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When are supermarket flowers ok to give?

In Praise of Supermarket Flowers

When is it ok to bring or give supermarket flowers? Is it ever ok to show up with supermarket flowers? Is it ever not ok? We actually love supermarket flowers – they’ve got our back when we’re in a pinch, and they’re often the unsung heroes of our last-minute gifting endeavors. Who hasn’t dashed into the grocery store on their way to a dinner party or a birthday celebration, seeking a bouquet that says “I care” without breaking the bank? Let’s explore the charm of supermarket flowers and why they deserve a little more love.

The Unexpected Delights of Supermarket Flowers

Hidden Gems: Let’s be honest – supermarkets can surprise us with their floral offerings. Amid the rows of pre-packaged bouquets, you might even discover a stunning arrangement with unique blooms that rival any florist’s creation. These hidden gems can be a delightful find, brightening someone’s day without emptying your wallet.

The Joy of Customization: For the more artistically inclined, supermarket flowers present a fantastic opportunity to unleash your inner florist. Pick up a few different bouquets and mix and match them to create a personalized arrangement that reflects your recipient’s taste and personality. You might even discover your hidden talent for floral design!

The Ultimate Icebreaker: Bringing supermarket flowers to a gathering can break the ice, and shows your host that you are thinking of them and appreciative of the invitation.

The ‘Last Minute’ Oopsie: Sometimes an occasion almost demands flowers, and in such cases when you’ve forgotten only to remember at the last minute (such as flowers for Valentine’s Day), supermarket flowers can save the day!

The ‘Good Enough’ Factor: Let’s face it – sometimes all we need is a gift that says “I thought of you,” without the pressure of finding the perfect item. Supermarket flowers fit the bill perfectly. They’re a step above showing up empty-handed and can be the perfect way to express your sentiments without the fear of overdoing it.

The Supermarket Flower Challenge

Want to add a touch of excitement to your supermarket flower shopping? Consider making a game of it! Here’s how:

 

Before heading to the supermarket, set a budget for your bouquet. This adds an element of challenge, as you’ll need to find the best flowers within your price range.

Next, give yourself a time limit to find the perfect bouquet. This will add a sense of urgency and excitement to the experience.

Presentation matters! Once you’ve selected your flowers, get creative with the presentation. Use ribbon, tissue paper, or any other decorative elements you have on hand to elevate the appearance of your supermarket bouquet. Or, if you want to get supermarket flower arranging tips from an expert, you just know that Martha Stewart has supermarket flower arrangement tips!

Once your creation is done take a picture of it for posterity, along with a picture of it once it has been gifted and placed on display!

Supermarket flowers may not always be the first choice for a gift, but they certainly have their charms and a convenience rating of “wow!” From hidden gems to the joy of customization, these budget-friendly bouquets can save the day on more than one occasion. So next time you find yourself in need of a last-minute gift, don’t underestimate the power of supermarket flowers. Embrace their casual, fun nature and see how they can brighten someone’s day in ways you never thought possible.

And while you’re at it, treat yourself to a nice bouquet to brighten up your own home!

Reasons to Give Flowers When You’re Dating

Since dating can mean a variety of things to a variety of people, we’re going to give you a few scenarios that hopefully you will be able to use as guidance if you’re considering giving flowers to someone.

If you’ve moved past dating and are into a life-long love relationship, we have some flower recommendations for you too, in our “Celebrate a Summer Anniversary with Sunny Cosmos” article and our “Tulips are the Perfect Flowers for Any Anniversary” article.

The First Date

Showing up with flowers on a first date is a generous move and a gesture that expresses your willingness to bring happiness to another person.

For specific ideas on first date flowers, read our article on flowers to give when you are dating.

Third Date

Around the third date, you might want to bring a little bunch of flowers to show you’ve been thinking about the person you’re spending time with.

To Say I’m Sorry

If you’ve messed up, in a small or big way, you might want to give flowers to show your apologies in tangible form.

Just Because

How awesome would it be to receive beautiful flowers just because? Pretty great, right? The person you’re dating probably thinks so too, so consider surprising him or her with a single wild bloom you’ve picked or a pretty bouquet.

Birthday

A birthday is a great occasion to give flowers when you’re dating. Opt for a celebratory bouquet filled with flowers that are joyful and beautiful, just like the gift’s recipient.

Anniversary

You can give flowers for an anniversary whether you’ve been dating for a month or a year. Consider choosing anniversary flowers that your other half has expressed love for.

There are many other times that giving flowers while dating would be appropriate, and special. Follow your instincts, and heart, and we know that any gift of flowers you give will be treasured.

The Most Popular Occasions to Give Flowers

There are many occasions that make people want to give flowers, such as birthdays, graduations, holidays, and successful artistic or job performances. We love that men and women, young and old, enjoy the beauty of flowers so much that they want to share them with those who are special to them.

Flowers make perfect gifts to express the feelings of the heart because they’re beautiful, just like the thoughts that go with them.

