What Exactly Are the Tasks of Floral Designers? [Local Service]
The Artistry Behind Floral Arrangements
Flowers, versatile in their uses, serve as housewarming gifts, event decorations, tokens of love, and compassionate gestures for the sick and bereaved. However, what is it like to work intimately with nature's blooms every day? We seized the opportunity to converse with our in-house florists at Direct Funeral Services to unravel the reality of their profession and whether it lives up to the glamorous image we often conjure.
Our conversation delves into the experiences of Wei Wuan (34), Winnie (32), and Sophia (62), boasting a collective floral expertise of over 20 years.
What prompted you to choose this profession?
Sophia (S): Chuckles My father recommended a friend in the industry when I struggled academically, leading me to pursue floristry.
Winnie (Win): It started as curiosity, and as I delved into floristry school, my interest grew.
Wei Wuan (WW): Introduced to this field by my sister 14 years ago, we stumbled upon a company seeking individuals without experience. We decided to give it a shot, and I've stuck around because I genuinely enjoy it!
Are there prerequisites to becoming a florist?
Before becoming a full-fledged florist in funeral parlour singapore, learning from a floral school, workshops, or on-the-job training is beneficial. Wei Wuan suggests working at a flower shop and studying simultaneously for practical problem-solving skills and exposure to diverse floral arrangements. While schools offer valuable knowledge, on-the-job training provides a broader understanding. Sophia emphasizes the importance of prior experience, recounting her personal learning journey through one-on-one home-based seminars before working at a flower shop. Win enrolled in a floral school course before starting her full-time florist career, acknowledging the usefulness of academic knowledge in daily life.
What differentiates working as a florist in a retail setting from the funeral industry?
WW: A noticeable difference exists! While both settings have comparable working hours, the obligations differ. In a retail setting, responsibilities include customer service and hand flower arrangements. Funeral floristry involves larger bouquets and frequent design revisions, adding complexity due to tight deadlines for made-to-order arrangements. The challenge lies in balancing funeral orders with retail demands, making funeral floristry more demanding but equally rewarding.
S: Making funeral flowers, particularly wreaths, is something I find meaningful. It brings a unique perspective to the job.
Win: Initially not expecting to work with funeral flowers, I now appreciate the distinct contributions each type of floral arrangement makes.
How are flower tributes for memorial services and weddings created? What considerations are vital during the design process?
Overall, considerations include the freshness of flowers, duration of arrangement creation, exposure to environmental factors, suitable shapes for the setting, and adherence to market trends. Designs for weddings and events stem from client requirements, matching the setting. Funeral floral arrangements require additional focus on the longevity of flowers due to outdoor settings and combining modern and traditional elements.
S: In our environment, durability is crucial. Wedding and funeral decorations are becoming more comparable, reflecting changing times and trends.
Which flowers are typically used at weddings and wakes? Which ones should be avoided in funeral floral arrangements?
Chrysanthemums are commonly used in Asian funerals, but the choice for funeral flowers in Singapore is influenced by seasonal appropriateness. European and American flowers, less durable in Singapore's climate, are generally avoided. Baby's breath, leaves, and chrysanthemums, resilient in natural conditions, are commonly used in funeral arrangements. Phalaenopsis and hydrangea find favor in wedding floral arrangements.
Do you reuse flowers from funerals?
WW: Reusing funeral flowers is generally avoided due to superstitions and environmental factors. Many Chinese people in Singapore find it improper to reuse funeral flowers.
S: Some companies recycle flowers, but at Flower Stories, we prioritize freshness and avoid reusing funeral flowers. The decision may depend on the boss' beliefs.
Why are wedding floral arrangements more expensive than those for other events?
While funeral and wedding flowers often cost the same, wedding flowers may appear more expensive due to the overall high expenses associated with weddings. A wedding is a significant life event, prompting families to invest in floral arrangements. Wedding bouquets, more expensive than retail ones, use better-quality flowers due to the occasion's significance.
What challenges have you faced in your work?
WW: Holidays like Valentine's Day pose challenges due to increased orders from walk-ins, online, and funeral orders. Effective time management, teamwork, and communication are crucial.
S: Personally, I don't find any challenges too daunting because I enjoy learning new things. I constantly stay active and engaged.
Win: The most significant challenge is the pace of work. Being relatively new, keeping up with more experienced colleagues can be challenging. However, it motivates me to put in extra effort.
Working as a florist involves more than meets the eye, requiring a blend of creativity, technical skill, and adaptability. Our conversation sheds light on the intricate artistry and dedication woven into the creation of floral arrangements for various occasions.
