Flower Arrangement

Lesson 04 : Basic Elements of Art in Flower Arrangement

Genral Guidelines

The principles of design are interrelated and a designer can­not alter one principle without affecting another. For ex­ample, an arrangement that lacks unity will probably not be harmonious. Flower arranging is an art, and while every de­signer has a unique style of arranging flowers, each must ad­here to the principles of design. Apply the principles to examine the designs and those of others.

General Guidelines for Flower Arranging.

1. A flower arrangement should be about 1 ½ to 2 times the height or length of the container. The horizontal arrangement is an exception to this rule.
2. Use no more than two or three kinds of flowers.
3. Use no more than three colors.
4. Use an uneven number of flowers when the total to be used is less than twelve.
5. Large flowers and dark colors should be used toward the bottom and center of the arrangement.
6. Small flowers should be used toward the top and edge of the arrangement.
7. If the flowers are of equal size, there should be about three light flowers for every dark flower.
8. Establish the height of a design first; the length second; and the width third.
9. Flowers should not crowd or touch each other. Leave space around the flowers.
10. Place some flowers deep into the arrangement to create depth.
11. The focal point should be prominent.
12. Each type of flower should form the design shape as they are placed in the arrangement.
13. Break the rim of the container with a flower or a leaf to tie them together.