If you’ve ever wondered why most people give flowers, you’re going to find out. We’ve put together a list of the most popular occasions to give flowers in case you’re looking for a reason to brighten someone’s day with a lovely bloom (or two or three).

Saying “Thank You”

We can think of more than a handful of reasons one might want to say “thank you” to another, including “thanks” for babysitting, a ride home, lunch, or a job recommendation. Some nice flowers to give if you want to say “thank you” include roses, chrysanthemums, irises, and sweet peas.

A Wedding Anniversary

Giving flowers for a wedding anniversary is a tradition that many married people take part in. It can be all kinds of fun to see your spouse’s beautiful face light up when receiving beautiful flowers. Offering flowers for a wedding anniversary, as a symbol of your ongoing love, is a sweet and caring gesture that shows you want to continue to give from your heart to a marriage that’s so important to you.

Sending Sympathy

It can be difficult to see someone in pain, so many people like to do what they can to cheer up another by sending flowers for sympathy. The hope is that the recipient might focus on the beauty of the flowers for just a bit and find joy in their heart, for at least a moment, even if they’re dealing with something horrible. You could send sympathy flowers to someone who has lost a loved one or a beloved pet, or who is grieving for another reason.

Other popular occasions that call for sending flowers include a baby’s arrival, a date, and Mother’s Day. Do you regularly send flowers for any other events or special times in life? We’d love to hear about your experiences and what types of flowers you send.

yellow tulips

Flowers to Send After a Breakup

Unlike the song says, we don’t believe breaking up is always hard to do. It can be difficult, for sure. But, it can be a relief and a blessing.

Something that does ring true for us, though, is that breakups are often best done with closure. And, sending flowers after a breakup could offer just the finality you need to strengthen your heart.

Sometimes, letting go by sending flowers may be the selfless act that actually heals a relationship.

Whether you find yourself wanting to say farewell in a respectful way, offer your generosity to mend a broken bond, or even celebrate your newfound singleness, there are flowers that are just right for the situation.

Here are a few good choices…

If you’re trying to be an upstanding person, even when you know a relationship is over for good, you can send these flowers:

  • Purple Carnation – These flowers say “I’ll never forget you.”
  • Striped Carnation – Send striped carnations to say “Sorry, I can’t be with you.”
  • Cattail – To wish your ex partner peace and prosperity, send cattail.

If you know that selfish acts on your part have contributed to your breakup, you might want to send the following flowers to show you’ve changed:

  • Roses – Roses are flowers that say “I Love You” in a way that’s hard to ignore.
  • Gladiolus – These flowers offer thoughts of “I’m Really Sincere.”
  • Hyacinth – To say “I’m sorry, please forgive me,” send hyacinth.

Maybe you feel the need to send flowers to yourself so you can cheer up or move on with courage. Perhaps you’re just darn happy with yourself for doing the right thing for your heart. Choose these flowers.

  • Agrimony – Agrimony helps you put on a happy and bright face to move away from heartbreak.
  • Sunflowers – It’s hard to get much more cheerful than a sunflower. Treat yourself to a few.
  • Chestnut Bud – These flowers assist in learning lessons and making better choices.

For any of these circumstances, you can always send a yellow tulip. They speak of the importance of a smile.

Goldenrod for Good Fortune and a Bit of Encouragement

Into each person’s life, a little rain must fall. Sometimes it comes in sprinkles of annoyance like car trouble, tax problems or dental surgery. Other times in waves of misfortune like health problems, lost love and missed opportunity. While words of advice are tempting, they are often ill-timed no matter how meaningful, but any encouragement is certainly welcomed and necessary when someone you love is standing under a cloud. Flowers are just the right thing to say in this situation, and few are as perfectly-worded as goldenrod. Also known by its Latin name, Solidago spp., this native American wildflower is both cheery and stately and will help a person to hold their head up when life has got them down.

Growing wild in the meadows and prairies of North America, the goldenrod has a certain devil-may-care look about it that sends a message of encouragement and makes one want to dust themselves off and move on. Hardy and long-lived, they have a surprisingly graceful look lent by the feathery flowers that top the tall stems of this plant. At their prime in mid summer through late fall, this flower can be found at a florist year round and are both economical (at a dollar or less a stem) as well as highly ornamental.

A perennial plant related to sunflowers, the bright yellow plumes of goldenrod form at the tops of tall, straight stems that can reach 1 to 3 feet. The leaves are quite small and dainty and cover stems that branch slightly towards the top. The rich, golden color that is sometimes used to describe other things like paper or paint has the unique quality of tempered sunshine and is bright without being garish. Small individual flowers line the feather-like tops to form the floral plumes and will last for at least two weeks in a vase or centerpiece arrangement. A handful of goldenrod stems alone in a tall, glass vase are beautiful and elegant on their own, but also look amazing mixed with other flowers like dahlias or sunflowers.

Wrongly accused, this plant does not irritate allergies as sometimes believe, since its pollen is too small to do much harm. Through guilt by association, it happens to flower at the same time as many grasses and ragweed, which are the actual culprits.

