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Step 1
Write down the basic facts about the occasion. Pay special attention to the time of day of the occasion, whether it's a wedding, a brunch, a kid's party or a wedding shower. Take into consideration the time of year, whether it is spring, summer, fall, warm, or cool outside. If it's a wedding, also take into account the bride and bridesmaid's dress colors and the wedding theme colors.
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Step 2
Spend some time thinking about the dimensions of the room and the other colors in the room in which the flowers will be sitting. Look at whether your space is well lit or if it has white walls.
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Step 3
Figure out if you can use a tall or small vase. Consider alternatives to vases like baskets, hanging flowers and other creative means to display the flowers. Consider the style of the event, and if is more modern or more traditional event.
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Step 4
Look at magazines, especially bridal or home decor magazines, for flower arrangement ideas. Cut our pictures that you like and place them in file. You can show the pictures to the florist to give them a better idea of the look you want and get her input.
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Step 5
Visit a local florist or your garden and survey what pops out in your mind. Go with your first instincts when picking the flowers. However, pay special attention to the occasion. For example, you don't want to choose red roses for a funeral as it is typically considered inappropriate.
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Step 6
Learn a little about complimentary colors and how they work in a floral setting. Look at the paint color of the room, tablecloth or furniture in the space you are decorating to choose colors that will not clash with the already existing decor. Take note whether you will be outside and if other flowers will be surrounding your bouquet. It will help you determine how robust your arrangement can be.
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Step 7
Decide how soon you need the flowers and how well they'll stand up in the environment and temperature they'll be sitting. Find out if you need any preservatives to keep them fresh looking.
