Flower arrangement is an organisation of design and colour towards creating an ambience using flowers, foliage and other floral accessories. Flower arrangement is not an art to be reserved only for special occasions. A few flowers on the kitchen table can be as important in their own way as a full scale decoration for a big ocassion. Flower arrangements beautify homes and offices alike and are also used as centrepieces for a table. Flower arrangements are made out of fresh cut flowers, dried flowers and artificial flowers as well.

Roses are the most popular flowers used in floral arrangements, closely followed by carnations, gerbera daisies and chrysanthemums. The use of flowers in flower arrangements also depends on the occasion for which they are made and the recipient’s likes and dislikes.

Origins of Flower Designing

The Chinese were the first to put water in a container of cut flowers. So, while the Chinese were arranging flowers aesthetically in a container, the rest of the world was braiding garlands, making wreaths and flinging petals.

Japan grasped the vision of combining cut flowers, water and containers from China with such enthusiasm and inspiration that different schools of flower arrangement art emerged with masters who created philosophies and, design principles sprang into existence. The Japanese culture expanded flower arrangement into a meditative practise, which had its roots in beliefs and philosophies. Flower arrangement became an art form that inspired contemplation and transcended decorative and devotional functions.

Different Styles of Flower Arrangements

Broadly, there are three styles of arrangements in the world of floral arrangements. They are as follows:
1) Oriental Flower Arrangements: The emphasis in the flower arrangement is on the lines.
2) Traditional/Western Flower Arrangements: The emphasis in the floral arrangement is on the use of many flowers in a mass.
3) Contemporary Flower Arrangements: There are no limitations. These flower designs are based on the floral designer’s personal preferences. However, in its emphasis on lines, it is closer to the Oriental than the Traditional style of flower arrangement.

Flower Arrangement Principles

• Although there are numerous rules to floral arranging, there are at least six that are essential. They are as follows:
  Design: It determines the floral arrangement’s structural pattern. It’s a visual representation of the floral arrangement’s size and shape. The location, occasion, and materials available all have a role in the design.
  Balance: In a floral arrangement, it stresses the utilisation of materials to provide the arrangement solidity. The form and colour of the floral arrangement are the two most significant components of balance in an arrangement. Again, there are two sorts of equilibrium. viz.,
  Symmetrical Balance: The floral arrangement’s two sides have an equal amount of materials on each side.
  Asymmetrical Balance: The flower arrangement’s two sides are not equal, but they have equal visual weight. Color is quite important in this situation. Dark hues provide the impression of weight, so they are utilised sparingly in the arrangement. Lighter colours are also more acceptable for the floral arrangements’ exterior and top regions.
  Scale refers to the proportions of various elements in a floral arrangement. As a result, it emphasises the need of matching the material chosen to the size of the container holding the flower arrangement.
  Rhythm: It focuses on drawing the viewer’s attention to the primary line of arrangement so that the entire shape of the composition may be followed and comprehended.
  The focal point of the floral arrangement is the core section of the arrangement from which the flowers and greenery appear to be emerging. As a result, the focal point of the floral arrangement is frequently made up of larger, dark-colored flowers.
  Harmony and Unity: This guideline ensures that flowers are used appropriately for the occasion. It also ensures that the colours of the flowers in the floral arrangement and the container contrast each other.

Flower Arrangements Types

Floral Bouquets: Compared to a formal flower arrangement, floral bouquets are simpler and easier to put together. The most popular bouquets are roses, followed by carnations, gerbera daisies, and chrysanthemums.
Table Centerpieces: Table centrepieces are simply floral arrangements made to be placed on tables for dinners such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other special occasions. Using mementos or traditional décor, you can express a theme for the occasion. An intricate still life of flowers, fruits, and vegetables can be created on the buffet table.
Floral Baskets: Floral baskets are floral arrangements in various-sized baskets. Flowers for floral baskets should consequently be picked according to the basket’s depth. They are widely used as gifts for significant occasions such as Christmas and Mother’s Day. Cornucopia is a horn-shaped wicker basket loaded with a variety of festive fruits and vegetables that is highly popular as a Thanksgiving gift.

Floral Wreaths: A floral arrangement in the shape of a circular garland, usually braided of flowers and greenery, that is traditionally used to express honour or celebration. Wreaths are particularly common at funerals as a gesture of respect for the departed. Furthermore, they are frequently utilised as welcome wreaths when dinners are served on special occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.