The Christmas rush can test even the most seasoned florist, whether you’re running a busy high street shop, working from a studio, or creating large-scale festive installations. But with a little forward planning, smart marketing and a solid team strategy, you can make it through the madness with your sanity (and your sparkle) intact.
Here are 35 things to help you stay organised, visible, and calm this Christmas season.
Marketing Magic
Email your customers early.
Let them know your Christmas range is ready to order! Be clear on order deadlines to manage expectations and reduce last-minute stress. Consider segmenting your customers (e.g. Regulars/VIPs, recent subscribers, last year’s Christmas shoppers) and tailor your words or offers accordingly.
Promote pre-orders.
It’s an easy way to advertise your products for longer and secure sales upfront. For event and studio florists, it’s also a great way to plan stock and staffing.
Champion shopping local.
Team up with nearby businesses to host a festive shopping event or small Christmas market. Warm up the mince pies, offer mini wreath demos or collaborate on a giveaway. Add a QR code to posters or leaflets that links straight to your online shop or newsletter sign-up. No shopfront? Host an online open day or virtual studio tour – people love seeing the magic behind the scenes.
Get your website working for you.
Update product descriptions, add festive keywords for SEO and feature bestsellers on your homepage. Bundle gifts and add-ons to encourage upsells – think candles, wine, or chocolates.
Wow with your window (or your digital one!).
If you’ve got a shopfront, make your Christmas window unforgettable and enter any local display competitions for PR. For studio florists, set up a styled corner or backdrop for photos – your “virtual window” for social and web content.
Talk to local businesses.
Drop leaflets or vouchers in staff rooms and reception areas or approach offices that might need festive arrangements or client gifts.
Don’t forget memorial designs.
Gifts for loved ones are a cherished part of the festive season. Offering memorial gift options provides a meaningful service that will always be valued – but it doesn’t have to be complicated, you can keep it simple with a range of pick up and go options, such as plants.
Call last year’s Christmas clients.
If you’ve never tried it you’ll be pleasantly surprised how your offer to take the hassle out of the organisation is generally very welcome.
Prepare your marketing visuals.
Have great images ready for your website and social channels. Read this blog from Queen Bee on taking photos that sparkle, or pop into the Members Area for free festive images.
Create festive Reels and TikTok’s.
Inspire your customers by showing them how to style their homes with fresh flowers and foliage and tag your products wherever possible.
Schedule posts in advance.
Plan your social media content now so you don’t disappear when you’re busiest. Use tools like Meta Business Suite or Later to batch-schedule posts.
Spread the word early.
Use your Google Business Profile and social media to share reminders and incentives like “Order now to guarantee delivery.” Collaborations or festive giveaways with other local businesses also help build reach.
Decide and publish your Christmas Opening hours early.
Update your business hours on Google Business Profile and add as a footer to all Christmas emails as well as advertising on social media to allow customers time to plan.
Boring (but Brilliant) Basics
Check your stock levels.
Printer ink, pens, tape, tea, loo roll (!) and of course, balloons, chocolates, vases, care cards and hand-tie bags. Take advantage of discounts from BFA Corporate Members where you can.
Create a quick reference sheet.
Include cut-off times, delivery charges, add-on codes and supplier contacts.
Test your online order system.
Check payments, confirmation emails and delivery notes all run smoothly before the rush.
Appoint one person to handle queries.
Having one central contact for customer questions avoids confusion and keeps communication consistent.
Getting Extra Helpers
Plan your team structure.
Decide who’s doing what and when and keep your fastest workers focused away from distractions.
Print design recipes.
Have printed copies of your key Christmas designs so everyone can follow the same standard.
Rotate production lines.
Switch staff between tasks to avoid fatigue while keeping focus and flow.
Review last year’s notes.
What sold out? What did you restock at the last minute? Plan now to stay ahead.
Need more space?
Ask your council about temporary retail space or rent a nearby hall or small industrial unit. If working offsite, check insurance cover and keep an eye on temperature control.
Prep as much as you can.
Pre-fold wrap, attach care instructions, make bows, pre-wrap vases and gift-wrap small items ready to display.
Recruit extra hands.
Bring in someone friendly to handle phones or customer service. Ask your team for recommendations or a quick crash course might turn a family member into a Christmas hero.
Update delivery info everywhere.
Ensure staff know the latest delivery prices and zones and check that your website matches.
Cover your freelancers and temps.
Check insurance and contracts. Create a quick WhatsApp group to keep everyone connected. Need HR advice? HR:4UK offers BFA Members a free 10-minute consultation.
Prepare Your Drivers
Service your vans early.
Clean, reliable vans are a brilliant advert for your business.
Build local partnerships.
Line up taxi firms or couriers now, just in case you need back-up deliveries or to cover illness.
Create emergency kits.
Include spares for everything to avoid delivery drivers having to return to the shop, from cut flower food to a box of chocolates and even a balloon. There’s always one that flies away!
Use route planning tools.
Try the free Voyager: Route Planner app or explore our BP Fuel Card partnership to save on delivery costs. Find out more here.
Daily To-Dos
Look after your team (and yourself!).
Regular breaks, good food, and mini morale boosts make a huge difference. Try morning huddles or advent calendar style rewards for morale. If anyone is particularly struggling (you included), remember Perennial is here to support florists and their families. Find out more here.
Keep an eye on cash.
With less cash used now, it’s easy to forget how much is in the till. Empty it regularly, check card machine rolls and stay on top of receipts.
Stay on top of bookkeeping.
Keep finances organised throughout the season – don’t leave it all until January! Tools like Xero (with a NEW exclusive BFA member discount!) can help you manage your books even in the busiest week.
End-of-day reset.
Make tidying and restocking a non-negotiable daily habit. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.
After Christmas
Reflect and record.
Once the final wreath has left the building, take a moment to note what worked (and what didn’t). Those quick thoughts will save hours when you start prepping next year.
And finally…
To every florist about to brave the busiest time of year – we see you. Christmas is a marathon of creativity, community and sheer determination. Whether you’re in a shop, a studio or knee-deep in event installations, know that the BFA is here to support you every step of the way.
Wishing you a successful, joyful (and well-prepared!) Christmas season. You’ve got this.
