What Flowers to Give? An Overview by Person and Occasion
Mum, boss, date, friend, hospital — which variety actually fits whom.
The most common question in the shop: 'What flowers should I give?' Here's a quick overview by recipients and situations — orientation, not law.
Mother for Mother's Day: peonies (May), pastel tulips, mixed bouquet in pink-peach-white. Avoid deep red roses. €50–80.
Partner for Valentine's: red roses (classic), ranunculus (modern), peonies in season. For 'new relationship' soft pink rather than red. €40–100.
Best friend for birthday: colourful bouquet in her favourite colours. Unknown: pastel mix with seasonal. €40–70.
Boss / colleague for birthday: elegant restrained bouquet in white-cream-eucalyptus. No roses (too intimate). €30–50.
Mother-in-law for birthday: classic — roses in muted colours, baby's breath, possibly peonies. Conservative look works better than wild-meadow. €45–75.
Male friends for birthday: sunflowers, calla, iris, garden roses in bordeaux. No pastel ruffles. €40–65.
First date: small bouquet (5–7 stems) in soft pink or apricot. Not too large (awkward to carry), not too red (too soon). €25–35.
Engagement: generous pastel mix with white peonies or ranunculus. Symbolism: new beginnings. €70–150.
Wedding (congrats from outside): NOT large bouquets at the wedding — couple has plenty of flowers. Better a money gift + small bouquet or potted plant for later. €25–50.
Newborn: small low-maintenance pastel bouquet, possibly plus plant (anthurium / orchid) for longer life. Clinic delivery: low pollen. €40–70.
Hospital (get well): small bouquet of tulips + lisianthus + ranunculus. NO lilies (pollen + scent). Low-maintenance varieties in light palette. €30–50.
Funeral — as private person: white lilies + white roses, small arrangement. At the funeral itself a wreath (€75–250 by size).
Funeral — as company: representative wreath with ribbon + company name (€110–250). We coordinate the ribbon professionally.
Anniversary (wedding) — small numbers: smaller personal bouquet. Silver (25): white-silver green. Golden (50): apricot-warm. Diamond (60): white-blue.
Corporate event (reception, opening): representative large bouquet or entry arrangement. High stem count, clear statement. €100–250.
If you don't know what fits at all: apricot mixed bouquets are the most universal choice. Work for nearly any person and occasion except mourning.
Frequently asked
- Which flowers are universal?
- Apricot and peach roses, white lisianthus, hydrangeas in cream-pink. Work for nearly anyone outside mourning contexts.
- What if you're really uncertain about the recipient?
- Call us or stop by. We ask a few questions (age, relationship, occasion, 'typical style') and usually land well. Consultation is always free.
- Are expensive flowers better?
- Above a level (€40 per bouquet), variety and freshness matter more than price. A €50 auction bouquet beats an €80 supermarket bouquet.