Jen's guide to sending flowers: Part 2
I posted something a couple of years ago about the dos and don'ts of flower buying. With Valentine's Day looming, and because I've added some new people since then, and there are a few things I would like to delve into a bit more deeply, so here is round 2. I highly recommend that you go back and read the full post. It's pretty damned informative, if I do say so myself.
First of all, I can't stress enough that unless you absolutely HAVE to give flowers on V-Day, skip them and just go the present route instead. Valentine's day is the single worst time of year to order flowers. And if you must give flowers, give something besides rose arrangements. Because of the enormous demand for roses, especially red roses, the supply is pretty pathetic. Roses that would normally never see the inside of a flower shop-flowers that are small, poorly shaped, smell funky or are even too old- will be in just about every dozen-roses arrangement that's sold. Dozen rose vases will be made days in advance, shortening the lifespan of the arrangement significantly. In short, the roses are simply not worth the inflated price you will pay for them. Yes, flower prices rise for valentine's day. So, you're paying more for something that's worth half as much. Also, place your order as far in advance as you can. If you call up the day before valentine's day...good luck.
But there are lots of other options if you do want to send flowers. Tulips, which can actually look much like a dozen rose arrangement, are fairly common this time of year. They are also cheaper. If you REALLY want to impress a girl, try sending something called a 'Dish Garden'. It's a basket with several potted plants in it, and as long as it's cared for, will live indefinitely. Include something in your card about how you wanted to give something that would continue to grow and thrive, as your love for her does. :-) Even a mixed arrangement will be more interesting to the florist than roses. We get bored with making vase after vase of roses, so something different usually gets a lot more attention.
I also can't stress enough that you should never, ever order flowers online from FTD, Teleflora, 1-800-flowers.com, or any of the big online floral sites. You can look at their picture galleries for ideas, but when you want to place your order, find a local florist and call them directly. Online floral networks are a middle man. They take orders, skim some of what you pay off for their fee, and then submit your order to florists in your area, who them skims more off because they have to pay to subscribe to the network, plus they have to apply some to the delivery fee. SO of the original sum of money that you paid X online site, only 3/4 to 2/3 or possibly even less are actually applied to your flowers. That means a smaller arrangement or a lot of cheap filler instead of nice flowers. It is always better to talk to your florist directly to get not only the best deal, but the best treatment and the nicest arrangement. If you send flowers directly, you can develop a repertoire with your florist, and they will usually keep a file on what you send, what the people you sent to favor in arrangements, etc. If you need to send flowers out of town, call your florist and ask for a recommendation for a florist in that city. And if you're ever unsure of what to send, leave it up to them. Give a favorite flower or color, and tell them 'I trust your judgement'. We love to hear that, and we'll spend way longer on your flowers than anyone else's.
If you want a trinket,like a stuffed bear or a basket of candy delivered along with your flowers, you can buy your own and leave it with the florist, or ask if they can deliver those as well. Most florists stock cards, candy, bath and beauty products...all sorts of stuff. Just ask about it.
http://scurvykat.livejournal.com/381693.html
First of all, I can't stress enough that unless you absolutely HAVE to give flowers on V-Day, skip them and just go the present route instead. Valentine's day is the single worst time of year to order flowers. And if you must give flowers, give something besides rose arrangements. Because of the enormous demand for roses, especially red roses, the supply is pretty pathetic. Roses that would normally never see the inside of a flower shop-flowers that are small, poorly shaped, smell funky or are even too old- will be in just about every dozen-roses arrangement that's sold. Dozen rose vases will be made days in advance, shortening the lifespan of the arrangement significantly. In short, the roses are simply not worth the inflated price you will pay for them. Yes, flower prices rise for valentine's day. So, you're paying more for something that's worth half as much. Also, place your order as far in advance as you can. If you call up the day before valentine's day...good luck.
But there are lots of other options if you do want to send flowers. Tulips, which can actually look much like a dozen rose arrangement, are fairly common this time of year. They are also cheaper. If you REALLY want to impress a girl, try sending something called a 'Dish Garden'. It's a basket with several potted plants in it, and as long as it's cared for, will live indefinitely. Include something in your card about how you wanted to give something that would continue to grow and thrive, as your love for her does. :-) Even a mixed arrangement will be more interesting to the florist than roses. We get bored with making vase after vase of roses, so something different usually gets a lot more attention.
I also can't stress enough that you should never, ever order flowers online from FTD, Teleflora, 1-800-flowers.com, or any of the big online floral sites. You can look at their picture galleries for ideas, but when you want to place your order, find a local florist and call them directly. Online floral networks are a middle man. They take orders, skim some of what you pay off for their fee, and then submit your order to florists in your area, who them skims more off because they have to pay to subscribe to the network, plus they have to apply some to the delivery fee. SO of the original sum of money that you paid X online site, only 3/4 to 2/3 or possibly even less are actually applied to your flowers. That means a smaller arrangement or a lot of cheap filler instead of nice flowers. It is always better to talk to your florist directly to get not only the best deal, but the best treatment and the nicest arrangement. If you send flowers directly, you can develop a repertoire with your florist, and they will usually keep a file on what you send, what the people you sent to favor in arrangements, etc. If you need to send flowers out of town, call your florist and ask for a recommendation for a florist in that city. And if you're ever unsure of what to send, leave it up to them. Give a favorite flower or color, and tell them 'I trust your judgement'. We love to hear that, and we'll spend way longer on your flowers than anyone else's.
If you want a trinket,like a stuffed bear or a basket of candy delivered along with your flowers, you can buy your own and leave it with the florist, or ask if they can deliver those as well. Most florists stock cards, candy, bath and beauty products...all sorts of stuff. Just ask about it.
http://scurvykat.livejournal.com/381693.html