There's always a lot to consider when planning for an upcoming interior shoot. Using fresh florals in your styling is an easy way to instantly elevate and add life to the shoot.  If florals tend to be an afterthought, you're overwhelmed with the choices or intimidated by the prep, read below as Samantha Coelho, owner of Plantita & Co. covers all the basics!

What should I plan ahead, and how do I select a cohesive group of florals for my project?

Start by considering the overall aesthetic of your design—are you aiming for a minimalist and clean look, a moody and dramatic atmosphere, or a warm and organic feel? Your floral selections should enhance the space, complementing its colours, textures, and overall ambiance.

Neutral, earthy tones often work beautifully in a minimalist or Scandinavian-style settings, while vibrant blooms can create a striking contrast against darker, moody, or dramatic interiors.

Seasonal selection: Each season brings unique flowers that not only align with the time of year but also offer different textures and colours that will change the feel of your shoot. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Spring: Think fresh and light! We recommend tulips, ranunculus or fresh greens. These flowers offer soft pastels and delicate shapes perfect for a fresh or airy shoot.

• Summer: Of course peonies, garden roses and sunflowers, poppies & anthurium - these blooms bring vibrant colours & unique textures and blooms that can make a statement.

• Fall: This season is all about warm tones and texture. Consider chrysanthemums, amaranthus, dried wheat, and mums to give your photoshoot a cozy, seasonal feel.

• Winter: evergreens, hellebores, and hydrangeas work well, along with dried florals to add an organic rustic touch.

Choosing florals that align with both the season and the aesthetic of your shoot will ensure that the flowers feel like a natural extension of the space.

How far ahead should I purchase florals?

Flowers are beautiful, organic elements that can transform a space, but it’s important to remember that they aren’t meant to last forever. They’re living, breathing pieces of nature that come with a limited shelf life.

To ensure your florals look their best during the shoot, it’s ideal to purchase them one to two days before the session. With proper care, most blooms will last about five to seven days, though some delicate flowers, like poppies or ranunculus, have a much shorter lifespan and might need to be handled with extra attention.

How do I prep florals once purchased? And if buying ahead, how should I store them?

Once you bring your florals home, remove them from all packaging and give stems a fresh trim at an angle. Remove any leaves as you want the flowers to drink water and give all that energy to the flower itself and not the leaves. Store fresh florals in clean, cool water in a cool, shaded area—avoid direct sunlight and heating of any kind (sun or vents). If you need to keep them overnight, a fridge set to around 3–5°C can help, but avoid placing them next to fruits, which release ethylene gas and can shorten their lifespan.

Where can I buy florals in Toronto/GTA?

When it comes to buying florals, there are several great options depending on your needs and budget.
1. Local Florists


Pro: Personal service and custom arrangements. Local florists can often curate florals to suit your exact needs for a photoshoot or event.


Con: Prices can be higher compared to other sources, especially for premium or exotic blooms.

2. Flower Markets


Pro: You’ll have access to a large selection of flowers, often at more affordable prices than high-end florists.


Con: The experience can sometimes feel a bit rushed, and if you're looking for something very specific, you may not find it. Also, not to mention markets generally run from spring to summer only.

3. Grocery Stores


Pro: Convenient, with flowers available for quick pick-up while running errands.


Con: The selection is often limited to more common blooms, and freshness can vary depending on the store.

4. Plantita & Co


We offer a gorgeous selection of fresh florals, plants, and greenery that can add a natural, organic touch to any shoot. We work closely with local wholesalers who source directly from Ontario farmers, and we also import from South America to provide a broad range of florals, including exotic varieties.


Pro: Our combination of sustainable, locally-sourced flowers and exotic imports allows us to offer a diverse selection, including succulents, air plants, plants, flowers, dried and preserved florals, and even unique wood products like Manzanita wood.
This variety gives us the flexibility to create one-of-a-kind arrangements that bring life and texture to any project.


Con: Because we carefully curate our floral selection, flowers and other products would need to be ordered ahead of time to ensure availability, particularly if you're looking for something specific or exotic.

Each option has its advantages, and depending on your needs—whether it’s something quick, custom, or sustainable—you’ll find florals that suit your project perfectly!

What should I consider when selecting vases or vessels?

Your choice of vases matters just as much as the flowers! Here is a simple breakdown of each type of vessel.

Ikebana Vase: A minimalist vase often used for Japanese flower arranging, designed to hold flowers in specific, artistic placements. Often combined with a flower ‘frog’ to hold stems upright.

Ceramic Vase: A classic option, typically offering a variety of textures and finishes that suit both modern and rustic designs.

Glass Vase: Clear and elegant, glass vases work well for showcasing the beauty of the flowers without distractions.

Bud Vase: A small, narrow vase perfect for single stems or small arrangements, adding a delicate touch to any space. Great for minimalistic designs, budget-friendly option!

Vintage Vase: Often antique or retro, these vases add character and a sense of history to floral arrangements.

Stoneware Vase: Made from clay, these vases often have a textured finish and earthy feel, ideal for rustic or boho-themed interiors.

Tall Vase: Ideal for dramatic, long stems like Delphinium or lilies, creating height and visual impact in the arrangement. Great for kitchen islands or sideboard.

Wide-Mouthed Vase: Perfect for fuller, rounder arrangements, allowing flowers to spread out and display their natural shape. Great option for kitchen islands or dining room tables!

What basic tools should I have?

A few essential tools will make your floral styling process much smoother:

• Floral scissors for precise cuts
• Floral tape or chicken wire to help structure arrangements * a better option then flower foam!
• A clean vase with fresh water to extend longevity
• Floral food packets to nourish blooms *not 100% necessary if using a clean vessel and fresh water
  

Any other tips or tricks?

• Go asymmetrical! Arrangements that feel slightly undone or organically shaped photograph beautifully. Think cutting stems at all different heights and placing in vessel on an angle vs straight down.
• Keep it loose. Avoid overstuffing vases—let the flowers breathe.
• Change water daily if you can!
  

Pro Tip: Every flower has a different lifespan—some wilt faster than others. To keep your arrangement looking fresh for longer, regularly remove wilting stems and adjust the design as needed!

When should I bring in a professional florist?

If your shoot requires highly curated, styled arrangements or large-scale installations, bringing in a professional florist can save you time and ensure a polished result. They have access to premium blooms, expert techniques, and the creative eye to bring your vision to life. If florals are a central element of your shoot, it's worth the investment!

Florals are one of the simplest ways to elevate an interior shoot, adding natural beauty and dynamic texture. With the right planning and a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll have stunning florals that complement your space and bring your vision to life!