There are many reasons to send flowers—whether it’s to express love, celebrate a birthday, wish someone well, or honor someone who has passed away. But it’s important to remember that each situation has its own set of customs. Following basic flower-sending manners can help make sure your gift is received in the way you intended. A kind gesture can easily turn awkward if it sends the wrong message. Here’s what you should know before placing an order.
A few key things—like the place, the relationship, and the occasion—can all affect what’s considered proper when giving flowers. Below are some helpful tips on how to handle different situations.
Sending Sympathy Flowers
One of the most common reasons to send flowers is to show sympathy after someone has passed away. This is a sensitive time, so you’ll want to approach it with care and kindness.
It’s best to send sympathy flowers to the funeral home, where they can be displayed during the service. Before sending anything, check with the family or the funeral home to find out what’s planned. Many people may not want flowers sent to their home during a time of grief, and some families may prefer donations to a cause they care about instead. If that’s the case, it’s important to respect their wishes.
Also, not all faiths or personal beliefs include flowers at memorial services. Some religions or families may prefer a simpler tribute. Be sure to honor their customs.
When choosing flowers for sympathy, go with something simple and respectful. White is a traditional color, and lilies are often used because of their peaceful appearance. Avoid adding items that seem playful, like balloons or stuffed animals, which might feel out of place.
Sending Get Well Soon Flowers
Sending a cheerful bouquet to a friend or loved one who is unwell can brighten their day. Flowers can bring comfort, especially when someone is stuck at home or in bed.
However, many hospitals don’t allow flowers because of allergies or health concerns. It’s best to check with the hospital first. If rules don’t allow flowers, wait until the person is back home before sending anything.
Sending Romantic Flowers
Sending flowers to someone you care about is a sweet and classic way to show love. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just an ordinary day, flowers are always welcome. Red roses are a strong symbol of love, but choosing your partner’s favorite flowers can make the gesture even more meaningful.
When sending romantic flowers, it’s better to send them to a private place like the person’s home. Sending them to a public spot like their office may make them feel uncomfortable or attract attention they don’t want. If you’re planning a public gesture, make sure it’s something they’d enjoy. If you’ve been together a long time and coworkers already know about your relationship, it may not be a problem—but it’s still best to think it through.
Sending Birthday or Holiday Flowers
Flowers are a great way to celebrate someone’s birthday, the arrival of a new baby, or holidays like Mother’s Day, Easter, or Christmas. Just keep the meaning behind the flowers in mind. If the person is a friend and not a romantic partner, avoid sending flowers like red roses that might send the wrong message.
As with other occasions, sending flowers to the person’s home is usually a better idea than sending them to their workplace.
For birthdays, choose flowers in colors they like or flowers they enjoy. You can make it extra fun by adding a balloon or other small decoration. For a new baby, pick something soft and warm. Some people like pink for baby girls and blue for baby boys, but if you’re unsure, a mix of soft yellows, greens, or oranges works well too.
For seasonal holidays, match your flowers to the theme. Think red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or green for St. Patrick’s Day. You can also go for themed arrangements like a basket for Easter or a cornucopia for Thanksgiving. A little effort in picking something that suits the occasion can really stand out.
Sending Flowers for Work Events or Promotions
There are many reasons to send flowers to a coworker, like congratulating them on a promotion or thanking them for their help. But this is one of the trickiest times to send flowers, since it can easily be misunderstood.
To avoid any mix-up or awkwardness, choose something neutral. A small plant or a fruit basket may be a better choice than a colorful bouquet. That way, your gesture won’t be mistaken for something romantic or inappropriate.
If you keep these simple tips in mind, your flower gifts will come across as thoughtful and kind—just as you intended. With a little care, your flowers will always bring comfort, joy, or celebration to those who receive them.
