Ideal Flower Match: Tulips (shown) or other species with long, supple stems, like ranunculus. Large blooms (lilies, peonies) that need room to open are good choices, too.

Why the Pairing Works: After being cut, tulip stems lengthen up to an inch and the blossoms get larger; tulips also stretch toward the light. A widemouthed urn gives them space to “move and do their thing,” says Ian Prosser, who owns the Botanica International Design Studio, in Tampa, and has created floral displays for three U.S. presidential inaugurations.

How to Arrange a Bouquet: If you like tulips that droop a little, leave them on the table for 10 minutes before putting them in water, says Prosser. This softens the stems, causing the heads to hang down. Set the flowers around the perimeter, then fill in, angling the stems to create an arch.