Private Floral Workshops | Monticello, IL | Graceful Acres
Spend a relaxing evening on the farm arranging gorgeous, freshly harvested blooms in our beautiful 1895 event barn.
All of our workshops focus on a natural design aesthetic — led by nature and how our flowers naturally grow. You’ll work with blooms harvested directly from our fields just hours before you arrive, and you’ll get to walk those fields yourself on your farm tour.
We host both public and private group workshops for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, bridal showers, girls’ nights, corporate team building events, and family gatherings — right here in Monticello, Illinois. Unlike other floral classes, your flowers come straight from our farm.
Workshop Options
Mason Jar / Cylinder Jar Arranging Workshop
Learn all of the basics of floral design and create a beautiful arrangement in a classic mason jar (or cylinder vase) using our fresh-cut flowers.
- No experience needed — all skill levels will enjoy this workshop!
- Includes farm tour (see where your flowers are grown!)
- 10-person minimum
- Mason jar/cylinder vase and floral food included
- $45 per person
Ceramic Centerpiece Workshop
Learn to create a stunning centerpiece arrangement in a beautiful ceramic boat using our fresh-cut flowers.
- No experience needed — all skill levels will enjoy this workshop!
- Includes farm tour (see where your flowers are grown!)
- 10-person minimum
- $75 per person
- Ceramic centerpiece vessel with floral food included
Have a specific vision? Custom workshop styles are available — just ask when you inquire!
What’s Included
- Farm tour — walk our flower fields and see how our blooms are grown
- Whole-group instruction — step-by-step guidance from our farmer-florist
- Stunning curated floral bar — choose your stems from just-harvested farm flowers
- Exclusive u-pick opportunity — pick stems directly from the field (weather permitting)
- Individual assistance throughout
- Your finished arrangement to take home (vase, fresh stems, and floral food included)
- Opportunity to add catered snacks, meals, or a food and drink truck for your group
How It Works
- Fill out our booking form below — share your preferred date, group size, and workshop style
- We’ll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm availability and go over all the details
- We’ll send your group an info email about a week before with everything attendees need to know
- Arrive and arrange! Follow the signs to the barn, grab a name tag, and get ready for a great evening of learning, relaxing, and arranging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
Our farm is located just east of Monticello, Illinois. We’re easy to reach from across Central Illinois:
- 20 miles from Champaign-Urbana (~25 min) — private floral workshops near Champaign
- 20 miles from Decatur (~25 min) — floral workshops near Decatur, IL
- 40 miles from Bloomington-Normal (~45 min)
- 55 miles from Springfield (~1 hr)
Ample on-site parking is available. When you book, we’ll send you full driving directions.
Who is a private workshop perfect for?
Private floral workshops at Graceful Acres are one of the most unique group experiences in Central Illinois — a favorite for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, bridal showers, girls’ night out, corporate team building, mother-daughter experiences, and family get-togethers near Champaign-Urbana and throughout the region.
Do I need floral arranging experience?
Not at all! Farmer/Florist Rachel will walk you through every step of the process. The only requirement is a willingness to experiment and have fun.
How far in advance should I book?
As soon as possible! Our workshop dates fill up quickly, especially during the growing season. That said, please reach out even if your date is soon — we’ll always do our best to accommodate you.
How long is a workshop?
Approximately 2–2.5 hours, with extra time available if you’d like to add a meal, discussion time, or a little extra fun for your group.
Can we add extra time to our event?
Absolutely! Extra time is available at $25 per half hour. Just let us know when you inquire and we’ll make it work.
When do you offer workshops?
Our workshop season runs from April through October. We host both public and private workshops throughout the growing season. Reach out to check availability for your preferred date.
How much does a workshop cost?
Our Mason Jar/Cylinder Workshop is $45 per person and our Ceramic Centerpiece Workshop is $75 per person. Both require a 10-person minimum. We ask that the event host collect payment from attendees in advance. We accept cash or check (payable to Graceful Acres).
Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes, and we encourage it! Ice water is provided, but you’re welcome to bring wine, cocktails, and any snacks you’d like. Per Illinois law, alcohol cannot be sold on our premises without a licensed bartender — but personal consumption is completely welcome.
Graceful Acres can also assist with coordinating catering, snacks, or a food and drink truck for your event — just let us know when you inquire!
How many people can attend?
All private workshops require a minimum of 10 guests. Our barn can accommodate much larger events — most workshops we host are 10–40 people. Please reach out to discuss what works best for your group; we’d love to tailor an experience perfect for you.
Can children attend?
Children are welcome! As a caregiver, please use your best discretion in determining whether your child is ready to listen and follow instruction as needed for a workshop setting. All attendees — including children — are counted in the per-person fee.
What should guests wear?
Wear something you’ll be comfortable in. Please keep in mind that Graceful Acres is a real farm — that means there is some uneven ground, and we’ll be walking through grass and fields. We strongly recommend footwear without a high heel.
Do you host public workshops too?
Yes! In addition to private group workshops, we host public, ticketed floral workshops throughout the growing season. The best way to receive notification when we offer workshops is to sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page.
Book Your Private Workshop
Fill out the form below and we will be in touch as soon as possible to confirm availability and go over all the details for your group. Private workshops require a minimum of 10 guests.