In the Victorian language of flowers, goldenrod is said to carry the message of good fortune and encouragement. Its warm color and sturdiness are a great symbol of support and will hold up well over time- reminding friends that they will, too.

Restore Trust with White Chrysanthemums

In business, in love, and in life in general, being able to trust someone is the foundation of any relationship. Learning how to trust comes easily for some, but can be a challenge for many- particularly if they have been let down before. What can take years to build can be lost in a moment and the truly worthy recognize the need to restore this sense of trust before any true rebuilding of a damaged relationship can begin. If you’ve let someone in your life down, be it a client, a colleague or someone a little bit closer to your heart, you will have some work ahead of you to restore their trust in you. Begin the journey with a token gesture of white chrysanthemums.

In the language of flowers, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of “truth” and “trust.” In Victorian times, flowers were used as messages when words simply wouldn’t do and these days can help you to send a symbolic message when the words are hard to say. A somewhat humble flower, the chrysanthemum is the perfect choice when the flash and pompousness of other showy blooms seems inappropriate. The simple loveliness of this repentant flower is subtle but still quite stunning. There are over 40 different species of “mums” and you have several varieties of white ones to choose from.

The large and elegant Fuji mum (sometimes called a Spider mum) has very long, numerous petals that swoop upward towards the center and trail downward around the edges. The Fuji mum usually has one radiant bloom per stem that can reach lengths of 1 to 3 feet. The blooms themselves can reach 4 to 6 inches across and can last for more than a week in fresh water. A bunch of 6 to 8 stems will fill a large vase and look lovely with seeded eucalyptus as greens. The tall stems range in price from $1 to $2 each; a small price to pay towards restoring trust.

The smaller pompom and cushion mums have quite a bit of diversity. Some have yellow, daisy-like centers and others are flatter and fuller with no center. These varieties tend to have several smaller blooms on each stem and a soft, fresh green scent. Pair them with the willowy blooms of white alstroemeria and the silvery foliage of dusty miller for a smaller vase arrangement or centerpiece.

Few words are harder to say than “I’m sorry,” but those come more easily than the first tenuous steps towards mending a broken trust. Soften the path towards reconciliation with the simple blooms of the white chrysanthemum.

DIY Dish Gardens are a Delightful Office Gift

Shopping for coworkers is never easy, but promotions, retirements, new babies and get well soon’s happen a lot in a busy office. One of the joys of giving plants or flowers is that there is not an occasion when they won’t be received as a thoughtful and appreciated gift. Flowers dazzle and delight for the week or two they remain fresh, but why not pick up something for your colleague that the whole office can enjoy for many years to come with a few houseplants? Green, indoor plants not only add aesthetic value, they are also shown to reduce indoor air pollution by filtering toxins out of the ambient air during the process of photosynthesis. A mixture of several different kinds of houseplants together in a container is called a dish garden, and whether your office is bright and sunny or a little limited on windows, these do it yourself combination of houseplants are easy to put together and sure to please.

Low Light Environment
Many of the houseplants we enjoy come from tropical areas with fairly consistent, warm temperatures that grow in the understory of other larger trees. This makes them uniquely suited for inside our homes or offices with fairly consistent conditions as well. While all plants need some amount of light, there are several houseplants that tolerate lower levels than others. If your coworker works in a cubicle with little access to natural sunlight, there are several good choices that can be mixed together in a basket or container that will thrive in a low light environment.
PothosPothos– Sometimes called Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos, this shade tolerant, vining plant with heart-shaped leaves makes a great addition to a dish garden because of its trailing nature. Over time it will cascade down the side of the container or can be trained up a string to grow up a wall.
ArrowheadArrowhead– A popular houseplant with tall, upright leaf stems and arrowhead shaped leaves, many cultivars of this plant exist. Some have colorful stripes or colors along the margins of the leaves and look great next to pothos in a container. You can plant them together or simply put one small plastic pot of each in a basket and top with some sphagnum moss (available at a garden center or craft store) for decoration.

High Light Environment
If your colleague has scored an office with a window or simply lights up the room with their own personality, try out one of these amazing light-loving houseplants.
HoyaHoya– A fun, climbing vine, this plant loves a lot of light, but needs very little water or care in case your coworker has a perpetually full inbox. Give it a bright window and something to climb over like the handle of a decorative basket where you can add some colorful Croton plants or Dracenea. If you are lucky, you may get to see it blooming one day with large, pink clusters.
Jade PlantJade Plant– This succulent plant has round, fleshy leaves on stems that bend and turn over time to create a classic form. Placed in a sunny window, this plant will thrive with very little care and last them though retirement.

Azaleas for Helping to Heal After a Miscarriage

There are occasions in life when one is at a loss for words, worrying if anything they say may add to the hurt rather than the healing; these are the time to send flowers.

Azaleas, a symbol of womanhood, convey the message “take care of yourself” in the language of flowers and will speak for you in a time like this when you want to reach out in comfort but aren’t sure exactly what to say.

Unfortunately, losing a baby before it is born is a heartache that more than one in four women and their partners will experience in a lifetime. A small pot of azaleas will not only let them know you are thinking of them in this time of loss, but in warmer climates, can be planted outside in memorial.

