Gifting flowers is a heartfelt way of expressing one’s love, care, or concern. From hospital visits and funerals to anniversaries and birthdays, flowers are a versatile gift for just about any occasion. However, people often end up making some common errors when giving flowers, some of which may be embarrassing. Read on to learn more about some of them, along with simple ways to make floral arrangements a truly memorable gift!

Not considering the occasion
Flowers convey a lot of emotions. That is why it is essential to consider the occasion before picking out an arrangement. Generally, it is a good idea to opt for muted flowers (in colors of yellow, white, or blue) for funerals and memorials. Opt for brighter, more upbeat colors to denote joy and excitement for celebratory days such as birthdays, special occasions, dates, and anniversaries.

Failing to understand their symbolism
When gifting flowers, one must also be aware of their hidden language. Over the years, flowers have come to symbolize a lot of emotions. Here is a list of commonly gifted flowers and what each one of them represents:

• Heather – Good luck
• Lotus – Rebirth, self-regeneration, and purity
• Pink tulips – Well wishes, happiness, and love
• Yellow roses – Friendship and happiness
• Red roses – True love and desire
• Pink roses – Grace, happiness, and gentleness
• Dark Crimson Rose – Mourning
• Orange tulips – Understanding and appreciation
• White Lily – Sympathy, purity
• Pink Lily – Prosperity
• Orange Lily – Pride
• Yellow Lily – Gratitude
• Begonias – Gratitude, uniqueness, or even caution
• Hyacinth – Games, sport, and play
• Pink carnation – Memory, young love
• Daisy: Innocence
• Sunflower – Joy and happiness
• Hibiscus – Delicate beauty
• Lavender – Devotion and relaxation

Buying last minute
Tons of flower delivery services now offer last-minute ordering facilities. While this can be a saving grace when one is running short on time, constantly resorting to these services may not be the best idea. This is because there is a higher risk of mistakes when it comes to last-minute orders. It is always a good idea to start planning a couple of weeks ahead of time for celebratory gifts. Setting reminders or creating an event in the calendar app can help one stay on schedule for all their gift-giving escapades.

Ignoring packaging
Poor or substandard packaging can ruin even the prettiest bouquet. When choosing a floral arrangement, steer clear of plastic wraps. Not only do they look cheap, but they are also bad for the environment. Instead, opt for paper wraps like heavy wrapping paper, craft paper, or papyrus paper, depending on how delicate the stems are. For larger arrangements, skip the paper altogether and opt for a large vase.

Forgetting to add a card
This may not sound like a problem when giving a gift, but it could lead to some confusion. Always write a personalized card to the recipient. This clearly demonstrates one’s feelings and reduces the risk of any misunderstandings.

Scheduling the wrong delivery date
Remembering the correct dates can be a tricky affair. This mistake could cause a lot of embarrassment for the sender as well. Make sure to double-check the date before scheduling a delivery. Scheduling timers and reminders is a great way to stay organized and ensure delivery on the right date!

Not working with a budget
Just like any other gift, it is also important to work with a realistic budget for flowers. When making a floral arrangement, costs can add up quickly. Online orders may also include additional charges for delivery fees, vases, and other accessories. Pay attention to these details when setting a budget to avoid overspending on flowers.

Remember that flower gifting does not always have to be expensive. Learning how to arrange flowers can make them a fairly cost-effective gift. Just secure those blooms from the supermarket and get started. While setting up the bouquet, remember to choose the right flowers and trim off their stems before placing them in the vase. Add in some filler flowers to make the bouquet pop. Just ensure you do not crowd the vase too tight, as this could suffocate the flowers, causing them to spoil quickly.

Skipping accessories
Complimentary gifts and accessories can be a great value-add to a flower delivery. For instance, adding a vase and a fresh floral arrangement can make the delivery feel much more special. Similarly, adding a cake or some chocolates to celebrate someone’s special day is also a great idea.

Opting for generic arrangements
Generic arrangements can appear boring at times. Add a little personal touch to these bouquets by finding out what the receiver truly likes. If possible, try to find out if they have any allergies or preferences and incorporate those details into the gift. This personal touch can go a long way in showcasing one’s love and affection.

Giving the same flowers more than once
Gifting the same flowers time and time again can be uninspiring. It may also not elicit the response one is looking for. Red roses, especially, seem to have fallen out of favor and can appear rather washed out. Instead, add in the element of surprise. Speak to the florist to discover how the arrangement can be made unique and captivating. Look for new colors or flowers to add to spark interest.