Tips on Making Floral Arrangements
- Once you have decided what kind of flowers, aroma and mood the arrangement should elicit, choose a container for the arrangement. Vases come in all sorts and sizes, but you don't always have to use a vase. Other containers for your arrangements could include baskets, urns, boxes, trays, wreaths, foam, and terra cotta pots, according to the Flower Arrangement Advisor website. Choose a container that complements the flowers in the arrangement you're making.
- There are about eight standard types of flower arrangements, and depending on the flowers you choose some arrangements will likely work better than others, according to the SaveonCrafts website. The most common flower arrangements are triangular, oval and vase.
Triangular arrangements are typically taller in the center and wide at the base. Choose flowers with long stems, Choose three flowers that will add to the height and width of the arrangement and have sturdy stalks, such as gladiolas and lilies. Each should be a bit taller than the next to keep the triangular shape of the arrangement.
Oval arrangements sit higher than triangular arrangements. Use similar type and color flowers that are high and sit in a line in the center. Choose one or two large focal flowers, like sunflowers, to put in the center of the arrangement, and smaller blooms around the edges. These arrangements look best in shorter containers such as baskets or boxes.
For vase arrangements, the tallest flower should be at the center and the rest should gradually get shorter. Use filler flowers, such as baby's breath, to fill in any holes. - Use vegetables and fruit to make floral arrangements even more attractive. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes are often used in arrangements to line a glass vase of flowers. Use a clear vase and slice up the fruit before you add water, according to the article "Unique Floral Arrangements" on the Good Housekeeping website. Fruits are often used in basket floral arrangements. Cranberries and apples add richness to these types of arrangements.
- Any flower arrangements you make will respond to the environment they are stored in. Clean and scrub any containers for arrangements with bleach so bacteria will not kill the flowers. The temperature of water matters to cut flowers. Warm water encourages buds and closed flowers to open, and cool temperatures preserve your arrangement longer, according to the article "Working With Fresh Flowers" on the SaveonCrafts website. Do not use hot or cold water, which can damage the flowers. Add floral preservatives to help your arrangements live longer. These can be found at most craft shops and supermarkets.