Flowers for Different Occasions
Posted: Wednesday, November 01, 2006
by Stephen Pratley
iPoints
It is often said that every picture tells a story. The same is true of flowers which when wisely chosen enable us to express feelings and sentiments that it may otherwise be difficult or indeed impossible to convey in words. Getting the right message across often involves careful selection, ensuring that the type, colour and number of flowers sent are correct in the context of the occasion, the recipient and the country concerned.
There are an almost infinite number of flower varieties. Today’s popular choices include roses, calla lilies, tulips, iris, daffodils, sweet peas, dahlias, carnations, antirrhinums, lisianthus, hyacinths, gypsophila, spray carnations, sunflowers, amaryllis, poppies, heliconia and many others. Despite the wealth of choice, not all flowers are appropriate to a given occasion. Certain flowers are reserved for certain occasions based upon their inherent meaning.
The colour chosen is also symbolic in the context of ‘the language of flowers’. Blue is often associated with mystery, pink with grace, red with love, white with purity, burgundy with beauty and so on. Colour preferences vary between countries. As an example, the Israelis prefer predominantly green arrangements, while the Chinese are delighted to receive red coloured flowers. In many geographies, white is the colour of mourning and should be chosen with care.
Get Well Soon Flowers
One of the nicest ways in which you can send a ‘thinking of you – get well soon’ message is with a stunning flower arrangement. This is particularly welcome for anyone stuck in a cheerless hospital ward. Popular choices with which to wish someone a speedy recovery include bright coloured flowers such as gerbera daisies, alstroemeria, sunflowers, yellow daisies, yellow lilies, bright carnations and chrysanthemums. Apart from a visit, there is no better way to let someone know you care and are thinking of them.
Easter Flowers
The Christian celebration of Easter in the springtime is a perfect time to welcome back bright spring flowers including daffodils, tulips, crocuses, cherry blossoms, hyacinth, irises, lilies, lilacs and larkspur. These spring arrangements symbolise joy and hope.
Graduation Flowers
Flowers are a delightful graduation gift delivering a message of ‘congratulations’. This is an ideal time to express pride and admiration at a family member’s achievement with a bouquet of roses and gerbera daisies.
Other Flowers for All Seasons and Occasions
Flowers such as calla lilies and red Gerber daisies are a good choice for bouquets to business associates, Popular ‘thank you’ flowers include pepper berries, holly. narcissus, peonies and wild strawberry leaves. Summer celebrations are often accompanied by asters, daisies, buttercups, pansies, roses, sweet William, larkspur, irises, geraniums, stock and dahlias. Common autumn selections include asters, gerberas, marigolds, and dried hydrangeas.
Choosing flowers should always be driven by the type of occasion, the preferences (if known) of the recipient and any cultural influences. There is a seemingly bewildering choice out there but an experienced florist will usually be able to provide some level of guidance based upon these key criteria. After all, it is quite likely that they have sent flowers for a similar event on more than one occasion! When in doubt, err on the side of neutral or conservative colours and popular flower types. Be sure to factor in any subtleties such as the number of stems (some cultures and countries are sensitive to this). Whatever the occasion, wisely chosen flowers can convey an important message in a far more eloquent manner than mere words.
Stephen Pratley is Marketing Manager at ipoints
Some of the UK`s best known online florists have partnered with ipoints.co.uk, allowing you to earn additional ipoints when you buy flowers online.
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