Flowers, versatile in their uses, serve as housewarming gifts, event decorations, tokens of love, and compassionate gestures for the sick and bereaved. However, what is it like to work intimately with nature's blooms every day? We seized the opportunity to converse with our in-house florists at Direct Funeral Services to unravel the reality of their profession and whether it lives up to the glamorous image we often conjure.
Our conversation delves into the experiences of Wei Wuan (34), Winnie (32), and Sophia (62), boasting a collective floral expertise of over 20 years.
What prompted you to choose this profession?
Sophia (S): Chuckles My father recommended a friend in the industry when I struggled academically, leading me to pursue floristry.
Winnie (Win): It started as curiosity, and as I delved into floristry school, my interest grew.
Wei Wuan (WW): Introduced to this field by my sister 14 years ago, we stumbled upon a company seeking individuals without experience. We decided to give it a shot, and I've stuck around because I genuinely enjoy it!
Are there prerequisites to becoming a florist?
Before becoming a full-fledged florist in funeral parlour singapore, learning from a floral school, workshops, or on-the-job training is beneficial. Wei Wuan suggests working at a flower shop and studying simultaneously for practical problem-solving skills and exposure to diverse floral arrangements. While schools offer valuable knowledge, on-the-job training provides a broader understanding. Sophia emphasizes the importance of prior experience, recounting her personal learning journey through one-on-one home-based seminars before working at a flower shop. Win enrolled in a floral school course before starting her full-time florist career, acknowledging the usefulness of academic knowledge in daily life.
What differentiates working as a florist in a retail setting from the funeral industry?
WW: A noticeable difference exists! While both settings have comparable working hours, the obligations differ. In a retail setting, responsibilities include customer service and hand flower arrangements. Funeral floristry involves larger bouquets and frequent design revisions, adding complexity due to tight deadlines for made-to-order arrangements. The challenge lies in balancing funeral orders with retail demands, making funeral floristry more demanding but equally rewarding.
S: Making funeral flowers, particularly wreaths, is something I find meaningful. It brings a unique perspective to the job.
Win: Initially not expecting to work with funeral flowers, I now appreciate the distinct contributions each type of floral arrangement makes.
How are flower tributes for memorial services and weddings created? What considerations are vital during the design process?
Overall, considerations include the freshness of flowers, duration of arrangement creation, exposure to environmental factors, suitable shapes for the setting, and adherence to market trends. Designs for weddings and events stem from client requirements, matching the setting. Funeral floral arrangements require additional focus on the longevity of flowers due to outdoor settings and combining modern and traditional elements.
S: In our environment, durability is crucial. Wedding and funeral decorations are becoming more comparable, reflecting changing times and trends.
Which flowers are typically used at weddings and wakes? Which ones should be avoided in funeral floral arrangements?
Chrysanthemums are commonly used in Asian funerals, but the choice for funeral flowers in Singapore is influenced by seasonal appropriateness. European and American flowers, less durable in Singapore's climate, are generally avoided. Baby's breath, leaves, and chrysanthemums, resilient in natural conditions, are commonly used in funeral arrangements. Phalaenopsis and hydrangea find favor in wedding floral arrangements.
Do you reuse flowers from funerals?
WW: Reusing funeral flowers is generally avoided due to superstitions and environmental factors. Many Chinese people in Singapore find it improper to reuse funeral flowers.
S: Some companies recycle flowers, but at Flower Stories, we prioritize freshness and avoid reusing funeral flowers. The decision may depend on the boss' beliefs.
Why are wedding floral arrangements more expensive than those for other events?
While funeral and wedding flowers often cost the same, wedding flowers may appear more expensive due to the overall high expenses associated with weddings. A wedding is a significant life event, prompting families to invest in floral arrangements. Wedding bouquets, more expensive than retail ones, use better-quality flowers due to the occasion's significance.
What challenges have you faced in your work?
WW: Holidays like Valentine's Day pose challenges due to increased orders from walk-ins, online, and funeral orders. Effective time management, teamwork, and communication are crucial.
S: Personally, I don't find any challenges too daunting because I enjoy learning new things. I constantly stay active and engaged.
Win: The most significant challenge is the pace of work. Being relatively new, keeping up with more experienced colleagues can be challenging. However, it motivates me to put in extra effort.
Working as a florist involves more than meets the eye, requiring a blend of creativity, technical skill, and adaptability. Our conversation sheds light on the intricate artistry and dedication woven into the creation of floral arrangements for various occasions.
