There are available today many different floral arrangements, of all shapes and sizes which can be used in a wide variety of settings. As table decorations, wedding bouquets or fun party pieces, floral arrangements are a great way to express your feelings and create a very special atmosphere at an event. In addition floral arrangements can be designed for all tastes and budgets, small three bloom posies or exotic floral arches can equally express your individual style.

Whatever the occasion, all floral arrangements need the same kind of care and consideration if they are to remain at their best. Fresh flowers of course, last for a shorter period of time than artificial flowers and may require a little kinder handling. Many varieties of flowers will not tolerate extremes of temperature and need to be kept well watered and away from direct sunlight and artificial sources of heat. Artificial floral arrangements can last a lifetime if looked after properly and kept away from strong sunlight. Silk floral arrangements in particular are becoming very popular, since they can provide a very beautiful, natural looking display.

If you decide to design your own floral arrangements, it can be helpful to follow a few simple guidelines. Floral foam is often useful in creating a display as it enables you to place the flowers with greater precision and will keep your arrangement in place once finished. In general brown foam is used for artificial flowers and green for fresh. Bear in mind that the bottom of cut flower stems always need to be in contact with water if they are to remain fresh and so the foam needs to be thoroughly soaked in water before you begin your arranging and regularly topped up thereafter. For this reason also, it is inadvisable to re-use foam, as it will have holes from previous displays which could mean that the fresh flowers would be in an air pocket and unable to get water.

Properly caring for cut flowers arranged in a vase or similar container can extend their life. It is good to use a clean container and add appropriate cut flower food. It pays to take away any shots or leaves which would be submerged in water as these would quickly rot. For those floral arrangements which need to have immediate short term impact e.g. wedding bouquets, use flowers which are at or almost at their full bloom; they wont last long but they will look stunning. For those floral arrangements which you can enjoy over a longer time,those used in home decorating for example, use cut flowers which are in bud or just beginning to open and then you will have the pleasure of watching them blossom.

Artificial flowers need much less care and attention. A gentle blow of the hair drier will easily remove dust and keeping the display away from direct sunlight will prevent fading. However it might be helpful to consider the following if you are going to create your own artificial floral display. Since artificial flowers are quite light, you may well have to weight the bottom of the container, preferably with decorative items like shells, stones or sand, for a more permanent display, clear acrylic can be used. When arranging the individual flowers, try to think of how each one would naturally fall and shape it accordingly before adding it to your floral arrangement.

For many of us however the idea of creating a large floral arrangement, particularly if it is for an important event like a wedding or funeral, is a bit too nerve wrecking. In these situations it is advisable to use a professional florist, who will be able to create a beautiful floral arrangement to your unique specifications. The first step is choosing the right florist and this can often involve a little research on your part.

When choosing a florist, ask if you can look at examples of their work and see if they have designed floral arrangements in a style similar to your own. If this is not the case, it may be advisable to look elsewhere. When you do find someone you like, be sure to clearly tell them exactly what it is you are looking for, having pictures cut from magazines etc. can help with this. Inform them of the colors and general mood of the event, this applies especially to wedding floral arrangements which need to be in the same style as the brides dress and also match the colors of the bridesmaids and groom.

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