A day in the life of a florist in Brussels

Bonjour! I'm Emile, and I run a small but lively flower shop in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. Every morning, before the sun rises over the canals, I’m already at the wholesale market—warm coffee in hand, eyes scanning rows of fresh tulips, roses, eucalyptus, and seasonal gems you can only get this time of year.

6:00 AM – The Flower Hunt

My day begins early, at the floral auction in Brussels or our local supplier. Choosing the right flowers is like choosing the colors for an artist’s canvas—it sets the mood for the whole day. I look for freshness, balance, and a little something unexpected. Today? Ranunculus with raspberry centers and delicate hellebores.

8:00 AM – Back at the Shop

I return to my shop on a cobbled street near the cathedral, where my assistant Lotte is already prepping the storefront. We open the shutters, put out a few cheerful bouquets, and the scent of freesia and lavender fills the air. It draws people in. Some stop just to smell. Others leave with something they didn’t know they needed.

10:30 AM – Custom Orders and Quiet Conversations

There’s something deeply human about floristry. A woman orders a bouquet for her sister’s engagement. A young man shyly asks for something “not too romantic” for a third date. A grieving family requests a tribute for a grandmother. Flowers speak when we can’t.

Noon – A Quick Pause

Lunch is usually a sandwich eaten among stems and ribbons. Sometimes I sneak in a walk along the river if it’s sunny—though in Belgium, that’s never guaranteed.

Afternoon – Workshops and Weddings

Afternoons are a mix of creativity and chaos. Today, I’m making centerpieces for a weekend wedding in Bruges. I love weddings—each couple has their own vision, and it’s a thrill to help bring it to life with peonies and ivy, silk ribbon and seasonal touches.

Evening – Clean-Up and Reflection

By 6 or 7 PM, the last bouquet has been handed over. We sweep up the leaves, rinse out the buckets, and prepare the workbench for tomorrow. I often take a photo of a favorite arrangement and post it on Instagram—my little digital flower diary.