So I’ve just finished my readings and unit project for Unit 7 of my course, 'Floral Design and Decor' and I found it really, really interesting! Most of the unit was on the European influence on floral design and I just wanted to share a bit of the history, and possibly give you an idea of how you could acknowledge or be influenced by these eras if you are planning your own wedding! Thanks to AAWEP for all the information that I have gathered to write about the eras of influence!
5 European influences on modern-day floral design
Modern day designs and trends in interior design, fashion design, event design or floral design, are often derived from a form of early European influence. The five major influential eras where designers seek traditional ideas and inspiration are the Renaissance era (1500 – 1600), the Baroque era (1600 – 1700), the Rococo era (late 1700 – early 1800), the Georgian era (1700 – 1800) and the Victorian Era (1800 – 1 900). Using the influences of these eras as a general foundation, a modern day floral designer can either recreate something spectacular from times gone by, or create a modern and unique style suitable for events in the 21st century.
Renaissance (1600 - 1700)
The renaissance era, from the 15th – 16th century, considered to be the bridge between the middle ages and the development of the modern age, saw the flower culture grow with a burst of creative energy. The splendour of flowers was realised and became the focal point in paintings, adorned behind glass picture frames, used as motifs on the fabric of the wealthy and placed as adornments in the home. Groupings of green foliage, lotus, jasmine, iris, tulips, rose, hyacinth and lilac, adorned with fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables were arranged in traditional shaped urns and vases, lavishly decorated compotes, or elaborately woven baskets. In this era the flowers began to develop symbolic meanings, including love and death, and could be identified with special occasions. The modern bride embraces the Renaissance influence by arranging a collection of beautifully styled flowers, fruits and foliage in lavished golden urns upon tables, weaved through her hair or carried as bridal bouquets.
Baroque (1700 - 1800)
The Baroque era, from the 16th to the 17th century, saw an increase in the variety of flowers used to create full, bustling arrangements. Arrangements become more ornamental, appearing to be more elegantly styled. A wealth of large, overflowing foliage, with splashes of warm coloured flowers could be seen spilling from huge containers of metal, glass and porcelain. Bold arrangements, styled mostly with cascades of drooping hollyhocks, iris, lilies and peonies were particularly common during this era, favoured in paintings of prominent Dutch and Flemish artists of the time. Baroque styled arrangements were often styled with accessories, such as a fruit bowl or a scattering of shells at the base of the vase. The modern bride embraces the Baroque influence with lush, cascading bouquets and table arrangements with soft foliage falling just above an elegant and timeless tablescape of gold features.
Rococo (late 1700 - early 1800)
The Rococo era, from the late 17th century to the early 18th century, featured floral design which is similar to that of the Baroque period, with instead brighter, happier colours and forms. This is the era in which the bouquet became extremely popular as a form of floral decoration. Bouquets are now found on ceramics, tapestries and fabrics and arrangements have moved from overstated and bustling to a style which reflects a sense of prettiness and charm. Now with greater influences from the French, typical arrangements would include delphiniums, blue hyacinths, white roses and pale pink hydrangeas displayed in a compote, an alabaster urn or Dresden ware, designed in attractive ‘S’ curves and ‘C’ scrolls. The charm and beauty of a single flower in a dense bouquet is being embraced, with the elegance of an arrangement enhanced by having greater height than width. The modern bride embraces the Rococo influence by incorporating a sense of prettiness and charm into the design of her event. The bouquet is styled densely with only a single flower in one or two shades, such as white or pink roses, and centre pieces follow suit displayed on tall, golden pedestals.
Georgian (1700 - 1800)
French influences from the Rococo era very much carried over into the Georgian era during the 17th and 18th centuries. Floral design continued to be styled symmetrically or in ‘S’ and ‘C’ shaped arrangements, but a greater preference arose for styling of more fragrant flowers, especially when used to adorn the home. The featuring of one flower remained and opulent arrangements such as candytuft, anemone, larkspur, dahlia, chrysanthemum, narcissus, saliva, sunflower and queen anne’s lace were commonly found styled in silver wine chalices, ginger jars, wedgewood urns, tureens and baskets. It was during this era that affluent homes began to establish their own private gardens from which flowers could be cut and arranged to adorn the home immediately. The modern bride embraces the Georgian influence by styling an array of sweetly fragranced flowers in wicker baskets, carrying them as wedding bouquets or lining them along the entrance to her event as if freshly cut from private gardens hidden away.
Victorian (1800 - 1900)
The Victorian era, during the 18th and 19th century, is an era where floral design fell prey to conflict and clutter, but is an era where we gain many traditions as far as weddings go. One of the major influence was of course, Queen Victoria’s wedding, where she set the trend of wearing a gown of white with white orange blossom arrangements. The late Victorian era was about creating an air of romance and saw styling, from home décor to floral arrangements, become dainty and miniaturised. Artificial flowers from soft materials were carefully arranged with feathers, fruits and shells and preserved under glass, and nosegays and posies of miniature flowers, were tied with ribbons or lace and placed in small vases or pinned on clothing. The modern bride embraces the Victorian influence by carrying a nosegay or posy of miniature flowers such as forget me not’s, chamomile, candytuft or viola, with matching posies appearing in groomsmen’s button holes or mother of the bride corsages. Posies of flowers, in mason jars wrapped in lace and lit by the soft glow of candles, feature as centrepieces and fill nooks and crannies around the entire event.
I hope you enjoyed the read! It is very brief but there is so much history here which hasn't been touched, not just about the flowers and the way they are styled, but even getting right back to the roots of how flowers are symbolic and how else they have been used! It is very impressive!
xoxox Bonnie