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.

To get the best out of your floral arrangements you need to care them a little care and attention. Fresh flowers in particular need careful consideration if they are to remain in prime condition and even with this they will obviously last for a much shorter time than artificial floral arrangements. Fresh flowers need to be well watered, positioned away from direct sunlight and protected from temperature extremes. Artificial floral arrangements can last a life time if they are looked after properly, and this has lead to their even increasingly popularity, especially silk flowers which are not only enduring and beautiful but also incredibly natural looking.

There are some general rules to follow for those of you who want to create your own floral arrangements. First, it is often helpful to use florists foam when creating a display, since this will keep your blooms in position and allow for greater precision when designing. Green foam is for fresh flowers and brown for artificial. Fresh flower stems always need to be in touch with water, otherwise they will wilt, so it is important to soak the foam well before using and to regularly top up with fresh water. Sometimes cutting a small v shaped notch at the top of the foam can make the toping up easier, particularly if the foam is almost as large as the container it rests in. And, difficult as it may be, resist the urge to use foam again, as you could then be putting your fresh flower stems into old holes where the water will not be able to reach.

Cut fresh floral arrangements can be made to last longer if cared for properly. It pays to use a clean container and remove all leaves which will be below the level of the water. Using cut flower food really can extend the life of your display. For floral arrangements that you want to keep for a while, such as home decorations, choose flowers that are in bud or just half open and you will then be able to watch them open into full bloom. For those displays which require immediate, short term impact such as wedding floral arrangements or funeral sprays, use flowers which are almost fully open.

Artificial floral arrangements need much less care than fresh, a gentle blast with the hairdryer to remove dust is about all that is required, but if creating an artificial display yourself, bear in mind that it may be necessary to weight the container with pebbles, shells etc (this will also cover the florist foam) and try to mould each flower and stem in the way it would naturally grow before placing it in your display.

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.