To help you get started and develop a feel for creating your own arrangements, some of the traditional styles are outlined below. There are many different and accepted styles of floral arrangements - from traditional, to free style, to abstract. To help you get started and develop a feel for creating your own arrangements, some of the traditional styles are outlined below. In describing the various styles of arrangements, certain construction elements are taken for granted. Particular care should be taken to use a vessel that is suited to the mood of the arrangement and does not visually overpower the floral material.
Designs begin with a framework of line, form or mass flowers that outline the finished shape.
With the exception of rounds and horizontal centerpieces, designs are composed with a focal point from which the eye moves to appreciate the arrrangement. This necessary point of interest is located just above, or at the lip of the container and is created by the use of form flowers, concentrating mass, or using darker colours. The floral material is arranged at varying heights and depths to create interest. Flat planes and straight lines produce a dull and monotonous arrangement. Round Arrangement Round arrangements appear to be very simple but, because they have no focal point, great care must be taken to preserve the rounded shape from all angles and to balance the floral materials throughout the design.