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Flower Ordering
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Ordering Advice  | I don't know anything about flowers. Where can I get information? Who can I ask? |  | You probably know more about flowers than you really think! They have become an integral part of our modern culture and play a role in most major life experiences and social settings. However, professional florists are the real experts when it comes to fine tuning your knowledge of flowers... whether it is flower care or varieties you are interested in. Florists can also suggest styles of designs that are suitable for the occasion. Building a relationship with your local florist is a great way to get all of the latest information.
| | How do I go about finding a florist in my area? | | Word of mouth is often the best resource when looking for a florists. Keep an eye on the flowers at weddings, parties or arrangements delivered to friends or co-workers. If you like the style, inquire as to which florist did them. If you use a telephone book to find a florist, look for one with a local address. If you choose a national service with a toll-free number, pick an established organization with a strong reputation for providing great service.
| | What qualities should I look for when choosing a florist? | | Every floral shop has its own personality. Look for the qualities that best fit your needs, such as: creative flair, outstanding service, personal attention, helpful suggestions, selection and variety, top quality product and good value.
| | Will a florist take my order over the phone if I have never ordered there before? | | Yes, full service florists will take phone orders if you have a major credit card. Some florists will establish an in-house account after you have made an initial order.
| | Will a florist send me a bill? | | Many florists offer direct billing options for their regular customers. Ask your florist about this service and what their requirements are for establishing an in-house account. If they do not provide a direct billing service, they will take major credit cards.
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| How do I know what to order? | | What to order can be a real challenge for many because the selection has become so vast. Flower shops are a treasure trove of arrangement styles, new flower and plant varieties and gift items. If you want to make the most of your floral gift selection, following are a few tips to help your florist create a truly personalized gift:
- Tell your florist a little about the recipient's personality. For example is he/she a dramatic type of person? Or perhaps romantic, artistic, traditional or outdoorsy? What are some of their hobbies or interests? Do they have a favorite color or flower? Sometimes the simple selection of a flower in a favorite color can really personalize an arrangement.
- If you are ordering flowers for someone's home, what is it like? Is it traditional? Or perhaps casual, Victorian, country or contemporary?
Florists are experts at the art of expression and they can help you look great by creating a highly personalized gift for any occasion... or "just because."
| | What kinds of information do I need before I call the florist? | | If you are having the flowers delivered, have the recipient's full name, address and telephone number ready. Any special information such as a work number or times they will be at home are also helpful. Determine your budget before the call and have your payment information ready. Be sure to write out what message you would like to include on the enclosure card. (Or the florist can offer suggestions.)
| | Can a florist make a special design for me? | | Yes, this is their specialty. Communicate what you have in mind or ask for creative suggestions. Nothing can be more personal than the gift of flowers.
| | I never know what to write on the enclosure card... any ideas? | | Flowers have a language all their own but most people prefer to include a brief message. Some suggestions might be to look at poetry or a book of quotes for an idea. Ask the florist what might be appropriate. They have seen thousands of cards and probably have a few ideas to suit your particular occasion. Check out the "creative card messages" section for more ideas.
| | If I want to send flowers to another town, what is the best way? How can I find a florist there? | | Most florist shops are members of national wire services or know florists in other towns. Your flower order can be taken by your local florist who will contact a florist for you in another town and place your order.
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| If I send flowers to another town, how do I know what I will get? | | Most flower shops have books containing traditional designs to select from. If you have something specific in mind, be sure to communicate with your florist and allow ample time to order any special types of flowers or plants. Another tip is to take a photo of a flower arrangement you like to your florist so they can make reference to it while ordering.
| | Do certain flowers mean certain things? What if I send the "wrong thing"? | | Today, there are no rules. You can't really send the "wrong thing" with a little thought and help from your florist. It's important to take the occasion into consideration, the age and gender of the recipient, and floral preferences if you are aware of any. Sharing some details about the personality of the receiver will help the florist to customize your arrangement and ensure the recipient's delight.
