1. Floral Designs for Holidays & Special Occasions 1

2. Introduction Professional florists have the artistic ability to create floral designs that evoke emotions, symbolize thankfulness, and provide comfort for those in sorrow. Floral designs are adaptable to every season and occasion. 2

3. Seasonal Flowers Most flowers are available to retail florists throughout the year. However, seasonal flowers are only available during certain times of the year. The colors and textures of seasonal flowers often express a theme or emotion associated with the season. 3

4. Spring Arrangements Spring is a time of rebirth and romance. In floral arrangements, this emotion is expressed through the use of pastel colors and various shades of green. 4

5. Spring Arrangements Floral materials associated with the spring season include: Bulb flowers (tulip, crocus, daffodil, hyacinth) Blooming branches (quince, flowering ornamentals, fruit trees) 5

6. Spring Theme To unify the theme of a spring arrangement, a designer often selects a basket, or similar type of natural container, resembling that of a bird’s nest. 6

7. Summer Arrangements Summer is the season of relaxation, family get- togethers, and vacations. This is also the season to celebrate and remember military veterans and the country’s independence. 7

8. Summer Arrangements 8

9. Summer Flowers Floral materials associated with summer include wildflowers and garden flowers. 9

10. Autumn Arrangements Autumn is the season of harvest and a time of transition from summer to winter. Floral materials associated with autumn include: – Dried leaves – Nuts and grains – Fall vegetables and fruits 10

11. Autumn Arrangements Coarse-textured containers including bark baskets, terra cotta pots, and woven baskets complement autumn arrangements. The cornucopia is a traditional container for autumn arrangements. 11

12. Winter Arrangements Winter finds the chill of the outdoors warmed inside through festive and evergreen arrangements accented with the colors of red, yellow, and orange. Floral materials associated with winter include. – Conifers, spruce, and cedar foliage – Broad-leaf evergreen foliage – Berries and pine cones – Poinsettia bracts 12

13. Winter Arrangements Winter arrangements are rich in foliage, with few flowers, and blended with natural and metallic containers, as well as holiday theme containers. 13

14. Holiday Arrangements Traditional holidays celebrated throughout the year in the United States include: – Religious traditions (Christmas, Easter) – Important citizens (past presidents, military veterans, the labor force, teachers) – Professions (administrative assistants, supervisors) – Family (fathers, mothers, grandparents) 14

15. Holiday Customs To effectively serve their clientele, professional floral designers should familiarize themselves with the dates, customs, ethnic events, and the color and types of flowers associated with holiday observances in their respective communities and regions. 15

16. Holiday Arrangements Christmas is the longest floral holiday in the United States, beginning in the late fall and peaking by December 25 th. 16

17. Valentine’s Day & Mother’s Day Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are two of the busiest single floral holidays. 17

18. Other Special Events Banquets, graduation ceremonies, and special school events often use a stage setting as their main focal area. This area includes a lectern or speaker’s podium with the guest speaker and honored guests seated on either side. 18

19. Stage Setting The lectern or speaker’s stand is the focal point of the stage setting. Plant materials on the stage create lines that lead the viewers’ eyes to the speaker. Fabric curtains or drapes behind the stage serve as a neutral backdrop. 19

20. Stage Setting 20 Cover for open steps Background Focal point Foreground

21. Defining a Stage Setting In defining a stage area, the designer places taller plant materials to the sides and/or at the back of the stage. The plant materials provide height and depth at the back of the stage. 21

22. Guiding Traffic Large container plants in groupings near the front edge of the stage establish a natural setting and define the boundaries and perimeter of the stage. They also function to guide traffic safely onto and off the stage. 22

23. Church Services & Celebrations Members of a church congregation often place floral arrangements in the church during weekly services to commemorate: – Births – Anniversaries – Special Celebrations – Holidays 23

24. Enhancing the Focal Area Floral arrangements in church settings accent and enhance the focal area of the church sanctuary, which includes the altar area as well as the lectern and pulpit. 24

25. Church Settings Factors to consider when designing floral arrangements for church settings include: – Church rules or regulations regarding flower use and placement – Scale and proportion of the arrangement in relation to its surrounding – Functionality of the floral arrangement – Décor, styles, and color of church interior – Container selection 25

26. Floral Designs for Weddings An important consideration in designing floral designs for a wedding is to know the rules and regulations of the church or wedding location regarding the placement of floral pieces. 26

27. Wedding Flowers Wedding floral designs include: – Bouquets (bridal, bridal attendants) – Body flowers (corsages, boutonnieres) – Centerpieces (floral arrangements for the rehearsal, wedding ceremony, and reception) 27

28. Bride & Groom The bride and groom are the focal point for any wedding. Therefore, all decorations must enhance and direct attention to them. 28

29. Floral Designs for Weddings Factors that influence the style of floral designs for a wedding include the: – Formality of the ceremony – Style of bridal gown – Season of the year – Desires of the bridal couple 29

30. Sympathy Floral Designs Sympathy flowers designed for a funeral service: – Help soften the sorrow and provide a sense of comfort. – Represent the care and love others have for the family of the deceased. – Honor the deceased. 30

31. Sympathy Floral Designs Traditional and regional preferences guide professional florists in suggesting sympathy design styles and arrangements to family members and clients. 31

32. Sympathy Floral Designs Traditional American sympathy floral tributes include: – Casket spray – Easel sprays – Floor arrangements – Basket designs – Set pieces – Decorated container plants 32

33. Sympathy Arrangements 33

34. Sympathy Arrangements Because sympathy arrangements are handled numerous times, design principles and mechanics are important considerations in floral design and construction. 34

35. Acknowledgements Jane Gloyd, TMF, AAF, Horticultural Professor (retired), Richland College, Dallas, Texas organized and developed the information used in this PowerPoint presentation. Christine Stetter, Artist, Instructional Materials Service, developed and illustrated this PowerPoint presentation. Keith Zamzow, Curriculum Specialist, Instructional Materials Service, edited and reviewed this PowerPoint presentation. 35