The Basics of Flower Arrangement Design

Before you grab your shears and start snipping stems, it helps to understand the core elements of floral design.

Start With the Building Blocks

A well-balanced flower arrangement includes a mix of:

• Line flowers – These give height and structure (think delphinium, snapdragons, gladiolus)
• Focal flowers – The stars of the show (like roses, sunflowers, peonies)
• Filler flowers – These create fullness and texture (such as baby’s breath, waxflower, or statice)
• Greenery – Adds natural movement and balance (eucalyptus, ruscus, fern)

At Hosanna Floral, we always recommend thinking of flower arranging like composing a painting: balance your colors, vary your heights, and don’t be afraid to add texture.

Choose Your Flowers with Purpose

Consider:

• The occasion: A romantic anniversary? A lively birthday? A calming “just because” arrangement?
• The location: Will it sit on a table, countertop, or entryway console?
• The season: Use in-season blooms for the freshest look and best longevity.

We had a customer in Ouray who wanted a flower arrangement for her mother’s birthday that would fit in a rustic kitchen. We used seasonal dahlias, eucalyptus, and sprigs of rosemary. It looked (and smelled) incredible.

How to Make the Perfect Flower Arrangement at Home

Creating your own flower arrangement is easier than you think! Follow this step-by-step process to build a beautiful design that feels custom-made.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You’ll need:

• Floral shears or sharp scissors
• A clean vase or container
• Flower food or preservative (we include this with every Hosanna Floral delivery)
• Fresh flowers and greenery (bonus if you picked them up from our shop!)

Step 2: Prep Your Flowers

• Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline.
• Trim stems at a 45-degree angle to allow better water absorption.
• Keep stems in water while you’re working so they stay fresh.

Step 3: Start With Greenery

Create a base layer with greenery. This forms the structure for your arrangement and gives it shape. Popular options include lemon leaf (salal), ruscus, or eucalyptus.

Step 4: Add Focal Flowers

Place your largest or most dramatic flowers next, spacing them throughout your base. These are usually roses, lilies, peonies, or hydrangeas—something eye-catching.

Step 5: Add Line Flowers and Fillers

Use line flowers to give your arrangement height and dimension. Then tuck in your filler flowers to fill any gaps and add texture. Don’t be afraid to rotate your vase as you work—floral design is three-dimensional!

Flower Arrangement Tips for Every Style

Design for Your Décor

Match your bouquet to your space. In Telluride, one of our clients used soft, pastel tulips and lavender with dusty miller to enhance her neutral-toned farmhouse kitchen. It created a soft, welcoming look that tied the whole room together.

Mix Colors and Textures

Balance soft petals with bold lines. Pair ruffled peonies with structured snapdragons or roses with curly willow branches.

Stick to Odd Numbers

Odd numbers (3, 5, 7) feel more natural in arrangements. Try grouping three large roses with five sprigs of filler for a balanced, organic look.

Special Occasion Arrangements

Weddings

Whether you're designing your own bridal bouquet or helping a friend with a rehearsal dinner centerpiece, keep your color palette tight and use a mix of focal flowers, greenery, and soft accents.

Our bride in Crested Butte wanted something bold and earthy. We used a mix of burgundy dahlias, soft blush roses, and seeded eucalyptus. It looked absolutely dreamy set against the mountain backdrop.

Parties and Gatherings

Design your arrangement around your table shape. For round tables, go for a more compact and full arrangement. For long tables, a linear style with line flowers like delphinium or snapdragons works best.

Corporate and Office Flowers

Stick with neutral tones and long-lasting flowers like orchids, alstroemeria, or mums. They’re elegant, professional, and low-maintenance.

How to Keep Your Flower Arrangements Fresh

Flowers are a living product, so treat them well, and they’ll return the favor.

Do This:

• Change the water every two days
• Re-trim stems regularly
• Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight and away from fruit (yes, fruit releases ethylene gas that speeds up wilting!)
• Use flower food in your water (or a DIY mix of sugar, lemon juice, and bleach)

Don’t Do This:

• Don’t overcrowd your vase
• Don’t leave wilting flowers in the arrangement (they’ll cause others to wilt faster)
• Don’t forget to clean your vase—bacteria is a bloom killer!

Why Choose Hosanna Floral for Your Flower Needs

If DIY isn’t your thing (or you just want to be sure your bouquet looks its absolute best), our team at Hosanna Floral is here to help.

We offer:

• Custom-designed flower arrangements for homes, events, and weddings
• Same-day flower delivery across Montrose, Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway, Gunnison, and Crested Butte
• Expert floral guidance for any occasion

We’ve helped brides design their dream bouquets, businesses set the tone for events, and families honor loved ones with thoughtful floral displays. Whatever the occasion, there flowers that will fit it perfectly.

Final Thoughts: Bring Your Arrangements to Life

Arranging flowers isn’t just about placing stems in a vase—it’s about creating emotion, beauty, and atmosphere. With a few simple tips, a little creativity, and some help from your local florist, you can turn any bouquet into something meaningful.

If you’re looking for beautiful blooms, fresh flower delivery, or floral design services in Montrose, Telluride, Ouray, Gunnison, Ridgway, or Crested Butte, Hosanna Floral has you covered.

Ready to start arranging? Or want us to create something custom for you? Let’s get blooming.
Order today or schedule a floral consultation with Hosanna Floral—your local source for fresh flowers and inspired designs.