Choosing the Right Flowers for Each Occasion

Choosing and sending flowers can sometimes feel like a daunting task. With so many types of flowers and so many occasions, it can be difficult to ensure that you're making the right choice. But don't worry! In this guide, we will explore the different types of flowers, their meanings, and when to send them. 

We'll also delve into the importance of the personalised card, the number of flowers in a bouquet, the timing of the delivery, and the destination - so, let's get started!

Flower Types

Getting down to the nitty-gritty, we must appreciate that different flowers carry different meanings, and the sentiment you wish to express can be influenced significantly by your choice of blooms. Obviously, there is nothing to stop any flower being used for any occasion, they’re all suitable, but there are some stereotypes out there due to popular culture and history. Let's look at some of the most popular ones.

• Roses, the timeless classics, are often the go-to choice for many due to their universal symbolism of love. Red roses, in particular, are a potent symbol of romantic love and passion. But don't forget, roses come in a variety of colours, each with its own unique symbolism. For instance, yellow roses are typically associated with friendship and cheer, while pink roses often signify grace and admiration. 
  
  
• Lilies are another flower with strong symbolic meanings. While they are often associated with funerals due to their symbolism of restored innocence after death, they can also represent beauty and purity. For this reason, lilies, especially the stargazer variety, can make an elegant choice for birthdays or congratulatory occasions.
  
  
• Chrysanthemums, or 'mums' as they are affectionately known, are a versatile choice. In Australia, they've become synonymous with Mother's Day, not just because 'mum' is in their name, but also due to their autumnal blooming time that aligns perfectly with the occasion. Their vibrant colours and enduring nature also symbolises optimism and longevity, making them a great choice for cheering someone up.
  
  
• Orchids are exotic beauties that represent love, strength, and beauty. Given their rarity and difficulty to cultivate, they're often associated with uniqueness and delicate charm. They make an exquisite gift for someone you admire or as a 'thank you' gesture.
  
  
• Daisies, with their cheerful and innocent appeal, symbolise purity and new beginnings. They're a delightful choice for a new baby celebration or to express new-found feelings.
  
  
• Sunflowers, true to their name, symbolise adoration, loyalty, and longevity due to their propensity to follow the sun across the sky. They're an excellent choice to brighten someone's day or show appreciation.
  
  
• Tulips, similar to roses, are often associated with love. However, different colours carry different meanings. Red tulips are a declaration of love, while purple tulips symbolise royalty.

While these are just a few examples, the world of flowers is vast and full of symbolism. When choosing your blooms, take the time to understand their meanings to ensure you're sending the right message. And remember, it's not just the type of flower, but the colour, quantity, and arrangement that can further enhance your floral message. So go on, dive into the colourful world of flowers and let them express your sentiments in their silent, beautiful language.

Occasions

Now that we have an  understanding of the meanings behind different flowers, let's apply this knowledge to various occasions. 

• Birthday: For birthdays, choose a flower that aligns with the recipient's birth month or their personal preferences. For example, carnations are the birth flower for January, while daisies are for April. A vibrant mix of seasonal flowers can also be a great choice to bring cheer and celebration.
  
  
• Anniversary: Red roses are the classic choice for love and passion, making them perfect for anniversaries. But, consider the number of years you're celebrating. Each anniversary year has a specific flower associated with it. For example, the 1st year is associated with carnations, the 5th year with daisies, and the 10th year with daffodils.
  
  
• Valentine's Day: Red roses are the traditional choice, symbolising love and desire. However, if you're in a newer relationship, you might opt for pink roses representing admiration and appreciation, or yellow roses for friendship and joy.
  
  
• Mother's Day: Chrysanthemums are a popular choice in Australia due to their autumnal bloom and the 'mum' in their name. They symbolise love and support, making them a wonderful choice to show appreciation to all the hard-working mothers.
  
  
• Sympathy: Lilies, particularly white ones, are often associated with funerals as they symbolise the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased. Carnations and roses, especially in soft and muted tones, are also common choices to express condolences.
  
  
• Wedding: The choice of wedding flowers often depends on the theme and colour scheme of the wedding. However, peonies, symbolising a happy marriage, prosperity, and good fortune, are a popular choice. Roses, symbolising love and beauty, are also a classic wedding flower.
  
  
• Get Well Soon: Bright and cheerful flowers like sunflowers, gerberas, or a mix of colourful tulips are a great choice to brighten someone's day and bring a bit of nature's healing power to them.

Remember, these are just guidelines. The best bouquet is the one that takes into account the personal preferences of the recipient. It's the thought and care put into choosing the flowers that will truly touch their hearts.

