What Flowers to Send for Every Occasion

Flowers speak a language all their own. Send the right ones, and you'll communicate love, gratitude, or sympathy more eloquently than words ever could. Send the wrong ones, and... well, let's just say yellow carnations to your mother-in-law might not land the way you intended.

This guide will help you navigate the wonderful (and occasionally confusing) world of flower gifting.

Birthday Flowers

Birthdays are celebrations of life, so bright, cheerful arrangements are almost always appropriate.

Safe choices:

• Mixed seasonal bouquets - Colourful, joyful, and universally appealing
• Gerberas - Bright and cheerful, perfect for younger recipients
• Roses (any colour except red, unless romantic) - Classic and elegant

Consider the recipient:

• For someone who loves gardening: a potted orchid or peace lily
• For minimalists: an elegant single-stem arrangement
• For maximalists: go big with a dramatic mixed bouquet

Pro tip: If you know their favourite colour, try to incorporate it. It shows you've put thought into the gift.

Anniversary Flowers

Anniversary flowers should reflect the depth of your relationship. This isn't the time for casual arrangements.

Traditional choices:

• Roses - The classic symbol of romantic love
• Peonies - Lush and romantic, symbolising prosperity and happy marriage
• Lilies - Elegant and sophisticated

By anniversary year:

• 1st anniversary: Paper-wrapped flowers (fitting the paper theme)
• 5th anniversary: Daisies (symbolising innocence and loyal love)
• 10th anniversary: Daffodils (representing joy and happiness)
• 25th anniversary: Iris (symbolising wisdom and admiration)
• 50th anniversary: Yellow roses and violets (golden anniversary)

Skip the: Carnations (often seen as cheap) or anything too casual.

Sympathy and Condolence Flowers

This is where flower choice matters most. The wrong arrangement can cause genuine offence during an already difficult time.

Appropriate choices:

• White lilies - The traditional choice for sympathy
• White roses - Symbolise reverence and remembrance
• Chrysanthemums - Particularly appropriate in Australian culture
• Orchids - Elegant and long-lasting, symbolising eternal love

Arrangement styles:

• Standing sprays for the service
• Sympathy bouquets for the home
• Potted plants for lasting remembrance

Colours to use: White, cream, pale pink, soft lavender. Avoid bright colours.

Important: Always check if the family has requested donations instead of flowers. Respect their wishes.

Mother's Day Flowers

Mums deserve something special, not a last-minute petrol station bunch.

Classic choices:

• Pink roses - Gratitude and appreciation
• Carnations - The traditional Mother's Day flower
• Tulips - Elegant and cheerful
• Peonies - Luxurious and feminine

Make it personal:

• Include her favourite flowers if you know them
• Add a thoughtful card message (not just "Happy Mother's Day")
• Consider her home decor - does she prefer modern or traditional?

Valentine's Day Flowers

Yes, red roses are the classic choice. But they're also predictable and often overpriced during Valentine's week.

Beyond red roses:

• Garden roses - More romantic and fragrant than standard roses
• Ranunculus - Delicate, layered petals, very romantic
• Tulips - Elegant and available in gorgeous colours
• Mixed romantic bouquet - Roses combined with other flowers

What to avoid:

• Yellow flowers (symbolise friendship, not romance)
• Carnations (can seem cheap)
• Anything that looks hastily assembled

Just Because Flowers

Sometimes the best flowers are unexpected ones. "Just because" flowers often mean more than obligatory occasion flowers.

Great options:

• Seasonal mixed bouquets - Fresh, interesting, and good value
• Their favourite flowers - Shows you pay attention
• Bright colours - Lift their mood unexpectedly

When to send "just because" flowers:

• After a tough week at work
• When they've achieved something
• When you've been travelling and missing them
• Absolutely no reason at all (often the best reason)

Graduation Flowers

Graduates have achieved something significant. The flowers should reflect that accomplishment.

Recommended:

• Bright, celebratory bouquets - This is a happy occasion
• Sunflowers - Symbolise adoration and longevity
• School colours - If you can incorporate them

Presentation matters: Graduates are often photographed with their flowers. Choose something that looks good in photos.

Get Well Flowers

When someone's unwell, flowers can brighten their space and lift their spirits.

Good choices:

• Cheerful mixed arrangements - Bright colours boost mood
• Potted plants - Last longer, require less maintenance
• Lavender - Known for calming properties

Avoid:

• Strong-scented flowers (can cause nausea)
• Lilies (pollen can aggravate allergies)
• Anything that requires immediate attention

Important: Some hospitals restrict flowers. Check before sending.

The Universal Rule

When in doubt, a beautiful mixed seasonal bouquet is almost never wrong. It's cheerful without being presumptuous, appropriate for nearly any occasion, and shows care without sending unintended messages.

The most important thing isn't the specific flowers you choose - it's that you remembered to send them at all.

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Not sure what to send? Our Mixed Seasonal arrangement is designed to be perfect for any occasion. Set up your dates and let us handle the rest.