The Etiquette of Sending Flowers: The Dos and Don’ts
With most florists offering deliveries placed online or over the phone, it has never been easier to arrange for a well-timed bouquet from your favourite flower shop in Guelph to make a special occasion extra special. However, it is just as easy for a thoughtful gesture to go wrong if you forget to consider a few dos and don’ts when sending flowers.
Dos
Match the flowers to the occasion
Different flowers over time have come to symbolize different things at different times and even across cultures. Sending flowers is itself a message that you are thinking of someone, but the type of flower you think to send can be a message all on its own. To stay on the safe side, always consider convention in this regard. Here are some best bets for different occasions:
- Birthdays. A bouquet of the celebrant’s favourite flower is always a good idea, if you know it. Otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to go for rich mixed bouquets with cheery colours. Again, if you know the celebrant’s favourite colour(s) or, even better, the theme of their birthday party, you can go the extra mile and send a tasteful flower arrangement that will fit right in with the décor.
- Wedding anniversaries. Whether for your own significant other or to congratulate a couple you know, a bouquet of red roses is the classic go-to in the world of romance. Once again, if there is a flower that holds special meaning for the couple, including that personal touch can go a long way in adding depth to the gesture.
- Bereavement. When sending flowers to express your condolences, go easy on the colour and look into pale or white flowers—roses, lilies, or chrysanthemums are appropriate, elegant choices. Don’t forget the extra personal touch of a handwritten card to go with the arrangement.
- Congratulations. Similar to the birthday bouquet, flowers sent to congratulate someone should reflect the joyousness of the occasion. Think orchids, tulips, even daisies. Consider throwing in some balloons as well for a cheery arrangement.
- Get Well Soon. Sending flowers to someone in recovery is a wonderful gesture that can nevertheless be a bit tricky. Convention dictates that warm, cheerful flowers like daffodils, hydrangeas, gerberas, and tulips can brighten up a sickroom. The person’s favourite flower should also be considered, if appropriate and not too finicky for an unwell person to maintain. Note that it would be more helpful to avoid flowers with strong fragrances, such as gardenias and jasmine, especially if the patient is prone to allergies. Steer clear also of flowers most closely associated with funerals, such as lilies.
- Just Because. This can be the most memorable sort of floral gift, because sometimes, the most meaningful gestures are the most spontaneous ones. When hoping to pleasantly surprise someone with a bouquet or floral arrangement “just because” you’re thinking of them, knowledge of the recipient’s favourite flowers and colours will really come into play. Also, considering the seasonality of the flowers will give the gift a special added touch of the moment.
Personalize the Gift
For all the occasions mentioned above, including a handwritten note or a thoughtfully chosen card with the floral arrangement can be the perfect personal touch to show how much consideration you’ve put into the gift.
If you are so inclined, and if the recipient and occasion allows for it, you might even include in your note some information on what the flowers symbolize, why you chose these flowers for them, or even some tips on how to care for the blooms so they last longer.
Choose a Reputable Florist
Aside from the non-negotiable requirements of choosing a florist with a good track record of providing fresh, high-quality flowers and timely delivery, remember also to find flower shops that deliver to the address you have in mind. If possible, find a florist that caters to various areas, so that whether you are calling in a flower delivery in the Kitchener area or in Guelph, you can enlist the same trusted florist to take care of each bouquet or arrangement.
Don’ts
Forget to Consider Timing
Timing is everything when it comes to sending flowers.
If you intend to have your bouquet incorporated into the décor of a special event, the earlier in the day, the better. Sympathy and “Get Well Soon” bouquets should be sent as soon as possible after learning of the sad news.
If you are unable to offer your condolences in person for a bereavement, you might also consider timing another arrangement to be sent to the memorial service with their permission.
Speaking of permission, don’t assume without confirmation that there will be someone at the delivery address who can receive the flowers at the time you intend to send them.
Another aspect to consider with timing is when you place your order with the florist. A good practice is to place your order at least 72 hours before the delivery date to ensure you have a seamless transaction and the widest variety of options, and avoid any last-minute mishaps that can arise in a rush.
Ignore Cultural Messages
Again, though there are similarities and some conventions to fall back on, flowers can carry different messages in various cultures you may not be aware of.
For example, yellow carnations symbolize disappointment, rejection, and regret. They are often given in solidarity to express sympathy, or as an attempt to apologize to someone. An arrangement of yellow carnations would thus be inappropriate as a “Get Well Soon” bouquet.
A bunch of yellow roses, on the other hand, symbolizes friendship and companionship, which would be appropriate in the same scenario.
To further complicate things, a study in the Open Psychology Journal by Huss, Yosef, and Zaccai (2017) showed that there is an “interactive synergetic interplay between universal perceptual and specific cultural elements in relation to specific flowers” and that there is also a universal concept of ornamental flowers that transcends specific cultural connotations.
When in doubt, do your research, or ask your florist’s advice.
Neglect to Consider the Recipient’s Situation
While sometimes sending a large arrangement of flowers and balloons might be the best expression of your emotions, don’t forget to think about whether the recipient has space for it in their home, office, or hospital room. Sometimes a smaller bouquet that is well-chosen, well-arranged, and personalized is the more considerate option.
Aside from physical space, consider also whether the recipient has any specific flower or pollen allergies. If you are aiming for a surprise, but have any doubts as to the appropriateness of certain flowers, it would be best to find out from mutual contacts if there are any flowers you should steer clear from—or whether you should withhold the flowers altogether and perhaps send some balloons (in which case, Blooms & Balloons has you covered on both counts).
Forget to Check the Weather Forecast
Meteorological conditions can not only affect the timeliness of the delivery but also affect the flowers themselves. While heavy rainfall might cause delays in certain regions, extreme heat or cold can damage your well-chosen blooms, especially if they are of a fragile disposition.
If the forecast is tetchy or unfavorable, you don’t have to give up hope. Consider more resilient flowers or perhaps go with an indoor potted flowering plant. (Don’t forget the option of balloons, if appropriate.)
With all these guidelines in mind, there is no reason your perfectly orchestrated plan for a flower delivery in Kitchener won’t go wonderfully and without a hitch. Contact Blooms & Balloons at (416) 576-6484 for professional assistance in making a memorable occasion all the more memorable, for the right reasons.
