To build a balanced floral arrangement, choose flowers intentionally. Rather than looking at flowers individually, consider each as an element within the design.
Decide whether to work within formal or free-form structures. Think about the effect you want to create, the message to be communicated, and the overall theme you want to express.
Combine Different Flower Shapes
A floral arrangement needs a focal point, which is an area where the eye rests. This focal point can be a large or brightly-colored flower (or group of flowers). Use secondary flowers to frame it, and these should be smaller or less showy, establishing a hierarchy within the arrangement.
Once the arrangement has a center of interest, add more flowers around it. Consider their shapes: Are they rounded, linear, spreading or open? Combining flowers with strong contrasting shapes, like a rounded bloom with a linear one, can add interest and movement to an arrangement. Smaller flowers help bridge the contrasting elements.
Consider Color Relationships
Look at the colors of flowers, buds and stems. You can work with a range of hues or within one color in various tones. Staying within a single color can be harmonious and restful. Strong color contrasts can bring excitement to the composition and draw attention to certain flowers. When you’re just beginning to develop your sense of design, limiting your color palette may be wise.
Consider how colors relate to each other: Are they harmonious or striking? Are they restful or stimulating?
Think About Scale
The size of flowers in a composition can be as significant as their color or shape. Using a wide range of sizes can add interest and movement to the arrangement. Large flowers dominate while smaller flowers create paths that direct the eye. Using a limited scale can result in a monotone design.
Consider Seasonal Character
In addition to their shapes and colors, consider each flower’s individual character and how they relate to other flowers. Are there flowers with strong personalities? Can some be used as accents? How do flowers that are often found together naturally work as companions? These relationships can offer clues as to color, texture, and mood, which often will define a design concept.
The mood and feeling of the flowers can relate strongly to season. Spring flowers will have a bright, fresh feeling, summer flowers will be rich and lush, autumn flowers can be warm and fiery, and winter flowers are sparse and delicate. Use the mood and feeling of flowers to your advantage. They will help you tell a seasonal story.
Plan Before Arranging
Before making the final arrangement, take a few minutes to plan. How will you use the flowers? What is each flower’s role? What is the final composition going to communicate? Are there certain flowers that should be prominent? Others that support but shouldn’t dominate?
Decide the theme you want to express and how each flower contributes to the composition:
- What is the intended mood? Calm and restful or exciting?
- Where is the piece going to be displayed? In a relaxed home setting or a formal environment?
- Are the flowers being used to celebrate a special event?
- Are you expressing a season? If so, are you emphasizing the beauty of the changing season, or the promise and potential of what the new season will bring?
Once the individual flowers are selected, bring them all together to see if they work as companions. Can any be eliminated? Are there some you want to emphasize over others?
Once you’re ready to make the arrangement, let the flowers dictate some of its elements. Notice how they curve and arch. You’ll find it hard to fit them into a rigid geometric composition that isn’t in keeping with their natural movement.
