Easy Types of Flower Arrangements

Horizontal Arrangements

• A horizontal arrangement is usually twice as wide as it is high. Flowers arranged horizontally are ideal for centerpieces as guests can see over the arrangement. These flowers are usually arranged symmetrically or the left is a mirror image of the right. Use a shallow container for these arrangements, making sure the foam is securely anchored to the bottom of the container. Start with greenery to mark the shape of the arrangement, and then add the focal flowers, larger flowers on a single stem, in the middle and out the sides. Fill in the arrangement with smaller flowers and more foliage. Because of their thick stems, good fillers for these arrangements are Queen Anne's lace and wax flower. Liatris, calla lily and delphinium work well to help define the lines in this arrangement.

Vertical Arrangements

• This arrangement is tall, narrow and the most informal of the flower arrangements. Use a tall, thin container one-third the height of the tallest flower. Using a floral frog or foam, place the focal flowers in the center of the vase, turning the vase to get an even distribution. Fill with filler flowers, flowers with many small flowers on a single stem and foliage. Allow some of the foliage or flowers to arch over the sides of the vase. This arrangement can be asymmetrical or symmetrical. This is one of the most common types of flower arrangements as it works well with almost all varieties of flowers including sunflowers, roses, tulips and daisies. Filler flowers for this arrangement include baby's breath, status and fern.

Triangular Arrangements

• Triangular flower arrangements have one main focal flower rising vertically from a container and two flowers lying almost horizontal to form an inverted 'T.' They determine the height and width of the arrangement. This arrangement should be taller than it is wide. Fan the focal flowers from the vertical flower to the base, keeping the triangle shape. Fill with filler flowers and foliage. For best effect, don't overcrowd the flowers. Calla lilies, roses and stargazer lilies work beautifully in this arrangement as focal flowers. Ivy, spray carnations and dianthus work well as filler and greenery.