How to Host a Flower Arranging Party, According to Pro Planners and Florists

Floral Cocktails and Mocktails

Every great party needs some delicious cocktails and mocktails. Create a DIY floral-inspired bar with floral-forward liquors, hibiscus syrup, lavender lemonade, and a  rosewater spritzer, suggests Carmen Hinebaugh, owner and lead planner at Evermore Occasions.

“If you have extra time, source edible floral petals to freeze into ice cubes or lay the petals out as toppers,” Hinebaugh says. “Pair it with soda water and some herbs—like rosemary or mint—for a beautiful finish.” 

Pressed Flower Art

The thing about flowers is that their lifespans are quite short—but pressing blooms and incorporating them into crafts preserves their beauty for the long term. To include this floral party idea, you’ll want to press the flowers ahead of time (a process that can take several weeks). 

“Once you have properly pressed flowers, leaves, and petals, you can provide various vessels for your guests to create a pressed flower design on, like bookmarks, coasters, phone cases, and framed art,” says Loni Peterson, owner of LP Creative Events. “Be sure you have all of the right materials to complete the project. This includes different types of glue, resin, scissors, and tape.”

'Bring a Flower' Party

To get everyone excited for the event and help with party setup, ask each guest to bring one type of flower—enough for everyone in the group to take one to three home. Compile all the flowers together, then arrange them into bouquets as a group so everyone can mix and match. You can set a theme beforehand, like a color palette or a certain aesthetic (e.g., tropical, wildflower, etc.), or just see what happens on the day of if you prefer more spontaneity! 

Flower Crown Party

Wearing a flower crown puts anyone in the best of moods, and building your own only adds to the joy. “Choose flowers that can hold up and take a little bit of a beating. I suggest flowers like mini carnations, waxflower, baby's breath, chrysanthemum sprays, spray roses, and of course, daisies,” Phipps says. “Having the flowers pre-cut and spread out on the table for easy access helps.”

Also, have the wire base prepped and ready for your guests so they aren't waiting for the clippers to get to the fun part. Phipps prefers grapevine wire because it’s easy to bend and work with.

Botanical Tea Making

Flowers are pretty to admire, but many varieties are also edible. For this flower-themed party idea, provide a variety of loose-leaf teas alongside different types of edible flowers, such as dandelion, rose petals, lavender, chamomile, marigold petals, and butterfly pea flowers.

“Include dainty china teacups and mismatched pretty glasses with floral elements to up the fancy floral factor of guests' drink creations,” suggests Elena Markwood, event planner and owner of Adoration Weddings & Events. Make sure to provide hot water and extras, like honey, sugar, and lemon wedges. 

Orchid Potting and Drinks

For a chic spin on the bouquet arranging party, consider potting orchids. Add a glass of wine, champagne, or your preferred beverage, and you have a great way to have a calm, classy evening with a personalized party favor to take home. “Orchids are so easy and fun to plant; we typically use orchid bark instead of potting soil or dirt, so less mess,” Phipps says. (If you don't want to use orchids, opt for an alternative that's in season.)

Scents and Sensibility

You’ve heard of a wine or whiskey tasting party, but what about flower flower-smelling soirée? For this fun game, "guests will have to guess a number of floral or botanical scents," Hinebaugh explains. "Think familiar favorites like rose, lavender, chamomile, basil, and jasmine."

Hinebaugh recommends providing palette cleansers (such as small bowls of coffee beans), "so guests can refresh their noses between sniffs." Reveal the answers at the end of the party and provide a floral-themed prize, like a candle, lotion, or even a professionally arranged bouquet or potted seedlings. 

Floral Foods

Don't forget to include your party's headliner in your menu. Jazz up goat cheese with edible flowers and arugula, and a daffodil cake makes for a gorgeous finishing touch. If you're hosting a brunch-time affair, consider sugared-flower doughnuts and rose-scented sugar for breakfast and beverages.

Bouquet Master Class

Set your event over the top (and provide guests with a useful skillset) by recruiting a pro. “Have a professional florist come in to demonstrate how to arrange flowers, Emily Reno, owner of The Vegas Planners. Step-by-step guidance might make it easier for shy or inexperienced guests to get started. Plus, "guests can take what they learned and use it to create arrangements for future gatherings,” adds Reno.