Azaleas are small, flowering shrubs that are related to Rhododendrons and are often sold by florists and garden centers as potted houseplants. The flowers can be white, pink or red, with newer varieties in coral and orange becoming more common recently. When buying or ordering azaleas to be sent as a gift you can ask that they be potted in a pleasant basket or other pretty container with sphagnum moss and a bow.

With filtered sunlight and regular watering, these plants make excellent houseplants and will grow for years inside in a sunny room or by an East or North-facing window. They prefer acidic soils and can be helped along with a fertilizer with a low pH (often labeled as “for acid-loving plants”) or a bit of water run through old coffee grounds.

In Zones 8-10, these lovelies will grow outside in the landscape. Depending on which species it is, they will flower in the spring or the fall and may be deciduous or evergreen, so ask the florist to include a tag that gives information specific to the cultivar.

The azalea evolved on several different continents, with species native to Asia and the Americas. Featuring heavily in eastern art and poetry, the azalea is often associated with womanhood and the ability of women to forbear loss. The Korean poet, Kim Sowel, captures this poignantly in his poem, “Azaleas.”

Azaleas

When you turn away from seeing me,
and go,
gently, without a word, I shall send you away.

From Mount Yak in Yongbyon,
azaleas
I shall gather an armful and scatter then on your way.

Step after step away
on those flowers placed
before you, press deep, step light, and go

Geraniums are Best for Getting that Foot out of Your Mouth

All night long you tossed and turned over that asinine thing you said, but you’ll sleep easier with a pot of geraniums ready for the next time you see the person your big mouth has offended. According to the language of flowers, these friendly plants convey the message of both friendship and stupidity, reminding both the giver and the receiver that we aren’t always at our best, but that we’ll certainly try harder in the future.

Geraniums come in a wide variety of colors and species, but there are three main distinctions: zonal, ivy and regal geraniums. Zonal geraniums are hardy, sun-loving plants that your florist or garden center will sell in late spring and early summer. They can grow both inside and outside, though are very sensitive to cold, so be sure to tell the person you’ve offended to bring them inside in the fall.

The ivy geraniums have lovely, trailing stems and daintier flowers. They look amazing in a hanging basket and will spill down the side of containers for a very European look. The regal geraniums, sometimes called “Martha Washington” geraniums, have larger, fanciful blooms and lovely leaves. Save these for an occasion when you’ve really stepped in it.

All of the different geraniums have a distinctive scent, but not in the flowers themselves. The thick leaves of these plants give off a spicy, pleasant smell when rubbed. Some cultivars have been bred with a specific scent, such as rose or mint and are called scented geraniums. Citronella geranium, or “Mosquito Plant” is an example of this, but don’t give this one as an “I’m sorry” gift in case they tell you to bugger off.

Geraniums have been around a long time as popular bedding plants for a sunny garden container. One of their greatest attributes is that they also grow inside in a sunny window as a houseplant, frequently surprising you with bright red, coral or white blooms, regardless of the weather outside. This means you can keep a few on hand in pretty pots around the house if you find yourself needing to apologize frequently for putting your foot in your mouth. Perhaps they can also serve as a reminder to think before you speak:)

Geraniums are surprisingly easy to find and very easy to grow. Like friendship, they need a little maintenance from time to time, which includes removing the spent blooms to encourage new flowering. They do best when they are put in a place with direct sunlight and can be surprisingly drought tolerant and forgiving of poor treatment. Let’s hope your friend is the same!

Best Bouquets for Bearing Bad News

There’s never a good time to receive bad news, but a bouquet of Gerber daisies can certainly soften the blow. While colorful flowers can’t change the story, the message will be brighter when followed with a vase of these sunny blooms. When faced with sad tidings or disappointing diagnoses, it’s important to self-medicate with healthy options like flowers, and sometimes, a casserole just isn’t enough to let someone know your thoughts are with them.

Native to South Africa, these tender perennials have tall, green stems topped with large, bright petals that will remind a person to hold their head high. Warm yellows, flashing fuchsias and deep, heartfelt reds are the most common colors, but anything from white to electric orange are available from florists year-round, who keep these cheery flowers in stock for just such an occasion. Gerber daisies are a popular addition to bouquets since they come in so many sizes and colors and pair well with other timeless choices such as roses or lilies. Their ability to fit a variety of occasions have made them the fifth most popular cut flower in America and this has helped keep their prices very reasonable, with most florist charging only a buck or two a stem. One of the best ways to make an impact with this bloom is to buy 5-7 in different colors to put in a vase or tie with a bright ribbon. It’s hard to feel down with a fist full of daisies.

The flat-topped blooms are large, sometimes more than 4 inches across, but also come as “minis” for smaller arrangements. Like most members of the sunflower family, this daisy has a central “eye” that demonstrates the mathematical sequence of “fibonacci numbers” which represents the golden ratio in nature, reminding us that we are all part of something infinite. Their symmetry and size give them a tidy appearance, but their bright colors are straight out of Dr. Seuss.

