A stunning flower arrangement can transform a room or brighten someone’s day. They can also convey emotions and symbolism to the recipient when you can’t be there in person to let them know how you are feeling. If you’ve always wondered how to arrange flowers, you are not alone. People all over the world are taking an interest in not only sending floral arrangements but also learning how to make their own arrangements.
Whether new to floral design or looking to take your skills to the next level, focusing on a few design basics can help you create shape and balance for a more cohesive design. Today we will look at everything you need to know about floral arrangements for your next big event or special occasion.
What is a flower arrangement?
Floral design or flower arrangement is the art of using flowers, plant materials, and other items to create attention-grabbing statement pieces. Historically, floral arrangements were used to send discreet messages of love. In modern times, flowers are used to decorate interior spaces and to show loved ones how much they mean to you.
Origins of flower design
The basic concepts of floral design date back to ancient Egypt (2,500 BCE). The ancient Egyptians were the first to cut and place flowers in a vase to decorate their surroundings. Egyptians were also florists by trade, with ornate floral arrangements commissioned for burial ceremonies, processions, and table decorations for the rich and elite.
Influenced by the Egyptians, the Greeks and Romans used flowers, similarly, incorporating olive branches and herbs into their floral arrangements. In China, flower design dates to 207 BCE, during the Han era of ancient China. During this time, Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism practitioners placed flower arrangements on altars, focusing on the symbolism around each chosen bloom. Today, floral arrangements are not just limited to special occasions. Many people send flower arrangements to their family, friends, and loved ones. Many people also buy floral arrangements to decorate their interior spaces.
What is the purpose of flower arrangement?
Generally speaking, flower arrangements are a simple and cost-effective way to enhance your space. The right flower arrangement can introduce a welcoming personal touch to an otherwise impersonal area. It can also be used to add a pop of color to a dull room or be used to convey a message of welcoming hospitality. Not only reserved for special occasions, a few simple stems can also be just as important in an everyday setting. Arrangements can be composed of only flowers and or foliage or in combination with vegetables and fruits.
What are the different types of flower arrangements
When choosing a specific flower arrangement for your event, there are many variables to consider for creating or ordering the perfect design. There are a variety of flower arrangement shapes, color schemes, types, styles, and moods. A few of the most popular arrangements include:
- Crescent flower arrangements are lovely and unique ways to showcase flowers and other plant materials. The crescent shape is formed by arranging the flowers in a curved line, with the point of the crescent pointing downwards.
- Basket arrangements are ideal for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries. A floral basket is an excellent way to showcase your favorite flowers.
- Cascading flower arrangements hang down from the container like a beautiful flowing waterfall. This arrangement style is ideal for injecting a touch of elegance into any space or event.
- Horizontal flower arrangements are a type of flower arrangement where the flowers are arranged horizontally. They can be oval-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or something more naturalistic. These arrangements are often used as centerpieces at weddings or banquets.
- Vertical arrangements are perfect for adding dramatic height to any space. A contemporary arrangement, vertical arrangements are eye-catching and elegant.
- Fan-shaped arrangements are unique, attractive, and guaranteed to garner attention. And they look exactly as their name suggests, like a fan.
- Wreath arrangements are a beautiful way to add a splash of color to any room.
Ideas for flower arrangements
When it comes to creating a flower arrangement, the sky’s the limit for ideas on what to use to create your floral arrangements.
Ginger jar arrangements: welcome people with a collection of ginger jars in your entryway filled with an arrangement of fresh flowers for a warm and inviting introduction to your home.
Bedside flower arrangements: a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers adds a warm and beautiful addition to your bedroom or guest room.
Picnic basket flower arrangements: if you are looking for a country vibe, fill a vintage picnic basket with a plastic bag to create the perfect arrangement for your next outdoor gathering.
Fireplace mantel flower arrangements: infuse a natural element to showcase your fireplace by placing a fresh arrangement of flowers on your mantel in your favorite vase.
Pitcher flower arrangements: thinking of getting rid of your old drinking pitcher? Think again and upscale to create an enchanting floral arrangement.
Exposed root bulb arrangements: a wide mouth glass vase is the perfect way to feature flowers with unique, windy bulbs and roots, such as tulip bulbs.
Wooden box flower arrangements: place rows of your favorite single stem flowers in a vintage wooden crate or box for a nod to the past that simultaneously enhances your decor.
Mason jar flower arrangements: ideal for country or barn style weddings, mason jar arrangements are the perfect centerpiece for your next big event or intimate gathering.
Perfume bottle arrangements: why throw away your favorite used perfume jars? Instead, repurpose them by adding a few of your favorite flower buds. For added visual appeal, stage two or three perfume arrangements in a single place.
Teacup flower arrangements: looking for a small and delicate arrangement to enhance your next luncheon? Fill a teacup with a few of your favorite-colored roses for a delightful and sophisticated addition to enhance your space.
Vase flower arrangements: you can’t go wrong with a flower arrangement in a traditional vase. Versatile, you can place your vase arrangements literally anywhere you like.
If you’re interested in more tips, make sure to check out our guide on flower arrangement types and ideas.
What are the best occasions for gifting flower arrangements or bouquets?
