Principles of Floral Arrangements: Emphasis

‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’. This very popular phrase holds very true for flowers, a true gift of nature. There are quite literally hundreds of thousands of varieties of flowers, each with a different shape, color, size and fragrance. Nature has provided us with flowers which bring a vibrant splash of color even to the drabbest of winters and paint the landscape all the colors of the rainbow in the spring and summer.

For centuries now, humans have used flowers for decorative and ornamental purposes. They have been used in various forms for livening up living spaces. Bunches of flowers, garlands of flowers, even dried flowers on paper have been used as decoration. In fact, one of most common forms of using flowers – the elaborate, yet highly effective flower arrangements, can be traced back many thousands of years.

Different cultures have, over time, developed their own distinctive way of flower arranging. Today, all these various styles are used around the world to achieve different effects. Some of the earliest records of flower arrangement point to China. The Chinese were also among the first to use containers of water to hold flowers so that they last longer. In Asia, the Japanese were also developing their own style of flower arrangement in which shape and form were the focus more than anything else. The practice of using flowers as garlands and wreaths was started in Egypt, Greece and Rome.

Today, the use of flower arrangements is very extensive and more and more people are becoming  professional florists. However not everyone can afford to hire professionals. In this case it helps to know at least the basics of flower arrangement, which contrary to popular belief, are not very difficult to learn. Once you know the basics of flower arrangement, it is relatively easy to play around with different styles and experiment with different types of flowers and  floral combinations.

Flower arrangement can be broadly classified into three styles, which can be then revamped and modified to suit the specific occasion or event. The three styles include the Oriental style of flower arrangement in which lines and form is given importance, the Traditional or Western style in which there is the use of many flowerstogether, and the Modern flower arrangements in which there are no rules really, except a preference for the Oriental style.

Whatever the style of arrangement, there are some basic principles that underlie flower arrangement. Following these basic principles is helpful as it provides simple guidelines to achieving the best results. One of the more important principles of flower arrangement is Emphasis. Emphasis is basically the dominant part of the floral arrangement or the focal point of the display. This aspect of the arrangement is the one that generally gives character to the entire set up and tells the viewer what is most important in the whole arrangement. Using the principle of Emphasis, the flower arrangement can bring to focus the color, texture, shape and even size of the materials used.

When you emphasize a certain part of your floral arrangement, you are basically drawing the viewers’ eye again and again to a certain part of your flower arrangement. In traditional styles, emphasis was basically one point from which all the other parts of the arrangement radiated out. Hence if you want to have a color theme, the center of the arrangement can have flowers of the same color, and have flowers of a contrasting color, leaves, other materials that provide texture (like dried stems, cones etc) around it.

Finally, using emphasis can also tell the viewer what the purpose of the floral arrangement is. This is  possible by the way you set your focal point up. Hence Valentine’s Day floral arrangements will usually have red or pink roses/chocolates in the shape of a heart in the center, with other material around it completing the display.

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For centuries flowers have been cultivated for their beauty, fragrance and color. Due to the amazing variety of flowers available and the natural beauty they lend to any place, flowers have long been used for decorative purposes. They have been used to beautify the barest of dwellings and used for special occasions and festivals.

One of the most popular ways of using flowers is to place them in artistic and creative arrangements. However, floral arrangements, though commonly used today, have developed over centuries and across cultures around the world. Some of the earliest records of flower arrangements have been traced to China. Here Buddhist beliefs led to meanings being assigned to flowers and thus determined their use in arrangements. China was also amongst the earliest cultures to place flowers in containers of water to prolong their life. Closely following China was Japan, which developed its own distinctive style of flower arrangement, relying more on shape and form. It was in Egypt, Rome and Greece that flowers were used for making garlands and wreaths, both to wear and to use for decoration.

Today, at an individual level and at the level of hotels or bigger gatherings, people love having flower arrangements around. And while most people will randomly arrange flowers and branches in a vase, there is in fact an art to flower arranging. Of course this doesn’t mean that only professionals can employ this art to make stunning pieces of work. Anyone sitting at home can also learn the basics of floral arrangements and with a little creativity make some fun and beautiful flower settings.

A floral arrangement is simply a combination of different elements which, when put together well, produces a visually striking and appealing display. Technically, there are 3 basic styles of arranging flowers. Any other style is generally a take on one of these.

The Oriental style of floral arrangement emphasises lines. The Traditional or Western style is based on the use of many flowers together in the arrangement, and the third Modern style has no rules really, but does pay more attention to line and form.

Whatever the style of floral arrangement, there are certain principles that should be followed for a beautiful and complete looking display. One of the more important principles to follow is Balance.

Balance is the one aspect that gives a floral arrangement its visual appeal and determines whether it can be classified as a formal or an informal arrangement. Balance in a floral arrangement is to be maintained in two areas – physical, the actual balance of the arrangement so it stands up straight, and the other is the visual balance so that it looks balanced to the eye.

Visual balance in a floral arrangement can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. In a symmetrically balanced arrangement, the two sides of the display are identical. Such arrangements are generally meant for formal use and give a slightly serious and rigid appearance. On the other hand, asymmetrical floral arrangements are different on either side of an imaginary central axis. These are more fun, active, informal and dynamic.

Balance in the appearance of the floral arrangement is related to the correct use of color and weight of flowers (the visual weight and not its actual weight). Generally dark and dense flowers appear heavy. As a rule, for a balanced appearance, heavy flowers are placed at the bottom of the arrangement and lighter ones towards the outer edges and upper portions.

Putting a pleasing floral arrangement together is a matter of practice and creativity. All it requires is a willingness to experiment and have some fun with flowers.

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