Flower Delivery Etiquette: Tips for Sending the Perfect Floral Gift

Sending flowers might seem easy but there is a little more to it than just picking a pretty bunch and hitting “order.” Flowers are said to carry meaning, and they say something before a card is ever read. So when you’re sending a floral gift, it’s worth pausing to make sure the gesture lands the way you want it to.

Be it for a birthday, a thank-you or when you just a small way to show you care, here are some simple, often overlooked flower delivery etiquette tips to help you get it right.

1. Think about the timing

It’s not just what you send –it’s when. Flowers for a birthday should ideally arrive on the day itself. Sympathy flowers are best sent a day or two after you hear the news, not before the funeral if you’re unsure of the arrangements. Get-well flowers should avoid busy ICU units or be sent once the patient is back home. If you’re sending a spontaneous “just because” bouquet, even better – but make sure the recipient will actually be around to receive them.

Planning ahead just a little will certainly help your flowers arrive when they’re most appreciated.

2. Know their preferences

While a big, bold bouquet might seem impressive, not everyone likes the same styles or scents. You need to note this: some people are sensitive to strong smells. And many prefer more neutral colors or minimal arrangements. If you’re in doubt about this, it’s better to go for a smaller, cleaner design than something overwhelming. It's not to play safe, but that way your gesture will be considered more. If you know what someone likes, go for that. If you don’t, choose something from a nearby florist in Fayetteville, AR that won’t make them sneeze or feel awkward carrying it home.

3. Include a message, always

Even if you’re sending flowers anonymously, a short message makes a difference. It gives context. It doesn't need to be long or poetic; a few words are usually enough, like,

“Thinking of you today.”

“Thank you for everything.”

“Hope this makes your day a little brighter.”

A note always makes the flower gift feel personal. And if it’s from someone unexpected, a card saves them the awkward guesswork.

4. Double-check the address

It sounds basic, but it’s one of the most common mistakes people make. Sending flowers to the wrong location or worse, an old address, takes the joy out of the gesture. Before you order, confirm where the recipient will be. Home? Work? Somewhere else?

And if you're sending to an office, include the full company name, department and a phone number. Many flower shops in Springdale, AR and other areas will call ahead before delivery if things are unclear– but it’s best not to make them guess.

5. Respect the occasion

Some occasions call for bright and cheerful blooms. Others might need something softer. The tone matters, as you don’t want to send red roses to a co-worker for a promotion (unless you’re romantically involved). And sending white lilies for a birthday probably will send the wrong message. You don’t have to overthink this. Most Springdale florist websites will organize flowers by occasion, which is a useful starting point. Stick with that if you’re unsure.

6. Don’t ghost the delivery

If you're sending flowers to someone you know well, it’s thoughtful to give them a heads-up. Not necessarily about what’s coming, but that something is. This will actually help you avoid missed deliveries, confusion or arrangements sitting outside in bad weather. Even a simple text saying, “Make sure someone’s home this afternoon!” will go a long way. If it’s meant to be a surprise, coordinate quietly with a roommate, partner or their neighbor.

If you’re ready to send a thoughtful bouquet and want to make sure it’s done right, visit Flowerama of Springdale. Send flowers to Springdale, AR today!