With leaves that form a rosette at the base of the plant, these stems are usually cut “clean” with no leaves to hide their graceful, arching stem and look lovely in a vase on their own or paired with bright alstroemeria. While appearing fragile, these tough beauties can handle all the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and will remind a person that they can, too.

The Right Same Day Flowers

Needing same day flowers happens to all of us. We suddenly remember that it is a dear friend’s birthday, Father’s Day, or, God forbid, your anniversary! Fear not, a same day flower bouquet does not mean that you will have to pick through a sad collection of limp gas station flowers. There are many beautiful options for same day flowers through reputable flower companies, and often for a minimal extra fee as low as $1.99. Here are a few of our favorite flower bouquets that are available to be delivered the same day:

Last Minute Anniversary Flowers

Uh oh – you were just sipping your morning coffee when it hit you – it is your anniversary! Not to worry, you can have a gorgeous bouquet of long stem red roses delivered to your love in just a few hours! The beautiful roses arrive arranged with seeded eucalyptus in a classic glass vase. They are available in 12, 18 or 24 stems, and are also a perfect same day option for saying “I’m sorry” to the love in your life.

Same Day Birthday Arrangement

With as busy as life can get sometimes, it is not uncommon to suddenly realize that it is the birthday of someone special in your life. FTD offers one of the most creative solutions you will ever see to this conundrum, the flower cake. This whimsical arrangement comes seated on top of a white cake plate, and is made from white chrysanthemums, pale yellow carnations, green button poms and magenta mini carnations. With an arrangement as creative as this, it will look like you were planning it for ages.

FTD Wonderful Wishes Floral Cake - CAKE PLATE INCLUDED

Multi-purpose Flower Arrangements

While there are certain flowers that are best in some situations, such as red roses for anniversaries, there are a multitude of occasions in which one may find themselves in need of sending same day flowers. Whether you just realized that it is Administrative Assistant’s day, or a dear friend is sick and needs some cheering up, there are several mixed bouquets that are appropriate for just about any occasion. This vibrant bouquet is sure to be adored by anyone lucky enough to receive it. This bouquet is full of gorgeous flowers such as orange Asiatic Lilies, fuchsia carnations, red Peruvian Lilies and lavender chrysanthemums. They come arranged in a beautiful clear glass bubble bowl to show off the flowers in their entirety. For something even more cheerful, this dazzling bouquet offers a sunny mix of orange spray roses, yellow mini carnations and white traditional daisies. Perfect for a cheering up, a “get well soon,” or for that especially perky person in your life.

FTD Light of My Life Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Just because a special day almost slipped by you doesn’t mean you can’t make the best of it! A gorgeous same day bouquet delivery will be the perfect way to mark any special day in an expedient way.

All About Stargazer Lilies

Lilies are a beautiful and versatile, and a perfect flower to give for so many different occasions. Calla lilies, Lily of the Valley, and the Casa Blanca lily, are just a few examples of the dozens of lily varieties that make beautiful bouquet additions. The Stargazer lily is a beautiful lily that has become wildly popular as additions to floral arrangements, or even as the main attraction.

Created in 1978 by California lily breeder, Leslie Woodriff, the Stargazer lily is a relatively new kid on the block in terms of lily history. Stargazers were given their name because their blooms look up towards the sky. The Stargazer lily is known for its pink, red and white petals and a beautiful scent. The Stargazer lily is so new that it doesn’t have its own specific meaning, but it is typically used in a celebratory manner. Lilies in general are typically looked at as a symbol of love and purity, especially the white lilies, such as Calla lilies and Easter lilies.

With their vibrant and exotic looking petals, the Stargazer lily is an excellent option for celebrations such as graduations, engagements, new babies, housewarming gifts, and birthdays. A word of caution: lilies are toxic to cats, so be sure to keep lilies out of reach of feline friends. Here are a few of our favorite Stargazer lily arrangements:

If you are looking for a simple and elegant look, then a bouquet of all Stargazer lilies makes a stunning impact. They also look gorgeous with other flowers, such as roses, and are a great look for a significant other. For the bride who loves Stargazer lilies, or loves pink and red, they are a perfect flower for a wedding bouquet. Their broad blooms make for a full and lush arrangement that will beautifully complement the brides attire, without competing with it.

The FTD Simple Perfection Flower Bouquet

For a flower that is all at once beautiful, vibrant and elegant, you cannot go wrong with the Stargazer lily.

The Right Summer Flowers: Mokara and Dendrobium Orchids

The great thing about summer flowers is that, because they are in season, you can often snag them up for a bargain! One fantastic bargain to grab are orchids, specifically, mokara and dendrobium orchids. Unlike their planted counterparts, mokara and dendrobium orchids are spectacular for a perfect summertime bouquet.

Mokara orchids come in a stunning array of  shapes and colors, including pink, orange, purple, red, yellow and burgundy. Mokara orchids are hybrid orchids, and boast anywhere from 8-12 blooms on each stem. Dendrobium is a large genus of orchids that was established in 1799 and contains almost 1,200 species of flowers. The Dendrobium name comes from the Greek words for tree and life, and translates to “one who lives on trees.”

