Top 10 Things to Have for Going to a Floral Arrangement Class

Attending a floral arrangement class is a beautiful blend of creativity, relaxation, and hands-on learning. Whether you're a total beginner or an aspiring floral designer, stepping into the world of stems, petals, and colors is an unforgettable experience. But like any hands-on workshop, success and satisfaction come easier when you’re prepared with the right tools.

In this blog, we’ll explore the Top 10 Things to Have for Going to a Floral Arrangement Class, so you can walk in with confidence, work with ease, and leave with a bouquet that reflects your vision.

Let’s dig into the floral must-haves that will set you up for success.

1. Flowers: The Heart of Every Arrangement

Tags: #flowers #floraldesign #creativity

You can’t arrange flowers without, well, flowers! While some classes provide a starter kit or seasonal blooms, bringing your own gives you the chance to personalize your design and experiment with different textures, heights, and color palettes.

Flower selection tips:

• Choose a mix of focal flowers (like roses, lilies), filler flowers (baby’s breath, statice), and greenery (eucalyptus, ferns)

• Pick a color scheme: monochromatic, complementary, or analogous

• Avoid overly fragrant blooms if you're in a shared space

Bringing your own flowers also gives you a chance to practice sourcing and identifying quality blooms—a vital skill for any future florist.

2. Vase: Your Design’s Foundation

Tags: #vase #design #arrangement

The vase isn’t just a container—it’s part of the design itself. Different vase shapes affect the height, spread, and style of your floral arrangement. For beginners, a medium-sized cylinder or fishbowl vase is a safe bet.

Vase types:

• Cylinder: classic and versatile

• Bud vase: great for minimalist designs

• Square or rectangular: modern aesthetic

• Mason jar: rustic charm

Bring a clean, water-ready vase made from glass, ceramic, or a sturdy material. Having your own lets you tailor the design and ensures your creation is presentation-ready by the end of class.

3. Floral Shears: Precision Cutting Made Easy

Tags: #tools #floralshears #cutting

Floral shears (or snips) are designed to cut through stems cleanly without crushing them. Using the wrong scissors can damage stems, impede water absorption, and affect the life of your arrangement.

What to look for:

• Sharp blades made of stainless steel

• Comfortable grip for prolonged use

• Safety lock if you're traveling with them

Keep them clean and dry to avoid rusting, and use them only for flowers—not wires or plastic. Trust us, your hands (and your flowers) will thank you.

4. Floral Wire: Structure and Support

Tags: #floralwire #arrangement #support

Floral wire is the behind-the-scenes hero of any professional-looking arrangement. It helps shape stems, secure blooms in place, and support delicate flowers like orchids or tulips.

How it helps:

• Reinforces weak or bending stems

• Holds arrangements together for transport

• Shapes loops for wreaths or corsages

Available in green, silver, or copper tones, floral wire blends discreetly into your design while adding much-needed structure. It’s flexible, affordable, and endlessly useful in floral crafting.

5. Floral Tape: Wrap, Secure, Style

Tags: #floraltape #craft #design

Used in tandem with floral wire, floral tape is a self-adhesive material that activates with tension. It’s perfect for binding stems, sealing arrangements, and keeping your structure intact.

Tips for use:

• Wrap from the top of the stem downward for best hold

• Use green tape for foliage-heavy designs and white for bridal pieces

• Keep your hands clean—tape loses stickiness with oil or dirt

It’s especially handy when making bouquets, flower crowns, and boutonnieres. One small roll can go a long way!

6. Gloves: Protect Your Hands and Nails

Tags: #gloves #comfort #protection

Floral work can be surprisingly tough on your hands. From thorny roses to sap-sticky stems, there’s plenty that can irritate skin or damage nails. That’s why a pair of gardening gloves or floral gloves is a class essential.

Benefits of gloves:

• Protect against cuts, pricks, and scratches

• Shield hands from sap, dirt, and bacteria

• Maintain clean nails and polish

Choose gloves with a snug fit and breathable material. Some students prefer fingerless gloves for better dexterity—especially when working on delicate arrangements.

7. Apron: Stay Clean and Organized

Tags: #apron #tools #comfort

An apron serves double duty: it protects your clothes from water, sap, and soil, and it offers convenient pockets for tools, tape, and shears. Floral work is messy business, and an apron is your first line of defense.

