In order to have your flowers appear bright and lively for your wedding you want to ensure to retain the freshness of your cut flowers. To do this make sure you strip the stems of any foliage that falls below the water line. As well, to prolong the freshness of an arrangement you can spray the flowers with tepid water in the morning or evening. Spraying water on the flowers will hydrate them and allow them to look fresh and vibrant longer than normal. You can also keep flowers fresh longer by adding flower “food” to the water.

Are you including flowers that have a woody stem in your arrangement? Not sure which flowers are considered to have a woody stem? If you are including roses, lilacs, azaleas, or rhododendrons, then you are using woody stemmed flowers. In order to preserve the flowers you must softly pound the bottom two inches of the stem before putting them in water. As well, ensure the woody stemmed flowers absorb enough water by pealing off the bark from the bottom two inches and crosscut the stems. This will allow enough water to be absorbed by the flowers to remain bright and lively.

Flowers with soft stems and heavy heads are another type of flower that needs special care when being included in an arrangement, centerpiece or bouquet since they run the risk of bending their own stem. Stem flowers, like gerberas or freesia, have such a weak stem to try to support their heavy heads; you can strengthen them by wrapping thin wire around the length of the stem. This gives them the extra support they need to stand up vibrantly, and it is practically invisible to the naked eye when done for flowers in arrangements, bouquets, or centerpieces. No one will notice any wire, they are only going to notice your gorgeous arrangements. If you have a bent stem already you can repair it by pushing a toothpick through the centre of the flower into the stem; again, another solution that is not visible to the naked eye.

Some flowers, especially in warmer climates, open more quickly then others. Roses, tulips and lilies tend to open very quickly when they are located in warm temperatures. To ensure that your flowers do not bloom before your big day you can use tape to lightly keep the petals together. If you remove the tape shortly before the arrangement is displayed then they will be in full bloom just in time. Your guests will be able to “ooh and awe” at the beauty of your flowers.

Lastly, you will want to ensure that your flowers and foliage are secured in whatever container you may be using.  You have a variety of options when it comes to selecting how you want to secure your arrangement.
1. Oasis Foam: Oasis foam is a green ‘sponge-like’ substance that has to be soaked (preferably overnight) that flowers can be inserted into. Oasis foam has the added advantage of having excess water, since it is a sponge, so the flowers within the arrangement will always have their thirst quenched. No more droopy flowers half-way through the day, only fresh, perky ones instead.
2. Pinhoder: Pinhoder is a small heavy base with spikes sticking up (this is best used with centerpieces and arrangements). They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. To use them you stick the stems of the flowers and the foliage into the spikes and that will secure them to stand with ease. You will not have to worry about any flowers falling over in this arrangement; the spikes will hold them right in place.
3. Chicken Wire: If you have an arrangement that is big and large in a vase you can crumple chicken wire in the bottom. Once you have done so, you can insert the flowers and foliage into the holes of the wire to secure the flowers in place.

Hopefully these helpful tips will allow you to produce bright and cheery arrangements to emphasize the beauty of your special day.

Reference:
Mascarehas, Pauline. “Professional Tips to Improve Flower Arrangements”
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