| | What do the colors of roses mean? Is red always for passion? | | In Victorian times flowers had assigned meanings but even then there was much discrepancy. Men would commission their florist to create a bouquet and therefore a "special message" which he would send to his beloved. It was up to his lady friend to decipher or "de-code" the meaning. Today there are so many flowers and colors that this tradition no longer applies. It is true that red roses are traditionally associated with romantic love but this is not the rule. Flowers today have a much broader vocabulary and a favorite color or flower can express just the right sentiment.
| | Is it cheaper to order flowers in season? How do I know what is in season? | | Simply ask your florist what is in season and the best value at the moment. Flowers are coming into flower shops from every corner of the world and something is in season somewhere almost all the time! Seasonal varieties can be less expensive when in great abundance. For example: roses are a super value in summer because it is their peak growing season.
| | If my girlfriend loves a certain flower and I want to get it for her birthday, can I special order it? |
| Certainly. Be sure you know the name of the flower along with the color if that is important and call your florist one to two weeks in advance if possible. In some cases they may have to special order the flowers. The sooner your florist can order it, the better your chances are of having it in time for the special day.
| | Where do flowers come from? | | | The abundant varieties you see in flower shops today come from domestic markets in the United States and growers all over the world... Europe, Australia, Africa, South America and more. There are more flowers available now than ever before and modern shipping technology allows product to be fresh from the field to the marketplace in a matter of hours.
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Flower Care | What is the best way to take care of a flower arrangement? | | It depends on how they are packaged:
- If you receive flowers in a container with floral foam, be certain the container is full of water (treated with floral food provided by your florist) every day. Using your finger, feel under the greens for a place where water can be added or pour slowly into the center of the arrangement keeping a finger in the container to gauge the water level.
- If you receive flowers in a vase, check to be sure the water is always clear and not cloudy. If the water turns cloudy, empty it and add fresh water mixed with floral food provided by your florist. If possible, re-cut the stems before placing them in the fresh water.
- If you receive flowers in a box or tissue, remove all of the foliage that falls below the water line, then cut the stems in a sink full of warm water (UNDER the water) and place them immediately into a vase of warm water mixed with floral food provided by your florist.
For all types of arrangements: Keep flowers off of televisions, appliances and heating/cooling units. Keep them away from hot or cold drafts, such as vents, and out of direct sun.
| | What is wrong with the water in a vase when it turns yellow and cloudy? | | This is a natural sign that bacteria is growing in the water. However, bacteria can clog stems and shorten the vase life of the flowers, so keep the water clear at all times to ensure longevity of your blooms. If your water starts to turn cloudy, immediately empty the vase and add fresh water, preferably mixed with floral food provided by your florist. If possible, re-cut the stems and replace them in the vase of fresh water.
| | Since flowers like sunshine, should I put my arrangement in the sun when I get it? | | No. Growing flowers like sunshine because they require it for maturation. But cut flowers will fade much faster if exposed to heat and direct sunlight. To keep flowers fresh longer, keep them in a location away from sun and drafts.
| | Can I revive a wilted rose? | | Sometimes. If a rose wilts prematurely, remove it from the arrangement and try this easy tip to perk it up: Fill a sink with warm water. Lay the rose horizontally in the water bath and cut the stem (about 1") under the warm water. Leave the rose in the bath for about two hours and let the water cool. This can work wonders in many instances but if the rose is already past its vase life it will not revive. |
Sympathy Etiquette | When I am ordering flowers for a funeral, how do I know what is appropriate? | | Sympathy tributes vary in every region of our country so it is best to ask your florist what they recommend. Sometimes they have knowledge of what the family has ordered or of other tributes being sent, and can create something for you that will be a nice complement to the other flowers. If a funeral home or cemetery has certain restrictions, the florist will be familiar with them as well and be able to guide you. Additionally, if a family has any special requests, the local florists are usually notified and can inform you.
