Gifting Flowers – What You Should Know before Stepping into a Florist’s
Giving flowers is easily among the best ways of showing how important the recipient is to you. The custom of giving flowers has been in existence for a very long time, and naturally, a number of traditions and practices have also evolved. When you are aware of the why, when, and what of giving flowers, you can be sure that you will bring a lot of happiness into someone’s life and that the sentiment you had wanted to communicate is received without confusion. Some useful tips on the art of flower gifting:
Top Reasons for Gifting Flowers
Flowers are easy to choose and even easier to give and bring a smile of delight to the recipient. Some of the top occasions that call for a floral gift are birthdays and wedding anniversaries. While you can always buy a flashy and more expensive gift, sending flowers to someone on her birthday or a wedding anniversary of a couple that you know well is an excellent way of showing how much you care for them. When you send lilies, for example, you make a simple, expressive, and elegant statement of your fondness and respect for the recipient as well as your own sensibilities. Even if you have chosen a gift for a birthday or a wedding, it will go far better if you include a lovely bunch of flowers to go with it.
Other occasions that are just perfect for giving flowers are housewarming functions, workplace achievements, and promotions, as well as to wish the best for a fast recovery after an illness. Giving flowers is also a lovely way of saying that you are sorry for something. The wonderful thing about flowers is that they can be used for happy occasions as well as those that are more somber such as funerals. Of course, nobody can forget the role of flowers on Valentine’s Day, the ultimate celebration of love when red roses rule.
Flower Gifting Customs
While sending flowers is a beautiful way of expressing your feelings, there are various conventions and customs that have to be kept in mind to avoid hurting the sentiments of the recipient and all-around awkwardness and embarrassment. Remember red roses are meant for lovers so do avoid them if the intention is otherwise; use yellow roses instead that stand for friendship. In some cultures red roses are never gifted as they are reserved for funerals. In western cultures white flowers are commonly used at funerals, while in some Asian cultures, they symbolize purity and innocence and are used at weddings. Even the number of flowers has a hidden meaning; in America, a dozen is a norm but in Europe, an even number is not considered auspicious. In many Asian countries, four flowers are never gifted.
Conclusion
While gifting flowers is a very pleasant way of communicating your sentiments, you should be extra careful if the recipient is from an alien culture. To make the best impact it is always better to consult a florist who will make an appropriate recommendation based on the occasion, season, and cultural sensitivities.