Flower Etiquette by Occasion: An Honest Guide

After decades of arranging flowers for every moment life throws at people, we get the same questions again and again: What do I send? When? What do I write on the card? Here is the guide we wish every customer had — no upselling, just what actually works.

Sympathy & funerals

Two different deliveries, two different customs. Flowers sent to the service (funeral home or church) are traditionally larger-format — standing sprays and wreaths — and should arrive before the service begins, so tell us the service time when you order. Flowers sent to the family home are better as a vase arrangement they can live with for a week; these can arrive any time in the first days or even weeks after — a bouquet that arrives after the casseroles stop coming is often the most appreciated one. White and soft tones are traditional, but if you knew the person loved sunflowers, send sunflowers. Card messages should be short and sincere: "With deepest sympathy" plus your full name (so the family knows which Sarah). Browse our sympathy collection.

Get well

Check the facility first — many hospitals, and nearly all ICUs, restrict or prohibit flowers, and some patients are scent-sensitive. If flowers are allowed, go bright and cheerful, in a container that will not tip on a crowded bedside table. If the hospital says no, send to their home for when they return — a genuinely great move. Our get-well collection leans cheerful for exactly this reason.

Romance & anniversaries

Red roses are the classic for a reason, and a dozen is the tradition — but the arrangement that references something personal beats the cliché every time. If they love peonies, or wildflower looks, or a color, send that. For anniversaries, mentioning the number of years in the card note never gets old. See anniversary favorites.

Birthdays & congratulations

The most personality-driven categories — bright, bold, and matched to the recipient, not to a rulebook. A promotion or grand opening deserves something with height and presence, especially if it will sit in an office where colleagues see it. Browse birthday and congratulations arrangements.

New baby

Soft palettes are traditional, but two practical notes matter more: hospital stays are short, so sending to the home a few days later almost always beats the hospital room; and if the household has cats or dogs, choose pet-conscious stems — see our pet-safe flowers guide and the new baby collection.

Apologies

There is no official apology flower, and anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. Sincerity is the arrangement here: a hand-written card message in your own words matters far more than the stem count.

Card messages: the three rules

Keep it short. Make it specific. Sign your name — every florist has stories of beautiful arrangements followed by a phone call asking "who sent these?" A signed card completes the gift.

Still not sure?

Call or text us at 512-534-3800. Recommending the right arrangement for the moment is genuinely the favorite part of this job. You may also find our how ordering works page useful.