The Amount of Flowers

When creating or choosing a bouquet, it's not just about the type of flowers used, but also the number of flowers included. This is because the quantity of flowers in a bouquet can carry symbolic meanings and messages, and it also influences the aesthetic appeal of the arrangement.

Careful thought should be put into the number of flowers you select for a bouquet. Here are some key points to remember:

• More flowers in a bouquet do not necessarily enhance its meaning or aesthetic appeal; striking the right balance is crucial.
  
  
• The number of flowers can sometimes convey as strong a message as the choice of flowers themselves.
  
  
• A single red rose can signify unique love or deep respect, two entwined roses can suggest an impending proposal or a profound commitment while a dozen roses often represent a declaration of love or deep passion.
  
  
• The number of flowers should reflect the nature of your relationship with the recipient.
  
  
• In non-romantic contexts, the number of flowers is generally less meaningful.Even so, the size and aesthetic balance of the bouquet should still be taken into account.
  
  
• A large bunch of flowers might be suitable for a hospital visit, while a smaller, carefully selected arrangement may be more appropriate for a thank-you gift.

The Timing of the Flower Delivery

Choosing and arranging a beautiful bouquet of flowers is only half the story when it comes to making a special gesture. Equally important is the timing of the flower delivery, which can significantly enhance the message you want to convey and the recipient's overall experience. 

Correct timing demonstrates your thoughtfulness, consideration, and effort in not just selecting the flowers, but also ensuring their delivery at the most suitable time. Here are some points to consider when timing your flower delivery:

• The timing of a flower delivery significantly impacts the conveyed message and the recipient's experience.
  
  
• For occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays such as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, aim to deliver on the day itself to express timely thoughtfulness.
  
  
• If same-day delivery isn't possible, sending flowers a day early can show anticipation and thoughtfulness.
  
  
• For less specific occasions like thank you or get well soon gestures, the timing can be more flexible, but should still be convenient for the recipient.
  
  
• When sending a "get well soon" bouquet to a hospital, consider the hospital's rules and the patient's schedule. Morning delivery is often ideal for the recipient to enjoy the flowers throughout the day.
  
  
• Sympathy flower delivery requires careful timing. For a funeral, ensure the flowers arrive before the service. If sending flowers to the family's home, consider waiting a few days post-funeral to show continued support.
  
  
• When sending flowers to a workplace, aim for a non-disruptive time like mid-morning.
  
  
• The timing of flower delivery is as crucial as the flower selection itself, as it demonstrates effort not only in choosing the arrangement but also in ensuring its enjoyment at the most appropriate time.

The Flower Destination

The destination of your flower delivery is an important consideration when selecting the size and type of arrangement. It's crucial to take into account the recipient's living conditions or workspace to ensure your floral gift is appropriate and well-suited to the environment. Here are some key factors to remember:

• For smaller spaces like apartments, consider a compact yet lush arrangement. Large, cascading bouquets could potentially overwhelm the space.
  
  
• If the recipient lives in a spacious home, you have more flexibility. Still, aim for an arrangement that matches their decor style. A classic, medium-sized bouquet is often a safe choice.
  
  
• When delivering flowers to a workplace, keep the size appropriate and non-distracting. Choose a small to medium-sized arrangement that can fit comfortably on a desk or in a shared area.
  
  
• Always keep the recipient's circumstances in mind to ensure the bouquet fits comfortably within their environment.
  
  
• If uncertain, it's better to opt for understated elegance rather than overly extravagant gestures. The primary goal is to show thoughtfulness, not to overpower with ostentatious displays.

The Personalised Card

An often-overlooked aspect of flower gifting is the personalised card that accompanies the arrangement. This small addition plays a pivotal role in communicating the sentiments symbolised by the bouquet. It allows you to add a personal touch, ensuring your feelings are clearly expressed. Here are some pointers to guide you when composing your message:

• Consider the occasion and your relationship with the recipient. This will help determine the tone and content of your message. A card for an anniversary should be intimate and romantic, while one for a colleague's birthday should be friendly and cheerful.
  
  
• Ensure your message is clear and sincere. Whether it's a simple greeting, a meaningful quote, or a heartfelt sentiment, the recipient will appreciate a personalised message over a generic one.
  
  
• When signing off, typically use your first name unless it's a formal situation where your full name is more suitable. If the flowers are from a group, include everyone's names. For romantic gestures, anonymity can add intrigue, but ensure the recipient would appreciate the mystery.

So, there you have it, selecting and sending flowers involves more than just choosing a type or number of blooms. Thought and care in timing, destination, and personalised message significantly enhance your floral gift. Whether you're expressing love, offering condolences, or brightening someone's day, a well-chosen bouquet never fails to touch hearts. With these tips, you're now well-equipped to let your feelings bloom beautifully!