Elements of arranging flowers
Floristry really is a form or art and it takes skill to create beautiful bouquets. Below, you will find a comprehensive list detailing the essential elements of arranging flowers like a pro. Keeping these tips in mind will help you create your own bouquets with just a few basic supplies. You can even use flowers from your garden if you choose.
Beautifully balanced
A balanced bouquet does not mean that it needs to be perfectly symmetrical. Yes, there are symmetrical designs but, for the most part, people prefer a bouquet that has more of a natural appearance. This is achieved by creating a crescent, right triangle or similar kind of shape. When arranging flowers, check the balance by looking at it from all angles, including the top. If you notice anything crooked about the bouquet, balance it out by adding or removing flowers or greenery.
Colour contrasts
The combination of light and dark or opposite colours is an excellent technique when you want to add visual appeal. Green flowers can really help with this contrast since they look great when paired with cool and warm coloured blooms alike. Pair very dark blooms with white, light green, pink or peach blooms for the best effect when arranging flowers that create contrast.
Focal flowers
Your focal flower or flowers need to stand out the most of all. Not only because of their colour, but their texture and size as well. This is the flower that is supposed to grab your attention first, so make sure that you choose one that will do just that.
Proportional arrangement
Keep everything in proportion and don’t overdo it in one area or another. You want to add the right amount of foliage, for example. You are arranging flowers, not a forest. Similarly, when selecting a vase, make sure that the vase suits the stems. The longer the stems, the taller the vase needs to be and the opposite is true as well.
Perfection through imperfection
This comes back to the matter of creating a natural appearance. Whether using floral foam or a vase, make sure that you add your stems in a natural way. You want them to fall into place. You don’t want anything to appear artificial or forced. Perfection is not the goal when arranging flowers. Natural beauty is the most appealing of all.
Repeating colours
Just as an artist will use the same colour in various areas of their painting, or a fashion designer will echo a colour throughout their design, so too should you repeat colours in your arrangement. This is part of creating an arrangement that is pleasing to the eye and beautifully balanced without appearing fake or forced.
Varied bouquets
A varied bouquet will not only attract your eyes to the focal point, but also cause you to examine the rest of the arrangement bit by bit. If this effect is not achieved, the bouquet will simply attract minimal attention and it will not warrant a second or prolonged look.
Natural transition
Arranging flowers that are in various stages of development also helps to give your bouquet a natural appearance. It also helps to prolong the life of the bouquet. So, make sure that you have some flowers that are almost completely open as well as some that are in bud form.
Other accessories
While flowers and foliage are the primary ingredients of any bouquet. While arranging flowers, keep in mind that you can also add other items like berries, twigs, flower picks and similar accessories.
With these tips in mind, you too can create amazing and memorable flower arrangements for your home, office and even as gifts. All you need is quality flowers and foliage to create your own floral masterpiece!