Etiquette: How Many Flowers to Give and How to Avoid a Faux Pas?
Choosing flowers for International Women's Day (IWD) may seem simple, but the colour of a rose or the type of tulip reveals more than you'd think. The language of flowers is a centuries-old tradition, and women often look for a hidden message in a gifted bouquet. To make sure your gift on March 8th is understood the right way, we've put together a flower etiquette guide in collaboration with our florists.
Looking for inspiration for this year? If you're curious about the specific arrangements and colours trending this year, read our article: IWD 2026 Inspiration: Trends and Florists' Advice.
1. Colour Symbolism: What Are You Saying Without Words?
Colour is the first signal the recipient picks up on. Every shade carries a different emotion:
-
Red (Passion and Love): A classic for wives and partners. A red rose or tulip expresses deep feeling. Careful: In a work setting or for mothers, it can come across as too intimate.
-
Pink (Respect and Gratitude): The universal colour of IWD. Light pink signals tenderness, darker pink gratitude. Ideal for mothers, grandmothers and friends.
-
Yellow and Orange (Joy and Friendship): Yellow tulips or daffodils are messengers of spring and sunshine. Perfect for colleagues at work. Modern floristry has long debunked the myth that yellow signals jealousy.
-
White (Respect and Purity): White blooms look luxurious and festive. They express respect for a woman with a fine sense of style.
Get Inspired by the Best of Our Spring Range:
(Popular IWD bouquets)
Tulips mix colors
39 Kč
Bouquet Poppy doll
861 Kč
Hyacinth
49 Kč
Blueberry bouquet
1 291 Kč
Floral spring
833 Kč
Bouquet of powder puffs
936 Kč
Meadow Daffodil bouquet
910 Kč
Spring daffodil harmony
619 Kč
2. The Eternal Dilemma: Even or Odd Number?
In the Czech Republic, the myth still persists that an even number of flowers belongs only at a grave. How does modern etiquette treat this?
-
Small bouquets (up to 10 flowers): Here we recommend sticking with the tradition of an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9). It looks more aesthetically balanced.
-
Large arrangements (over 10 stems): For IWD bouquets or large bunches of tulips (e.g. 20, 50 stems), the even/odd rule no longer applies. No one holding an armful of 100 roses is going to count the individual stems.
-
Florist Jana's trick: „If you're worried the recipient is superstitious, have some extra greenery (eucalyptus, solidago) mixed into the bouquet. That breaks the strict stem count and turns it into a proper floral arrangement.“
3. Gift-Giving Etiquette: Who, to Whom, and How?
Every situation calls for a different approach, so the gift doesn't create embarrassment.
Within Family and Relationships
Here, emotion is exactly what's called for. IWD is an occasion where you can be both romantic and lavish. Don't be afraid to choose a luxury flower box – it's practical, since it needs no vase, and it looks like a genuine piece of jewellery.
In the Workplace
Here, the rule of professionalism applies. Florist Andrea advises: „For colleagues and superiors, choose spring mixes or colourful tulips. Avoid red roses and overly personal messages.“
4. What to Avoid This Year? (Flower Faux Pas)
To make sure your gesture has the right effect, watch out for these mistakes:
Lifeless flowers: IWD deserves A1 freshness. Flowers from a petrol station that wilt the next day won't bring anyone joy.
Artificial flowers: Even the smallest real flower beats the most expensive artificial arrangement.
Cacti: Unless the woman is a specific collector, they can come across as a symbol of "prickliness". Choose a flowering potted plant instead.
Professional Service from KvětinyExpres.cz
Since March 8th, 2026 falls on a Sunday, delivery will be handled by our own logistics fleet, Airway s.r.o. Your bouquet will be in the hands of professionals who guarantee freshness and timely arrival.
-
Message in an envelope, FREE: We print a card with your text with every order.
-
Flower nourishment: Every bouquet comes with a sachet of "Flower Food" for a longer life.
-
Add-ons: Don't forget to complete the bouquet with luxury Leonidas pralines.
>> CHOOSE A SPRING BOUQUET FOR IWD <<
Wishing you a wonderful Women's Day, the KvětinyExpres.cz Team
