Floral Installations - the most beautiful (yet, understandably, daunting) arrangements that can take the production of any event to the next level. With Summer right around the corner, and outdoor events coming back in full swing, now is the perfect time to start building the confidence you need to start offering larger floral installations to prospective clients.
What are Floral Installations?
Floral installations are large statement pieces that require special rigging pieces, hydration systems, and extra set-up time. Brides have been asking for floral installation pieces for years now, and it seems to be a trend that is way too beautiful to go away any time soon!
4 Common Types of Installations:
- Arbors (Chuppahs, Mandaps)
- Arches
- Flower Walls
- Suspended Flowers
Arbors and the below variations provide an organic structure for flowers that frame around the special couple or any other desired focal points on their big day. Arbors are usually permanent structures that can come in many different shapes and sizes - all with the same goal in mind, to create a “wow” factor and be the perfect place for a photo op! Free-standing arbors are typically made of branches or vines - if that’s something that’s not available to you, you can always incorporate parts of the venue to create your own, for example, around the venue's main entrance.
The Chuppah is a canopy that a couple stands under for the duration of their wedding ceremony. The Chuppah represents a Jewish home, symbolized by the cloth canopy and four poles. The open sides represent the tent of Abraham which was open for hospitality to guests.
Mandaps are covered structures with pillars - another beautiful tradition used for Hindu or Jain wedding rituals. They are usually made of wood (even though we are seeing more and more being built with modern materials) and act as the central element in wedding decorations. These gorgeous statement pieces symbolize a fruitful married life.
Arches are the traditional choice for many weddings. These structures are typically brought into the sites and removed after. They are also usually rounded and are fashioned out of flowers, branches, and other materials hung over a structured base piece. Even though they are common, the designs are what really make each one unique!
Flower walls and backdrops for a ceremony or event can be very versatile. Having a flower backdrop that matches the colors of the event will no doubt be a conversation piece for guests - and another beautiful opportunity for some memorable photoshoots. Smaller designs can be attached to the venue walls above tables or seating areas. Full flower walls can be freestanding and built-in advance to repurpose and reuse for multiple events.
(Flower chandeliers above designed by Elizabeth Fisher of @lizziebeesflowershoppe)
Suspended flowers are (literally) on a whole different level! Whether it’s a floral chandelier, hanging flower strings that imitate paper mache, or just a floating cloud of blooms and foliage, ceiling suspended flowers add an extra something special - imagination, whimsy - to any event. Who wouldn’t love to dance, drink, and dine under a beautiful arrangement of flowers?
Our friend and Details superuser Elizabeth Fisher knows a thing or two about ceiling suspended flower installations - which is why she created Floral Mechanics. They engineer mechanical systems for the floral industry. Take a look at some of the structures they offer here!
How to Get Started with Floral Installations:
- Just try one! Sure, it’s not as simple as it sounds, but practice makes perfect, and it’s best to practice in the shop a few times rather than starting off at an event! Make sure you plan out exactly what you’ll need, gather all the supplies, and pace yourself. Make a mock-up using garden foliage or leftover flowers from other work.
- Attend Workshops. There are so many resources and virtual course opportunities available online that you can use to gather the best tips and tricks for creating large floral installations. Taking courses can build your confidence when trying to plan out the “details”, from pricing your designs to making sure you build a piece that’s easy to transport, taking specific courses will help you think of both the business and design sides.
- Learn From Fellow Florists. Reach out to a colleague or a favorite florist that inspires you! We will be chatting with Elizabeth Fisher from Lizzie Bee’s Flower Shoppe and Floral Mechanics in our members-only exclusive Masterclass on June 22, 2021, on “The Do’s And Don’ts of Large Flower Installations.” Register here to learn from her!
- Use the Right Materials. Using the right materials can make building an installation much easier on you and the flowers. Think about using materials that would work best for the installation you’re building - are there plants that you can use that last a while out of water? What seasonal blooms can you use that are readily available? Make sure your client knows that the lifespan of a typical floral installation is usually just one day.
Incorporating floral installations into your event design business can be a big undertaking, but can lead to amazing results! You’ll have bigger and better options to offer to clients, and your events will absolutely stand out. While learning about this next step, remember to focus more on techniques rather than design - you’re already a floral designer - you just need to get the mechanics right!
Take a deeper dive into large flower installations in our blog, "A Florists' Guide to Large Flower Installations," where we go into the details of everything to consider when getting started!
So find that courage and take the next step - you got this!
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