KFS Florist of the Year Awards 2026

Celebrating Your Success, Your Way!

Welcome to the Kay's Flower School Florist of the Year Awards 2026. We are thrilled to invite you to celebrate the true champions of the floral industry once again.

We have moved away from traditional, expensive galas and high cost entry fees. Our mission is total inclusivity. We believe every talented florist deserves a fair chance to shine regardless of their budget.

Past winners of our awards have seen their businesses grow rapidly. They have used their titles to attract new clients, build brand authority and gain incredible recognition in their local areas. When you win, you gain a badge of excellence that shows the world your business is a cut above the rest.

We are proud to have our amazing sponsors on board again this year. Their support makes it possible for us to keep these awards completely free for every nominee and finalist. You will never pay to enter, and there are no hidden costs for expensive dinners, travel or staff tickets. You can celebrate your success from the comfort of your own home with a glass of fizz or a cup of tea.

Success in floristry is about much more than just a perfect hand tied spiral. We are looking for:

  • Florists who run thriving, profitable businesses.

  • Those who provide truly incredible customer care.

  • Business owners who act as a pillar of support in their community.

  • Florists who create fantastic collaborations with other local businesses.

These awards are designed to shine a light on the florists making a massive impact every single day. We want to recognise your entrepreneurial spirit and your tireless dedication to the trade.

Join us in celebrating the heart of the global floral community. This is your chance to be recognised for the exceptional work you do. Apply today and show us why you are the Florist of the Year.

Wedding Florist of the year

Welcome to the Kay's Flower School Wedding Florist of the Year Award 2026. We are searching for the ultimate dream makers who turn wedding visions into stunning, petal filled realities.

This award celebrates the artists who master the beautiful chaos of wedding flowers. From jaw dropping bouquets to fairytale ceremony installations and reception designs that set the perfect mood, we want to hear about the florists who truly excel.

Past winners of our wedding category have seen their reputations soar. Winning this title provides incredible industry recognition and acts as a powerful mark of quality for future couples searching for their perfect wedding florist.

We are so grateful to have our amazing sponsors on board again this year. Their support allows us to keep these awards completely free for every nominee and finalist. You will never pay an entry fee, and there are no hidden costs for attendance or travel. Whether you are a solo wedding florist or part of a larger team, you can celebrate this achievement from the comfort of your own home.

We are looking for wedding florists who:

  • Display exceptional creativity and unique floral design.

  • Provide unmatched professionalism and calm during the wedding planning process.

  • Deliver pure floral magic while remaining reliable for the happy couple.

  • Run thriving, highly respected wedding businesses.

If you know a florist who deserves a standing ovation for their tireless dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, this is your chance to recognise them. Your nomination helps us shine a light on the professionals who bring so much beauty and joy to countless "I do" moments.

Nominate your favourite wedding florist today and help us celebrate the best in the industry.

Retail Florist of the year

Welcome to the Kay's Flower School Retail Florist of the Year Award 2026. We are searching for the local heroes who serve as the heartbeat of our high streets and communities.

This award celebrates the brick and mortar and thriving online shops that do so much more than sell beautiful stems. They are the businesses that weave themselves into the fabric of their local areas, supporting charities and decorating community events with passion.

Past winners in our retail category have enjoyed massive success. Taking home this title boosts local brand authority and establishes these florists as the go to choice for customers in their region. It is a powerful way to showcase excellence in both design and business management.

Thanks to our amazing sponsors, we are proud to keep this category completely free to enter. There are no expensive gala tickets, no travel costs and no hidden fees for nominees or finalists. You can celebrate your success and your community impact from the comfort of your own home.

We are looking for retail florists who truly get it:

  • Consistently provide friendly service and a welcoming experience for every customer.

  • Maintain a beautiful, vibrant shop presence that brings joy to the high street.

  • Act as a dedicated pillar of support for local community events and causes.

  • Run an exceptional business that balances creative design with smart, profitable operations.

If you know a local florist who goes the extra mile and deserves a massive round of applause, this is your chance to shine a light on their hard work. Your nomination recognises the entrepreneurial spirit of those who bring beauty and joy to our neighbourhoods every day.

