The two main things to consider when choosing a flower vase are the height and strength of the stems and size of the flowers. The number of flowers also plays a part; for example, displaying a single flower looks best in a bud vase. How the flowers are going to be displayed — usually tightly packed, in a half-circle shape, flared or standing straight — plays a part in using a specific shaped vase. Choosing the correct vase allows the flowers to look their best.
Evaluate the length and strength of the stems as well as the size of the flowers when choosing a flower vase. A bouquet of flowers with tall thin stems are best in a tall vase with an opening that curves inward so the delicate stems are braced. Flowers with strong, tall and thick stems typically look best in taller vases. A single flower with a tall stem, regardless of its strength, looks best in a bud vase.
A short flower vase is usually best for displaying a few flowers or fluffy flowers. To display only a few flowers with thin stems, such as a small bunch of daisies, a short vase with a narrow neck will help keep the stems from breaking. A short round vase balances out well with a few fluffy flowers, such as carnations or hydrangeas. A small bunch of short-stemmed tightly packed flowers looks best in a short square, round or cylindrical vase.
When choosing a flower vase, balancing the size and shape of the vase with the way the flowers are going to be displayed can accentuate their beauty. Rounded flowers, such as carnations and roses, often look best when displayed somewhat tightly packed and formed in a half-circle in a short to medium-sized rounded vase. Larger bouquets look best in a tall flared vase so it creates a wide display. Flowers that are cylindrical shaped and stand straight, such as tulips, look best in a cylindrical shaped vase.
The flower vase is not only responsible for holding the flowers, but for making sure they look as close to perfect as possible. Many will choose a clear or white vase as opposed to a colored one so the color of the vase won't clash with the color of the flowers or distract from their beauty. When purchasing flowers from a website or shop, it's typically best to choose the vase the business suggests — the floral designers usually supply the best option for showcasing the flowers.