A floral spray is a distinct type of floral arrangement characterized by its elongated form and its design intention as a large-scale, stationary tribute or decoration. It differs from other arrangements by the way the flowers and foliage appear to sweep or fan out. Florists use the term “spray” to denote a specific arrangement style often encountered during times of ceremony, commemoration, or grand display.
The Defining Characteristics of a Floral Spray
The visual impact of a floral spray is defined by its elongated and often tapering shape, which creates a sense of movement or sweep. The arrangement typically features a central point from which the blooms and greenery radiate outward, giving the piece its characteristic “spraying” appearance. This design provides a flowing, dynamic aesthetic.
A spray is a one-sided arrangement, designed to be viewed primarily from the front. The back is kept flatter and less adorned, as sprays are intended to be placed against a surface, such as a wall, easel, or casket. This flat-back design allows for maximum visual depth and flower density on the exposed side. The design often utilizes long leafy stems that project outward, enhancing the scale and flow of the arrangement.
Construction and Mechanics
The physical structure of a floral spray relies on a base that provides both support and hydration, distinguishing it from hand-held designs. Florists commonly use water-saturated floral foam, often called oasis, secured within a plastic tray or a specially designed “casket saddle” for large tributes. This foam absorbs and holds water, ensuring the flowers remain fresh for the duration of a service or event without needing a vase.
The elongated shape is achieved by inserting stems of flowers and greenery into the foam at carefully chosen angles, creating the fanned-out, asymmetrical look. For large sprays, multiple blocks of foam may be taped together and secured to a sturdy frame or double tray for increased stability. Unlike a hand-tied bouquet, where stems are simply bound, a spray’s mechanics involve a rigid base. This base allows the arrangement to maintain a specific, wide form that would be impossible to hold together otherwise.
Primary Applications in Floristry
The size and shape of a floral spray make it the preferred choice for specific ceremonial and large-scale decorative settings. The most common context is in sympathy and funeral floristry, where sprays serve as respectful tributes. A casket spray is a large, low arrangement placed directly on top of the casket, while a standing spray is a vertical design displayed on an easel near the service area.
Sprays are used for decorative purposes where a long, low, or one-sided arrangement is required for visual impact. They are excellent for adorning the front of an altar, a large mantlepiece, or a buffet table at a wedding or corporate event. The expansive and flowing nature of the design ensures the floral tribute is visible from a distance and can fill a significant amount of space. This ability to create a high-impact visual display makes the spray a powerful design element in event floristry.
How Sprays Differ from Bouquets and Arrangements
A floral spray is fundamentally different from a hand-tied bouquet, primarily in its function and construction. A bouquet is a hand-held composition of flowers and foliage, bound tightly by the stems to form a handle, and designed to be carried. Since a bouquet is not displayed in a container by the florist, the recipient must place it in a vase for hydration.
Conversely, a spray is a stationary arrangement with its own built-in water source—the floral foam base—and is not meant to be carried. It is a finished piece of floral architecture ready for display upon arrival. While a spray is technically a type of floral arrangement, the term “arrangement” often refers to designs that are round, symmetrical, and intended to be viewed from all sides, such as a centerpiece. The spray’s specific design as a large, one-sided, elongated tribute sets it apart.