Nominate your favourite retail florist today and help us celebrate the blooming heart of the industry.

Studio Florist Of the Year

Welcome to the Kay's Flower School Studio Florist of the Year Award 2026. We are searching for the hidden gems of the floral world, the creative masters who craft breathtaking, bespoke designs from their private workshops and home based studios.

This award celebrates the talented artists who operate behind the scenes to bring extraordinary visions to life. From high end corporate commissions to highly personalised private events, these are the designers who prove that you do not need a traditional shopfront to create pure floral magic.

Past winners of our studio category have seen their businesses reach new heights. Gaining this title acts as a prestigious seal of quality, helping designers build authority, attract premium clients, and stand out as leaders in their niche.

Our incredible sponsors are back again this year, which means this category remains completely free to enter. There are no expensive gala costs, no travel expenses, and no hidden fees for nominees or finalists. You can celebrate your artistry and your success from the comfort of your own studio.

We are looking for studio florists who show:

  • Innovative, one of a kind design skills that captivate every client.

  • An unwavering attention to detail in every bespoke arrangement.

  • The entrepreneurial talent to run a successful, professional business from a private space.

  • A reputation for excellence that shines through in every project.

If you know a studio florist who pours their passion into every stem and deserves a spotlight for their artistry, this is your chance to recognise them. Your nomination helps us celebrate the visionaries who are pushing the boundaries of floral design.

Nominate your favourite studio florist today and help us honour the magic created behind the scenes.

Freelance Florist of the Year

Welcome to the Kay's Flower School Freelance Florist of the Year Award 2026. We are searching for the unsung heroes of our industry, the brilliant professionals who work behind the scenes to make every floral vision a reality.

This award celebrates the adaptable, highly skilled artists who act as the ultimate support system for the floral trade. These are the talented individuals who travel to different workshops and event locations, seamlessly matching the style and pace of any project they join.

Past winners of our freelance category have gained huge recognition for their hard work. Holding this title proves their versatility and professional reliability, making them a top choice for lead florists and event planners looking for the best talent in the business.

Thanks to the support of our amazing sponsors, this category is completely free to enter. There are no expensive gala tickets, no travel costs, and no hidden fees for nominees or finalists. You can celebrate your contribution to the industry from the comfort of your own home.

We are looking for freelance florists who demonstrate:

  • Exceptional skill and the ability to adapt to any design style.

  • Reliability and professional energy when working on high pressure events.

  • A collaborative spirit that makes them an indispensable part of any team.

  • A true passion for the craft and a commitment to helping lead florists succeed.

If you know a freelance florist whose dedication and skill makes them an essential part of the floral world, this is your chance to give them the recognition they deserve. Your nomination helps us shine a spotlight on the vital, hardworking professionals who make magic happen everywhere they go.

Nominate your favourite freelance florist today and help us celebrate the backbone of our industry.

Newcomer Florist of the year

Welcome to the Kay's Flower School Newcomer Florist of the Year Award 2026. We are searching for the rising stars who are just beginning their incredible journey and already lighting up the industry with fresh ideas.

This award celebrates the blossoming talents who have been working in the industry for two years or less. These are the dedicated individuals who are pouring their hearts into developing their unique style and overcoming the exciting challenges of launching a new floral business.

Past winners of our newcomer category have used this title to build instant credibility and confidence as they grow their brands. It is a fantastic way to gain industry recognition early in a career and show future clients that they are working with a serious, talented professional.

We are proud to have our amazing sponsors back on board this year. Their support means this category is completely free to enter. There are no expensive gala tickets, no travel costs, and no hidden fees for nominees or finalists. You can celebrate your early success from the comfort of your own home.

We are looking for newcomer florists who show:

  • Huge drive and a passion for developing a unique creative style.

  • The entrepreneurial spirit needed to start a brand new floral business.

  • Incredible innovation and a fresh perspective on floral design.

  • The potential to become a future leader in the floral industry.

If you know a new florist who is already making a splash and deserves a massive boost, this is your chance to give them the recognition they deserve. Your nomination helps us shine a spotlight on the future stars of our craft.

