ARTICLES

The Modern Guide to Gifting Flowers for Every Occasion

Navigate contemporary flower etiquette with expert tips on selecting perfect blooms for life's moments.

By: THURSD | 26-05-2025 | 5 min read
Flowers
Gifting Flowers

Flowers make for the perfect gift for any occasion. With the wide variety of blooms available in the UK, you can find the ideal bouquet to suit any event or milestone. This modern guide will provide tips on gifting flowers for common occasions and how to select the right floral arrangements.

 

yellow gifting flower box
Picture by @edwardallenflowers

 

Anniversaries and Romantic Occasions

Anniversaries, Valentine's Day, and other romantic occasions call for red roses or other flowers symbolising love. A classic dozen red roses or mix in pink roses and white lilies are perfect for an elegant arrangement. For major anniversaries, upgrade to two dozen roses or add extras like a box of chocolates.

If your partner prefers wildflowers or sunflowers over traditional red roses, create a colourful mixed bouquet in their favourite blooms. Iris, peonies, tulips, and gerbera daisies also make romantic floral gifts. For wedding anniversaries, stick to gifts associated with traditional materials for each year, like paper for 1 year and diamonds for 60 years. Don't be afraid to customise your floral gift to suit your partner's unique personality and style.

Birthdays

Birthday flower gifts should reflect the recipient's personality and interests. Bright, cheerful blooms like sunflowers, daisies, carnations, or gerbera daisies make great birthday bouquets. For a loved one who prefers garden flowers, create a bouquet from English classics like roses, peonies, and sweet peas.

If you know their favourite colours, include those hues in your bouquet. Or opt for the classic birthday arrangement of lilies and roses in a rainbow of colours. Milestone birthdays deserve extra special arrangements - order a bouquet in a vase or gift a planting kit so they can grow their own garden. Make their day extra special by including a thoughtful handwritten card with their flower gift.

 

Flower decor for the couple
Picture by @bloomery_broadway

 

New Baby

Welcome a new baby with a sweet floral gift for mum and baby. Choose a bright and cheerful bouquet of flowers like roses, carnations, or chrysanthemums in soft pink or blue based on the gender. Lilies also signify purity and innocence, perfect for new life. For something longer lasting, send a potted orchid, bulb garden, or indoor planter mum can enjoy while caring for her new baby.

Scatter flower petals around a stuffed animal or include a floral bib with your bouquet for extra sweet additions. Or send a garden-themed gift basket filled with flower soaps, lotions, and candles for new mums. For an extra personal touch, include the baby's birth details on a note card.

Get Well Soon

Flowers have a therapeutic effect that can lift someone's spirits and aid healing when ill or in hospital. Bright, sunny blooms like gerbera daisies, sunflowers, oranges roses, or yellow tulips convey wishes for a quick recovery. Hydrangeas and lavender also promote relaxation.

For a long hospital stay, send an orchid or potted chrysanthemum plant that will last the duration. Include a heartfelt get well note to cheer them up. After surgery or treatment, gift a bouquet of their favourite flowers as a celebration of strength and healing. Adding a card signed by several friends can remind the recipient they are cared for.

Sympathy and Memorial Flowers

Express condolences and sympathy with white lilies, which symbolise peace and remembrance. Chrysanthemums, orchids, gladiolus, and carnations are also traditional funeral or memorial flowers. A sympathy bouquet in an all-white palette comes across as respectful. For a bit of uplifting colour, work in pale pastel pinks, purples, blues, or greens.

Send a basket or potted plant to the home so the family can enjoy longer lasting flowers. For the funeral service, standing sprays, wreaths, and casket flowers convey meaningful sentiments. Florists can craft pieces into symbolic shapes like crosses or hearts. Select flowers that held a special meaning to the deceased or utilise national emblems like roses or thistles. Simple elegance and grace are key when selecting memorial flowers.

 

White flower bouquet for gifting
Picture by @ajflowersandceramics

 

Mother's Day

Treat Mum to a beautiful bouquet this Mother's Day. Opt for pink or white flowers to convey gentle femininity and grace. Classic options include roses, lilies, tulips, carnations, chrysanthemums, and gerbera daisies. Work in greenery like ferns or eucalyptus for texture and scent.

If she loves to garden, send a potted flower like hydrangeas, orchids, or tulips she can plant. Or opt for a cheerful mixed flower basket or vibrant spring bouquet to brighten her day. Include extras like chocolates, candle sets, or skin care items for the ultimate pampering gift. Make her smile by including a personalised note sharing your favourite memories together.

Housewarmings and New Homes

Flowers make the perfect housewarming gift to spruce up their new home in style. Cheerful blooms like sunflowers, gerbera daisies, or daisies will convey your excitement for them. For new homeowners cultivating a garden, gift a potted plant, mini herb garden, or seed packets to help their plans blossom.

Send a vibrant bouquet they can display around the house to accent their new decor. Include greenery for fresh and airy accents. Or create a bountiful basket or box of flowering plants they can use to adorn their home and garden spaces. Ask about their interior design plans and select blooms to complement their new aesthetic.

The Flower Delivery Process

Now that you've selected the ideal blooms, it's time to arrange delivery. Ordering flowers online is a convenient way to choose your bouquet and have them sent to your recipient on a day of your choosing. Visit sites like Reids Florists in Belfast Northern Ireland which deliver same day for last minute flower needs.

Booking next or same day delivery ensures your loved one receives fresh, seasonal flowers. Communicate any specific requests like gift messages or timing. Provide the full delivery address and occasion details to the florist. This helps them select the most appropriate flowers, containers, extras, and presentation. Don't forget to ask about care instructions for the recipient.

Flowers express your sentiments beautifully on any occasion. Follow this guide and keep the celebration's personality and preferences in mind as you shop for the perfect floral gift. With the array of blooms available from UK growers, you're sure to find an arrangement that suits the moment.

What do you think of this article?

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Can't get enough?

Subscribe to the newsletter, and get bedazzled with awesome flower & plant updates

Sign up