Contemporary Open Design Funeral Wreath
To create a modern open wreath the idea is to make the floral and foliage materials flow in as natural a manner as possible. This means that there is no set pattern of arrangement like you would find in traditional based funeral designs. Instead the natural materials are arranged in an evenly spaced out but rough random pattern or they can be grouped. There should not be a main focal point. Texture is an important element to this design and there is much more scope for individual creativity. The materials should be inserted in different directions and also at different heights to create depth and interest. Movement and flow can also be created by the use of decorative twigs as used in the design shown above. Contemporary Design Characteristics
Materials Used 14" round, open funeral posy pad Lime green mesh - available by the roll German pins FOLIAGE: Leatherleaf (Arachniodes adiantiformis) x 2 stems FOLIAGE: Pittosporum x 2 stems FLORAL: Chrysanthemum 'Kermit' x 2 stems FLORAL: Lisianthus (Eustoma) x 2 stems FLORAL: Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) x 4 stems FLORAL: Hattie's Pincushion (Astrantia) x 4 stems FLORAL: Sea Holly (Eryngium) x 1 stem DECORATION: Silver Birch x 2 stems DECORATION: Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides) x handful | Edible fact! Did you know that the flowers of Sweet Williams are edible? Apparently they taste a bit peppery and clove like. |
Learn how to re-create this design:-
Chamfer the oasis ring to create a rounded dome, soak and then attach strips of wire mesh around the edges and inside with German pins.
STEP 2
Insert the foliage Pittosporum and Arachniodes at different heights and directions. This helps to create a random and natural feel.
Insert the Eustoma which are the most prominent flowers due to their colour. It is important to avoid creating a geometric shape with them within the whole design eg square or triangular positioning as this is distracting. The design must flow seamlessly around the whole design.
STEP 4
The Eryngium provides depth with a tonal change against the deep purple of the Eustoma as well as adding texture. Add the filler flowers of Dianthus and Astrantia to brighten and also soften the design. The use of button shaped 'Kermits' ties the design together with the lime green border meshing.
Finally, add the Silver Birch to create some movement. Drape Tillandsia over the top to add a final touch to create a natural feel (see image below).
Evaluation
This is probably the easiest design to create and very enjoyable as you can be a little more free with the placement of material. The manipulation of the wired mesh into a consistent undulating wave has created a lovely edging to this design which is both neat and also provides interesting movement, texture and colour which matches the 'Kermits' and also contrasts beautifully with the deep mauve of the Eustoma.
The circular tribute is a traditional symbol of eternal life and also of love. The introduction of the floral foam base has revolutionised floristry away from the traditional use of metal frames with mossing and the wiring of materials onto the frame. Florists do however still use this method particularly for example when making Christmas wreaths etc. This circular design or even heart shapes or crosses are extremely versatile and can be adapted to suit not only traditional styles but also more modern and woodland designs, eg using grouping of materials and natural elements (see Inspirational designs). | TRIVIA Did you know that during the interwar period a common term for this type of funeral wreath was called a "bit wreath" or a "bin wreath"? The reason being was that florists during this period used up all the oddments and left overs to create it. Of course the order of today's standard of floristry is based on quality and individual interpretation of design. |
Here are a couple of traditional designs which you may compare with the modern and design orientated tributes.
Becoming very popular are more personalised designs such as examples available from Val Spicer's design collection "creative floral tributes" which includes a vast range of 3D floral foam tributes which can be personalised to suit an individual, eg football shirt, dog, cat, boat, car, teacup, electric guitar to name but a few. My personal favourite is the butterfly pictured here.
Always important when providing a funeral tribute is to ensure that the customers' individual religious preferences are taken into account, for example, colour or type of flowers may be especially relevant. White flowers convey a sign of respect in most cultures. Some symbolic floral foam bases are available specific to particular cultures eg the Aum pictured below is a Hindu symbol and the Khanda is appropriate for Sikh culture. These bases are available from http://www.oasisfloral.com.
Bretherick, K (1994) "Advanced Floristry and Flower Arranging" Leeds: Kay Bee Enterprises
Cowling L & C (2002) "Straight from the heart - Sympathy Floristry for the 21st Century" Bury St Edmunds: Billet Doux Design Co.
Cowling L & C (2008) "Flowers for Funerals Magazine - Winter 2008" Bury St Edmonds: Thrive Floristry
Wagener, K (2010) "Blumen zum Abshied" Augsberg: Blooms
Whale, S (2011) "Cut Flowers - A practical guide to their selection and care" Birmingham: Jago Publishing Ltd