Florist invoice template

How do florists usually invoice?

Wedding and event florists quote per item from a consultation and mood board, take a deposit of around 25% on booking and the balance two to four weeks before the event because flowers are ordered from the wholesaler a week ahead and cannot be returned. Setup, delivery, hire of vases and arches and collection after the event are separate lines. Shop florists sell at the till and invoice only corporate contracts and funeral directors, monthly on 30 day terms.

Florists in this example are paid on receipt, after a 25% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £18 to £35.

What should a florist put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, florists should:

• List each item (bouquets, centrepieces, installations) with quantity and the flowers specified.
• Make the balance due before the event; flowers are bought a week ahead and cannot be returned.
• Charge delivery, setup, hire and collection as separate lines.
• For contract and funeral work, invoice monthly with the order dates and references.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do florists charge VAT?

Cut flowers, arrangements and plants sold as ornamental are standard rated at 20% once you are VAT registered, which is compulsory above £90,000 turnover; a shop florist usually crosses it, a home-based wedding florist often does not. Below the threshold you charge no VAT. Flowers are not zero rated food even when edible varieties are sold for decoration.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for florists is usually “Retailing not listed elsewhere” at 7.5% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.