Most shows are 5 or 10 days but there are some shows that are a slightly different amount of days.
Absolutely not. We appreciate florists’ time and talent. Although we consider our events a partnership between Fleurs de Villes and our (over 1500 florists) worldwide, we offer a substantial honourarium to cover hard costs.
We are successful when our florists are successful. The process of designing for the show is one we take seriously and we aim to be there for our florists as little or as much as they need. We share “under the dress” mechanics with our florists as well as many other material and tricks we’ve learned along the way. Our process allows for support and two-way communication including a design meeting to make sure our florists are on track and creating something everyone will be proud of. One of the things we hear over and over is what a wonderful learning experience it is to participate in FDV.
No, FDV will provide your mannequin.
We allocate the mannequins based on what design a florist is doing. The mannequins are not poseable but there are some ways to manipulate positions that we share with florists all the time.
We ask that you put your mannequin together immediately upon receipt to be sure there are no issues, nothing broken, no missing pieces.
We aim to get the mannequins to our florists at least one week before the show and most often two weeks. No florist comes to the event with a naked mannequin. We encourage florists to work on and complete elements that will dry gracefully ahead of time ie. Hair, shoes, a bodice, jewellery, etc. (things that are often glued) rather than needing any water source. On the day of the event set up, florist generally have 8+ hours to construct on site.
This varies by show but is usually between 8 and 12 hours. That said, no one comes to the venue with a naked mannequin. You should complete all dried, preserved and glued portions that you can in advance as well as any forms so that on site, you can focus mainly on installing the fresh flowers and completing the platform.
Some shows have a dedicated wholesaler. For some shows you may shop where you like.
When there is a dedicated supplier, we require you to purchase all your botanicals there. Floral partners have come on as sponsors and are very excited about helping to promote local florists and the market to a wider audience. They are very committed (whether you buy from them all the time or hardly ever) to help you get the supplies you need. The best part of a supplier is you are not out of pocket. Your show purchase goes to the FDV account. At the end of the show we will subtract your spend from them from your total honourarium to see what balance is left. You may invoice us up to that amount for things from Home Depot, renting a van, hiring help etc. We can’t reimburse over your allotted honorarium.
No. We ask for just one invoice at the end of the show. If the show has a partner wholesaler, then all your florals will be billed to us directly and you may invoice us for the difference between the total honorarium and however much you spend there (example: honorarium is $1000 and you spend $780 at the wholesaler, you can invoice us up to $220 for things you bought at Home Depot or other).
You should have your design well thought out for this meeting. You are given some time between receiving your creative brief and the design meeting to come up with you direction. At the meeting we’d like to see what you’re planning, what botanicals you will use and what mechanics you plan (particularly water source for your florals). A moodboard template we use makes this really easy for you to drop in your concepts.
Typically briefs are sent out FIVE weeks prior to the event. We review the general direction of the show at the FLORIST BRIEFING MEETING ZOOM but your specific assignment will come via the brief. If you require more details or information, please don’t hesitate to ask. Please think outside the box. For example, if your creative brief is for an Orchestra and the music piece is Lullaby of the Snow, what does that mean to you? ….As winter starts to “fade,” so you could have the platform and mannequin in tons of white roses that taper off to white and greenery, and maybe moss to show the transition; or maybe Lullaby means a MOONGATE to you.
If your installation has a sponsor, we will let you know in the creative brief. When this is the case, there is the opportunity to work with and meet a wonderful brand. Part of this process will be to learn their wishes and direction for you to consider into your design. There will also be a brief zoom that FDV will arrange with us and with the client, to show them your direction and to get feedback.
No. The platforms are made from just two plastic folding tables with plexi surrounding panels. For this reason we ask you to NOT stand on the tables. Please bring a ladder to access high bits or complete them before you put the mannequin on the platform.
As the platforms are made from just two folding tables, if you think your mannequin will be top heavy or tippy, there are two great strategies to ensure more stability: 1) bring a piece of plywood to create a “topper” for your platform. This should be no larger than 4’x4’ as then our panels still fit on. It takes the “bow” out of the tables that happens when the mannequins are extremely heavy. 2) bring sandbags or a brick to weigh down your mannequin base to create stability. If you have a plywood base you bring you can also “tack down” your mannequin base with a strip of wood across it and screw that into the plywood. See photo.
Participating in FDV brings you into a global flower show sensation that is being enjoyed by millions of people around the world. In each city FDV pops up in, we are spreading joy with flowers while showcasing the talent of local florists. More than that we are elevating the industry and trying to demonstrate what an art form floristry is. For our florists, FDV is a lovely way to do a large installation that is beyond the bouquets and weddings of day to day business. It’s a chance to do something perhaps outside your comfort zone or a chance to really strut your stuff. Many florists love the team building aspect but we also have one-man wonders! The camaraderie of the event is very special too. To work amongst other florists you may just see at the wholesalers from time to time, FDV creates a really fun opportunity to mingle and spend some time together. Finally, we want you to USE US. Use the opportunity to engage your own clients and community. Take them on a journey from receiving your mannequin to what the finished product looks like. Plan a time to come down to the show and invite your customers to come and hear about how you did it etc. People are fascinated at the process. Get some behind the scenes for your social. We provide professional photos and short reels as a part of your participation and we compile all the media and promotional coverage to share with you at the end. If the show has our JARDIN you can do a demo, a workshop or sell at our flower market and create even more content for yourself.
Please read all the details about set up on this portal when they are made available. It tells you things like where you need to be when, where to park, how to access the venue etc.
Not always. If you need a glue gun you may be required to do that off to the side where there is power so be prepared or bring a really long extension cord.
Each show is a bit different, but our most popular awards are:
Most Realistic: the mannequin that brings to life real components so realistically. That could be a lace collar, a sword, the lining of a trench coat.
Most Creative: this celebrates the imagination from any perspective: wild use of colour, interesting mix of materials, the way materials were used.
Best in Show: this award is really a culmination of everything
Florist Favourite: This gives all the florists that opportunity to recognize the work of their peers. No one can appreciate it more than all of you.
We are contractually obligated to our client for certain days and times so you may not strike any sooner than your designated time.
Usually strike for each florist is very fast.