How to Give Flowers

Co-authored by Pilar Zuniga

Last Updated: September 17, 2023 References

Fresh-cut flowers can serve as a meaningful gift for almost any occasion. When giving flowers, it’s important to choose a variety that sends a particular message or plays to the sensibilities of the person who’s receiving them. Once you've got your flowers picked out and packaged safely, send them through a delivery service or hand them to your recipient in person to let them know you’re thinking of them throughout all of life’s ups and downs.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Picking out Flowers

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Choose flowers that convey a certain message. Red roses, for example, are a universal symbol of love and adoration. Similarly, geraniums and daffodils serve as a token of honor and friendship. Purple hyacinths and yellow carnations, on the other hand, can be used to console or extend sympathy for a difficult loss. ^{[1]
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- Traditionally, different colors of flowers were said to express different emotions. Red flowers signified passionate love, for instance, while white blossoms represented beauty and pink promised remembrance.^{[2]
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- The magic of the gift of flowers lies not just in the act of giving but in the type of flowers given.
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Put together an arrangement in your recipient’s favorite colors. If you know the person has a preference for certain colors, narrow down your search to flowers that display those hues. You have a wide array of colors to choose from—between annual and perennial species, you can find flowers that are red, yellow, blue, purple, pink, white, and practically everything in between.
- Some flowers even showcase multiple shades, such as wand flower, walking iris, and harlequin blueflag.^{[3]
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- If you don’t know your recipient’s favorite color, it’s usually best to go with a safe choice like red, pink, or white.
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Select seasonal varieties for timely gifts. Flowers like poinsettias and orchids are closely associated with the Christmas holidays. Likewise, warm-weather specimens with bold, bright colors like sunflowers, daisies, and peonies can perfectly capture the spirit of summer.^{[4]
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- You can find different seasonal flowers on sale year-round at the florist’s, or anywhere fresh flowers are sold.
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Incorporate eye-catching filler plants. Filler plants like poms, delphinium, and eucalyptus can add depth to an otherwise plain-looking arrangement. They provide an element of delightful visual contrast, giving the eye a place to wander beyond the biggest blooms.^{[5]
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- For a classier touch, go with an elegant filler like spiraling ivy or delicate baby’s breath.^{[6]
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- Intersperse your secondary plants around the sides and bottom of the arrangement so they don’t draw attention away from your main flowers.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Enhancing the Presentation of Your Flowers

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Wrap loose bouquets in plastic. Lay your flowers diagonally across a sheet of plastic and fold the corners together to form a cone shape. Use tape to secure the loose edge. Once the flowers are inside, reposition them gently by hand until they look just right. Bundling flowers in plastic is a simple yet charming way to keep them together until you give them to their recipient.^{[7]
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- You can also use heavy wrapping paper if you don’t have a suitable piece of plastic lying around.
- Never package flowers in a box, if you have a choice. Not only does this leave them more vulnerable to damage, it also prevents light from reaching them, causing them to wilt prematurely.
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Stick fresh-cut flowers in a vase to keep them looking their best. Shop around for an attractive vase that’s a good fit (both spatially and aesthetically) for the flowers you’ve selected. Fill the vase halfway up with fresh, cool water and insert the stems until they’re submerged by about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm). Arrange the flowers neatly so that the blooms are on full display.^{[8]
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- For best results, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to trim the stems of your flowers at a 45-degree angle. This will allow them to absorb more water than they could when cut straight across.
- Dump a packet of flower food or a couple tablespoons of sugar into the water in the vase to ensure that your flowers last as long as possible.^{[9]
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Attach a personalized card. Write out a short message by hand and place it in a miniature envelope. Slip the envelope into the plastic cone the flowers are wrapped in, or tape it to the side of the vase if you decide to use a more formal container. This isn’t a required step, but it can make a nice touch, especially if you’re close with the person you’re giving the flowers to.^{[10]
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- Use your card to express your feelings toward your recipient or explain why you chose the flowers you did.
- Many flower shops will include a custom message by request with the purchase of a bouquet.
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Create an elaborate floral arrangement. If you're really looking to make a statement, gather together an assortment of vibrant blooms in a special container like a large pot or basket. Choose from selections that are currently in season, or mix-and-match to establish a pleasant sense of contrast and assemble a uniquely thoughtful gift.
- Depending on the size of the arrangement, you might combine as many as half a dozen varieties of flowers.
- Carefully-coordinated flower arrangements make excellent gifts not just because of their impressive appearance, but because of their ease of upkeep, as well. In most cases, all the recipient will have to do is add or change the water every couple of days.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Giving the Flowers to Their Recipient

