Selecting the Perfect Floral Bouquet

Introduction:

Selecting flowers for a bouquet is about more than someone’s favorite colors and the freshest flowers. It is about how the flowers are going to make that person feel. In Victorian times flowers had specific meanings and entire books were written about the “language of flowers.” Today as in the past it is the sentiment that gives flowers their meaning. People assign their own personal meaning to flowers based on special events or moments in their lives.

This lost art of speaking in flowers can be fun, and a unique marketing technique. The Society of American Florists tracks trends in the industry and the American economy, and they have identified a trend called “downshifting.” Americans are slowing down and staying home in record numbers. This phenomenon is a unique opportunity to make the home a “haven” were atmosphere is important due to the increase in time spent there.

Taping into this market trend requires blending the elements of traditional floral design, history, and a marketing theme that will appeal to consumers in the current “downshifting” trend.

Information:

For this activity you will need to know flower forms, color, meanings, and industry trends.

Draw on previous knowledge for color selection and thematic selection.

Visit the website http://www.aboutflowers.com select the flower library.

This part of the site will show you pictures of flowers, and tell you the “flower meaning”

If you need to see a picture of a specific flower to make sure it meets the requirements complete an image search using google or altavista.

Activity:

Using the web site you will create a flower list for a bouquet of flowers. Select a theme for a bouquet and make sure the meanings of the flowers support the theme of the bouquet. The flowers selected must be a pleasing color selection, meet industry standards and consists of one line flower, one form flower, and one filler flower, complete the bouquet with the mass flowers of your choice.

Use the table below to record your selections.

Flower Bouquet Theme_________________________
Flower Name	Flower Type	Color	Meaning
	Line
	Form
	Filler
	Mass

Your project will be assessed using the grading rubric listed below.

Grading Rubric

Flower Selection

3- Met or exceeded the required flower selection guidelines

2- Did not meet the required flower guidelines, missing 1-2 requirements

1- Did not attempt to meet the selection guidelines.

Theme

3- Theme is well developed, marketable and the flower selections support the theme.

2- Theme is presented; most flower selections support the theme.

1-Theme is not provided or flowers do not support the theme.

Color Combination

3- Combination is excellent, relates to the theme, and is industry acceptable.

2- Combination is industry acceptable.

1- No color combination is evident.

Supplemental information on the topic is available in this USDA publication. Use the link below to access the publication.

Importing Cut Flowers, June 1996 Plant Protection & Quarantine

www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/flowers.html