Purchasing Perfect Flowers for your Valentine – Advice from a Florist
The one day of the year where you anxiously await that call from your sweetheart that they received the most gorgeous flower bouquet or arrangement is rapidly approaching. This year Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday. This poses some unique challenges for florists since it is not a typical delivery day, and it is going to likely be the busiest day of the year for the florist. Follow the 10 tips below to help make the day go smoothly for everyone involved. Remember you can order special Valentines Day flowers from the links on this page (in left margin, just above this post, or at the top menu option).
As a florist who has been through the entire Valentine’s Day craziness more than a few times, there are some things that you can do to help make the day go smoothly for everyone involved, including yourself. Here are some tips to help you and your sweetheart to have an extra special day this year:
- Take advantage of placing your order as early as possible – many times florists will offer a discount to those who plan ahead.
- Choosing the right flowers is important – Roses are the traditional flower choice, however Lilies, Orchids, and Tulips are also quite popular choices. If going with a mixed arrangement, then it is suggested to choose an arrangement with any of these flower types as they are considered "special" flowers for your Valentine. Try to stay away from daisies, carnations, and other "less expensive" flowers for this occasion.
- Arrange for delivery to the restaurant where you are having lunch or dinner, if possible. This will make it extra special. Your Valentine will certainly appreciate the recognition in front of other people.
- Remember that you will get what you pay for. Do not skimp on the price of flowers for this ONE day of the year. It is recommended to plan on at least $75 for a beautiful bouquet or arrangement, plus delivery charges.
- Unless ordering well in advance, it is suggested that you choose a flower bouquet or arrangement from the offerings available at your florist. The easiest way to do this is by ordering flowers online and choosing from the pictures of arrangements available. If you want a unique or custom arrangement, then you should call the florist directly to discuss your requirements. Keep in mind that unique arrangements require more handling and will typically cost more. Your sweetheart will only be receiving your flower arrangement so it will be considered special and custom to them no matter what choice of arrangement you make.
- Keep in mind that if your sweetheart will be receiving their flowers in an area where other Valentine’s are receiving their flowers too, then you will want to make sure that the flowers you order make an impact upon delivery. Specifically, it is not recommended that you order small bouquets or arrangements because most others will be receiving larger bouquets or arrangements. Your sweetheart will want to be feel at least as special, if not more, as the next person. The size/display of the arrangement is the first impression and will make an impact on how special your sweetheart feels.
- Provide complete and accurate contact delivery information along with telephone numbers. It is important to provide any special delivery instructions if required. Giving the florist backup telephone numbers is also suggested.
- Please have the florist repeat back to you the order information to insure that everything is correct.
- Sometimes deliveries on Valentine’s Day do not go as planned – for instance the recipient may not be at the address where expected, weather challenges, accidents, emergencies, etc. Please understand that a florist has no intention of not fulfilling your order on purpose. If something should happen and there are delivery problems, then it is likely due to something beyond a florist’s control. So please be patient and contact your florist for assistance. Florists are very customer focused and want to get it right "out of the gate" and if there are problems they really are genuinely interested in making it right for you. Please work with them in a calm and patient manner to resolve any issues – you’ll likely get more from the florist (above & beyond the original desires) in the end.
- For this one day of the year, do not deliver the flowers in person. This is the one day when a Valentine LOVES to receive a surprise delivery from the florist.
There are common situations, challenges or issues that seem to occur every year on Valentine’s Day. I’ve seen, heard, and experienced it all on Valentine’s Day. To help minimize any problems and to help the florist make your order go smoothly please keep these tips in mind when placing your order.
I wish you and yours the most beautiful Valentine’s Day ever!
