Introduction to Floral Arrangements

Styles, Elements and Principles of Floral Design

For this series, we will look at the basic elements of creating floral arrangements. We'll also dive into the features of designing and putting together flower arrangements with the help of the Best Florist in Capitol Hill DC.

In Part 1, we explored the know-hows in processing, storing, and maintaining flowers. In Part 2, we went into the typical Flower Ornaments For Any Occasion. We also covered how-tos in designing gorgeous arrangements in an effective way.

Here in Part 3, we'll compile everything we learned into a clear and useful guide. We'll explore the origins of floral design all the way to modern forms today. As budding florists, you'll find everything you need to know right here!

Interested in programs on designing floral arrangements? We recommend schools like the American Institute of Floral Designers (www.aifd.org). We also encourage you to check out the Society of American Florists (www.safnow.org).

Three Primary Styles of Floral Design.

Various styles of floral design came about from different cultures around the world. Many florists continue to carry out these traditions in fresh and relevant ways.

The first principal style of floral design is the Oriental style. It focuses on the lines of the arrangement. It pursues harmony and balance in combining flowers and greens.

Next is the traditional or Western style. It emphasizes the look and use of flowers en masse. It leans towards uneven compositions that still inspire rhythm and creativity.

Coming in last is the modern floral style. It arose as a blend of Eastern and Western styles. It bases upon the form and lines of the Oriental style. But it also allows florists to express their creative talent through unique design.

Elements and Principles of Floral Design

As florists, we have our special styles. Our customers also have various tastes and needs. But for each arrangement, each florist needs to incorporate a few basic elements. This way, you can create top-notch bouquets that still match your client's demands.

Here is the list of important factors to keep in mind:.

Design

Every design starts with developing a visual and theme. Are you going with a chic finish or a rustic appeal? Should your bouquet have a flashy look or a muted one? It's important to consider these questions before building your arrangement.

Proportion and Scale

These two elements come hand in hand when you plan floral arrangements. They're especially effective when you prep for large affairs and venues.

Proportion is about the relationship between the sizes of elements in your design. This includes your flowers, plants, and vases.

Scale refers to the location of your flowers in the desired space. For instance, will your arrangement act as a centerpiece for a table or decor for the whole venue? This will help you see if your design fits the space where you set it.

Balance

This principle emphasizes the form and structure of your floral design. Whatever your desired style is, every arrangement must have a sense of balance.

To achieve this, your bouquet should have an element of equal color, texture, or weight on each side. Flowers and accessories need to balance each other well in creative ways.

Rhythm

This element brings life to your design! It creates flow and movement that grabs attention. It's all about arranging flowers based on their shape and form. Through this, it pulls the eye to the center of the design all the way to its edges.

Emphasis

Main flowers are the stars of your show! They act as the focal point of your design. This is where accents and foliage seem to spring from, creating a stunning illusion.

This principle is all about bringing focus to your main flowers. You can create emphasis by contrasting colors and varieties of blooms. This means you choose accents and foliage to complement the main flowers!

Harmony and Unity

Every floral arrangement needs to be relevant to the event and motif. It must ensure a harmonious blend of various colors. It also needs to look unified with its container and placement.

For a more detailed manual on the use of color and design in floristry, see our next article!