Floral Design Competition Rules & Principles

Competition rules vary by governing body. The two main U.S. systems:

• National Garden Clubs (NGC): Uses the "Handbook for Flower Shows" (updated regularly). Covers all exhibiting rules, design principles (proportion, contrast, rhythm, dominance, color, etc.), and judging criteria. Essential $15 investment.
• American Rose Society: Separate rules for rose-specific shows.

Core Design Principles (Universal)

Balance, proportion, scale, rhythm, dominance, contrast, harmony, color theory, texture, space, line, form.

Next Steps

Identify which organization sanctions your contest. Obtain their rulebook. For photos of specific design classes (e.g., "mass design," "line-mass," "miniature"), provide the class list and I can share relevant examples.