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Is the Future of Florals "Foam-Free"? A shift towards skills that say farewell to foam in event floral designs.
It was a moment I won’t forget. As I walked around the workshop, encouraging, guiding, and watching each attendee strategically place their beautiful stems into water-filled vases—no floral foam in sight. I was delighted to see a shift happening in real time. So often, event design students learn using foam, but seeing these beginner designers open and bloom filled me with excitement. The way they lit up, the satisfaction in their eyes when they realized they could create stunning, professional-quality arrangements without a single block of foam… it was magic.
For years, floral foam has been the go-to mechanic in event floristry. But times are changing, and our recent Sketch & Design Workshop by Vivid Expressions LLC proved why foam-free floral design is not just a trend—it’s the future.
Why Are We Saying Goodbye to Floral Foam?
Floral foam was once considered a florist’s best friend. It held flowers in place, soaked up water, and made arrangements easy to construct. But here’s the truth: it can be toxic, wasteful, and completely unnecessary.
Harmful to the Environment – Floral foam is essentially plastic in disguise. It breaks down into microplastics that seep into the water and air, harming ecosystems.
Bad for Your Health – Have you ever noticed how floral foam crumbles into a fine dust? Those tiny particles are filled with carcinogens and can be harmful when inhaled.
Can Shorten Flower Longevity – If not properly soaked or replenished as flowers drink, foam can block water from reaching the stems, leading to wilted blooms much faster than fresh water.
At the workshop, I talked about these issues and more, and by the end of the day, every single attendee had a better understanding of what it means to go "foam-free" and why!
The Benefits of Foam-Free Floral Design
Our hands-on activities gave attendees real experience working with alternative mechanics, and they couldn’t believe how much more creative freedom they had.
✅ Sustainability:
By using techniques like chicken wire, floral frogs, or simple tape grids, we create stunning designs without adding to landfill waste.
✅ Healthier for Flowers:
Direct water contact means longer-lasting blooms—which means happier clients and better event experiences.
✅ More Creative Possibilities:
Loose, natural, lush, and airy designs are a trend that's highly in demand. Foam forces flowers into rigid, unnatural shapes. Without it? Designs can be organic, airy, and breathtakingly beautiful.
The Moment That Stuck With Me
At one point during the workshop, an attendee stepped back, admired their work, and said:
"I never thought I could make a floral arrangement like this."
That moment alone made presenting the workshop worth it. I love to see people discover their gifts and see what they are capable of.
If you’re ready to elevate your floral design skills and embrace a more sustainable, artistic, and impactful way of arranging flowers, join us at our next workshop!
Want to be the first to know about our upcoming Vivid Expressions LLC events?
Click here to sign up for upcoming courses, workshops, and updates and be part of a movement redefining event floristry.
Or contact me directly and ask about 1-on-1 or group creative coaching programs to transform your creative events, business, or personal dreams into reality at janelkeen@vividexpressions.com
Remember, I'm here to inspire creativity and help you confidently design stunning events, grow your brand, and unleash your vision!
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