On a bed of clay

For the base, a clay foundation was created, which cracked upon drying, resulting in a weathered appearance. A light structure was bound with iron wire and wrapped with Oasis bindwire. Water tubes, partially wrapped with bindwire, are attached to this structure. After securing the structure in the clay, a floral display is created using robust Jatropha 'Firecracker', mini Anthurium, and Begonia leaves, combined with delicate Gloriosa superba 'Simba Fifty Shades'. Typha grass provides connection.

Heartwarming embrace

The dried leaf of the Strelitzia is tied around an Oasis wreath, which ensures a firm embrace of the red heart. This center of warm red flowers consists of Hydrangea ‘Ruby Red’, Rosa ‘Ducati’ and Scabiosa ‘Dark Cherry’. Playful twigs of Talinum paniculatum ‘Long John’ bring some lightness and refinement to the composition.

Embrace

For the base of this arrangement, pieces of reed pith are glued parallel to each other with wood glue onto a cardboard circle. In the center, a bowl with Oasis Bio floral foam is placed and attached to the circle. The space where the urn will be placed is marked, after which the flowers are arranged around the urn at different heights and in different groups, as an embrace. Flowers and greenery used: Dahlia, Rosa, Daucus, Sandersonia, Ornithogalum, Oenothera (evening primrose), Centaurea (cornflower), and Asparagus plumosus.

Floral wave

The base of the waveform is formed from aluminum wire and Oasis Rustic Wire. Then, the water tubes are wrapped with Oasis bindwire and attached to the undulating surface. White calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are arranged in the water tubes in the flowing lines of the arrangement. Tillandsia plants and Asparagus plumosus also provide a natural base.

Pure nature

On a dish covered with Oasis Bio floral foam, a green base is first laid by completely covering the floral foam with green lichen and the stems of gypsophila. Subsequently, the flowers are placed. These are all directed towards the sky, but are processed at different heights to ensure a depth effect.

Flowers used: Paeonia, Chrysanthemum, Oenothera (evening primrose), Senecio, Robinia, Buddleja and Daucus.

'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.'