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1
Hand the flowers to the recipient in person. This is the most personal way to give the gift of flowers. Simply walk up to your recipient, hold out a bunch of beautiful flowers you picked out with them in mind, and watch their face light up.
- If you want to surprise your recipient, try hiding the flowers behind your back.
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Leave the flowers where you know they’ll be discovered. If the flowers are intended for someone you live with, place them on the dining table or kitchen counter for them to find when they return home. Include a note informing the recipient of the occasion, or simply tell them that you wanted to do something nice for them later on when you see them.^{[11]
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- Scattering a few rose or carnation petals over the bed can be a supremely romantic gesture for a honeymoon or anniversary.^{[12]
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- To surprise a coworker or classmate, leave them on their desk so that they're the first thing they see when they arrive.
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Send the flowers by way of a delivery service. Run a quick search online to track down a business that delivers to your area. Browse their selection of premade arrangements, or piece together your own individually. Then, just provide an address and any other specific instructions for delivery and they’ll take care of the rest.^{[13]
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- In addition to standalone flower delivery services, it’s not uncommon for florists to deliver their flowers for a small fee.^{[14]
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- Having flowers delivered can be useful when you’re trying to surprise the recipient, or you’re not able to get your gift to them yourself.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Gifting Flowers for Various Occasions

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1
Pick up some flowers for a first date. Greet that special someone with a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers when they arrive for dinner or drinks. As noted, flowers are a timeless symbol of romance, and a good way to make a great first impression.^{[15]
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- For a more creative alternative to the traditional roses, an arrangement made up of tulips, stargazer lilies, or assorted wildflowers.
- Flowers aren’t just for first dates—they’re a touching offering that will be happily accepted on the third, eight, or hundred-and-fifteenth.
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Say "I love you" with flowers on Valentine’s Day. No Valentine’s Day would be complete without flowers. Red roses are the most popular option, of course, but they’re not your only one. Handing your significant other a bundle of multicolored chrysanthemums or dahlias can also be a great way to pledge your undying devotion.^{[16]
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- Foregoing roses in favor of less common varieties of flowers will both help you stand out and save you some money, as the price of roses tends to skyrocket during the month of February.
- Pair your flowers with a heartfelt card and some truffles or other sweets to complete the package.
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Give your mother a lovely bouquet on Mother's Day. Flowers are one of the most popular Mother's Day gifts. White lilies, tulips, and azaleas are all sensible choices for honoring mom, but with so many beautiful blooms to choose from, it's hard to go wrong. If you happen to know your mom's favorite flower, make sure it's occupying the central section of the arrangement.^{[17]
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- Throw in a handwritten card with your flowers and other gifts to let her how thankful you are to have her in your life.
- Try to take care of your flower shopping several days in advance. If you wait until the last minute to do your flower shopping, you may be left to pick over the scraps.
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Bring flowers to other holiday celebrations. The next time you're invited to an Easter, St. Patrick's Day, or New Year's get-together, come bearing flowers for your host. Seasonal selections tend to work best for holiday-themed arrangements, though you'll always have faithful standbys like roses and chrysanthemums to fall back on in a pinch.
- Don't be afraid to think outside the box. Unusual offerings like calendula, dwarf iris, and witch hazel are sure to turn heads year-round.^{[18]
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- Spruce up your arrangements with decorative elements like miniature signs and tinsel to channel the spirit of a special day.
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Use flowers to offer your condolences. The loss of a loved one can be a terribly difficult thing to face, and it’s not always easy to find the right words to express your sympathies. A tasteful arrangement or wreath of carnations, daffodils, lilies, or orchids can do it for you. Include a name tag with your flowers so the recipient will know who they’re from.^{[19]
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- If you want to say a little more, consider penning a card to accompany your flowers that reads “I’m so sorry for your loss” or “In loving memory of a dear friend,” or even just “With love.”^{[20]
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Drop off flowers as a housewarming present. If you're looking for a way to welcome someone who has recently moved into the neighborhood, order a spray of festive flowers (complete with complementary filler plants) and show up at their door. It’s a simple gesture, but one that’s sure to make them feel at home.^{[21]
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- Flowers also make a practical gift, as they help homeowners decorate and tie together their new living space.^{[22]
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- If your new neighbors aren’t home when you bring the flowers over, consider leaving them on their doorstep with a friendly “welcome to the neighborhood” note attached.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What should I look for when buying flowers?

