Flowers, although a common gift, can be a priceless gesture that will never go out of style. What’s more? The process of sending a bouquet is fairly simple. But, one might still get details like the address, date, and preferences wrong. So, while one may have the right intentions, these lapses might ruin the surprise or delay it. So, before one sends flowers, one should be wary of the following common mistakes and avoid them.

1. Overlooking the receiver’s preferences
A common error when gifting flowers is overlooking what the receiver might prefer. Although one might lean toward a type of flower, the recipient’s taste might differ. So, before buying flowers, one must consider what the person receiving the flowers likes about them, such as the colors, scent, and style. If one does not know what the other wants, they could ask family members or close friends for advice.

2. Going for the cheapest option
Many online sellers list flower bouquets for prices that are too good to be true. This may turn out to be exactly why they are cheap. The seemingly affordable bouquets might be marketed using an attractive picture, but the flowers that are eventually shipped might be substandard or withered and old. Moreover, the overall price could include hidden charges, such as fees that must be paid following the delivery. So, one must ensure they go for value-for-money bouquets and choose reliable sellers. Remember, while a beautiful bouquet might cost more, it is usually a once-in-a-while purchase that can please the receiver and make them consider it a valuable gift. 

3. Not considering the occasion
The colors and arrangements of bouquets differ as per the occasion. Moreover, each flower symbolizes something unique. For instance, if one is sending flowers for a funeral, one ought to choose flower arrangements with muted colors, such as yellow, blue, or white. On the other hand, one could send bright, colorful bouquets for happy occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries. So, one must account for the event and select flowers accordingly.

4. Forgetting to check the address
One might get all the details right to the tee when selecting flowers. However, the most common error one may end up making right after not checking the address. A tiny error, such as adding the wrong street number or zip code, could lead to the flowers being delivered to the wrong address or not being delivered at all. A missed delivery, especially on special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries, could be disappointing. One should check they verify the recipient’s address at least twice before finalizing it and paying for the flowers.

5. Ignoring the delivery timeline
Apart from typing in the wrong address, one may fail to check the delivery schedule before shipping the flowers. This could be a problem later, as a flower delivery service usually follows a strict schedule, especially if one wants the bouquet delivered during peak seasons such as Valentine’s Day. But rushing a purchase or placing a last-minute request could mean the flowers do not arrive on time. This might become quite upsetting for the sender and the receiver. One must see if the flowers can be delivered on time before placing an order. Ordering well in advance could also help ensure the flowers reach the recipient on time.

6. Not setting reminders
It is easy to forget important dates when one is caught up with work or just daily chores. So, one could miss out on a friend’s birthday or one’s own anniversary. This means one may not end up sending a gift on that day. To avoid this, one can set reminders on their smartphones or create an event on an online personal calendar. One could also write down important dates on a sticky note and paste it somewhere it is easy to see.

7. Overlooking the packaging
One might select the most expensive blooms for a bouquet, but it would be futile if the packaging is of poor quality. A poorly packed bouquet is likely to be damaged or spoilt in transit, way before it reaches the recipient. One should ensure they enquire about the type of packaging material to be used by a delivery service before placing an order. Also, if one wants to avoid plastic wrapping as it might be harmful to the environment, they should specifically request eco-friendly wrapping paper. One could also purchase wrapping paper in the same or complementary color as the flowers to make the bouquet even more pleasing to the eye.

8. Ignoring bouquet size
The size of the bouquet should also be considered as per the delivery location. For instance, if one is sending flowers to the receiver’s workplace, one should look for options that are easy to transport and do not require too much space. But, if one needs to send flowers to the receiver’s home address, they could consider sending over a larger bouquet and a more vibrant arrangement.

9. Leaving out personal messages
A common mistake to avoid when sending flowers is not adding a personal message. Leaving a note helps add a personal touch to the gift and makes the receiver feel appreciated. The message does not have to be lengthy or complicated. One needs to write down just a few words to make the gift more special.