| | I have seen a lot of different styles of floral arrangements at funeral services lately. What is best? How do I order a "special" design? | | It is a big trend now to have highly personalized sympathy tributes that depict an aspect of a person's essence. If he was a man who loved the outdoors, perhaps a tribute incorporating branches and natural materials would be ideal. If she was an avid gardener, a tribute with a collection of garden flowers may be a perfect choice. Be prepared to give the florist a few hints about the person you want to memorialize. If you prefer to send a design that is more a reflection of your style, then communicate that. If you are in a flower shop, you can look at photos of traditional sympathy styles. Communication is the key to ordering a sympathy design that will be a true reflection of what you want to express.
| | Is it okay to send flowers to the family's home? If so, how long after? | | Absolutely. This is a wonderful way to express your sympathy and is a common trend. Some people choose to send flowers to the home immediately while others prefer to wait a week or longer. There are no rules. In the weeks after the service, this gesture can be a very comforting reminder during the grieving process that friends haven't forgotten.
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| Is it still appropriate to send flowers if the death notice mentions a charitable donation? | | Yes. Because flowers help say what is often difficult to express, they are always appropriate and in good taste. Flowers also play a functional role, adding warmth to the service and providing the visible emotional support that the family needs during this time.
| | If I want to send roses or flowers in a glass vase to the funeral home, is this acceptable? | | From an etiquette standpoint this is absolutely acceptable, however some funeral homes have rules about certain types of arrangements. Your florist will be familiar with what each funeral home allows.
| | If several of us want to go in together for funeral flowers, how do we sign our names so the family knows how to thank us? | | When groups go in together on flowers, the arrangements can be very special and make a larger showing. There should be room on the floral enclosure card for several names, but if there are more it is best to sign as a group, such as "The Girls in Accounting" or "The Smith Family." Include a contact name and address on the card so the family knows who to thank.
| | Where did the tradition of sending funeral flowers come from anyway? | | Flowers have always played an important role in burial traditions because of their soothing qualities. In ancient cultures, floral and herb essences were used to anoint the bodies of the deceased and aromatic flowers and greens were displayed.
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| Is it appropriate to send a plant to the funeral home? If so, will they send it over to the family after the service? | | Yes, it is appropriate to send a green or flowering plant. Some funeral homes will deliver plants or flowers to the home if specified. In some cases, the florist may make arrangements to pick up the plant after the services and deliver it to the family. Otherwise, the funeral director will simply notify the family that they may take the plants with them after the service. Check with your florist to see what is customary for your area.
| | If I want to place a tribute in or on the casket, what should I do? | | This tradition is usually reserved for family members or special loved ones. Ask the family first before ordering anything for the casket such as a pillow or heart. Your florist can offer suggestions for other special tributes.
| | What is appropriate to send for a cremation? | | A tastefully designed floral tribute adds beauty to any type of memorial service. It is common for the family to have a piece designed for display with the urn. Because cremation is increasingly common in some areas, many florists will have specific suggestions.
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| When ordering wedding flowers, how far in advance should I contact the florist? | | Wedding flowers are one of the most important aspects of your special day. They set the mood and tone for the event and will be remembered long after. Many florists can accept only a set number of weddings on a given day, so it is important to contact your florist well in advance to begin preliminary planning. A good rule of thumb is to contact your florist at least three months in advance for most weddings. However, if it is an elaborate event, during peak wedding season, or falls on a holiday, then six months to a year is not too soon. This will allow the florist to begin looking for any props or specialty items you might need. Wedding flowers can be highly specific and colors often have to be very precise, so florists need advance notice to place flower orders and perhaps import flowers for you.
| | Will a florist work within my budget? | | Yes. Be honest about your budget on the initial consultation so the florist understands what to recommend. By taking your budget into consideration from the very beginning of the planning process, the florist can give you the best advise on how to place the flowers for maximum effect and what types of flowers will be the best value to achieve your desired look.
