Elements of Flower Arrangements

Flower arrangement is a combination of good proportion and balance.  An arrangement is considered to have a pleasing proportion when it looks comfortable within the size, shape and style of the container.  This rule is not essential only if a single perfect bloom is shown in a bud vase.  Otherwise, the rule applies.

There are some basic guidelines for flower arranging.  Low arrangements should be a little wider than their container while tall arrangements should be 1 ½ to 2 times taller than their container.  A container should be big enough to hold the arrangement especially when it has a theme.  The tallest or widest flower should be arranged first within the outline of the arranger’s chosen shape.  The base and lower part of the arrangement can be filled up with more large blooms while smaller blooms are used working up and outward or used as fillers.  The smallest blooms, foliage and filler are used to hide stems, oasis and the edge of the container.

Balance can either be symmetrical or asymmetrical.  Symmetrical balance is wherein the two sides are nearly identical.  Asymmetrical balance is wherein the two sides don’t match but appear to have equal weight or strength to the eyes.  The container and the support system have much to do with the over-all impact of the arrangement.  A good support system will hold the flowers in place and allow the cut end of their stems to reach the water.