Sending flowers is a romantic and thoughtful gesture, and one that’s been a mainstay of romantic relationships for centuries. It’s also one of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day (which is, at the time of this article’s writing, around the corner).
But how can you make sure you’re sending the right flowers to your lover? And how can you make the biggest impact?
Know Who You’re Buying For
First, make sure you know who you’re buying for. Most people are going to appreciate your gesture no matter what type of flowers you buy, but different people have different preferences. The better you know the person you’re buying for, the better flowers you’ll be able to buy for them.
· Favorite flowers. As soon as possible, see if you can figure out what this person’s favorite flowers are. Are there any flowers they absolutely love? If so, be sure to include them.
· Overall personality. What type of personality does this person have, and should the flowers you send them reflect that personality? For example, an extrovert who loves being the center of attention would probably enjoy a different bouquet than a homebody who lives a minimalistic lifestyle.
· Your relationship. You also need to think about the nature of your relationship. If you’ve been with this person for many years, you’ll want to buy flowers and create arrangements that exemplify the history of your relationship. If you only somewhat know this person and you’re interested in asking them out, you’ll need something totally different.
Understand Colors and Symbolism
Before choosing any flowers, you should understand at least the fundamentals of flower symbolism. Different colors and different flowers represent different ideas, so it’s important to have some grasp on this if you want to send the right message.
These are some of the most common colors of flowers to send:
· Red. Red flowers are among some of the most common, since red is a symbol of passionate love, desire, and strength. Because red represents heat, beauty, and courage, it can come to symbolize many romantic ideas.
· Blue. Blue is a calming color, so blue flowers often function as a response to worries and anxieties. The color itself represents peace and serenity, making blue flowers great for accompanying a calming message.
· Pink. Pink flowers generally represent happiness, grace, and openness. They can also represent youth, innocence, or bliss.
· Purple. Purple has historically functioned as a color of royalty, so purple flowers now represent pride, dignity, and victory. Purple flowers are usually mixed with other colors to create a highly contrasting arrangement.
Individual species and colors of flowers also carry symbolic power of their own. It’s important to know the meaning of the flowers you’re sending, so you don’t end up sending the wrong message by mistake. For example, sunflowers are a sign of adoration, while in sharp contrast, orange lilies are a sign of hatred.
Talk to the Florist
If you’re new to the world of buying flowers, or if you’re concerned about getting the symbolism wrong, one of your best strategies is simply talking to the florist. Most florists have a deep understanding of the flowers they sell and how to give appropriate floral gifts, so they’ll be happy to give you a recommendation after hearing about your relationship and the person you’re buying for. Ask lots of questions, and feel free to make your own decisions, but if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, don’t feel guilty leaning on the recommendations of your florist.
Buy Early
If you’re sending flowers for a major holiday, like Valentine’s Day, make sure to place your order as early as possible. Flower delivery companies often get overwhelmed in the days leading up to a major holiday, so if you want to guarantee fulfillment and delivery, it’s best to work proactively.
Choose the Right Accessories
In some situations, it pays to add extra accessories to your order. Having the flowers delivered in a vase or with a box of chocolates could make your gift even more impactful. If you’re preparing the flowers yourself, add some extra ornamentation (like a bow) to make those flowers pop.
Send a Thoughtful Message
Finally, it’s important to send a thoughtful message with the flowers. Depending on where you buy them, they may come with a card or a note where you can write a personal message. Declare your love, express your inner thoughts and feelings, and show off how much you adore this person. It’s going to make your gift far more personal and far more meaningful.
Buying flowers isn’t exactly complicated, but there are many variables you’ll need to consider before purchasing them. With a bit of extra thought and effort, you can make a much better impression on the person you love.
