A personal tribute

Florists play a key role during significant and emotional life events, including the farewell of a loved one. A thoughtfully designed and personal floral arrangement can provide great comfort to those left behind. As a florist, you have the honour of translating memories and wishes into a fitting floral tribute. In this article, featuring examples from DPK Floral Magazine, we hope to inspire you with a variety of interpretations and designs.

Botanical Abundance

The innovative arrangement below was created by Belgian champion, Chantal Post. Paper structures have been cleverly integrated with water tubes, which hold stems of Clematis Amazing® Tokyo. The leaves of Alocasia and the tendrils of Ceropegia not only create a striking contrast in colour but also give the illusion that the flowers are growing naturally from the arrangement.

Speaking to DPK Floral Magazine, Chantal Post says, “There is so much more that can be done beyond traditional decorations. For example, I used paper coffee filters to create a structure that resembles a soft cushion. This opens up a world of possibilities. The structure itself has a voluminous effect, meaning fewer flowers are needed to create a large arrangement.”

A warm embrace with Scabiosa

For this elegant wreath, Chantal Post used an Oasis base, around which she wrapped dried Strelitzia leaves. The Scabiosa Dark Cherry Scoop®, hydrangeas, and roses have a deep red tone and give the design a soft, inviting texture. Delicate sprigs of Talinum ‘Long John’ add an airy, refined touch. The design evokes the feeling of a warm embrace, with the Strelitzia hugging the soft blooms in the centre tightly.

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There’s something special about incorporating known and lesser-known symbolism into funeral arrangements, as it allows you to add a deeper meaning to the work. - Chantal Post

A Colourful Wreath

While this design by Miranda ter Voorde wasn’t originally intended as a funeral arrangement, it would make a touching tribute for someone remembered for their vibrant spirit. The base is a sturdy Oasis BioFlor wreath with a wire mesh grid, making it suitable for heavier elements like Hypericum Tomato Flair®.

The long, curving tendrils of Gloriosa add extra movement to the design. The flowers, including Jatropha Firecracker, Gloriosa Superba Simba Fifty Shades, and Sanguisorba Red Dream®, are concentrated towards the top, creating a sense of flow. The fiery combination of multicoloured Gloriosa, orange Crocosmia, and deep red Scabiosa Dark Cherry Scoop® makes the wreath appear almost ablaze. Subtle details, such as Clematis Amazing® Kibo, Talinum ‘Long John’, and Sanguisorba Red Dream®, complete the design.

Floral Wings

This unique arrangement, also by Roy Huisman – Van Essen, consists of two half-round frames made from gold-painted branches. Long test tubes have been attached to the frame’s hollows, holding airy arrangements of Scabiosa Dark Cherry Scoop®, Sanguisorba Red Dream®, Daucus carota ‘Dara’, Clematis Amazing® Kibo, and wild rose hips. This design is versatile enough for a variety of occasions, including funerals. When viewed from above, the shape resembles two wings, giving the arrangement a poignant symbolic meaning.

Serenity and Balance

This design by Miranda ter Voorde features weathered branches and sheep’s wool attached to an Oasis Naturebase Bio Floral wreath. Because biodegradable string was used, this arrangement is also suitable for natural burial sites. The soft pink Scabiosa Bon Bon Scoop™ French Vanilla pairs beautifully with the white shades of Clematis Amazing® Vienna, Agapanthus Gletsjer, and Astrantia Billion Star®, while Talinum ‘Long John’ adds a subtle touch of colour.

Further Reading

Looking for more inspiration? Max van de Sluis has also created a stunning series of farewell flower arrangements. You can read all about them in our article, 'Farewell Flowers – Funeral wreaths with a personality'.

Published in:
DPK Floral Magazine Herfst 3 - 2024
DPK Floral Magazine Herfst 3 -  2023

Floral Designers:
Chantal Post
Miranda ter Voorde
Roy Huisman - van Essen

Photography:
Robert Modderkolk
Aurélien Lacroix