Flowers can say a lot without any words. The right bouquet can cheer someone up, say thank you, mark a big day or offer comfort when things are hard. With so many flowers and colours to choose from, though, it is not always easy to know where to start.
This guide explains how to pick flowers for the most common occasions, what different colours mean and how much you might want to spend.
Start with the occasion and the person
Before you look at any flowers, think about two things: why you are sending them and who will receive them. A birthday calls for something bright and fun, while sympathy flowers should feel calm and gentle.
Then think about the person. Do they have a favourite flower or colour? Do they like a classic look or something more relaxed? Do they live in a small flat, or have plenty of space for a large arrangement? Details like these help you narrow things down quickly.
What do flower colours mean?
Colour is one of the easiest ways to set the mood of a bouquet. These are the meanings most people recognise:
- Red: love, passion and romance
- Pink: admiration, gratitude and gentleness
- Yellow: friendship, happiness and cheer
- White: peace, respect and new beginnings
- Purple: elegance and admiration
- Orange: energy, warmth and enthusiasm
You do not have to follow these strictly, but they are a useful guide when you are unsure.
Birthday bouquets
Birthday flowers should feel cheerful and full of life. Bright colours such as yellow, pink, orange and purple work well, and a mixed seasonal bunch is always a safe choice. To make it more personal, pick their favourite colour or include their birth month flower, such as daffodils for March or chrysanthemums for November. Our guide to the best flowers for birthdays by month has ideas for every month.
Anniversary flowers
Roses are the classic anniversary flower. Red roses say romance, while pink, cream or white roses feel softer. Many couples like to recreate their wedding bouquet or choose flowers that remind them of a special trip or place. If your partner is not keen on roses, a mix of their favourite flowers in gentle colours is just as meaningful.
Which flowers say thank you?
A thank-you bouquet does not need to be big. Something simple and elegant in warm, soft colours, such as yellow, peach or white, works well. Tulips, freesias, daisies and chrysanthemums are all good choices. Add a short, sincere message and the flowers will show that you noticed what they did.
Sympathy and funeral flowers
Sympathy flowers should feel calm and peaceful. White is the traditional choice, but soft pink, lilac and pale blue also work well. Lilies, roses, carnations and chrysanthemums are all suitable.
If you are sending flowers for a funeral, check whether the family has asked for flowers or would prefer donations to a charity. Funeral flowers usually go to the funeral director, while sympathy bouquets are sent to the family home. Keep the design simple and always include a kind message.
Flowers for a new baby
Choose light, gentle flowers in pastel shades such as pale pink, lemon, soft blue or white. Roses, carnations, lisianthus and spray chrysanthemums all look soft and pretty. Many hospital maternity wards do not allow flowers, so it is usually best to send them to the family home once the parents and baby are settled.
Get well soon flowers
Bright, uplifting flowers can help lift someone’s mood. Yellow is a popular choice, and sunflowers, gerberas, tulips and alstroemeria all bring plenty of colour. Avoid strongly scented flowers such as lilies if the person is unwell or sensitive to smells. As with baby flowers, check that the hospital ward accepts flowers before you send them.
Flowers for someone you don’t know well
If you are sending flowers to a colleague, client or neighbour, keep it neutral. A seasonal mix in soft colours, or a simple white and green design, suits almost anyone. It is best to avoid red roses, which can feel too romantic, and very heavily scented flowers. If you are sending to an office, we deliver to workplaces across Newcastle, including Ouseburn and Gosforth.
How much should you spend on a bouquet?
You can find a lovely bouquet for most budgets. As a rough guide:
- A small, simple bunch suits a thank you or a casual gift
- A medium bouquet works well for birthdays and get well wishes
- A larger, more detailed arrangement suits anniversaries, weddings and big milestones
Our hand-tied bouquets start from £55. In the end, the thought behind the flowers matters far more than the price.
Seasonal flowers in the UK
Flowers that are in season are usually fresher and better value. In the UK, spring brings tulips, daffodils and ranunculus. Early summer is the time for peonies and sweet peas, with sunflowers and dahlias later on. Autumn is great for dahlias, chrysanthemums and rich foliage, while winter bouquets often feature amaryllis, eucalyptus and evergreens. Roses, lilies and carnations are available all year round.
Bouquet, arrangement or plant?
A hand-tied bouquet is the most popular choice, and it arrives in a water pack so it stays fresh until it is put in a vase. Think about whether the person has a vase, though. For an office, a student flat or someone who is short of time, an arrangement that comes ready in a box or vase is easier. A potted plant, such as an orchid, lasts for months and suits people who prefer something low-maintenance.
What to write on the card
Keep it short, warm and personal. A sentence or two is plenty, and using their name always helps. If you are stuck, these simple ideas work well:
- Birthday: “Happy birthday! Hope your day is as bright as these flowers.”
- Thank you: “Thank you so much for all your help. It really meant a lot.”
- Sympathy: “Thinking of you and sending all our love.”
- New baby: “Congratulations and welcome to the world, little one.”
- Get well: “Sending you lots of love and hoping you feel better soon.”
Adding a personal touch
Beyond the card, you can ask your florist to use a favourite colour, recreate a meaningful bouquet or match the flowers to the recipient’s home. Ordering online from a local florist still gets you this personal service. Just add a note with your order and they will take care of the details.
