making sure they can see, feel, and experience that difference. It’s not about overwhelming a design with size or quantity. It’s about curating something that commands attention and speaks to quality.  Please remember that the client is representing their sentiment and personal style when they send a floral gift.

Focus on Flower Selection and Styling

To shift from pretty to premium, start with your flower selection. High-end blooms such as orchids, callas, peonies, garden roses, anthuriums, and protea immediately set a design apart. These flowers are not only beautiful but also suggest sophistication and taste.

But styling is just as important. A premium look often comes from using fewer flowers with more impact. Instead of a busy or crowded arrangement, aim for clean lines, focal areas, and intentional negative space. A stunning orchid stem in a minimalist vase can say more than a dozen standard blooms.

Use layered textures, dynamic shapes, and elegant color palettes. Monochromatic and analogous color blends in whites, blushes, or jewel tones feel upscale and refined. Use unexpected elements like branches, tropical foliage, or unusual pods to create visual intrigue.  Do not stuff the design with common foliage; use items like moss and terraced foliage to cover mechanics.

Use Containers That Signal Value

A plastic vase can immediately cheapen even the most exquisite bouquet. Premium arrangements deserve premium vessels. Upgrade your containers to include options like ceramic, glass, marble-look, or matte-finish metal.

These materials elevate the look and feel of your product and justify a higher price point. Even a basic design becomes a showpiece when placed in a sleek, modern, or artisan-crafted container.

Offer container upgrades on your website and in-store with clear visual examples. This gives customers an easy way to step up their purchase without feeling pressured.

Elevate the Presentation

Packaging plays a vital role in creating a premium experience. Use luxe wraps like satin ribbon, linen-textured paper, or branded tissue. Include a care card, your shop’s logo sticker, and a thank-you note for that boutique feel.

Don’t forget the power of scent and detail. A small sprig of eucalyptus or a branded fragrance sachet can turn a delivery into a multi-sensory experience. The goal is to make the recipient feel special from the moment they receive their flowers.

These touches also photograph beautifully, perfect for social media and word-of-mouth marketing.

Train Your Team for Premium Sales

Selling premium designs requires confidence and communication. Train your staff to start the conversation at a higher price point, then guide customers through upgrades based on value.

Never ask, “What’s your budget?” start with, “Let me show you one of our most popular designs for today—it includes some of our most beautiful seasonal blooms.” Lead with quality, not price.

Have visual examples ready—both in-store and online—to make premium options feel accessible and desirable. Use tiered pricing (good, better, best) to guide customers toward the best value. You can even have a section on your website titled [Your Shop’s Name] Black Label Collection or another description. This sets this collection apart to make it “special.”

Build a Premium Brand Reputation

The more often you showcase high-end designs, the more your shop becomes associated with luxury and quality. Share premium arrangements on social media, your website, and email campaigns. Use elegant styling, professional photos, and language that reflects sophistication.

Over time, you’ll attract customers who seek—and expect—that elevated experience. And as those orders grow, so does your bottom line.

In floristry, pretty is expected. Premium is intentional. By curating higher-value designs, upgrading your materials, and delivering an exceptional customer experience, your shop can rise above the competition, turn customers into clients, and beautiful flowers into beautiful profits.