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Do you send flowers to people for special occasions? For birthdays, holidays, or to express your heartfelt sympathy? Whether you're used to sending flowers or you're about to send flowers for the first time, you might be curious to know about flower etiquette.
Although in some situations flower etiquette doesn't matter, sometimes it does, so here's what you need to know.
1. Send fresh flowers for important occasions
Sometimes fake flowers are a good option for certain situations, like when someone is allergic to pollen or certain flowers and they want to have those flowers around.
However, important occasions deserve real flowers. Even when someone is allergic to certain flowers, there's always a way to get them a delivery of live plants. Many flower delivery services offer options for greenery without flowers, or flowers that aren't typically allergens.
The best part is that you don't need to order too far in advance. For instance, you can get fresh flowers delivered in Detroit with same-day delivery. Your recipient will get your beautiful bouquet of flowers within hours. So, keep those fake flowers for other occasions and always send live flowers when it matters.
2. Avoid lilies and lilacs for recipients with cats
Both lilacs and lilies should be avoided if your recipient has cats. While true lilacs aren't poisonous to cats, sometimes they can cause an upset stomach. However, there are imposter lilacs that are toxic to both humans and cats. For instance, the "Persian lilac" isn't actually a lilac, but is toxic to cats. It's more commonly known as "Chinaberry."
On the other hand, lilies are so toxic to cats that they can die within just a few days of eating one. Every part of the plant is toxic, including the stem, petals, pollen, and even the water from the vase. When a cat eats a lily, kidney failure sets in rapidly, and unless treatment is sought immediately (within 24 hours), the outcome is most likely fatal. This applies to all true lilies, including Tiger, Easter, Stargazer, and Oriental lilies.
If you don't know whether your recipient has cats, ask them. Or, err on the side of caution and eliminate lilies from your bouquet gift. Only send lilies to people you know don't have a cat at home.
Also, be careful about sending people lilies at work if they own a cat. Their cat won't be with them at work, but they might take their flowers home at the end of the work day.
3. Always send flowers the person enjoys
While there are some "rules" for sending flowers, a person's individual preferences should always override that. For example, if you're thinking about sending flowers to someone grieving the loss of a loved one, there is etiquette for sending sympathy flowers.
Both sympathy and funeral flower arrangements are typically formal, but it's always ideal to send flowers that will make that person feel good. If you know they have a favorite flower, send a bouquet filled with that type of flower even if it's not formal.
4. Send flowers when your recipient is home
When possible, send your flower deliveries when the recipient is expected to be home, or at least will be home shortly around the time of delivery. While delivery drivers used to leave flowers directly on someone's doorstep in a vase, many flower delivery services pack their arrangements in a box to keep them protected at the time of delivery.
Why boxes? People are often not home when flowers are delivered, so flower companies came up with a way to keep flowers in good shape until the recipient gets home. You wouldn't want your flower arrangement to sit on someone's porch and wilt in the hot sun or get rained on, so a box provides ample protection. However, when in the box, flowers aren't getting sunlight, water, or food, so you'll want to minimize the time flowers spend in their box.
5. Be aware of superstitions and traditions
You can't ignore superstitions and traditions when sending flowers. If your recipient is strongly affiliated with a certain culture, check to see what that culture believes about flowers before sending your gift.
For example, some people believe that poppies should only be given in bunches with 13 stems. Any more or less will bring the recipient bad luck. Also, performers - including musicians and athletes - consider it bad luck to receive flowers before their performance or game. Flowers should only be given after the performance or game is over.
Last but not least, include a note with your flower deliveries
No matter what type of flowers you send, include a little note and your recipients will feel appreciated on top of being grateful for their beautiful surprise.