| | Is it okay to visit several florists to get estimates? | | Sure, but tell the florist that you are gathering estimates rather than making an appointment for a consultation. Be prepared with a detailed list of your floral needs. The florist will be able to give a rough estimate without a lengthy meeting. If you are gathering ideas and then comparisons, it is best to inform the florist of your intentions. Floral designers are trained and highly skilled floral artists. Their ideas have value. You may be asked to pay a consultation fee if you want to discuss a florist's actual ideas for your wedding. In most cases, the fee will be applied to the flowers once the order is placed.
| | What should I bring to the flower shop when I have my wedding consultation? | | The more information you can provide the better your florist will be prepared to offer creative suggestions. They want to create a spectacular and memorable event for you. Anything you can bring will be beneficial, such as clipping magazine photos or having other pictures that depict what you have in mind. It is good to bring a photo of your dress and a sample of the fabric or lace if you have it, as well as swatches and a photo of the bridesmaids' dresses. Also think about what "style" of wedding you want such as "Romantic", "Sophisticated", "Country", "Casual", "Gardeny", "Regal"... any term that can describe a central theme to build your dream day around. If you are not sure, your florist can offer suggestions based on your wedding plans so far.
| | What can a florist do to help me stretch my ceremony and reception budget? | | Besides suggesting specific types of flowers that will work within your budget, a professional florist can offer helpful suggestions as to what flowers might be used at both the ceremony and reception. Florists are experts at finding creative ways to display flowers used at the ceremony in a different fashion at the reception. For example: bridesmaids' bouquets become table decorations; the bride's bouquet becomes the head table arrangement; the pew markers become festive bows on cars or doors; altar designs flank the buffet or cake table, etc. Florists are overflowing with creative ways to make use of your budget and flowers wisely.
| | I want a wedding coordinator who will handle every detail. Can a florist work with one? | | Of course. In fact, many florists are wedding coordinators themselves. Ask your florist about the level of service they can provide. You may be surprised to find your wedding coordinator and florist in one.
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Party Flowers | When I am throwing a party, where do I start with planning the flowers? | | Deciding on a theme is a good starting point. Determine how many guests you plan to have and how, or if, they will be seated. Look at your space and decide where you think flowers could be displayed for maximum impact. Set a budget and communicate your ideas to your florist and ask for suggestions on flower varieties and styles of arrangements. Work together on the mood you want to create. Clip pictures from magazines for ideas. Another possibility is to ask your florist to come and look at where you plan to have your party and get them involved from the very beginning. They can give expert advice and creative ideas on how to make the most of your budget and your decorations. Guests will remember flowers and the mood they created long after your party is over.
| | Can I decorate for a party on a budget? | | Absolutely. Florists can make suggestions to maximize your budget. Let them offer suggestions about where your floral dollars can make the most impact. Ask about seasonal flowers that might be in abundance and available at a good price such as roses in the summer. Find out if they have props or linens to rent rather than buying them.
| | If I am organizing party flower decorations the day before a party, are there certain tips that will help them to last longer? Are some flowers better choices? | | Many people decorate the day before to avoid last minute rushes and to give attention to details that may be overlooked in a hurry. If you place flowers the day before, be sure to water every arrangement to the top of the container once it's set. It also helps to mist the flowers with a spray bottle and to cover very loosely with a single layer of a thin plastic bag (i.e. dry cleaner bag). Ask your florist if any of the flowers need special care. Never place flowers in the sun or a hot place the day before your party. |
Holiday Flowers | How long before a holiday should I order flowers to be delivered? | | Because flowers are a personal and preferred gift at many holidays, florists can be very busy during the actual holiday time and inventory on certain flowers and plants may be in short supply. Florists may have a cut off time for accepting orders for delivery to ensure that all orders will be delivered in a timely manner. To get the level of service and product you desire, contact the florist one to two weeks before the holiday, if possible.