There are currently between 21,000 and 27,000 different accepted species of orchids, and so there are many different symbolic meanings of orchids as a whole. Generally, orchids are considered a symbol of love, beauty or royalty. In Ancient Greece, orchids were symbols of virility and fertility, and during the Victorian era in Europe, the orchid symbolized elegance and luxury. Pink orchids symbolize love and affection and are typically given on the 14th wedding anniversary.

Orchids are a perfect gift to give to a loved one in just about any situation – a birthday, anniversary, congratulations, or just because! Because summertime is when they bloom, it is a perfect time to snap up some of the best pricing available!

A bouquet of mokara orchids, such as this one, features a vibrant array of gold, orange and hot pink mokara orchids. This bouquet of in-season orchids is normally about $40 and is now only $30.

If you tend towards dendrobium orchids, a beautiful bouquet such as this one, which features jade green, white, and bi-colored purple and white blooms, is a gorgeous option. Like the mokara orchid arrangement, dendrobium orchid bouquets are running about $10 cheaper than their usual price.

And if you can’t decide between the mokara and dendrobium orchid, there are lovely bouquets that blend both, so that you can have the best of both worlds!

Orchids are a timeless and universal flower that are perfect for just about any person, and any situation. Summertime is the perfect time to snap these beauties up for a bargain!

Beautiful Flowers To Cheer Someone Up

When choosing beautiful flowers to cheer someone up, the natural inclination is to get yellow flowers, but actually, yellow is not necessarily the best color for cheering up someone who is down. In fact, studies show that people are more likely to lose their temper in a room that is painted yellow. Yellow can be a very bright color for the eye to process, causing people to become aggravated, so it is best to pair it with other colors, or omit it all together. Studies show that the best colors for cheering up that loved one are the colors orange, green or blue. Orange evokes enthusiasm, green is the most restful and blue has been shown to bring down blood pressure, and slow respiration and heart rate. Here are a few of our favorite color therapy bouquets to bring a little cheer to the life of someone who is stressed:

Orange

As we mentioned, orange evokes enthusiasm. Do you know someone who is a little down? This bouquet is brimming with orange and is the perfect pick-me-up for that special someone who is feeling a little depressed. This perfectly blended bouquet is a burst of Asiatic lilies, peach roses, and yellow solidago. While there is yellow in this bouquet, as we mentioned earlier, the fact that it is dispersed among so much orange makes it blend in beautifully with the orange theme. The bouquet comes arranged in a clear glass vase which is covered in a warm orange decorative wrap.

Green

If you have a friend who has been going through such a rough patch that they can’t remember the last time that they got a wink of sleep, then a green bouquet is the perfect option to inspire sleep. Green is considered a restful color, and so a green bouquet of beautiful flowers, such as this stunning bouquet of soft green gladiolus, is an excellent opportunity to say “get some rest.” These stems are tall and graceful, and would command a serene influence over the unrested recipient if set atop their bedside table.

Blue

If a loved one in your life is full of stress and tension, the calming color blue is a great way to help them relax. If they are having a tough time at the office, or at home, this serene hydrangea plant is a lovely way to remind them to take a breather when things are getting to be too troublesome. The bonus to this plant is that it comes planted in a pot made of natural green fibers, so it offers the calming effect of both blue and green. Because these are planted, they will last for a long time.

The gesture of sending flowers to someone who needs cheering up is a great way to send a loving message, but to go a step further and send calming colors will be even more appreciated by the recipient.

The Right Flowers for Everyone and Anyone

You may know the perfect flower for your child, your spouse and your best friend, but picking out flowers for someone you don’t know well can be tough. The right flowers for one person may not be the right flowers for everyone. What happens when you want to send a flower bouquet to someone you don’t know very well? Perhaps a congratulatory flower bouquet or a sympathy flower bouquet is needed for someone you know, but don’t know well enough to know their taste. Here are a few bouquet options that are universally appropriate:

Yellow Roses and Peruvian Lilies

This bouquet is the perfect universal bouquet for several reasons! For starters, the cheerful yellow color is appropriate for a man or a woman. Yellow roses signify friendship, but some may still feel uncomfortable sending a bouquet of strictly roses to someone who is just an acquaintance. Because this bouquet is cut with Peruvian lilies, it gives this bouquet a more casual feel and is appropriate for just about anyone.

FTD Roses - Citrus Burst Flower Bouquet - 14 Stems - Vase Included

The Peace and Prosperity Money Tree

No, not a tree covered with dollars, this is an actual plant called a “Money Tree”. Sending this money tree also sends wishes for good fortune and positive outcomes to the recipient. A plant is not only universal for men or women, it is also universal for anyone you know, no matter what the relationship. The message of good fortune and positive outcome is also a great message for anyone, in just about any situation. This tree comes having grown for 4 years and has a beautiful braided trunk, topped off with a red bow and a lucky Sacagawea Dollar coin.

