Interflora Articles

Flower Etiquette

Sending and receiving flowers is not as simple of an exchange as you may think. In fact, there is etiquette for all situations in which flowers are involved.

Romantic Situations

Giving Flowers

Flowers are the most perfect and most simple way to express sentiment during a romantic situation. The only thing that you need to consider is what the receiver will appreciate the most. What is their favourite flower, or favourite colour?

For added points with your date, consider bringing flowers for other females in the house such as your date's mother, sister, roommate, or daughter. The second bouquet need not be as fancy, but the simple gesture will be much appreciated.

Receiving Flowers

If you are recipient of flowers on a romantic occasion, you should place the flowers into a vase with water and not worry too much about arranging or clipping them until the next day. If you and the giver are to be leaving right away, consider bringing one of the smaller blooms with you - as a token of how much you appreciated the gesture.

Flowers to the Host

Giving Flowers

Bringing flowers with you to a dinner party or on a visit is a nice way to thank your host for their efforts. Remember though, this gesture is meant to show your thanks, not create more work. You can make your bouquet all the more welcome by selecting one that is already enclosed in its own vase, or, you may elect to send the flowers the next day as a thank you.

Receiving Flowers

It is common for guests to bring flowers, particularly when it is their first time in your home. You can make things easier on yourself by understanding what you should do, and what you need not do, when receiving flowers as a host gift.

You need only keep a vase on hand for such occasions and thank the person warmly for their gesture. Place the flowers in the vase with water and don't worry about snipping the ends or perfecting the arrangement until you have the time to do so properly, your guest understands that you are otherwise occupied with their arrival. If you already have a flower arrangement for the dinner table, then place their bouquet in another location of prominence, such as at the home's entrance, and ensure that the card (if there was one) is with it.

Funerals

The beauty of flowers can be an uplifting thing during a time of sorrow, and there are many ways that you can use flowers to do something for the grieving family.

Flowers to the Deceased's Home

If you choose to send flowers to the deceased's home, you should ensure that every effort is made to disrupt the grieving family as little as possible. For example, use a service that you know and trust, so that a signature will not be required on delivery. Better yet, send your flowers with someone who will be visiting the family in person.

Flowers to the Funeral

Many funeral locations will not receive outside flowers. If you would like to send yours to the funeral location directly, call first (call the location, not the family) and ask about their policy. If flowers are permitted, you can also take the time to ask what the family has planned in terms of flower arrangements to ensure that yours compliment the theme.

Flowers to an Individual

Flowers do not have to be sent to the deceased person's home or the funeral site. Remember that the flowers are meant to be a source of comfort for those who are grieving. If you know a family member particularly well, consider sending flowers to them directly - particularly if they are a child or sibling of the deceased.

When Not to Send Flowers

Many families will now include an "in lieu of flowers" request, where they will direct people to the deceased favourite charity or a foundation that touched their lives. This is not an overt request for a donation, but rather a suggestion that if you were intending on sending flowers, you could consider donating the money rather than spending it on blooms. Whether you choose to donate or not, the families "in lieu of flowers" request should be honoured by not sending bouquets.

It is also becoming very common for families to plan funerals with almost as much thought to detail as they do for weddings - and this includes flower arrangements. This is another situation in which families will ask that guests do not send flowers, and their wishes should be respected.

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