There is never a wrong time to give someone flowers. However, there are many special occasions that provide the perfect opportunity to send a blossom-filled flower arrangement or exquisite bouquet of fresh flowers. Whether you give a small bouquet, large arrangement, or a monthly flower subscription, you simply can’t go wrong with flowers for special occasions.
- Birthday Bouquets
- Mother’s and Father’s Day
- Valentine’s Day flowers
- Wedding and engagement arrangements
- Anniversaries
- Birth or adoption flowers
- Graduation bouquets
- Congratulations arrangements
- Get well soon flowers
- Sympathy or condolences
- I’m sorry gifts
- Love and romance bouquets
- Housewarming arrangements
- Thank you bouquets
- Thinking of you flowers
- Holiday arrangements
What are the steps in flower arrangement?
While the easiest way to enjoy a flower arrangement is to order a custom arrangement from your favorite Dubai flower shop, consider creating your own. While anyone can throw a few flowers into a vase, any florist will tell you there is a little more to create a stunning floral arrangement.
Beautiful flower arrangements require planning and preparation to ensure your final product hits the intended mark while ensuring the flowers remain fresh and bright. However, once you learn the basics, arranging flowers can be both fun and simple.
Step 1: Choose a flower arrangement design
There are a wide variety of flower arrangement styles to choose from. When it comes time to decide which style arrangement you want, consider your occasion, and the intent of your arrangement. For example, are you looking to add a dramatic element to your space? Perhaps you want to add some height to an otherwise simple room.
Regardless of what you decide, once you have chosen your design, you can choose your flowers. Be sure to consider your color scheme and meaning behind your flowers. For example, you would not want to send an arrangement of brightly colored flowers for a funeral service (as bright colors are typically reserved for celebrations). Each flower has a symbolic meaning to consider as well, and you want to make sure you send the right message with your choice in flower selection.
- Red rose: passion
- Aster: wisdom and devotion
- Bird of Paradise: joy
- Calla Lily: purity and passion
- Sunflowers: admiration
- Chrysanthemum: love and loyalty
- Daffodil: rebirth
- Daisy: innocence and purity
- Iris: faith and royalty
- Lilac: passion and tranquility
- Orchids: eternal love, sympathy, and grief
- White rose: chaste love
- Yellow rose: friendship
- Pink rose: admiration
- Coral rose: desire
- Tulip: confidence and love
- Violet: modesty
Step 2: Cut and prepare your flowers
Once you select your flowers, you might be tempted to get started right away. However, there are a few steps you need to take to help ensure the longevity and health of your flower arrangement. Start by trimming the flower stems at an angle to ensure they will receive optimal water. Next, remove any damaged leaves or petals from each stem. Place the cut flowers into a vase or bucket of water (this doesn’t have to be your final vessel) to keep them nice and fresh.
Step 3: Choose your arrangement container
When selecting a vase or other container for your arrangement, consider the type of flowers you use. Different flowers may require the support of a straight-sided vase, while tall branches or top-heavy flowers might need a weighted vessel.
Step 4: Create a base with greenery
The best way to arrange flowers is to start with greenery as a base. Eucalyptus, ivy, and fern fronds are excellent greenery go-to’s. Use the greenery stems to create an inverted triangular shape. This ensures your arrangement will have a horizontal and a vertical presence.
Step 5: Add focal flowers
While focal flowers are typically the biggest blooms in your arrangement, they can also be flowers with the most unusual color or textures. We suggest placing an odd number for a more natural look. Be sure to avoid placing focal flowers sticking straight out on the sides. This can cause them to appear droopy. It’s also a good idea to look at your arrangement from every angle to guarantee your arrangement is even and not too heavy on one side.
Step 6: Add filler flowers
After you’ve added your focal flowers, it’s time to add your smaller flowers and other textural elements to the arrangement to fill out your arrangement. Combine smaller flowers in groups of three or five to create clustering, which naturally occurs in nature.
Step 7: Finish your arrangement
Once you’ve added your flowers, it’s time to add the finishing touch to your arrangement. From ribbon and moss to baby’s breath and other decorative embellishments, these final details will pull your design together. Before displaying your floral arrangement, spray the flowers with some water to mimic the look of fresh dew. Refill the vase with water as needed to keep the flowers hydrated and fresh.
Joi Gifts for all your floral arrangement needs
Whether you need a floral arrangement to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or to send your condolences, we’ve got everything you need to create the perfect arrangement. Are you interested in sending flowers to your loved one on a regular basis? Flower subscriptions allow you to receive an exquisite arrangement of fresh flowers as frequently as you like. With arrangements ranging every 3, 6 and 12 months in stunning arrangements of 12 or 24 roses, there are plenty of flower subscription options to choose from.
Flower arrangements aren’t simply for special occasions. They are also perfect for celebrating the little moments of daily life or simply for sprucing up your space. If you’re interested in ordering a lovely, unique, and artistic floral arrangement, the florists at Joi Gifts are happy to create a special arrangement for your unique needs. Contact a member of our team to learn more about how we can help fulfill your floral and unique gifting needs.
If you’re looking for more ideas, make sure to check out our articles on dry flower arrangements and corporate flower arrangements.