A Bouquet of Orchids

This stunning bouquet features orchids, whose iconic shape is universal. Long stems of orchids are elegant and would be appreciated by anyone. The orange Mokara Orchids symbolize warmth, while the jade Dendrobium orchids symbolize peace and tranquility. The juxtaposition of the warm orange hues with the cool green hues is an excellent choice for anyone, and will have a sensational impact on anyone who receives them.

With a little creativity, you can find flowers for everyone and anyone, no matter male or female, coworker or other acquaintance. Any one of these bouquets will convey appropriate well wishes, regardless of event. Make someone’s day special!

Saying “I’m Sorry” with Roses

Saying “I’m Sorry” with beautiful flowers is sometimes necessary, and beyond that, you occasionally need to take it a step further with a beautiful bouquet of roses. When a simple mixed bouquet of beautiful flowers is not enough, you have to get out the “big guns” and really go for the luxurious bouquets. Here are some perfect apology rose bouquets:

Two Dozen Roses

If you need to express that you are really, really sorry, you can’t go wrong with two dozen roses. This stunning arrangement features 24 long-stemmed red roses, beautifully arranged in a 10-inch clear glass vase, wrapped with soft green foliage. These are available for delivery, although would also make a stunning impact if delivered personally.

Mini Rose Plant

If the person to whom you are apologizing particularly loves plants, this lovely Mini Rose Plant features 6.5-inch blooms, in a bold red. The plant arrives in a sleek black container, that is fashioned to look like a gift bag, with a black and gray rose-patterned organza accent. Having a potted plant will be a continuous reminder to the recipient of your apology and caring for them.

Pure Elegance Mini Rose Plant

Roses and Calla Lilies

If the recipient of your floral apology likes a mix of flowers, this elegant blend of red roses and white calla lilies is a great way to say “I’m sorry.” The soft white calla lilies provide a dramatic contrast against the bold red roses and dark green foliage. The roses say “I love you,” while the white calla lilies symbolizes pure intentions. A beautiful message bouquet, this bouquet is available in 13 stems, 17 stems and 21 stems.

Sometimes finding the right words to completely express your remorse can be difficult, let a big bouquet of beautiful flowers get the conversation going!

Vera Wang Mixed Flower Bouquets

Yesterday we brought you some of our favorite single flower-type and monochromatic arrangements and hand-held bouquets from acclaimed wedding dress designer, Vera Wang. Vera Wang teamed with FTD to develop a stunning collection of floral arrangements with the elegant touch for which Vera is famous. Today we are going to highlight a few of our favorite mixed flower and color bouquets in the Vera Wang FTD flower collection!

Pretty Pastels

The Sweet Effects bouquet is one of our favorites. In true Vera Wang-style, this arrangement exudes understated elegance. Featuring pink Asiatic Lilies, pink double lisianthus, yellow roses and solidago, the stunning etched-glass vase included in this arrangement is wide-mouthed, allowing the full blooms of this lush bouquet to be spotlighted even further. This is a low-rise bouquet, which makes it ideal for your desk, or as a stunning centerpiece.

The FTD Sweet Effects Flower Bouquet By Vera Wang - Vase Included

Mixed Flower Bouquet

While Vera Wang’s single flower-type bouquets epitomize her style of simple elegance, she still managed to achieve that with her mixed flower bouquets. Featuring two signature vase-arranged bouquets, the mixed flowers are stunning choices that include an assortment of high quality, extravagant flowers. The  Graceful Wishes arrangement is comprised of red roses nestled amongst pink Peruvian Lilies and spray roses. To top off this full and dazzling bouquet is an elegant glass champagne bucket. The whole presentation is simply breath-taking.

The second mixed flower arrangement is called the Dream’s Reflection bouquet and is an exquisite assortment of white roses, double lisianthus and white limonium. As with the other arrangements, this one is stunningly displayed in a gorgeous decorative glass vase.

Multi-colored Roses

The Vera Wang line features this opulent arrangement, Captivating Color. This vibrant bouquet is all roses, but an assortment of bright hues such as fuchsia, red, pale pink, light lavender and purple. A simple glass vessel vase envelopes the roses to show off the full extent of their beautiful stems, gathering the blooms into a lovely, fragrant bunch.

Whether you send any of these arrangements to a loved one, or use them for your next event, you will be delighted that you chose these unique flower bouquets.

Beautiful Flower Bouquets by Vera Wang

Vera Wang has proven that wedding dresses are not the only stunning pieces of work that she can create; her beautiful flower bouquets are equally breathtaking. Vera Wang is a New York-based fashion designer who is best known for her couture bridal creations. Her simple and elegant designs are favored by celebrities for their weddings including Jessica Simpson, Ivanka Trump, Chelsea Clinton and Alicia Keys. Vera Wang has teamed up with FTD to design a line of breath-taking flower arrangements. Here are a few of our favorite bouquets!

