One the more important principles of floral arranging is Proportion. Very simply put, proportion deals with getting the scale and the overall appearance of the flower arrangement right. It is the correct selection of the elements in the arrangement in terms of size and shape. The proportion of your floral arrangement can be determined in two ways – either through the container you have, or based on the flowers you’re using. Whatever you decide on first, there are certain rules of proportion in arranging the flowers. The amount of flower material you use should be three-fifths of the final design, and the container, two-fifths. For example, if you are using long stemmed roses, it makes sense to use a  taller container instead of a  low round one to match the flowers. Round containers go well with flowers that are roundish in shape like the daisy and gerbera daisy or denser like the standard mum or carnation.

While creating a floral arrangement, to get the proportion right, make your arrangement slightly taller than you want it, since it is always easier to cut the stems if it’s too tall.

Proportion in a floral arrangement is also visible in the colors used. To have a visually appealing flower arrangement, select colors that will be proportionate to each other i.e. the amount of each color used in the floral arrangement. If you’re using three colors, use more of one color for your central point, less of the second color and only a moderate amount for the last choice of color. When determining the color proportion in any arrangement, you should also try and keep in mind the light and dark shades so that your arrangement is not completely dark or light, but a balanced effect which will suit the setting.

Along with the size and color, proportion in a floral arrangement can also be developed in the textures, such  as rough and smooth, or finishes like  shiny and dull. This provides some depth and character to the flower arrangement eliminating the monotonous appearance. By breaking the arrangement into different kinds of textures, it makes for a more attractive and eye catching work of art.

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Today, flowers are used to provide color to empty spaces and bring life to inanimate areas, they are used to express feelings, to mark special occasions, i.e., birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, etc.,  and to bring joy to everyone.

The primary reason that flowers are so popular is that they are available to everyone. You don’t have to be rich to afford flowers. Even with the most easily and inexpensive flowers, you can make something beautiful. Everyone can work with flowers. You don’t have to be a professional florist to make those amazing flower arrangements you see in magazines and on TV.

So how do you learn how to make flower arrangements at home? There are two things involved – knowing the basic principles involved in arranging flowers, and using those principles to practice and experiment on your own till you are comfortable with what you’re doing.

The basic principles of flower arranging are to do with the form, line, shape, balance, texture, color, unity, proportion, harmony etc. By following the basics, your flower arrangement will be aesthetically pleasing and visually appealing.

One of the more important principles, one which ties together all the other basics of floral arrangement is Harmony.

Very simply put, harmony in a floral arranging is when all the elements used in the arrangement are in complete sync with each other and seem to belong together. When discussing harmony, you are not only talking about the flowers matching or belonging together, but also the flowers and foliage, the flowers and foliage with the container, the container with the space it has to share, the texture, shape, size, color etc. Basically a harmonious floral arrangement is striking to the eye without being over the top and without seeming very obviously contrived. It should look effortless to the viewer.

One way of achieving harmony in your arrangement is by trying to select those elements which have something (at least one thing) in common with each other, so that they fit together. This could be in size, color, texture and shape. If blended well together, then harmony has been achieved. For example, you should avoid choosing to put small flowers with oversized leaves as they don’t match. Similarly, if you put giant marigolds in a small vase, it will definitely look out of place.

For someone who is a beginner, harmony in a flower arrangement can easily and best be achieved through color. Color is very often the single most important element contributing to the harmony of your arrangement. By using monochromatic or analogous color combinations, a flower arrangement can look harmonious and visually striking. The simplest way of being sure that your color combinations are going to work is to check their positions on a color wheel. Adjacent colors generally belong together. For a contrast, opposite colors on a color wheel can be used.

Finally, harmony in a floral arrangement is achieved by of choosing the right elements and experimenting with different materials, colors, textures, shapes and styles.

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