Styles, Elements and Principles of Floral Design.
For this series, we will go over the basic elements of crafting floral arrangements. We’ll also dive into the details of designing and putting together flower arrangements.
In Part 1, we talked about the know-hows in processing, storing, and maintaining flowers. In Part 2, we looked at the standard flowers and plants used for decor. We also tackled how-tos in crafting gorgeous arrangements in an efficient way.
Here in Part 3, we’ll combine everything we learned into a clear and practical guide. We’ll discover the origins of floral design all the way to current 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 Key Styles of Floral Design.
Several styles of floral design came about from distinct cultures around the world. Many florists continue to apply these traditions in fresh and relevant ways.
The first primary style of floral design is the Oriental style. It highlights the lines of the arrangement. It pursues harmony and balance in combining flowers and greens.
Next is the traditional or Western style. It highlights the look and use of flowers as a whole. It tends towards uneven forms that still spark rhythm and creativity.
Coming in last is the modern floral style. It arose as a blend of Eastern and Western styles. It builds on the form and lines of the Oriental style. But it also allows florists to manifest their creative talent through unique design.
Elements and Principles of Floral Design.
As florists, we have our preferred styles. Our customers also have varied tastes and needs. But for each arrangement, each florist needs to use 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 creating a visual and theme. Are you going with a chic finish or a rustic appeal? Should your bouquet have a bright look or a subtle one? It is essential to consider these questions before creating your arrangement.
Proportion and Scale.
These two elements come hand in hand when you plan floral arrangements. They’re especially helpful when you prep for large events and venues.
Proportion refers to the relationship between the sizes of elements in your design. This involves your flowers, plants, and vases.
Scale is about the placement of your flowers in the desired space. For instance, will your arrangement serve as a centerpiece for a table or decor for the entire venue? This will help you consider if your design fits the space where you put it.
Balance.
This principle emphasizes the form and structure of your floral design. Regardless of your desired style is, each 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 ornaments need to balance each other well in inspired ways.
Rhythm.
This element brings life to your design! It creates flow and movement that seizes attention. It’s all about aligning flowers based on their shape and form. With this, it pulls the eye to the focus of the design all the way to its edges.
Emphasis.
Main flowers are the stars of your show! They serve as the center 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 types of blooms. This means you select accents and foliage to complement the main flowers!
Harmony and Unity.
Every floral arrangement needs to be relevant to the event and theme. It must ensure a harmonious blend of varying colors. It also needs to look unified with its container and placement.
For a more in-depth manual on the use of color and design in floristry, see our next article!
Photo by Sarah Johnson on Unsplash