| | Can a florist guarantee delivery at a holiday? | | Yes, if the order is placed in a timely manner. Most florists cannot guarantee an actual time for the delivery at a busy holiday but may be able to give an estimated time. The key is to order early and to have all the delivery information (recipient name, address, phone number) correct to avoid any delays.
| | Why are flowers more expensive at holidays? | | It is a simple issue of supply and demand. Everyone seems to want flowers at certain holiday times. This can create a demand for specific types of flowers such as red roses at Valentine's Day. More than 100 million roses are typically sold during Valentine's Day... one day in the middle of winter. Growers work very hard after a Christmas cutting to produce a crop for Valentine's Day. Many blooms must be sacrificed for one long stem rose, extra labor must be hired at every production level, higher heating costs, and additional transportation and delivery all factor into the proportionate cost of flowers at Valentine's Day.
| | Are poinsettias poisonous? | | No. It is a long-standing myth that poinsettias are poisonous which has been disproved by research time and time again. The National Capital Poison Center located in Washington, DC lists the poinsettia as a non-poisonous plant. Research conducted at The Ohio State University proved that all parts of the poinsettia are non-toxic to both humans and pets. In addition, a study released by Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Melon University found that out of nearly 23,000 poinsettia exposures reported to poison control centers nationwide, there was essentially no toxicity of significance of any kind. Of course, as with any non-food product, ingesting the plant may cause stomach discomfort. |
Prom Flowers | When I am ordering flowers for the prom, how far in advance should I order? | | It is important to remember that prom season is also a peak wedding season and many times also falls during Mother's Day. Therefore, popular flowers such as sweetheart roses, white roses, and certain orchids used to create decorative body flowers are in high demand. Ordering at least two weeks in advance so that your florist can order the necessary quantities to fill the demand will ensure you get what you really want.
| | Should my date's boutonniere match my corsage? | | This is certainly becoming a popular trend but is not necessary.
| | Will my florist make something special just for me? Can I choose a ribbon? | | Certainly. Florists have fun at prom time delighting their young customers. They know how important prom flowers are to each individual and are happy to work with you to make a special corsage. Florists are experts at customization. Show your dress or a swatch of the fabric to the florist and ask them to select an appropriate ribbon, or ask to see what they have and choose one yourself. Ask them to attach a piece of it to your order.
| | What is the hottest corsage for proms at the moment? | | Two popular styles are wrist corsages and small hand-held nosegays. Popular flowers are mini (or sweetheart) roses, standard roses, dendrobium orchids, alstroemeria lilies and other small flowers like cornflowers and freesia.
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| How do I let my date know what type of flowers I really want? | | If you have your heart set on a certain corsage style or type of flower, then there is nothing wrong with letting your date know what you would like. You might suggest that you go to the florist shop together and order his boutonniere to match your corsage. You could also show him a few photos of flowers and ask what he would like for his boutonniere. Be sure you have a photo of what you want too.
| | My dress is strapless, what would be my best corsage choice? | | Either a wrist corsage or a hand-held nosegay. Corsages pinned to an evening bag are also a great choice as well as flowers for the hair or neck. Talk to your florist about the options and ask to see photos of what these styles look like.
| | My budget is limited. Are there less expensive flowers that won't make me look "cheap"? | | Ask your florist for some ideas and tell them what your budget is. Many times an inexpensive flower made into a lovely style of corsage can be just as beautiful as a more expensive bloom. Alstroemeria lilies are a good choice, as are mini carnations. But your florist will know what is the best value they can offer.
| | How can I dry a corsage? | | This depends on the flower. There are a number of drying methods. Some establishments can freeze-dry your corsage but this can be an expensive process. Simple methods include silica pellets and powders or gel. Ask your florist for recommendations about your type of flower or ask at the craft store where drying products are sold.
