Guide to Sending Flowers to a Loved One

These five tips for sending flowers to a loved one can be a lifesaver when you’re racking your brain for an idea on what to send to that special someone.

Flowers aren’t just for special occasions. Sure, it’s a wonderful way to say “Happy Birthday,” “Happy Anniversary” or “Thank you” to someone. But everyone loves to receive a flower arrangement, gift basket or decorative plant. 

Sending flowers to someone can cheer them up, let them know you care, and tell them they’re loved. If you’re new to sending flowers, we’ve got you covered here with some tips for wowing your loved one, plus a quick step-by-step guide to the art of giving flowers.

5 Tips for Sending Flowers to a Loved One


man giving tulips to seated man - tips for sending flowers to loved ones

Surprise Them!

Be spontaneous. A surprise gift of flowers delivered to the home often means more than a bouquet sent on a holiday. Surprise gifts are cherished by many, and are a great way to add happiness to someone’s day.

Send Unique Flowers or Arrangements

Instead of sending a traditional bouquet or arrangement, send something unique. If the recipient loves daisies, send them, even if everyone says, “Daisies are so common!”

Go for unique colors, styles and arrangements. If you’re not sure about what to send, ask your florist for assistance. Most florists are happy to help their customers create something special.

Let the Flowers Do the Talking

If you’re shy and not sure how to tell someone your feelings, let the flowers do the talking. Flowers can have deep symbolic meanings. Red roses, for example, mean love; pink or yellow can mean friendship and peace. Ask your florist for help choosing flowers that speak the words your heart wants to say but you’re too shy to express.

Include a Note

In addition to letting the flowers do the talking, do include a note. It can be short and sweet, but a note adds personality and flair to your gift.

Share Your Budget

Be honest with your florist about your budget. Florists are great at helping customers find flowers for bouquets, arrangements and gifts that fit within a specific budget. They can make suggestions on how to create a beautiful arrangement within your budget.

Ready to Send Flowers?


If you’re ready to send flowers, then it’s time to find a great florist. The first place to start is with your local florists. You can visit them in person and speak with a florist directly.

One great advantage to working with a local florist is that you can get to know each other. You can tell them what your loved one likes and doesn’t like, and that puts them in a better spot to craft a bouquet or arrangement that’s customized and feels more personal.

And when you shop local, you’ll be able to ask where your flowers come from. There’s a better chance your blooms will come from a local grower, which means you’re supporting local farmers, too, and contributing to sustainable farming methods.

That said, the other option is to call or visit the website of one of the many floral delivery companies. Some offer websites full of beautiful arrangements; you simply choose the arrangement and the vase or container to accompany it. Many offer coupons, discounts and special offers that make it more affordable than ever to send flowers.

If you’ve never sent flowers before, this simple step-by-step guide will help you easily navigate the process of sending flowers.

How to Send Flowers


top view of colourful bouquet on wood surface - five tips for sending flowers to loved ones

Consider the Occasion

Do you need flowers for a birthday? To celebrate the arrival of a child or a new job? Or to express your condolences? Flowers have a language all their own, with certain types of arrangements traditionally given for specific occasions, such as funeral sprays or wreaths.

Think about the occasion and what would be appropriate. If you’re not sure, you can ask your florist for recommendations.

Know the Recipient

If you’re sending flowers or an arrangement for a holiday, consider where the recipient will place the arrangement. A low arrangement may be best for a dining table so that guests can see one another; a taller spray may be a focal point for a special occasion.

Consider the recipient’s favorite colors and flowers, if you know them. Also consider any potential allergies; people with ragweed allergies should avoid mums, for example, and some people cannot tolerate the strong scent of lilies. Make notes so that you have your list handy when you speak to the florist.

Determine a Budget

Have a budget in mind before you begin the ordering process. This makes it easier to narrow down your choices. Keep in mind that shipping, handling and sales tax will be added to the order. Same-day delivery may increase the cost of the shipping, too.

Find a Florist

You can order flowers online, by telephone or in person. Ordering in person at your local florist offers several advantages. You can look at samples in the store, or view sample photos in books at the florist shop. You can also customize any arrangements by choosing flowers available at the florist.

National florist groups such as FTD and Teleflora offer online and telephone ordering with delivery to any city within their ordering system.

Most receive the order by phone or online and it’s fulfilled and delivered by a florist shop in the recipient’s area, thus ensuring that the flowers are fresh upon arrival. This makes it easy for someone in Boston to order flowers for someone in Miami.

Provide Information and Place the Order

Make sure you have the recipient’s full name, address, and a telephone number before placing your order. The florist will need this information to deliver.  Have your payment information such as your credit card, debit card or PayPal  information handy so that you can pay for your purchase.

Sending Flowers Checklist


Have the following information handy when you contact your florist to send flowers:

  • The full name and address of where they are to be delivered. Make sure you have the correct address; your florist shouldn’t have to guess!
  • The message for the note you wish to send with the flowers.
  • The day and approximate time (morning, afternoon, evening) you wish the flowers delivered.
  • Whether you want gift wrapping, a special bow or other packaging to accompany your flowers.
  • Your credit card information to pay for your purchase.

Sending flowers is a great way to show that you care about someone. Flowers aren’t just for special occasions. Take time today to send flowers and share the happiness.

Feature image, Image 1: Depositphotos; Image 2: Niklas Ohlrogge

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Jeanne Grunert is a certified Virginia Master Gardener who has worked in the garden center industry as well as a freelance writer who has written for various sites, such as LoveToKnow Garden and MainLine Gardening, about plants and gardening techniques.