Even in this generation of gadgets, gifting flowers remains a charming act. The delightful appearance and fragrance of the flowers send out a message of love and warmth. Consequently, a bouquet makes for the perfect gift on birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and other special occasions. But since there are several attractive flowers available, one needs to spend enough time selecting the perfect variety. People must also avoid certain common mistakes while sending flowers.

1. Not knowing what colors and fragrances the recipient likes
Colors and fragrances attract one to flowers, so the obvious step while sending flowers is to find out what shades and fragrances the recipient likes. If the flowers are a surprise, one should ask the recipient’s family members or friends what type of flowers they would prefer – red roses, white lilies, yellow carnations, etc. Another way is to observe the color of the person’s belongings – if they are all of a certain color or shade, this is most likely their favorite color.

2. Failing to consider what the gesture would imply
When selecting a bouquet, it is important to consider the emotions one wants to convey to the recipient. There is a specific bouquet suitable for every occasion and to convey different emotions. For example, a bouquet with white and red roses would be the perfect gift for a romantic partner on Valentine’s Day or one’s anniversary, but mistletoe flowers, poinsettia, and ivy work best as Christmas gifts. Red and pink carnations are popular choices on occasions like Mother’s Day, and for memorial services, one should go for traditional flowers like carnations and chrysanthemums. So, one needs to consider the message one is trying to convey by sending a bouquet.

3. Forgetting to write a message
One does not have to be a prolific writer to leave a simple, sweet message on a bouquet. Although flowers are enough to convey one’s feelings, words sometimes add to the gift’s splendor. Also, the message needs to be personalized – generic ones like “Happy Birthday” and “Happy Anniversary” in isolation may seem like the sender has not put in any thought and effort into the gift.

4. Getting the flowers delivered after the occasion
Sometimes, delivering flowers online can be a slippery slope – unexpected delays along the way can make one miss the day of the special occasion. For this reason, it is important to have a buffer of two to three days while sending flowers online so that the flowers arrive earlier or on time instead of after the event or special day.

5. Not checking for flower allergy
Many people have allergies to specific flowers, like carnations and daisies. If asking these things directly might spoil the surprise, one should ask the recipient’s loved ones, who are most likely to know if the recipient is allergic to a certain flower. Presenting a flower directly without clarifying such details can spoil one’s joy of gifting and cause problems for the recipient.

6. Making mistakes in entering the address
There’s probably nothing more embarrassing than gifts reaching the wrong person. Not only is it a hassle for the sender and recipient, but it can also be disappointing for the third person who receives the flowers. So, it is important to carefully type the recipient’s address and recheck it before placing the order.

7. Not seeking help from a florist
Not everyone may be an expert in picking the best flowers and curating a bouquet. But that shouldn’t stop one from gifting beautiful flowers – the solution is to get help from a professional florist. One should remember to choose a florist who is experienced in handling flowers and has a good reputation. Checking online reviews and consulting others can help shortlist a good florist.

8. Placing the order at the last minute
As mentioned earlier, it’s always better to have one’s flowers delivered early than late. Ordering at the last minute means that the flowers will likely get delivered after the date has passed. Even with quick delivery services, there is always a possibility of unexpected delays. So, one should place the order well in advance so the flowers are at the recipient’s doorstep before or on the special day.

9. Incorporating any and every flower in the bouquet
A bouquet with a myriad of flowers may be attractive, but only if arranged logically. There needs to be a certain pattern to the variety so it doesn’t look congested and out of place. For example, placing large flowers like lilies with small ones like pansies can make the bouquet look disproportionate and disarranged. Similarly, colors should also be chosen tastefully to enhance the bouquet’s appeal. For instance, multiple warm or cold colors in one bouquet can be rather blaring; instead, a contrast of light and dark colors can make it more pleasing to the eye.

10. Not researching flower options
The conventional roses, tulips, lilies, and carnations may be highly appealing and shouldn’t be missed. But pairing them with unique flowers can make one’s bouquet stand out and impress the recipient. For example, an anthurium or a black rose thrown in with other regular and conventionally colored flowers can give the bouquet a different, out-of-the-box look. But this strategy shouldn’t be overdone, as this can spoil the bouquet.

11. Settling for less
Cost cutting is important, but not at the cost of the bouquet’s appeal and freshness. If a flower seller quotes an unbelievably low price, one should investigate the matter because they may compromise on the flowers’ quality, freshness, and arrangement.