What Actually Are Logistics, and What Do They Do? [Local Service]
Our Covert Warriors
A funeral that Direct Funeral Services has planned will welcome you with the sight of colorful flowers. Your eyes then lock onto the photo wreath as you scan the scene for a recognizable face. Your attention is finally directed to a black "RECEPTION" stand. You quickly walk up to the front desk and see that it is well-stocked with items like a message book where you may leave the family a note of comfort, a safe box for the money sent in as condolences, a thermometer, hand sanitizer, and the now-familiar Covid-19 health declaration QR code.
People frequently underestimate the meticulous preparation and work that goes into wake settings because they assume that family and guests will already be there. The wake locations are organized by our very own logistics department, which is crucial to our daily operations but which few people think of when they hear the word "funeral."
This component maintains the supply, caliber, and cleanliness of the items required for the wake in addition to making sure that every wake venue is ideally prepared for you to receive your loved ones. At Direct Funeral Services, our logistics team is made up of seven capable people ranging in age from 29 to 61. Together, they put forth a lot of effort to set up and take down the wake decorations so that we could honor our loved ones.
Our three interviewees today were Hoe, the 61-year-old logistics team leader, Ken, the 43-year-old logistics team member, and Danny, the 29-year-old logistics team member.
Why did you decide to create this business, and was your family against it?
There were other factors, said KE. Indeed, in the middle of it, I changed careers. I've always been interested in this area, and I believed this would be more rewarding. I've been working here for more than eight months, and I've stayed because I like my teammates and the meaning my work provides. Everyone in my family supported me in choosing this career.
DA: While looking for employment openings since I wanted a change of scenery, I came upon the one for this section. At first, my parents were opposed, but I convinced them that it was the deceased's last journey and that helping them would be beneficial. Finally, they agreed with my viewpoints, therefore I made the decision to join the company.
HO: You'll be surprised by my narrative. I used to be a hawker before this, but it was incredibly taxing. My acquaintance who had applied for a position with Direct and I went to the interview together. My friend was chosen while I was still waiting to hear from Direct, but he shortly made the decision to leave. That's how I ended up joining! On my first day of work, I was on the verge of quitting by lunch, but I talked myself into staying. This is what I've been doing for more than 4 years. Fortunately for me, my family was very supportive of my decision to work in this industry!
Explain for us a typical day at work. KE: Our team leader gives us our duties when we first come to work in the morning. If there are no funerals or new patients, we will proceed with ordinary housekeeping. Naturally, this does not imply that we can sit back and do nothing. We need to focus on upkeep and be ready to depart at a moment's notice!
DA: Depending on the type of product, we'll load the proper logistics into the vehicle when we receive a case. We will then go through the checklist that our team leader has established to make sure that all of the logistics components are loaded. We will first stop at the flower shop to purchase the flowers before heading down to the wake location. The setup times for the smaller packages range from 30 to 40 minutes, whilst they take over 1.5 hours for the bigger bundles.
HO: In the past, my duties at work were somewhat comparable to those of Danny and Ken. Since I was promoted to the position of a Logistics Team Leader in late 2020, my responsibilities have included making a list of required items for each package that arrives, speaking with funeral directors about the religion of the selected package, and ensuring that each package arrives on time and according to schedule.
Moreover, I have to check with outside vendors (like tentage) to see if the tentage has been prepped before sending our crew to the wake location for our set-up. Last year, I didn't have the basic computer skills required for any of these tasks, so my supervisor had to teach me how to use them. Learning how to use a computer was a huge triumph for me since I never thought it would be feasible.
Are there any notable differences between the various religious structures? DA: Of course! For instance, different religions have diverse backgrounds, flower arrangements, and prayer items. The arrangements for Taoist funerals do not feature a Buddha table, in contrast to Buddhist funerals.
KE: One distinctive feature is the sculptures. In Taoist arrangements, lantern stands are used instead of Buddha statues, but there is a Buddha statue in Buddhism. For Religious settings, we don't have any statues at all.
HO: For Roman Catholic ceremonies, we need confirmation from the family that they want Mother Mary or Jesus to serve as the backdrop. For Taoist (Teochew dialect) rituals, the coffins must be placed horizontally at the wake area rather than vertically like the others.
Do you have any difficulties in your line of work? According to the DA, wakes staged in landed properties are more challenging than those held in parlors or on vacant decks. We frequently have to change our ideas once we arrive at a landed location because everyone is different.