Nominate your favourite newcomer florist today and help us celebrate the next generation of floral talent.

Overall Florist of the Year

Welcome to the Kay's Flower School Overall Florist of the Year Award 2026. This is our biggest honour, designed to celebrate the ultimate floral champion who truly embodies the heart and soul of our industry.

This prestigious accolade goes to an extraordinary individual who stands out for their impact on clients, peers, and their local community. We are looking for a true leader, someone who is not afraid to share their knowledge, support new florists, and be a spirit of growth and collaboration across the entire trade.

Past winners of this title have seen their professional influence grow immensely. Winning the Overall Florist of the Year is the highest mark of excellence, proving that a florist has mastered the perfect balance of stunning creative design and strong, community-focused business management.

We are honoured to have yet again so many companies come on board to support these awards and the floral community we have grown over the years.

KFS Florist of the Year Awards 2026: Terms & Conditions

Please read these terms and conditions carefully before participating in the KFS Florist of the Year Awards 2025. By participating, you agree to abide by these terms.

1. Eligibility for Nomination

  • Global Reach: Nominations are open to any florist located anywhere in the world. We believe in celebrating talent across the globe!

  • Florist Categories: Nominations are accepted for the following categories:

    • Wedding Florist of the Year

    • Retail Florist of the Year

    • Studio Florist of the Year

    • Freelance Florist of the Year

    • Newcomer Florist of the Year (for florists with two years or less experience in the industry)

    • The Overall KFS Florist of the Year (this will be an internal selection based on nominations, voting, and overall impact, as detailed in the award description).

2. Nomination Process

  • Opening & Closing Dates: Nominations will open on Saturday 1st August 2026, and will close promptly at midnight on Saturday 15th August (Irish Standard Time). No nominations will be accepted after this deadline.

  • One Category Per Nomination: You can only nominate a florist for one specific category per nomination submission.

  • One Nomination Per Email: Each unique email address can be used to submit a nomination only once. Duplicate nominations from the same email for the same florist/category will be disregarded.

  • Accuracy: Please ensure the information provided in your nomination is accurate and complete.

3. Finalist Selection & Notification

  • Collation: After the nomination period closes, our team will meticulously collate all nominations to determine the finalists in each category.

  • Finalist Notification: Finalists in each category will be notified via email on Monday 24th August 2026.

4. Voting Process

  • Voting Period: Public voting for the finalists will open on Friday, 28th August 2026 , and will close at midnight on Friday, September 4th 2026 (Irish Standard Time).

  • Fair Play: Any attempt to manipulate votes (e.g., using bots, fake accounts) will result in immediate disqualification of the nominated florist. Our team reserves the right to review and invalidate suspicious votes.

  • One Vote Per Email: Each unique email address can be used to cast one vote per category.

5. Awards Ceremony & Prizes

  • Winners Announcement: Winners in all categories will be announced live at our Online Awards Ceremony (Date to be confirmed ) (Irish Standard Time). Details on how to access the online ceremony will be shared closer to the date.

  • Prizes: Prizes for category winners are sponsored by our valued partners. These typically consist of vouchers for products/services from our sponsors, as detailed in our sponsorship outreach. Prizes are non-transferable and have no cash alternative.

  • Recognition: Winners will receive a digital certificate featuring their achievement and sponsor logos.

6. General Conditions

  • Publicity: By participating, nominees and finalists agree to allow KFS Florist of the Year Awards to use their name, business name, and submitted details for promotional purposes related to the awards across our website, social media, and other marketing channels.

  • Disqualification: KFS Florist of the Year Awards reserves the right to disqualify any nominee or winner who violates these terms and conditions or engages in conduct deemed inappropriate or unsportsmanlike.

  • Changes to Terms: KFS Florist of the Year Awards reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be published on our website.

  • Decision Final: All decisions made by KFS Florist of the Year Awards regarding nominations, finalists, voting, and winners are final.

We're incredibly excited to celebrate the amazing talent in the floral industry for a second year! Good luck to all nominees!