Ordering Tips

We have created the following guide to help you choose the perfect flowers for each occasion. Consider these general tips before placing an order:

  • Start with the occasion. The flowers you choose for a romantic gift would be quite different from those you would send to your grandmother!
  • Depending on how well you know the recipients, take into account their personality type, favorite colors, interests, décor etc.
  • Keep in mind that what is in season locally may not be available in other parts of the world. When sending flowers, consult with us so we can contact the flower shop filling the order in the recipient's area to verify what is available.
  • If the flowers are for you, think about where the arrangement will be placed, and make sure it will coordinate with the colors and finishes in the space. If you will be using your own container, make sure that the scale of the flowers is appropriate to the size of the container (tulips or daffodils normally wouldn't be right for a two foot tall crystal vase).

The following suggestions are for specific occasions on which people commonly give flowers. Please keep in mind that these are just suggestions - there is rarely a bad choice when sending flowers.

Birthday
Almost anything is appropriate when recognizing someone's birthday. Bright colors are usually the most festive, but keep in mind any preferences that the recipient might have.

Engagement
A vase arrangement with soft, romantic colors is a great choice, as it hints at the wedding to come.

New Baby
You can get more playful here than with most other occasions. If you know in advance whether the baby is a boy or a girl, a monochromatic pink or blue arrangement looks great. There are often containers and embellishments available with baby themes, so ask our designers for options.

Note: When sending flowers to the hospital, in consideration for the staff and other patients, avoid scented flowers and anything too tall that might easily get knocked over. Also make sure your arrangement is in a vase or container - the last thing you want is your beautiful bouquet sitting in a water glass!

New Home
Anything goes here. A bouquet of cut flowers in a unique vase is a great choice; it gives the recipient the pleasure of the fresh flowers when they arrive, eliminates the need for them to do any arranging themselves, and they can keep the vase as a gift that will remind them of you every time they use it. If you have not seen the house, keep the colors neutral so that the arrangement will compliment any type of décor.

Promotion / New Job
If you are sending flowers to a workplace, avoid anything too heavily scented or too tall. A contemporary cut flower arrangement in a low vase with bright bold colors or tropicals is a good option, or a flowering plant in a beautiful pot is also a great choice.

Thank You
A colorful, simple vase arrangement, flowering plant, or bouquet of cut flowers are all appropriate choices to thank someone. Depending on your budget and preference, you can go from a bud vase with a couple of cut flowers to a large flower arrangemen. The recipient will be pleased that you took the time to thank them.

Host/Hostess Gift
Flowers are a traditional gift to bring to a dinner or party. Keep in mind that the hostess or host is probably going to be busy with a million details, so bring something that won't require any fussing, such as a hand-tied bouquet that can easily be placed in a vase, or an arrangement already in a container. If you aren't familiar with the décor, stick to neutral colors or arrangements with lots of foliage, as they will fit any surrounding.

If bringing flowers on the day of the event is not logistically possible or appropriate, consider sending a thank you bouquet as soon as possible after the event.

New Relationship
Roses are great, but can sometimes say a bit more than you are ready for. Try a vase arrangement in a monochromatic color scheme in her favorite color, or a monobotanic bouquet (all one type of flower, preferably her favorite if you know what it is) with mixed greens. Both are modern, stylish and a great way to show her that you put thought into it.

Anniversary/Romantic
In this case, more is more. You are showing the person you love how much they mean to you, and it is time to pull out all the stops. A large vase arrangement of cut flowers, preferably her favorite if you know it, is a great choice. Alternatively, if you are going to be hand delivering the flowers, a large presentation bouquet will give you that "wow "factor. Talk to our designers about upgrading to one of our special wraps for added impact.

Get Well
Consider the condition of the person to whom you are giving flowers: if they are not yet up and around, a vase arrangement, planter basket or flowering plant is best, as none of these require much maintenance. Colors and style can be virtually anything, but bright colors are usually the most cheerful.

Note: When sending flowers to the hospital, in consideration for the staff and other patients, avoid scented flowers and anything too tall that might easily get knocked over. Also make sure your arrangement is in a vase or container - the last thing you want is your beautiful bouquet sitting in a water glass!

Sympathy
Traditionally, soft colors or shades of white are used; simple, understated arrangements are best. We suggest sending a vase arrangement or planter basket, something that won't require immediate watering or arranging and will be okay if it has to sit unattended for a couple of days. It is a good idea, if possible, to find out if someone will be home when you would like the flowers delivered, and provide this information when you place your order so the recipient won't be disturbed with a delivery call.

Apology
This is one case where it is best to send something specific to the recipient's taste; cut flower bouquets and arrangements are usually both appropriate. Sending flowers will add an exclamation point to any verbal apology that has already been given or is still forthcoming! You may want to consider sending an accompanying card to communicate what you might find difficult to say in person. (See our section on "What to Say" if you need some suggestions).

Still not sure? Please call the shop at 604-988-7377 and one of our designers will be happy to help you.

Lynn Valley Village   167 – 1233 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC Canada, V7J 2A1   604.988.7377