Carrying the coffin from the second to the first floor on the day of the funeral would be another challenging chore. It takes about eight guys working together to safely carry the casket down, and we have to properly coordinate our movements.
HO: Establishing a business on landed assets is usually challenging. Some residences lack carpets and have marble flooring. On such terrain, we must take extra care when erecting. Since some homes have limited room, some families will ask us to move their furniture, therefore we must provide alternatives (e.g. placing some items indoors and some outdoors). We must be cautious not to block any entrances in order to promote visitor movement.
You are frequently the family members' first point of contact at wake places. How do you respond to their demands or feelings? HO: We occasionally run into the family members when we arrive early to set up for the wake. A family member once left her suitcase behind at the wake and couldn't find it. She rushed over to our car as we were getting ready to leave and inquired if we had seen her bag or knew where it was. Even though we hadn't seen her bag, we promised to look for it. It was ultimately discovered on one of the chairs at the wake area. We reassured the client that everything would be fine after she expressed regret.
Always remembering that the families have just experienced a severe loss, we make an effort to be patient, more understanding of the families' current state of mind, and empathize with them. Additionally, we try our best to meet consumer needs.
Do you think the abilities you've learned here can be used in other fields? DA: I can surely apply the skills I've learnt here to solve problems in other sectors. On rare occasions, I'm told to erect the smaller cases by myself. There have been situations where the tent setup was sluggish or there was a space issue at the wake location. I'll delay all the other things I have to do that day in order to do the former. To meet the obstacles, I'll have to move swiftly and provide fresh insights and conclusions.
KE: There is no doubt that a range of vocations can benefit from having good time management skills. We occasionally have to put up and take down at 6-7 locations in a single day, and we are never allowed to be late for the setup. If our setting is not prepared, the family's ability to receive their loved ones will be delayed. It will also affect the times that Buddhists and Taoists observe prayer.
HO: Knowledge of computers is assumed! Also, since we get a lot of calls every day, I have to plan the jobs to minimize travel time by taking into account the wake's location in addition to the setup and funeral times. This is especially true when things are hectic! I do not, however, currently have any plans to leave the company.
This article is a part of a series that features interviews with our coworkers from the many divisions inside our company. Watch for our upcoming interview with the Floral Department, which will be published on July 31, 2021. In the interim, discover more about what it's like to work in the funeral industry by visiting our Funeral Insider page!
A funeral that Direct Funeral Services has planned will welcome you with the sight of colorful flowers. Your eyes then lock onto the photo wreath as you scan the scene for a recognizable face. Your attention is finally directed to a black "RECEPTION" stand. You quickly walk up to the front desk and see that it is well-stocked with items like a message book where you may leave the family a note of comfort, a safe box for the money sent in as condolences, a thermometer, hand sanitizer, and the now-familiar Covid-19 health declaration QR code.
People frequently underestimate the meticulous preparation and work that goes into wake settings because they assume that family and guests will already be there. The wake locations are organized by our very own logistics department, which is crucial to our daily operations but which few people think of when they hear the word "funeral."
This component maintains the supply, caliber, and cleanliness of the items required for the wake in addition to making sure that every wake venue is ideally prepared for you to receive your loved ones. At Direct Funeral Services, our logistics team is made up of seven capable people ranging in age from 29 to 61. Together, they put forth a lot of effort to set up and take down the wake decorations so that we could honor our loved ones.
Our three interviewees today were Hoe, the 61-year-old logistics team leader, Ken, the 43-year-old logistics team member, and Danny, the 29-year-old logistics team member.
Why did you decide to create this business, and was your family against it?
There were other factors, said KE. Indeed, in the middle of it, I changed careers. I've always been interested in this area, and I believed this would be more rewarding. I've been working here for more than eight months, and I've stayed because I like my teammates and the meaning my work provides. Everyone in my family supported me in choosing this career.
DA: While looking for employment openings since I wanted a change of scenery, I came upon the one for this section. At first, my parents were opposed, but I convinced them that it was the deceased's last journey and that helping them would be beneficial. Finally, they agreed with my viewpoints, therefore I made the decision to join the company.
HO: You'll be surprised by my narrative. I used to be a hawker before this, but it was incredibly taxing. My acquaintance who had applied for a position with Direct and I went to the interview together. My friend was chosen while I was still waiting to hear from Direct, but he shortly made the decision to leave. That's how I ended up joining! On my first day of work, I was on the verge of quitting by lunch, but I talked myself into staying. This is what I've been doing for more than 4 years. Fortunately for me, my family was very supportive of my decision to work in this industry!
