Deciding on the color scheme of your bouquet before choosing your flower can help you narrow down which flowers you will use in your bouquet. Choose complimentary colors by selecting ones close to each other on the color spectrum. Contrasting colors are those that are on opposite sides of the color spectrum. Remember the order of the color spectrum with the acronym Roy G Biv, which stands for:Red orange yellow Green Blue indigo violet[1] X Research source

A bulky bouquet might not be the ideal choice to give to your significant other at the start of a date, as it might be cumbersome during the date.

Spring: daffodil, hyacinth, lilac, narcissus, peony, stargazer lily, sweetpea, tulip. Summer: chrysanthemum, lavender, forget-me-not, daisy, hydrangea, iris, Asiatic lily, Oriental lily, aster, queen Anne’s lace, snapdragon, sunflower, zinnia. Fall: aster, chrysanthemum, dahlia, marigold, zinnia. Winter: camellia, Casa Blanca lily, daffodil, forget-me-not, holly, jasmine, narcissus, poinsettia, stargazer lily, star of Bethlehem, sweetpea, tulip. Year-round: baby’s breath, calla lily, carnations, eucalyptus, gardenia, gladiolus, heather, lily of the valley, orchid, rose. [2] X Research source

Avoid the number 13 when arranging your flowers, as in some cultures this number is considered unlucky.

Floral or stem wrapping tape Floral wire Fresh flowers Household bleach (optional) Rubber bands (optional) Scissors or a vegetable knife Vase

Cutting your stems under running water will lengthen the life of your blooms. Woody stems, such as roses, should be split the bottom. This will allow water in and prolong the life of your woody stemmed blooms. It’s best to start with longer stems, about 12 inches long should do. Then trim these to suit your purposes of your situation. A small flower girl might require shorter stem length, a bouquet/present, longer stems to accommodate a vase. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source [10] X Research source

Exercise caution while de-thorning your blooms. If you intend on using a knife, be sure to slide it along the stem away from your body to prevent accidental cuts. You’ll likely not want to completely denude your flowers of leaves. Doing so can sometimes create a lack of fullness in your bouquet.

Purifying your water with a few drops of bleach is a great way to prevent rot, disease, and decay, all of which can cloud water and create an unpleasant smell. [12] X Research source

Your centerpiece flower will usually be a specially chosen flower or accent. Around this central flower, you will build the rest of your bouquet. You may find it helpful, as your bouquet grows in size, to use a rubber band to hold your bouquet in place. [14] X Research source

Remember to keep the top of your blooms evenly aligned! Extend your bouquet about an arm’s length in front of you and hold it at eye level to check the height of your blooms.

If you plan on using ribbons on your bouquet, seal the ends after you cut it to prevent fray. Depending on material, sealing method can vary, but usually applying a weak flame to the frayed end for a few seconds will cause the fray to fuse. A thin seam of hot glue can also work well for preventing your ribbon from fraying.

The white rose symbolizes unity and purity, making this the perfect flower to commemorate a new marriage.

Green is symbolic of nature, and can promote tranquility, health, and can have a calming effect. [17] X Research source Orange is considered to be an energetic, enthusiastic color, and may be just the thing to cheer your ill friend. [18] X Research source Red is associated with love, warmth, and has been known to evoke strong emotions. You might pair this color with orange to create a pleasing effect. [19] X Research source Yellow is a color associated with happiness and warmth, though can be overwhelming. Use yellow in moderation in your get well soon bouquets. [20] X Research source