Ideal features:

• Waterproof or water-resistant fabric

• Adjustable straps for comfort

• Multiple pockets for tools and phone

Look for aprons in fun floral patterns or earthy tones to stay stylish while you work. It’s also a good place to stash your notepad and any small items you may need during class.

8. Notepad: Capture Inspiration and Techniques

Tags: #notepad #writing #floralnotes

You’ll learn a lot in a floral arrangement class—techniques, flower names, color theory, and design principles. Bring a notepad to jot down key tips, sketch arrangements, and plan future projects.

What to record:

• Flower care and hydration methods

• Composition tips like symmetry and balance

• Favorite bloom combinations or instructor suggestions

A hardbound or spiral notebook works well for floral classes. Pair it with a trusty pen or marker and you'll create your own floral playbook over time.

9. Water Container: Keep Blooms Fresh

Tags: #watercontainer #hydration #flowers

If you’re bringing flowers from home or taking unfinished work with you, a portable water container is essential. It keeps your stems hydrated and prevents wilting during travel.

Best options:

• Small buckets or mason jars

• Plastic florist tubes for individual stems

• Foldable flower transport sleeves with sponge inserts

Even short exposure to dry conditions can affect bloom longevity, especially on warmer days. Keep your flowers drinking and you’ll get better results in class and at home.

10. Floral Foam: Add Shape and Stability

Tags: #floralfoam #design #support

Floral foam is a staple in structured floral designs. It holds stems in place, helps with shaping, and keeps flowers hydrated for extended periods. While not every class requires it, having a small block of foam gives you more creative freedom.

When to use it:

• For dense or vertical arrangements

• To keep flowers in place while transporting

• When using short-stemmed flowers or heavy blooms

Soak the foam in water before use and cut it to fit your vase or container. Just remember that floral foam is single-use and should be disposed of properly.

Bonus Tips for a Successful Floral Class Experience

Now that you're ready with your top 10 essentials, here are a few extra tips to make your floral class even more rewarding:

🌸 Arrive Early

• Get a good seat and time to set up

• Meet your instructor and classmates

• Prepare your flowers and tools before the class begins

📝 Ask Questions

• Don’t be shy! Your instructor is there to help

• Learn about flower sourcing, seasonality, and care tips

• Ask for critiques to improve your designs

📸 Take Photos

• Capture your arrangement at different stages

• Use before-and-after shots to see your progress

• Build a floral portfolio for personal or professional use

🌼 Practice at Home

• Use your notepad to replicate designs after class

• Experiment with different flower types or vases

• Build confidence and consistency with regular practice

Why Being Prepared Matters

Just like any art form, floral arrangement benefits from thoughtful preparation. With the right tools and a creative mindset, you’ll feel more confident in your skills, more connected to your classmates, and more proud of the work you create.

Each item in this list has a purpose:

• Flowers, vase, and foam are your structural essentials

• Shears, wire, and tape are your technical tools

• Gloves, apron, and notepad keep you protected and informed

• Water containers and a tote make transport easy and clean

Bringing everything you need means you won’t have to rely on shared supplies or scramble to borrow items from other students. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm and commitment to learning—a trait every instructor appreciates.

Recap: Top 10 Things to Bring to a Floral Arrangement Class

Here’s a quick summary of your floral arrangement class checklist:

1. Flowers – Bring fresh, high-quality blooms

2. Vase – Choose one that complements your vision

3. Floral Shears – Cut clean, keep flowers fresh

4. Floral Wire – Provide structure and hold

5. Floral Tape – Secure stems and form bouquets

6. Gloves – Protect your hands during hands-on work

7. Apron – Stay tidy and keep tools handy

8. Notepad – Record floral knowledge and sketches

9. Water Container – Keep flowers hydrated pre- and post-class

10. Floral Foam – Add stability and shape to your design

Final Thoughts

Floral arrangement is more than just decoration—it’s a form of storytelling. With each petal placed and each color chosen, you’re crafting an experience that brings joy and meaning to a space.

By arriving at your class well-prepared, you’re not just setting yourself up for success—you’re giving yourself the tools to create something beautiful, lasting, and uniquely yours.

So gather your flowers, sharpen your shears, and slip into your apron—a colorful world of blooms awaits!