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Get Well Flowers | If I am ordering flowers for a hospital what do I need to know? | | When you call your florist, have ready the name of the hospital, the patient's name, room number (if possible), and when you want the flowers delivered. It is also good to know what the hospital's policy might be regarding flowers. For instance, most urgent care and intensive care units do not allow flowers. Sometimes the rooms have certain display areas for flowers that are a specified size. Your florist will know about the hospitals in your area.
| | Is it okay to wait and send get-well flowers once someone returns home from the hospital? | | Absolutely. Today's high health care costs and advances in outpatient surgery techniques often mean shorter hospital stays and more Americans recovering from illness and injury at home. While patients can look forward to home's familiar, comfortable environment to help ease pain and speed recovery, recovering at home can be lonely. Flowers are a great way to let someone know you're thinking of them, even if you can't visit them in person.
| | Do people have to have been in the hospital to get flowers? What if they are sick in bed or just feeling blue? | | Flowers are a heartwarming and appreciated gesture any time, not just for hospital stays or serious illness. Flowers are a simple, sincere and unobtrusive way to lift spirits, bring a smile to a tired face, or brighten up a room of someone who is under the weather. In fact, they might be just the trick to cheer someone up.
| | I heard that flowers are good for your health. Is that true? | | Everyone has heard the old saying "Stop and smell the roses." Yes, ask anyone who looks at, smells, sends or receives a flower if it feels good and you will get a resounding, "yes." Dr. Andrew Weil, a noted health expert and author of 8 Weeks to Optimum Health, says flowers are important to our sense of well being and many health care experts are noting the holistic quality of flowers. Flower essences in the practice of aromatherapy are also prominent. |
Sending Flowers to a Man | If I want to send flowers to a man, are there any rules? | | Well, not necessarily rules but a few things to keep in mind:
- First of all remember... men love flowers. A survey conducted by the Society of American Florists showed that over 60% of men surveyed would like to receive flowers on Valentine's Day. Similar research has turned up the same information, so don't be shy.
- Men are stimulated by color and are visually oriented. Research shows that men prefer vivid colors such as yellow, orange and red.
- Most men prefer a linear style of design rather than a "fluffy" one.
Tell your florist that you want flowers for a man and ask for specific suggestions. If he has a hobby, perhaps you could highlight that. For example, if he is a golfer, tuck in a box of golf balls. If he is into cars, add an auto magazine or two.
| | Won't a man be embarrassed if I send flowers to him? | | Men love to get flowers for the same reason they send them...to be recognized. Everyone likes to feel special. Be sensitive, though -- avoid sending traditionally "feminine" or pastel designs. If you are unsure about his reaction, test the waters with a potted plant or dish garden first.
| | Do men really like flowers? |
| Sometimes women are surprised to find out that men love flowers too but florists have known this for years! Men have sent flowers as a gift of choice for decades. Turn about is fair play. Many men today buy flowers not only as a gift but for their own homes and offices. It is not uncommon to see a bunch of lilies or tulips on a man's desk or in the foyer of his home.
| | What colors are good for a man? | | Men respond to bright, vivid colors such as orange, red, purple, bright yellow and gold.
| | Are there styles that are more appropriate for a guy? | | Flower arrangements that are contemporary, linear styles or natural styles are best. Other favorites might include green or flowering plants. Your florist can offer creative suggestions for flowers that are sure to please.
| | When is a good occasion to send flowers to a man for the first time? What about later? | | A good indicator of when it might be appropriate to send flowers would be to consider his favorite occasions for sending them. Does he send flowers for birthdays, or perhaps as a thank you? Then surprise him with flowers on his birthday. Other good times might be to celebrate a success at work. A party or barbecue would be a great time to bring a casual table centerpiece or loose flowers as a host gift. And just as women love receiving flowers for no reason at all, it would surely catch his attention too. |
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FAQ's
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