Mastering Floral Arrangements with April & Fritz

Floral design is truly an art form, and Bree, the creative director, floral designer and stylist behind April & Fritz is a master at it. Bree takes us behind the scenes to share her expert tips for crafting stunning floral arrangements and selecting the perfect vase. Whether you're planning a romantic wedding or a vibrant celebration, she reveals how the right combination of flowers and vases can transform any space and create the perfect atmosphere.

What inspired you to start creating floral arrangements?  

I grew up on my grandparents' property, surrounded by nature. Their garden was my playground, and I spent countless hours tending to the garden, climbing trees, and immersed in their nursery. Those moments with them instilled a deep love for nature in me. 

As I grew older, life took me in a different direction. I pursued a corporate career, eventually working for one of the world's top technology companies. Then COVID hit. Like many, I found myself at home with more time on my hands. That’s when I started exploring floristry as a hobby. My interest in flowers seemed to come out of nowhere, but once I started, I couldn’t stop.  

I decided to take the plunge and signed up for a short floristry course with a local florist in Melbourne. I was nervous - this was completely new territory for me, and I’d never considered myself particularly crafty.  

From that first course, I couldn’t stop. I took another course, and then another, all while watching countless videos and practising on my own. Eventually, I knew this was more than just a hobby - I wanted to make it my life. I left my corporate job and enrolled in a Certificate III in Floristry. It was a big leap, but it felt right. 

Naming my business was the final piece of the puzzle. I wanted something that truly reflected who I was and where my love for nature came from. That’s when I went back to my roots - literally. While flipping through old photo albums, I found a photo of my brother and me sitting in front of my grandparents' rose garden, with their dogs, April and Fritz. It was a full-circle moment. My grandparents, their garden, and that sense of home became the foundation of my brand, April & Fritz Floral Design. 

Now, every arrangement I create is a tribute to those early memories, to the love of nature my grandparents instilled in me, and to the peacefulness that flowers bring into our lives. 

How do you choose the right flowers for an arrangement?  

Choosing the right flowers for an arrangement always starts with the mood and feeling I want to create. Whether it's a romantic, ethereal design for a wedding or a bold, vibrant display for a celebration, the flowers need to set the tone.  

Once I have a clear vision of the mood, I turn to colours that align with that emotion. Colour is incredibly powerful in communicating a feeling, and it’s one of the first things I consider when building an arrangement. 

After that, I focus on seasonality. Working with flowers that are in season not only ensures they’re at their best, but it also connects the arrangement to the time and place of the event. Plus, it supports local growers and keeps the design sustainable. If you’re unsure about what’s in season, we have a free seasonal availability guide to help make that process easier. 

From there, it's about selecting flowers that complement each other in terms of colour, texture, and size, while staying true to the vision. This is where the principles of design come into play. I think about the shape and structure of flowers and how they’ll create movement within the arrangement as well as other principles and how they can create flow and balance in the design. 

What are your top tips for finding the perfect vase for an arrangement?  

Designing with intention means every element, including the vase, is chosen to enhance and support the overall vision of the arrangement. Here’s how I approach selecting the perfect vase: 

• Firstly, consider the purpose of the arrangement. Starting here ensures that every detail, from the vase to the flowers, contributes meaningfully to the overall design. For example, if you’re aiming to create a tribute at a funeral, the vase should complement a solemn and respectful tone. Conversely, a vibrant vase might be more fitting for a celebratory event.  

• Consider how the vase fits into the practical aspects of your event. The vase should be functional and suited to the setting. If you’re arranging flowers for a dining table, it’s important the vase doesn’t obstruct guests' view or take up too much space. The vase should be proportionate to the table and the flowers. For example a tall vase might be perfect for long-stemmed flowers, while a short, wide vase might suit a more compact arrangement. Ensuring that all elements are cohesive will result in a more polished design. 

• Finally, the vase should reflect the values you hold. If sustainability is important to you, consider a Hueseeka vase made from eco-friendly materials. Your choice can subtly communicate your values, adding to the overall message of your arrangement or event.  

How do you pair different types of flowers with different vase styles?  

The key to a successful floral arrangement lies in selecting vases that not only showcase the beauty of your flowers but also provide the right structural support. Here’s a quick outline of what I look at when selecting vases for specific blooms: 

Volume and Density 

• Dense Flowers: Such as hydrangeas and peonies, benefit from wide vases that provide enough space for their fullness and allow them to spread out nicely. 

• Delicate Flowers: Like single stems, are best in slender or bud vases that highlight their delicate appearance and give them the appropriate support. 

Height

• Long-Stemmed Flowers: Require large, sturdy vases to keep them upright and stable. This not only supports their height, but prevents them from bending or toppling over. 

• Short-Stemmed Flowers: Work best in shorter vases like bud vases or small cylinders that suit their compact nature. 

Design

• Colour and Texture: Match the vase style to the flowers’ colour and texture to create a cohesive look.  

• Theme and Style: Choose a vase that aligns with the event’s theme or your personal style. For example, a tall carafe-style recycled clay vase in wisteria hues is a perfect match for a spring bridal shower.

Practical Considerations

• Ease of Use: Select vases that make arranging and maintaining flowers straightforward. Wide openings are versatile for various flowers, while narrow ones suit single stems. 

• Durability: Choose materials appropriate for the setting and ensure the vases are water-proof.  

What are some common mistakes people make when choosing a vase?  

Overlooking the importance of having a water source, which is crucial for keeping your flowers fresh and vibrant. Some vases don’t have adequate depth or design to hold enough water needed for flowers' longevity. The amount of water needed will depend on how long you plan to keep the flowers in the vase. As a general rule, aim for a vase that allows at least half of the stem length to be submerged. This helps keep the flowers hydrated and looking their best throughout an event. 

What trends are you seeing in floral arrangements and vases for the upcoming season?

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Can you give us a sneak peek into your creative process when designing an arrangement?.

My creative process focuses on turning personal stories and emotions into beautiful, meaningful floral designs.

Here’s how I approach it: 

• I start by deeply understanding the client’s vision and the significance of the event, including the personal stories, traditions, and emotions that should be reflected. For instance, if a client has a special connection to tropical flowers or foliage, I think about how to incorporate that symbolism into the design. In the lead up to their event, I like to gather their feedback to refine the design and ensure it aligns perfectly with their vision. 

• I then view each element of the arrangement through the lens of personalisation. How can the flowers, colours, and overall design reflect the individual’s personality or the essence of the occasion? This might involve including specific flowers with sentimental value or using design elements that resonate with the client’s style. 

• I focus on creating a balance between how the arrangement looks and the emotions it inspires. I think about the overall appearance and how it will make people feel. This includes paying attention to colour combinations, texture differences and the mood I want to create. 

• I use inspiration from client input to draft a design, keeping in mind that flowers are living things with their own characteristics. I tailor my designs to the season and the unique characteristics of each flower, ensuring the arrangement not only looks stunning but lasts beautifully. 

Any final advice for our readers who want to create stunning floral displays?  

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Floral design is an art, and like all art, it’s subjective. Remember, nature isn’t perfect - sometimes, the most beautiful arrangements are those that embrace a little wildness and imperfection. Join me in creating a Spring Garden Party here.