Bouquets Without a Vase

Vera has created three bouquets that come ready-to-carry and while they are not specifically being marketed as wedding bouquets, they are certainly wedding-ready and would be a dazzling addition to any wedding. The Delicate Dreams bouquet looks like someone gathered the most beautiful blooms from an english garden, and will delight the lucky recipient. Lavender roses, pink spray roses, Bells of Ireland, white Asiatic Lilies and green hypericum berries are hand-tied together to present a full, lush arrangement. The Hello Sunshine bouquet is a sunny and cheerful display of yellow tulips, yellow gerbera daisies, pale yellow roses, white double lisianthus, white novelty cushion and crespedia, hand-tied with a beautiful ribbon in several shades of muted green. The Absolute Elegance bouquet is just as the name implies with a collection of white roses, purple Peruvian Lilies and bi-colored white and purple mini calla lilies. This is a stunning arrangement that is perfect for anyone who is a lover of the color purple.

Vera Wang Absolute Elegance Fashion Flower Bouquet - 19 Stems

Single Simplicity Elegance

In true Vera Wang style, her line largely consists of bouquets featuring one flower type, and they are beautiful. Whether you prefer lavender roses, white orchids, white calla lilies, or light blue hydrangeas, you are sure to find something that you will love.

The Vera Wang FTD collection also features some gorgeous mixed-flower arrangements that come with vases; stay tuned for more on those in our next article!

The Right Luxury Roses for Your Occasion

Looking for luxury roses for your loved one? Roses are one of the most popular flowers that are given to the special someone in your life, and while many people aim to find the best price available for their expression of love, certain occasions in life call for nothing but the best. Whether you are proposing, expressing sincere apologies or simply want to tell that cherished loved one just how much you love them, expensive luxury roses can be worth the money! Here are a few of our favorite luxury rose bouquets:

Classic Red Bouquet


Red roses are the classic way to say “I love you” and you cannot go wrong with traditional arrangements such as this bouquet of 72 long-stemmed roses, or this bouquet of 100 long-stemmed roses. Long-stemmed roses, like the 24-inch stems in this feature bouquet, aid in showing off the extent of the brilliance of this extravagant amount of roses and is sure to excite the lucky recipient. If all red is not your first preference, there are plenty of other options, such as this bouquet of 72 long-stemmed roses in pink, purple and red.
Breathless Luxury Rose Flower Bouquet - 100 Stems Of 24-Inch Premium Long-Stemmed Roses - Vase Included

Tall Standing Roses

What these arrangements lack in quantity, they more than make up for in presentation! You can get tall standing roses ranging from 3 foot to 5 foot stems for a visual impact that is sure to stun and please your love. Most tall standing bouquets come with their own tall vases, such as this Ultimate Rose bouquet which comes complete with a black ceramic vase. If you want to save a little money, you can buy them without the vase, but that may put the recipeint in the awkward position of having to find a really tall vase!

Presentation is Everything

Give your love the gift of beautiful roses in a presentation that they will enjoy for years to come. Many florists offer roses in collectible crystal vases or other accessories that add an extra sense of luxury to the arrangement. For a jaw-dropping presentation, consider something along the lines of this stunning 18 long-stem bouquet, arranged in a fine Steuben crystal vase. If you have a special night planned, such as a proposal or birthday celebration, this stunning gift set features 18 long-stemmed pink and red roses, with two Baccarat crystal champagne flutes. This elegant touch is sure to leave a lasting impression in the mind of your loved one.

While we here at the Right Flowers aim to bring you beautiful, economical flowers that will give you maximum beauty for minimum dollars, we recognize that some occasions call for extravagant flowers. Any one of these arrangements will knock the socks off of the lucky recipient!

Apologizing With Flowers

Flowers can, like pictures, speak louder than words. And sometimes it is better to let the flowers do the talking. Apology flowers, or I’m sorry flowers, send a sincere message of regret and contrition, and beg forgiveness without you having to stammer through a speech, perhaps inadvertently putting your foot in your mouth and making the situation worse. Saying I’m sorry with flowers makes it easy.

If you would like to order some flowers to apologize to someone, you can order them for same day delivery from our favorite online florist, FlowersFast.

So what flowers should you give?

If it’s an apology to a romantic partner, you will rarely go wrong with a gorgeous bouquet of a dozen red roses, and a simple message of regret on the enclosed card. If you’ve really got a lot to apologize for, you might consider giving a peace lily, which sends a message of peace and love. These tropical potted plants do well in the dry and low light of many homes, and their elegant white flowers and slender green leaves brighten any location.

If you’re apologizing to someone you know well, perhaps a family member or an old friend, choose something that reflects their personality. Are they bright and cheerful (chrysanthemums), vibrant and energetic (camomile or anthemis), strong and powerful (dragon lily), big-hearted and full of fun (delphinium or pansies), always there for you (a blue hyacinth). The options are many.

If you are apologizing to a new friend or colleague, someone whom you do not know very well, then you could send a message of friendship through a gift of chrysanthemums, geraniums, yellow roses, perhaps filled out with some ivy, all of which symbolize friendship.

Of course, if you’ve really made a big mistake and have a lot to apologize for, you might also want to find an olive branch, and tenderly offer that to beg forgiveness. Just have some flowers with you as well – an olive branch alone may not be enough!

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