Flowers for a personal touch
The most beautiful day of your life calls for floral arrangements that go beyond mere decoration: it calls for a piece that tells a story and enhances the wearer’s personality. In this in-depth special from DPK Floral Magazine
we DPK Floral Magazine how the boundaries of the
traditional bridal bouquet are blurring, giving way to floral art.
“Don’t just create—add value”
For floral designer Max van de Sluis, the process doesn’t always begin with a form or technique, but with a single flower. “A flower that demands attention, that calls for a moment of pause, that invites you to understand its character. In this series, I let that principle guide me: observe, delve deeper, and enhance. Always from my own perspective, but with respect for what the flower already possesses.”
From that starting point, bouquets emerge that are more than just a collection of materials. “They have a voice of their own, a presence of their own. And it is precisely in that connection that the encounter with the bride takes place. Sometimes you find a bouquet that reflects her; other times, the bouquet serves to amplify who she is or wants to be at that moment. In that interaction, something unique emerges: personal, layered, and meaningful. Perhaps that is the essence of our craft: not just creating, but adding. Offering an extra dimension, which enhances not only the work but also the person carrying it. A bouquet that doesn’t just adorn, but tells a story.”
“And yet, time and again, it all starts with something seemingly simple: communication. The ability to listen, to interpret, and then to demonstrate with conviction what is possible. Because only when a vision is shared can it truly come to fruition.”
Vibrant arrangements bursting with summer flowers
For floral designers, summer is one of the most bountiful seasons of the year. From the first peonies in late spring to dahlias that herald the arrival of fall, the selection is wide, colorful, and full of character. Yet this period calls for creativity. Due to vacations, hot weather, and shifting consumer behavior, summer is not the easiest sales season.
“Everything in nature has form and value”
Gerrit van Aalst, a 22-year-old floral designer, works part-time at a flower shop and spends the rest of his time on various freelance projects. He also regularly participates in competitions. For example, he recently won the Dutch Junior Floral Art Championship and is now preparing for Eurofleurs Murcia 2027 in Spain.
“I work a lot with frames and mainly design frames that are cut out using a laser cutter. These frames can be used for a long time; they’re like a puzzle that you can easily take apart. That makes them not only sustainable, but also easy to store and transport.”
“Summer is one of my favorite seasons. There are so many different types of summer bloomers and cut flowers that are only available during this season. You can also use a lot of materials from your own garden. I was born in Ukraine, and back then I used to wander through my father’s nursery to gather the most beautiful materials for bouquets for my mother. I also love working with plants: with roots, stems, leaves, and of course flowers. Everything you see in nature has its own shape and value and can be used beautifully in floral arrangements.”
First edition of Floréda attracts over 500 visitors
The first edition of Floréda took place at Plantion in Ede from March 9 to 11, 2026. This new purchasing event for florists, garden centers, and market traders brought together suppliers, growers, and specialist retailers to showcase the current seasonal range of flowers, plants, and related products.
Joyce Brueren and Gerrit van Aalst winners of the 2026 Dutch Floral Art Championships!
On March 9 and 10, eight floral stylists competed for the Dutch Floral Art title. At the same time, seven young people competed for the Dutch junior title. Joyce Brueren (professionals) and Gerrit van Aalst (young talents) were crowned the winners of this prestigious professional competition. Both champions will represent the Netherlands in 2027 at the European Championships for professionals and juniors in Spain.