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Seventeenth-century Turkey is thought to be the birthplace of the practice of giving meanings to different flowers, such as the use of different flowers traded between lovers to convey different messages. Then, Victorian era Britain took hold of the custom of such ‘flower language’ with vigour, whereupon numerous books of ‘florography’ were published.
From expressing love, whether concealed, everlasting or just the love manifested in friendship, to expressing sorrow, there are a range of emotions that can be conveyed by giving flowers; to complement kind words, or simply at times when words might fail.
Which Flower For Which Day?
There is nothing better than giving someone what they want. In other words, if you know somebody loves daffodils, then you might as well give daffodils whatever the occasion. The same thing can be said when thinking of particular colours. However, for people who appreciate the symbolism of things, different flowers have come to represent different emotions, as have different types of flower arrangements.
For feelings of love or admiration, people often send the flower thought to represent the most passion, the rose. But remember, different types of roses convey different feelings! If you want to convey a message of happiness, perhaps to a sick friend, then daisies or sunflowers are cheery. Meanwhile, carnations are often given at funerals, in a wreath or other form. This brings us to the topic of different flower arrangements.
Flower Arrangements
Depending on the occasion, the florist you use may suggest a different type of flower arrangement.
For weddings, bouquets, ‘nosegays’ (a round shaped design with tightly packed flowers and little greenery), cascades (as in waterfall) and hand tied bunches, with a more natural appearance, are very popular.
At funerals, wreaths are the most popular design. Presented in a circular form representing birth, life, death and rebirth, they feature tightly packed flowers and are most traditional. Symbolic shapes such as hearts, crosses or the deceased’s name are also growing in popularity, while ’sprays’ or ‘casket sprays’ are usually a fairly low key arrangement, often purchased by the family to place on or near the casket.
Respected Australian florist – Flowers For Everyone offers a wide selection of Valentine’s Day flowers and gifts. Have a look at the arrangements available at http://www.flowersforeveryone.com.au
You can set a theme for your wedding using accessories in your arrangements. For example, you can add a duck, chick or bunny for an Easter wedding, you can add little wreaths or candy canes (real or plastic) for a Christmas wedding, or you can add hearts for a Valentines wedding. Whatever accessories you decide to add, you personalize your flowers in this way and add your own personal touch
Novelties
Many novelties already have a wire pick inserted at the bottom, so you can very easily insert this directly into the floral foam along with the flowers. If your accessory has no pick, simply take a piece of heavy wire, heat up one end of it by holding it in a flame, and the insert the heated wire into the base of your novelty. If you novelty moves on the wire (up and down or around and around), put some glue right where the wire enters it. This should secure it
Balloons
Balloons add a festive feel anywhere. They can be filled with helium to float in the air in your arrangement. Helium balloons need to be securely anchored. You can do this by having them tied to colorful ribbon. Tie the ribbon to a little wooden pick and knot them firmly. You can then insert the wooden pick into your floral foam. The wood will expand from the moisture, making your pick all the more secure
Candles
Candles area favorite at weddings. They create a beautiful, soft, romantic atmosphere, making them perfect for weddings. You can purchase plastic candle holders that look like a little “cup” with a large plastic point below it that can be inserted into your foam . These holders come in different sizes. Your candles should fit into them snugly – that way you know they will be secure. The base of the holder anchors into your floral foam and keeps your candle from tipping over.
If you can’t find a candle holder the right size, you can push the candle directly into the floral foam. First cut the base of the candle to a bit of a point to make insertion easier. Push the candle slowly, straight down. Do not twist the candle as this could make the hole larger than it needs to be and make the candle less secure. Only try this method with narrower, smaller candles. Larger pillar candles will be too top heavy and will fall over easily
You can also make your own candle holder. You take at least 5 wooden picks about 4 inches long and use rubber florist’s tape to tape them evenly spaced to the base of your pillar candle. You can then gently insert the picks into your floral foam. You don’t have to use florists’ wooden picks, you can use less expensive wooden skewers for kabobs.
I prefer not to have the candle actually rest on the floral foam. The moisture of the floral foam could travel up the wick of your candle. The best way to prevent that is to use the florists’ plastic candle holders. Second best is to make your own holders with the wooden picks.
Whatever type of accessory you choose to add to your wedding flower arrangements, it will be the focal point. Place it low in your arrangement to keep it balanced.
Nadine Visscher has arranged flowers for more than 15 years and has written The Beginner’s Guide to Wedding Flowers found at http://www.WeddingFlowerDirections.com
