1.

Ikebana

A ancient discipline encouraging restraint with one element pointing to heaven, another to earth and the last pointing to humanity - a beautiful ode to church flowers. Place in a bowl of water flower frogs or rocks to secure stems and allow nature to tell its own story.

2.

Test tubes or grouped stem vases

In this style innovation and creativity are your friend. Mass groupings of similar or various size vases in a myriad of configurations and you will find individual flowers and foliage being allowed to speak for themselves.

3.

Vases and bowls

As in example 2. but use larger vases and bowls. Especially good in grander churches and cathedrals where the space demands a greater presence, you can be as creative as you are able. Don't confine your designs to one style - often, simply recreating the garden or hedge within a church space can help the faithful notice what is often unremarkable.

4.

Repurposed household items

Don't underestimate what is in your recycling bin! The above image shows how beautiful a grouping of glass bottles can be. This method can be especially effective in highlighting particular theological or ecological points. Let your recycling inspire you!

5.

Chicken wire

Chicken, or floristry, wire, is a traditional method of arrangement, long eclipsed by floral foam use. It can be used over and over again, and often recycled after use; is flexible and can be manipulated to form firm structures in most containers; and is comparatively inexpensive. Care when handling is required, but it can give you almost limitless scope for display

6.

Potted plants

Potted plants are often over-looked as suitable for church displays, especially in Anglican churches. However, not only can they offer longer-lasting display but also give height (for example trees) and a green option from which to attach other containers. They can be bought or hired for events, and even offer a beautiful way of memorialising in that they can be planted outside afterwards.