Pilar Zuniga
Florist
Pilar Zuniga is a Floral Designer and the Owner of Gorgeous and Green, a floral design studio and Certified Green Business based in Oakland, California. Pilar has over ten years of experience in floral design. With a focus on being earth-friendly and supporting local growers, Gorgeous and Green has been featured in Energy Upgrade California, Molly My, Apartment Therapy, 100 Layer Cake, Design Sponge, and Trendy Bride. Her studio provides floral arrangements and gift basket, event and wedding design, and she teaches workshops on flower design and sustainability in her industry. Pilar received a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2001.

Pilar Zuniga

Florist

Expert Answer

Check the weather. People often don't think about it, but the weather affects how long your flowers will last. If it's going to be very hot, for instance, some flowers won't do well at all, and you should take that into consideration when you're deciding on the flowers for your arrangement.

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Question

How do I choose flowers for a girl?

Pilar Zuniga
Florist
Pilar Zuniga is a Floral Designer and the Owner of Gorgeous and Green, a floral design studio and Certified Green Business based in Oakland, California. Pilar has over ten years of experience in floral design. With a focus on being earth-friendly and supporting local growers, Gorgeous and Green has been featured in Energy Upgrade California, Molly My, Apartment Therapy, 100 Layer Cake, Design Sponge, and Trendy Bride. Her studio provides floral arrangements and gift basket, event and wedding design, and she teaches workshops on flower design and sustainability in her industry. Pilar received a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2001.

Pilar Zuniga

Florist

Expert Answer

Think about the person you're giving the flowers to. Certain flowers give off a certain mood. For instance, someone who's really into goth might love an arrangement with dark red roses and black calla lilies, but that might be inappropriate for someone who really loves bright, cheerful colors.

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How do you pick the right flowers?

Pilar Zuniga
Florist
Pilar Zuniga is a Floral Designer and the Owner of Gorgeous and Green, a floral design studio and Certified Green Business based in Oakland, California. Pilar has over ten years of experience in floral design. With a focus on being earth-friendly and supporting local growers, Gorgeous and Green has been featured in Energy Upgrade California, Molly My, Apartment Therapy, 100 Layer Cake, Design Sponge, and Trendy Bride. Her studio provides floral arrangements and gift basket, event and wedding design, and she teaches workshops on flower design and sustainability in her industry. Pilar received a BA in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley in 2001.

Pilar Zuniga

Florist

Expert Answer

Consider the occasion as well as cultural beliefs. Certain colors can represent different emotions in different cultures, so it can be helpful to do a little research before you send an arrangement. For instance, white represents death in some cultures, so some people may prefer to avoid white flowers at a funeral service, while others would prefer it.

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Tips

Persistent species of flowers, such as orchids, zinnias, and chrysanthemums, tend to make the best gifts because of how long they retain their beautiful shape and color.

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Take care when transporting your flower arrangements from place to place. Flowers are extremely delicate, and can be damaged easily.

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The flower you give to your recipient can be a great conversation starter.

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