Some floral projects stay with you long after the flowers themselves are gone.
One of the most memorable large-scale events we have worked on was back in 2015, when we created an extraordinary floral installation for the opening night of a Ballantynes fashion event in Christchurch.
It was bold, dramatic and completely different from everyday floristry — exactly the kind of event work we love.
A Statement Floral Wall in Christchurch
The brief called for something striking enough to transform the space and create an immediate sense of occasion.
The result was an entire wall constructed specifically for the event, covered in lush tropical foliage and finished with more than 1,000 stems of white Phalaenopsis orchids.
Before the flowers even arrived, builders spent two days constructing the wall and preparing the structure that would support the installation.
Then came the floristry.
Layer upon layer of tropical greenery was used to create depth, texture and movement across the wall before the orchids were added en masse.
The repetition of crisp white Phalaenopsis orchids against deep tropical foliage created a look that was luxurious, modern and theatrical — perfect for a fashion event.
The Scale of Event Floristry
Large-scale event floristry is very different from creating a bouquet or table arrangement.
There are practical considerations behind every beautiful installation: construction, access, timing, floral mechanics, flower conditioning, transport and the number of people required to bring the design together.
With a project of this size, planning is everything.
The floral wall needed to have impact from across the room while still looking beautiful when viewed up close. It also needed to feel like part of the space rather than something simply placed within it.
Using more than 1,000 orchid stems created the scale and impact the installation needed, while the tropical foliage gave the design richness, structure and movement.
Projects like this are a reminder that event flowers can be much more than decoration. They can completely change the atmosphere of a room.
Our Experience With Christchurch Events
Over the years, Harakeke has had the opportunity to work on many floral projects, events and collaborations around Christchurch.
Our work with Ballantynes was part of that history and remains especially memorable because of the sheer scale involved.
Two days of construction, an entire wall of tropical foliage and more than 1,000 individual orchid stems all came together to create something for one particular evening.
That is one of the things we love about event floristry.
An installation may only exist for a short period of time, but the atmosphere and experience it creates can be remembered for years.
Event Flowers Should Create a Feeling
When we design flowers for an event, we think first about how the space should feel when guests arrive.
Sometimes that means one major statement installation.
For another event, it might mean large entrance arrangements, floral styling throughout a venue, table flowers, stage flowers or a collection of smaller pieces that tie the whole event together.
The flowers should complement the event rather than overwhelm it.
Whether the brief is elegant and understated, colourful and joyful, or bold and theatrical, the best event floristry feels as though it belongs in the space.
Event Florist Christchurch
Based in Sumner, Harakeke Florist creates event flowers throughout Christchurch and Canterbury.
Our event floristry can include:
Large-scale floral installations
Floral walls and statement pieces
Corporate events
Fashion and retail events
Product launches
Brand activations
Opening nights
Table flowers
Stage and entrance arrangements
Bespoke floral styling
Every event is different, which is why we approach each project individually.
We can work alongside event planners, builders, stylists, venues and brand teams to create floral designs that suit both the practical requirements of the space and the overall creative vision.
Creating Memorable Events With Flowers
One of the things we love most about floristry is its ability to completely transform a space, even if only for a moment in time.
That 2015 installation is still a wonderful example.
Two days of construction. An entire wall covered in tropical foliage. More than 1,000 stems of beautiful white Phalaenopsis orchids.
Then, for one evening, it became part of the atmosphere, energy and experience of the event.
Those are the projects we never forget.
If you are looking for an event florist in Christchurch for a corporate event, product launch, opening night, brand activation or large-scale floral installation, we would love to hear about what you are planning.
Harakeke Florist creates thoughtful, memorable event flowers throughout Christchurch and Canterbury.
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