Explain for us a typical day at work. KE: Our team leader gives us our duties when we first come to work in the morning. If there are no funerals or new patients, we will proceed with ordinary housekeeping. Naturally, this does not imply that we can sit back and do nothing. We need to focus on upkeep and be ready to depart at a moment's notice!
DA: Depending on the type of product, we'll load the proper logistics into the vehicle when we receive a case. We will then go through the checklist that our team leader has established to make sure that all of the logistics components are loaded. We will first stop at the flower shop to purchase the flowers before heading down to the wake location. The setup times for the smaller packages range from 30 to 40 minutes, whilst they take over 1.5 hours for the bigger bundles.
HO: In the past, my duties at work were somewhat comparable to those of Danny and Ken. Since I was promoted to the position of a Logistics Team Leader in late 2020, my responsibilities have included making a list of required items for each package that arrives, speaking with funeral directors about the religion of the selected package, and ensuring that each package arrives on time and according to schedule.
Moreover, I have to check with outside vendors (like tentage) to see if the tentage has been prepped before sending our crew to the wake location for our set-up. Last year, I didn't have the basic computer skills required for any of these tasks, so my supervisor had to teach me how to use them. Learning how to use a computer was a huge triumph for me since I never thought it would be feasible.
Are there any notable differences between the various religious structures? DA: Of course! For instance, different religions have diverse backgrounds, flower arrangements, and prayer items. The arrangements for Taoist funerals do not feature a Buddha table, in contrast to Buddhist funerals.
KE: One distinctive feature is the sculptures. In Taoist arrangements, lantern stands are used instead of Buddha statues, but there is a Buddha statue in Buddhism. For Religious settings, we don't have any statues at all.
HO: For Roman Catholic ceremonies, we need confirmation from the family that they want Mother Mary or Jesus to serve as the backdrop. For Taoist (Teochew dialect) rituals, the coffins must be placed horizontally at the wake area rather than vertically like the others.
Do you have any difficulties in your line of work? According to the DA, wakes staged in landed properties are more challenging than those held in parlors or on vacant decks. We frequently have to change our ideas once we arrive at a landed location because everyone is different.
Carrying the coffin from the second to the first floor on the day of the funeral would be another challenging chore. It takes about eight guys working together to safely carry the casket down, and we have to properly coordinate our movements.
HO: Establishing a business on landed assets is usually challenging. Some residences lack carpets and have marble flooring. On such terrain, we must take extra care when erecting. Since some homes have limited room, some families will ask us to move their furniture, therefore we must provide alternatives (e.g. placing some items indoors and some outdoors). We must be cautious not to block any entrances in order to promote visitor movement.
You are frequently the family members' first point of contact at wake places. How do you respond to their demands or feelings? HO: We occasionally run into the family members when we arrive early to set up for the wake. A family member once left her suitcase behind at the wake and couldn't find it. She rushed over to our car as we were getting ready to leave and inquired if we had seen her bag or knew where it was. Even though we hadn't seen her bag, we promised to look for it. It was ultimately discovered on one of the chairs at the wake area. We reassured the client that everything would be fine after she expressed regret.
Always remembering that the families have just experienced a severe loss, we make an effort to be patient, more understanding of the families' current state of mind, and empathize with them. Additionally, we try our best to meet consumer needs.
Do you think the abilities you've learned here can be used in other fields? DA: I can surely apply the skills I've learnt here to solve problems in other sectors. On rare occasions, I'm told to erect the smaller cases by myself. There have been situations where the tent setup was sluggish or there was a space issue at the wake location. I'll delay all the other things I have to do that day in order to do the former. To meet the obstacles, I'll have to move swiftly and provide fresh insights and conclusions.
KE: There is no doubt that a range of vocations can benefit from having good time management skills. We occasionally have to put up and take down at 6-7 locations in a single day, and we are never allowed to be late for the setup. If our setting is not prepared, the family's ability to receive their loved ones will be delayed. It will also affect the times that Buddhists and Taoists observe prayer.
HO: Knowledge of computers is assumed! Also, since we get a lot of calls every day, I have to plan the jobs to minimize travel time by taking into account the wake's location in addition to the setup and funeral times. This is especially true when things are hectic! I do not, however, currently have any plans to leave the company.
This article is a part of a series that features interviews with our coworkers from the many divisions inside our company. Watch for our upcoming interview with the Floral Department, which will be published on July 31, 2021. In the interim, discover more about what it's like to work in the funeral industry by visiting our Funeral Insider page!
