'Creativity gives meaning to loss'

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

'I signal an increase in demand for urn decorations. This requires a separate approach but also offers opportunities to create very refined funeral arrangements. For farewell flower arrangements, I prefer to use colorful flowers. Colors soften grief.'

Working with symbolism also generates many possibilities. 'For example, lavender has the properties of being soothing, calming, soothing, uplifting and balancing. The flower symbolizes balance, devotion, friendly love, admiration and beauty. Lavender has a subtle color and fragrance and in this way connects body, mind and spirit, making it an exquisite flower for farewell flower arrangements.'

Spiritual

By using natural cherry branches with leaves in combination with the almost luminous white Phalaenopsis and Zantedeschia, this arrangement has a certain spiritual aura. In Oasis Bio floral foam on a plastic tray, first the Prunus branches, Asparagus plumosus, Rudbeckia, Ornithogalum and Daucus were inserted. Then the callas and butterfly orchids are centrally arranged. Tillandsia plants make a nice finishing touch.

Clematis Wreath

Clematis tendrils form the basis of this natural grave arrangement. Thick stems were first used to define the base of the wreath, with thin tendrils woven in between until a beautiful shape was created. A saucer with Oasis Bio floral foam was placed in the center of the wreath and secured together with wire. First, the basic flowers were staked: Dahlia, roses and Senecio. Then Tillandsia, Sempervivum and Asparagus plumosus provided the finishing touches.

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

Belgian Floral Designer Chantal Post enjoyed the master's degree in floral design in Vught. As president of the Belgian florists' union Be-Florist, she has been committed to promoting the beautiful profession of floristry and supporting florists since 2021.

'The contemporary bohemian style you see a lot at weddings is a melting pot of different cultural influences. Bohemian (or boho) fashion, is a timeless and stylish look perfect for anyone who wants to look chic with a nonchalant touch. Accessories, often made from 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 signature boho bridal bouquet has a natural look - combining the playful, casual 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

Say bridal party, wedding or wedding and you envision a beautiful festive and dreamy image of a stylish country event venue a lush green setting and excellent decor with the most beautiful flowers and greenery. The bridal bouquet is elegant, carefully crafted in a
distinct shape with special materials and flowers. There are so many possibilities, it is not for nothing that making bridal floral arrangements is and remains a favorite for many floral designers.

'The ideal client gives me all the freedom'

Florist Églantine Blanckaert loves to decorate weddings with flowers and create bridal bouquets. Her company Xanadu Flowers is not only a flower store (in Floreffe in Belgium), but also a total concept with its own flower garden and event flower arrangements.

'For me, the ideal client is the one who has confidence in my ability and gives me all the freedom to be creative. I try to work as ecologically and sustainably as possible. Reason I love field bouquets and also the loose character of the 'bohemian' style, both also look very lively and natural. I therefore find my inspiration mostly in nature and in everything that surrounds it.'

'As a young florist, I am not only targeting a younger audience but more importantly those who share my values, ideology and taste. Every florist dreams of customers who love beautiful things without immediately looking at the price.'