Has someone ever told you that they hate to get flowers?
They are lying.
Believe me, as a florist, I know. I don’t care how much they complain, how dramatically they roll their eyes, or how indifferent they appear. No one hates to receive flowers. Seriously.
That said…let me predicate that there are a few circumstances that can cause a less-then-positive response from the flower recipient. For instance:
1) They may hate receiving that certain type of flower.
2) Or, they may hate the expense of the flowers.
3) Or, they may hate the reason that you are giving them flowers.
4) Or, they might simply hate receiving flowers from you. Sorry…but it had to be said.
But when all the stars line up just right, everyone loves to get flowers.
So, let’s address these concerns.
1) Types of flowers: Flowers evoke powerful memories, set the mood and convey a personal message. Plus, we all have favorites. Personally, I won’t go so far as to say that I hate vased arrangements of red roses with baby’s breath but, for my taste, it’s too predictable and unimaginative. But many people consider it the pinnacle of classic elegance and beauty.
A little homework goes a long way towards giving the right type of flowers. Find out his favorite color. Look at old wedding photos and duplicate her bouquet. Choose colors to match her eyes or to compliment his new dining room rug. Give dad a riot of colorful gerbera daisies for his promotion. Send a recently-dumped friend a fragrant arrangement of stargazer lilies and stock with instructions to breathe deep and relax. Putting extra thought into your floral selection shows that you care.
2) Cost: It’s thoughtless to give your partner an expensive centerpiece for the table when you can’t afford to put food on it too. When money is tight, an extravagant gift of flowers will generate arguments instead of gratitude.
Many people don’t know this, but not all flowers cost the same. A stem of long-lasting alstroemeria has three to six blooms and costs half the price of a single rose. A cheerful cup of daisies, which are available year-round, is a fraction of the cost of a vase of peonies bought out-of-season.
You will also save money by ordering “designer’s choice” or choosing a pre-made arrangement out of the florist’s cooler rather then special ordering. The flowers are just as fresh but usually priced lower, perhaps due to a wholesaler’s bargain or over-ordering. Also, sometimes you can get an unexpected bonus on surplus flowers the day before a long weekend or holiday (about closing time).
But don’t skimp on quality. Gas station and supermarket flowers are tempting, but they are not the same as cut flowers from a florist. They have been stored longer, processed differently, not hydrated properly and not cooled at the correct temperature. All of that greatly affects the longevity, color, scent and mold-level of the blooms.
3) Reason: You would not believe how often someone comes into our shop to get flowers to “save my relationship”. For a florist, there is nothing worse then presenting an over-the-top bouquet with balloons, candy and teddy bear to someone who takes one look at the card and then refuses delivery. We recently had a fellow tell us he wanted an expensive arrangement as an apology to his pregnant wife for sleeping with her best friend. Really dude? TMI!
But it’s not only the big, ugly reasons that can cause trouble. If she says “You never give me flowers anymore” on Thursday and you send some on Friday just to shut her up, you may get a less-then-enthusiastic response.
4) It’s just you: Before you send that expensive bouquet, make sure you feel comfortable about the relationship and that the gift is appropriate. Flowers convey subliminal messages. Sometimes people hate getting flowers because it’s too much, too soon and they suspect the implications. Gifting a new friend with a 6-foot tall palm instead of a small potted violet could make her feel obligated. Sending two dozen expensive calla lilies after a first date instead of a modest bouquet of tulips might make him feel pressured. Giving your employer an ultra-modern, stylized arrangement in a priceless silver vase instead of carnations in a “World’s Best Boss” coffee mug could make her suspicious.
No one hates to get flowers. Not if you do it right!
