With Valentine's Day approaching and your sweetheart dropping hints on gifts, flowers are always the answer to every woman’s heart. Still, walking into a floral shop or perusing the Internet during Valentine's season can be overwhelming due to the endless amount of options thrown at you.
Don’t worry your heart out. With our advice, once you give your lover a floral gift, their love for you will truly bloom.
Charles Ingrum, owner of Dallas family owned and operated Dr. Delphinium Designs and Events, knows what petals to push to make a woman’s heart beat. With this many years under his belt in the floral industry, Ingrum can guide any guy through the sometimes chaotic Valentines flower maze. Take notes on his Five Rules when it comes to picking your flowers for your sweet pea.
1. It’s the thought that counts
The first thought that will come to most guys is, how much is this going to cost? Do you have to spend more on a first time lover or does being married give you the excuse to spend less? Ingrum says, when selecting a gift for Valentine’s Day -- or any special occasion for that matter -- your gift should be a reflection of your love and appreciation for your Valentine. Be it a box of chocolates or an over-the-top floral arrangement, there isn’t a customary price-point you must spend to show your affection. And given our current economic climate, any recipient will be joyed by your thoughtfulness at any level. Remember, it is the thought that really counts.
2. Wilted petals, can wilt the love
No one wants to receive half-dying flowers or wants their bouquet of love to perish the next day. Ingrum says the most important part of floral care starts with replacing the water in the vase daily. Make sure to use clean cool water, preferably with a packet of flower food provided by your local florist. For those who have the time to be more attentive cut each of the blooming stems at an angle. You should take about 1” off roses and ½ inch off any other flower. This simple care can extend the life of your flowers for a few additional days.
3. Get to your local florist on the first beat
A local florist knows best, that’s why Ingrum says you should make sure you place your order from a local. More-often-than-not their selection will be the freshest and can offer a greater selection of unique flowers. There are many imitators, so make sure to call a florist within your local area code. If you are sending flowers to someone outside of your area code, still call your local florist. Being an expert, they often have established relationships with florists around the country who can deliver a quality product that they know you will be happy with.
Ideally you want to place your Valentine’s Day order as early as possible. You will find many florists offering incentives for early orders, such as chocolates or free delivery. A local florist can take your order up to day of the holiday, but to beat the rush we suggest having your order in at least one week in advance.
4. The message behind the bloom
Even women have a difficult time when it comes to deciphering the meaning behind the flower. When selecting a floral gift, choosing a particular color can send an important message to your loved one. Colors play an important role in our lives and can have an impact on our reactions and behaviors. So here is a chance for you men to really impress your lady by letting them know the meaning behind your selection. This also will show that you really put some thought into your gift.
Based upon color research, and Ingrum's years of experience, here is what message is sent when choosing a specific color:
White - Purity, innocence, perfection, hope
White flowers are gorgeous, unique, and non-traditional. They are perfect for a new relationship or for demonstrating your love is pure.
Red - Love, passion, desire, eroticism
Red is traditionally the color of love and romance. A dozen long-stemmed red roses are the classic romantic gift.
Dark Red - Beauty and Love
This is the perfect color to send to let your partner know how truly beautiful they are, while demonstrating how much you truly love them.
White & Red - Unity, togetherness, long-lasting love, bonding
Red and white flowers are a striking combination and they embody all of the feelings and emotions of a true bond.
Pink - Romance, sweetness, playfulness, gladness
Pink is a feminine color perfect for those fun, playful couples. Whether it's pink roses or lilies, it's perfect for the sweet, romantic person in your life.
Yellow - Friendship, joy, happiness
Yellow is the traditional color of friendship. With roses traditionally being a romantic flower, you may want to choose gerbera daisies or dahlias that reflect your appreciation.
Yellow & Red - Falling in love, start of a new romance
The yellow symbolizes your current friendship while red shows that you are interested in moving towards a relationship.
Coral - Desire, love
Coral is a shade of love, but more importantly, desire. Sending coral roses to your partner lets them know how much you really want them.
Purple/Lavender - Enchantment, unique, noble, devotion
Purple is the color of true devotion. Sending this color lets them know how truly unique they really are. Often associated with nobility, it's a perfect color for a long-standing romance.
5. Let her show off her blossoms.
Even though you might want to be romantic by making her wait all day so you can give her flowers to her in person, Ingrum suggests the opposite. Your Valentine will want to show off your thoughtfulness, so send them early and preferably to their workplace. This year Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday, so try to deliver them early so they arrive on Wednesday or Thursday. Then they can be displayed proudly throughout the week before bringing them home.
