Tips and Tricks - Arranging Flowers and Floral Design Tips

The first rule in floral design ... is there aren't any rules. Here are some guidelines to floral design as well as some ideas for creating arrangements and centerpieces. Creativity and imagination rule floral design, and to make the perfect centerpiece or arrangement, just use your imagination!

Keep it simple. Floral centerpieces and arrangements do not have to be elaborate and extensive to be beautiful.

Odd is beautiful. When arranging your centerpieces, bunch similar flowers in groups of 3 or 5. Additionally, if you wish to have distinct patches of colors in your arrangement, make sure there are odd numbers of patches.

Random or structured? Arrangements and centerpieces can either have the flowers randomly placed in the container, or if you prefer structure, place similar flowers at opposite points of the container and fill the gaps symmetrically with other, similar flowers.

Match your flowers with your vase type and color. Contrasting colors between flowers or between vase and flowers can cause your arrangement or centerpiece to be an eyesore. For more information on these, visit our Vases section.

Shorter vases are more versatile. Longer-stemmed flowers can be cut to shorter length to fit, but shorter-stemmed flowers are harder to use in taller vases. If your arrangement of flowers is very full, shorter-stemmed flowers can be held in place by neighboring flowers, rather than the vase.

Secure your flowers! Use florist foam or an alternative method to keep your flowers in place. See our section on Florist Foam and Alternatives for more information.

Match the types of flowers you use to the style and purpose of the centerpieces. Many flower are inherently formal, like the Calla Lily, or informal, like the Sunflower, so only use those flowers that will convey the right sense and tone of the centerpiece.

Use preservatives. They increase the vase-life of fresh flowers. Stick with commercial products to give your creation extended life.

Consider adding decoration to your arrangement. See our section on Decorating Ideas for some ideas on how to spruce up your arrangement.