A key element in a flower bouquet is the vase in which it is displayed. A vase that is too big, too small or simply does not aesthetically compliment the arrangement can make any bouquet unattractive – regardless of how fresh, colourful and fragrant it is.

There are many types of vases available, in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials. It is the responsibility of the florist to match an appropriate one with the bouquet. While clear glass square and flared models remain the classical choices, there’s also ceramic, metal, porcelain and even terracotta and wood.

Vase Shapes

There are 5 distinct shapes when it comes to vases. Each has it merits.

Cube Shaped

Cube vases are quite modern in style, transforming even the most traditional flower arrangement into something chic.

Easy to place in corners because of their convenient shape, the only drawback is that they tend to be short with a wide mouth. Flowers need to be trimmed down with petals removed so that they are well supported by the sides of the vase. Sponge can be used to keep flowers in place. If you don’t have enough flowers to fill the vase, attach a grid of tape or wire to the top of the vase so that the flowers have extra support and don’t flop over.

Flared

If you have one vase in your home, it’s probably one of these. Flared vases are quite common, synonymous with traditional arrangements for any occasion. Most often made from glass (or crystal), ceramic or metal, they

A good technique to follow when placing flowers into a flared vase and preventing  them from flopping over the sides is to fill the vase from the inside in, starting with smaller blooms and green garnish. This will create additional support for the larger blooms, which should be placed in the middle to add height. Make sure taller blooms have plenty of support on all sides to keep them upright.

Bud

Bud vases are tall, with a narrow mouth that is designed to hold only one flower. They are a perfect way to highlight the beauty of a single bloom, in the prime of its existence.

Tall Vase

Tall vases are perfect for long stemmed roses, lilies and other blooms that have straight stems strong enough to resist the force of gravity.

The picture shows a unique way to present a flower arrangement in a tall vase made of glass. Rather than allowing the flowers to extend beyond the height of the vase, push them down artistically. This allows the entire flower, from petals to stem, to be enjoyed.

Pitchers

In the same shape as a container that would normally hold milk or lemonade, pitcher vases tend to be tall with a mouth that flares out (some do not). Complete with a handle, these types of pitchers have long been used for more laid back flower arrangements, evoking images of a countryside setting.

Whether Canada or Japan and Thailand or Mexico, flower arranging is considered an art form that has long standing traditions in their respective countries. There is a certain skill required when forming fresh cut flowers into bouquets, sprays and other arrangements. Most florists, like the talented floral designers working at 416-Florist.com, study the art in a formal setting (at school or on the job) or learn the craft from older generations in their family.

The basics of creating an aesthetically appealing mixed flower arrangement rely on 4 essential traits.

1. The right colour. Colour can make or break an arrangement. Selecting the right one, depending on factors such as cultural/ethnic background, symbolism and the preferences of the recipient, are key to creating a “beautiful” bouquet or spray. Remember: each flower, as well as its colour, represent an emotion, personality type, or other trait.

2.  One of the most beautiful aspects of a mixed flower bouquet is the number of different blooms in a single arrangement. Each bloom adds a certain feature to the finished product, whether it be height, depth, body or serve as the “star attraction”. For example, our florists often use limonium as a filler flower to a mixed flower bouquet. Limonium has a number of small blooms on a single stem, making it ideal to add body without moving the focus away from the larger form flowers, like sunflowers and lilies. They also smell delightful!

3. The right vase or container. This is not an issue if the mixed flower bouquet is simply handtied and wrapped in cellophane.

However, the bouquet will eventually require water and choosing the right vase or container is vital to compliment the beauty of both the arrangement and vase itself.

As a general rule, use a container that is the right size for the bouquet (more flowers = larger vase with larger mouth). If most of the flowers are tall, then use something that is tall as well. There are a variety of shapes and designs available – choose one that matches the overall feeling of the bouquet.

4. Balance and harmony. Don’t think that this can only be achieved by symmetrical designs – complimentary colour combinations, following a general shape (like a triangle or L) and choosing the right flowers can all help achieve an appearance of balanced harmony.

These pointers might not transform you into an expert flower designer overnight, but they will help set you on the right path.