Americans are crazy about sending flowers. Almost two million roses are cultivated for Valentine’s Day every year. Around $2.6 billion was spent on Mother’s Day arrangements in 2018.
Not everyone is good at choosing the right occasion or the most suitable floral arrangement. As a result, things are sometimes awkward on the receiving end.
Here are 10 occasions when the right flowers send the perfect message.
1. Valentine’s Day
Red roses are by far the most popular choice for expressing love and romance. However, a large, formal arrangement with a dozen stems isn’t recommended for brand-new relationships. Pink roses or pink tulips are more appropriate.
Purple roses are associated with love at first sight or a budding romance, and white ones signify purity. It’s worth mentioning that yellow roses have long symbolized jealousy in some parts of the world. In the U.S., they convey friendship and affection rather than passionate love. Forget-me-nots and violets represent faithfulness, so it might be prudent to mix in some of those. If you’re a secret admirer, gardenias lend an air of mystery.
For a new romance, plan on spending $30 to $45. For the real deal, $50 to $80 is more realistic.
2. Meaningful Date
This one is tricky.
Don’t send flowers, especially following the first date, unless you are 100 percent sure that your love interest shares your enthusiasm.
If the sparks undeniably flew, send an informal, mixed bouquet that won’t overwhelm. Unless you and your date discussed your mutual love of roses, save those for a more mature romance. Instead, consider tulips, sunflowers, mini orchids, sweet peas, or daisies.
This gesture shouldn’t cost more than $25 to $35. Send the arrangement to your date’s home rather than the workplace if you think it might cause embarrassment.
3. Spur-of-the-Moment
Some of the most memorable bouquets arrive unexpectedly and for no reason at all. A cute, $30 arrangement in a mason jar speaks volumes.
4. Anniversary
Your wedding anniversary is an excellent time to reaffirm your love and commitment. If you’re at a loss for words, let flowers do the talking.
Since flowers are so rich with meaning, it’s worth doing a little homework to make your choice more personal. Here are more flowers to spark your imagination:
- Lilac = Young love
- Sunflower = Warmth and loyalty
- Calla lily = Growth and transition
- Freesia = Trust
- Orchid = Affection
- Iris = Promise
- Narcissus = Faithfulness
If you only splurge on flowers once a year, this might be the best time to do it. A fairly large arrangement in the $50 to $70 range will be greatly appreciated.
5. Milestones
The birth of a baby, graduation, a job promotion, or the purchase of a first home are all excellent occasions to send flowers.
Purple flowers traditionally represent accomplishment. Jasmine, irises, yellow poppies, and hibiscus express congratulations and pride as well. Daffodils and daisies signify the innocence and happiness associated with babies, which are great for new moms. Amaryllis would be a thoughtful choice for someone performing onstage; its Greek root means “to sparkle.”
This is not a good time to show off. A fairly small acknowledgment costing $25 to $40 should suffice.
6. Birthday
There’s nothing like a bright, fresh bouquet to make someone feel youthful and brimming with life.
Like birthstones, certain flowers are associated with certain months of the year. Each bloom has special significance. Here’s a handy guide for honoring friends and loved ones in a meaningful way:
- January: Carnation = Gratitude and admiration
- February: Violet = Faithfulness
- March: Daffodil = New beginnings
- April: Sweet pea = Modesty
- May: Lily-of-the-valley = Hope
- June: Rose = Love and passion
- July: Larkspur = Ardor
- August: Gladiola = Integrity
- September: Aster = Trust
- October: Marigold = Sympathy
- November: Chrysanthemum = Optimism
- December: Poinsettia = Good cheer
You can always just send the recipient’s favorite flower if you don’t mind repeating year after year. You could also send a bouquet that expresses the recipient’s personality with a warm note of explanation.
Depending on the relationship and whether you’re also giving a separate gift, $25 to $60 is reasonable.
7. Mother’s Day
A Philadelphia schoolteacher named Anna Jarvis originated this holiday in 1914. Her mother was deceased, but Jarvis passed out white carnations in her memory.
Carnations are still traditional, but May is a glorious month for a myriad of blooms. Delphiniums, freesia, pink stargazer lilies, and gerbera daisies also make lovely arrangements.
Most moms get mad when their children spend too much money on them. Try to keep the tab under $50.
8. Get Well
Flowers that represent healing, rejuvenation, and comfort include peonies, daisies, blue irises, and blue hydrangeas.
For several reasons, arrangements sent to the hospital are best kept small. Others may send flowers, and space is tight in hospital rooms. Large arrangements that are still fresh might be difficult to transport home when the patient is dismissed. You should also avoid species that have overpowering scents.
A modest $25 to $30 arrangement is ideal.
9. I’m Sorry
Sending flowers is a great way to apologize when emotions are still running high. The size and expense of the arrangement depend on the degree of your offense, but in general, don’t overdo it. The note accompanying the flowers is more important. Also, you shouldn’t give flowers after a romantic breakup unless you deliver them in person.
Gladioli express sincerity, and hydrangeas represent heartfelt emotions. You could always opt for the recipient’s favorite flower.
Keep your apology somewhere in the $30 to $50 range.
10. Sympathy
Flowers are an ideal way to express your condolences to the family and pay your respects to the deceased.
Arrangements sent directly to the funeral home for the service are typically large and formal. Over the centuries and across all cultures, flowers have been rich with symbolism. Yellow daylilies are a popular choice for funerals because they’ve traditionally represented the soul leaving the body. Gladioli, white chrysanthemums, and snapdragons are also good choices. Formal arrangements are priced in the $70 to $120 range.
If you missed the funeral, you can send a simpler, less expensive arrangement of sympathy flowers to the family. Choose something that could serve as a centerpiece or fit on an end table.