Which bouquet to choose for each occasion
Elvor ·
A good bouquet suits the occasion, the person receiving it and the place it will stand. Here are a few simple guidelines for a confident choice.
Which flowers suit each occasion
| Occasion | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Birthday | Cheerful mixed bouquets: hydrangeas, roses, gerberas, in the person's favourite colours |
| Anniversary, declaration | Roses or peonies in red, deep pink or burgundy; heart-shaped arrangements |
| Wedding | A compact bridal bouquet in white and pastels: calla lilies, peonies, gypsophila, ranunculus |
| New baby | Delicate tones — white, powder pink, light blue — and flowers without a strong scent |
| For a man | Restrained compositions with clean lines: anthurium, calla lilies, greenery, dark tones |
| Thank you, compliment | A small bouquet that is easy to give any day, or a flower basket or box |
What the colours mean
- Red — love and passion.
- Pink — tenderness, gratitude, admiration.
- White — purity and elegance; suited to weddings and christenings.
- Yellow and orange — joy, energy, friendship.
- Purple and blue — refinement, a less usual choice.
Which size to choose
Think about where the bouquet will stand and how the recipient will get it home. At an office or restaurant, a small or medium bouquet is more practical. For a surprise at home or an important anniversary, a large bouquet or boxed arrangement makes an impression. Boxes and baskets have one advantage: they need no vase.
How to keep a bouquet fresh
- Cut the stems at an angle, by 1–2 cm, before placing the flowers in water.
- Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line.
- Change the water every 1–2 days and wash the vase.
- Keep the bouquet away from direct sun, radiators, draughts and ripe fruit.
- Hydrangeas love water: if they droop, stand the stems in cold water for a few hours.