Flowers have been sent as gifts for a long time and cover many occasions from congratulations to condolences, appreciation and love to get well soon wishes there is a bloom that fits the bill. With flower delivery services now easily available you can send greetings and messages anywhere across the globe. However, with all the choice about, it can be a little daunting selecting exactly the right flowers to send.
Since Victorian times in particular, meanings have been assigned to plants. Flowers were given as messages in times of strict chaperoning and rules around courtship and romance. Straightforward messages such as ‘eternal love’ signified by primroses and ‘faithfulness’ by blue violets were common, but with different coloured roses and varieties of tulips things got a little more complicated; yellow roses may mean friendship but could also indicate extreme betrayal. Some blooms represent death, despair or sorrow and others may signify evil intent towards the recipient. Few people know or care about these meanings nowadays but it is nice to check before you send to ensure your flower delivery does not have a double meaning
If you are looking for a specific flower or a rarer bloom then an internet search is probably the quickest place to find it, even if you want to see the plants in person before your flower delivery it is a lot quicker to contact local outlets in advance. Florist shops usually have a good range and will create an arrangement for you as well as having plenty of ideas. If you are feeling creative, you can get individual blooms from a market and build your own bouquet to add that personal touch. Don’t be tempted to pick wildflowers however pretty they are, in most cases this is illegal, as is borrowing flowers from your neighbour without permission, although if you ask first you could end up with a beautiful, cheap and unique arrangement that is very good environmentally.
Some flowers have negative connections for some people; many love lilies but others associate them with death or funerals. Try and find out if the intended recipient of your flower delivery has any strong likes or dislikes before you choose. A good mix of complimentary colours always goes down well; think sunny yellows or pinks for a cheery bouquet, or more sedate dark blues and purples for condolences or sympathy. In an ideal case you should choose your own blooms and try and include a bud or two that will open later to extend the life of the bouquet.
Flowers can be matched to a month and even a single day which is perfect for birthdays or anniversaries and a good alternative to red roses which can be a bit clichd, although still loved by many. Add balloons or chocolates to your bouquet for a little bit extra on Mothering Sunday, or maybe champagne or a bottle of wine for a celebratory arrangement. Flowers for funerals traditionally come as wreaths, but a sedate bouquet in muted colours can also be appropriate.
Once you have chosen your flowers the work is not over, do you go for a bouquet tied with ribbons or maybe in a vase which is a popular choice these days and can add longevity to your gift. Arrangements for churches and table centre pieces are often held in a foam base, but this is not very common for flower delivery any more. A potted plant with flowers is a nice alternative for someone who can keep plants alive, but can put unwanted pressure on those who have trouble!
There is a wide range of prices for flowers and getting flowers delivered, the cheapest method is to visit markets locally but you will usually have to make up any arrangement yourself. There are some good online deals to be had, but be sure to check the quality of the plants where possible as they may not always match the pictures. The flowers themselves may also be grown a long way away so beware of this if you are environmentally conscious. On special occasions such as Valentine’s Day and Mothering Sunday flower delivery can rocket in price, try and order well in advance for these times where possible.
Flowers don’t have to be a gift for someone else, or given only on special occasions or to apologise. Surprise someone or treat yourself to a lovely bouquet, the scent and sight is bound to make you or your loved ones just a little bit happier and put a smile on your faces.
Want to find out more about flowers online, try interflora.ie
