There’s more to buying a bouquet than just picking something that looks nice. But what if you aren’t sure where to get started with all of the colors, sizes, scents and floral arrangements out there? How can you walk out of the greenhouse feeling confident in your purchase decision? Here are just seven tips for choosing the right flowers.
1. Consider Different Flower Types
The first thing to ask yourself is about species. From posies to peonies, you’ll find dozens of flower types on the market, and it’s up to you to decide which is right for the occasion. For example, a high-maintenance plant might not be the best “get well soon” present for someone who just broke their leg, but a low-effort plant might insult a girlfriend who expected something grander for Valentine’s Day.
2. Beware Allergies
This is especially important if you’ll be bringing flowers into a hospital or public office building. Everyone has different sensitivities, and what seems harmless to your nose might bring a bad reaction to someone else. Always double-check that there are no allergies to consider when you’re buying someone flowers. Think about people’s pets as well; you don’t want to hurt Fido with an arrangement that’s poisonous to dogs.
3. Choose the Right Colors
Everyone knows the significance of red roses, but were you aware that yellow roses are a sign of friendship? You can say a lot of different things with the colors of your bouquet. For example, white flowers symbolize innocence and purity. Blue flowers are tokens of peace. Pink flowers are brimming with youth, freshness and new beginnings.
4. Stay Local
You don’t want your flowers to wilt before they reach their intended recipient! If you’re shopping in North Ryde, make sure that you’re buying from a florist North Ryde. Not only will you be protecting the freshness of your vase, but you’ll be supporting the local economy to boot.
5. Think About the Arrangement
Bouquets are great for weddings. Sympathy wreaths are more appropriate for funeral homes. You can even find gift baskets that combine flowers, ribbons, balloons and other goodies for extra-special occasions. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to the presentation of your gift; your arrangement can often say just as much as your flower selection.
6. Stick to Your Budget
Flowers can get expensive, especially if you step inside the boutique with no idea what you want or how much you’re willing to spend. Have a dollar amount in mind before you open your wallet. If necessary, tell the florist that you have to keep it under X dollars; they’ve seen all kinds of desperate husbands and last-minute bridesmaids, and they won’t judge you for being on a budget.
7. Give Yourself Some Time to Decide
Speaking of last-minute purchases, try to avoid this fate for your own gift. The ideal flower arrangement has a lot of thought and effort put into it; some people even go the extra mile and custom-order something that’s truly one of a kind. You can do better than a cheap bouquet purchased within five minutes of entering the shop. Your recipient deserves better, too.
Flowers are a great gift for any occasion, but they’ll have that extra “oomph” if you take the time to choose something special. Good luck!
One Response
You make a good point that your presentation of the flowers you get can make just as big of an impact as the flowers themselves. It’s important to consider what approach to presenting your flowers will best set the tone for your occasion. It may be wise to look around online at some ideas that people have used for similar occasions. That way, you can pick an arrangement that will make the best impression possible with your planning.