Translation of memories

Funeral flower arrangements come in many forms. But what is and remains important is a personal touch. Who the deceased was, and what he meant to his loved ones can be expressed very beautifully with flowers and symbolism.

Lush Natural Elegance

Lush, succulent green leaves that shine or have special markings make plants irresistible. There is a preference for a base of tranquility in the interior, with large plants with distinct leaf textures being an important addition. Plant arrangements give many possibilities and exude luxury.

Autumn Tide

The approach of autumn is already announcing itself in mid-August. The wind sounds different, there is more moisture in the air, and the spiders diligently create more and more silver air bridges between plants and flowers. Foggy gray days alternate with sunny warm late summer days. And the outdoor scent, too, is more prominent, more earthy.

Floating heart

A floating arrangement is very suitable for an ash scattering on the water, as well as for a waterfront memorial ceremony. To make the arrangement "float," Oasis Sec blocks were secured under the wood disc. Holes were then drilled into the wood disc in the shape of a heart. A warm color palette of botanical materials was placed in the holes. The materials "float" above the wood disc and drink their moisture directly from the surface water. Botanical materials: Astrantia, Chrysanthemum, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Heliopsis, lisianthus, Scabiosa and Zinnia.

"Roaming the garden together in search of materials."

Freelance florist and teacher Linda Eising likes to stay close to the personal wishes of the customer with her farewell flower arrangements. 'It is my challenge and strength to translate those wishes into flower arrangements. Gathering information from the bereaved by visiting, listening, asking the right questions and looking around, gives me the good information to get started.'

'Buying materials or even better applying the plants from home or garden. Searching together in one's own garden for the most beautiful materials. It is often precisely those materials that were lovingly cared for and admired by the deceased.'

'When searching for materials together with the bereaved, the most beautiful stories and fond memories surface. That often works immediately as a piece of mourning. When you then make an arrangement from all these materials, you see the tears of emotion and recognition in the eyes of the relatives upon delivery. That gives me great satisfaction. 

'In bridal work I can put my passion'

For floral designer Max van de Sluis, one of the most important characteristics of bridal floral work is that it is, above all, personal. 'In my experience, the bouquet should perfectly match the bride and the person she is or at least the personality she wants to express. That also makes design for wedding flower arrangements always a fun challenge. Our profession is very versatile, and within all these dimensions, bridal work is not only an important part but also a facet that I really enjoy working on. This is where I can very sincerely put my passion and enthusiasm.

Working with materials of the season always gives me something extra. Fun to do and a fine result also gives building up a flower or using only one kind of (flower) material - as I was able to show several times in this session.'