FLOWER ARRANGEMENT  - DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

  

Flower arrangement is a design of beauty.  It is essentially a decorative piece and should be the centre of attraction. An arrangement can be composed of only flowers and or foliage or in combination with vegetables and fruits.  Flower arrangements have an ability to introduce a personal touch in an otherwise staid and impersonal hotel room.  Arrangements can be used in lobbies, restaurants, suites etc.  Guests appreciate flowers for the freshness they bring to the surroundings.  Arrangements need not be reserved only for parties or special occasions.  They can be used regularly depending upon the season and the theme. Unconventional and dry material can also be used to make arrangements which are more economical and last longer.

PRINCIPLES OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

The principles of design are applicable to flower arrangement as well.  Design determines the structural pattern of the arrangement.  It consists of the relationship between the flowers, foliage and containers.  Any design can be produced i.e. suitable to the occasion and the surroundings.  Design is determined by site of placement, function and materials available.  Arrangements may have also to be two sided or all round.

Balance:

Materials should be placed to give a feeling of stability.  Form and colour are important aspects of balance.

a.     Formal balance or Symmetrical Balance:

In this type, both sides have equal material on either side of the central line.  The flowers should have equal visual weight and colour.

b.     Informal or Asymmetrical Balance

In this, two sides are not equal but still have equal visual weight.  Dark colours give an effect of more weight than light colours.  They should be centred low in the arrangement.  Lighter colours give an impression of lightness and are more suitable towards the outer and upper ends of arrangement.

Scale:

It means proportion and relationship of the various parts of the composition.  The plant material has to be in proportion with the container used and the sealing of the plant items with each other must be kept in mind along with the site and function.  A flower arrangement is of good proportion when it is of right side for the container and placement.

Rhythm:

Rhythm can be described as a sense of movement, which flows through the main lines of the arrangement.  The purpose of it is to direct once eyes along it so that the shape of the entire composition is followed and understood.  In flower arrangement this is achieved by grading flowers and arranging foliage, leaning towards the sides.  These lines partly decide the design of arrangement.

Focal Point:

It is the central point of arrangement where emphasis is obtained by large accented flowers, group of flowers or use of darker colours.

Harmony and Unity:

Ensure that the materials are suitable for the site and the occasion.  The colours of the flowers and the container should blend with each other easily or provide a pleasing contrast with each other and with the background.  Unity of materials is necessary to view the arrangement without any distraction from the main line of movement.

BASIC PATTERNS OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT:

The most basic patterns for flower arrangements are:

Vertical; Horizontal; Triangular; Rectangular; Circular; Curved; Asymmetrical

   

All the patterns have their base according to the surroundings.  Tall vertical arrangements are suitable for lounge areas while horizontal arrangements will be suitable on coffee tables, banquet tables and other low tables.  A circular arrangement is necessary on a coffee table and banquet table since it can be viewed from all sides. The pattern of the arrangement should not interfere with the purpose of the furniture arrangement.

EQUIPMENT FOR FLOWER ARRANGEMENT:

Like any craft, flower arrangement requires good equipments and proper tools.

1.     Vases or Containers:

These are of different sizes and colour.  They may be made of metal, glass, porcelain, wood etc.

2.     Flower Shears:

They may be of ordinary scissors type or with a spring for easy cutting of wooden stems.

3.     Pin holders:

These are made of heavy metal like iron with fine prospecting pins.  They may be of different shapes and sizes for use in different containers.

4.     Wire Mesh:

This is made of steel wire for supporting and balancing of flowers.

                 

OTHER EQUIPMENTS:

Florists tape, foam, water spray, rubber bands, tooth picks, thin wire, rocks, pebbles, accessories like birds, butter flies, figurines, sheds etc. A sink, running water and working surface with storage area must be provided.

ESSENTIALS IN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

1.         A good design                                     4.         Flower composition

2.         Right shape                                         5.         Accessories in the arrangement

3.         Colour of the container

While starting the arrangement, make a definite mental plan.  Design on the basic form in such a way that taller and wider material goes first in a definite leading line.  Locate the focal point low and near the centre.  Let the plant material partially cover the container.  Avoid even number of flowers except in a formal arrangement.  Keep the height of flowers 1/2 times the width of container. Place tall arrangements in tall containers but low containers can be used for both kinds of arrangements. Two items must never appear at the same height. Stems can be bent to obtain curves in the arrangement.  Avoid crossing of stems and observe the reflection of the arrangement in a mirror.

FLOWER ARRANGEMENT IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

Flowers are used for decorating various areas in the hotel like restaurants, reception area, lobby area, rooms etc.  They provide a cheerful appearance and colour to the room.  The arrangement should blend with the décor of the room.  It should be suited to the occasion and location.

Arrangements for VIP Rooms:

Arrangements here offer a great variety in design and imagination.  The placement will vary according to the type of room and its décor. The writing table, bedside table or coffee table should be used for placing tall arrangements.  The flowers used in rooms should not attract insects.

Flower arrangements for reception area:

The reception desk is the first area that the guest comes in contact with.  This desk becomes part of the lounge or lobby.  Arrangements should lend character and cheerfulness to the surroundings.  They should blend with the décor. Roses, tuberoses and gladioli, chrysanthemums, carnations etc are most suitable.  The arrangement may be two-dimensional since it needs to be viewed by the guest.

Buffet Table:

Flower arrangements on buffet table act as centrepieces and focus of attention.  The basic rules of arrangements in dining area should be followed and a multi- tier arrangement of a combination with fruits and carved vegetables can be made.  Flowers used should not have a strong smell.  Theme arrangements can be made in theme restaurants.

Banquet Table:

A banquet is a formal sit down service and the flower arrangement must also follow a formal pattern.  The colour should blend harmoniously with the décor of the banquet hall.  A table that is large with a seating capacity of 15-20 guests, should have at least 4-5 small arrangements.  These should be low and all round.  Flower arrangement for special banquets like wedding banquets or in honour of VIP guests should be formal and usually monochromatic.

Coffee Table:

For a coffee table a low mass arrangement that can be viewed from all sides is suitable.  Few large flowers combined with tiny blossoms are appropriate.  Arrangements can be informal and relaxing.

USE OF DRY MATERIAL IN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT

A dry flower arrangement is a long lasting arrangement that is made by using dried flower material.  Most dry material can be collected in autumn.  Examples of the materials for such arrangements are stems of barley, oats, rice etc. Pine cones, wood roses, bull roses, onion seed heads, poppy seed heads, corn cobs, lichen, wired shaped roots, dried grass, feathers, sea weed, dried lotus, Cyprus palm etc.   This material can be treated with a coat of varnish, paint or silver and gold wash.  Accessories like marbles, coloured glass, bits of metals or strips of metal foil, dried berries, feathers, pebbles, drift wood, ribbons, thremocoal balls, candles, bells, glass balls can be used.