'Creativity gives meaning to loss'

Belgian floral designer Sören van Laer considers making funeral arrangements a very important part of his work as a florist. ‘Flowers not only bring comfort, they also express appreciation for the deceased. It is therefore very important to create very personal and creative funeral work because creativity gives meaning to loss.’

‘I am noticing that the demand for urn decorations is increasing. This requires a separate approach but also offers opportunities to create very refined funeral work. For farewell flower arrangements, I prefer to use colorful flowers. Colors soften the grief.’

Working with symbolism also generates many possibilities. 'For example, lavender has the properties of being soothing, calming, softening, uplifting, and balancing. The flower symbolizes balance, dedication, friendly love, admiration, and beauty. Lavender has a subtle color and scent and thus connects body, mind, and soul, making it an excellent flower for farewell floral arrangements.'

Spiritual

Through the use of natural cherry branches with leaves in combination with the almost luminous white Phalaenopsis and Zantedeschia, this arrangement has a certain spiritual appearance. In Oasis Bio floral foam on a plastic dish, the Prunus branches, Asparagus plumosus, Rudbeckia, Ornithogalum and Daucus are inserted first. Then the callas and moth orchids are arranged centrally. Tillandsia plants provide a beautiful finish.

Clematis Wreath

Clematis vines form the basis of this natural funeral arrangement. Thick stems are first used to determine the base of the wreath, after which thin vines are woven between them until a beautiful shape is created. A dish with Oasis Bio floral foam is placed in the middle of the wreath and attached with wire. First, the base flowers are arranged: Dahlia, roses, and Senecio. Subsequently, Tillandsia, Sempervivum, and Asparagus plumosus provide the finishing touch.

‘Boho has the playful, seventies hippie flair with a certain chic’

Belgian Floral Designer Chantal Post enjoyed the master's program in Floristry in Vught. As chairman of the Belgian florists' union Be-Florist, she has been committed to promoting the beautiful profession of florist and supporting florists since 2021.

‘The contemporary bohemian style that you often see at weddings is a melting pot of different cultural influences. Bohemian (or boho) fashion is a timeless and stylish look that is perfect for anyone who wants to look chic with a nonchalant touch. Accessories, often made of natural materials such as wood, stone and shells, also play a prominent role. The free-spirited style combines different textures and vibrant colors into an eclectic yet cohesive whole.’

‘A characteristic boho bridal bouquet has a natural look – and is a combination of the playful, nonchalant seventies hippie flair with a certain chic. The waterfall shape is also typical of a boho bridal bouquet – especially if it is realized with special natural materials or different textures.’

Floral Boho Bridal Party

Mention a bridal party, wedding, or marriage, and a beautiful, festive, and dreamy image appears: a stylish, rural event location, a lush green environment, and excellent decoration with the most beautiful flowers and greenery. The bridal bouquet is elegant, carefully made in a
distinctive shape with special materials and flowers. There are so many possibilities; it is not without reason that creating bridal floral work is and remains a favorite for many floral designers.

‘The ideal customer gives me complete freedom’

Florist Églantine Blanckaert loves to decorate weddings with flowers and make bridal bouquets. In addition to being a flower shop (in Floreffe in Belgium), her company Xanadu Flowers is also a total concept with its own flower garden and events floristry.

‘For me, the ideal customer is the customer who has confidence in my abilities and gives me complete freedom to be creative. I try to work as ecologically and sustainably as possible. The reason I love field bouquets and also the loose character of the 'bohemian' style, both also look very lively and natural. I often find my inspiration in nature and in everything that surrounds it.’

‘As a young florist, I focus not only on a younger audience but especially on the people who share my values, ideology, and taste. Every florist dreams of customers who love beautiful things without immediately looking at the price.’