Basic Rules of Giving Flowers: How to Avoid a Social Blunder
Giving flowers is one of the most beautiful gestures you can use to express love, respect, gratitude or a deep apology. But it comes with its own firm social rules. Do you know when to give an even number? Which hand should properly hold the bouquet? And is it even appropriate to give flowers to a man? We've put together a complete guide to flower etiquette, so at your next occasion you'll shine like a true gentleman and avoid any unnecessary social blunders.
Tip from our owner Monika (guardian of quality, etiquette and tradition): „The most common myth I encounter among customers at KvětinyExpres.cz is the rule about the number of stems. Many people think an even number of flowers belongs exclusively at a cemetery. That hasn't been true in modern floristry for a long time! If you choose a magnificent cut-flower arrangement by number, say 30, 50 or 100 roses for a birthday, that's perfectly fine, and it's a breathtaking experience for the woman receiving it. An even number is only really an issue for small gift bouquets of up to 10 stems. And if you're not sure about a personal handover, leave it to us. Our couriers deliver birthday bouquets in air-conditioned Airway vehicles that protect them from the heat, and always hand over the bouquet with the utmost grace and professionalism.“
Choose a Bouquet That Follows Etiquette Exactly:
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Blue Dolphin
815 KčBouquet of powder puffs
936 KčBouquet of pink lilies
690 KčBouquet Rose garden
1 387 KčPink Roses in Eucalyptus
913 KčWhite Wax Eustoma
496 Kč1. Number of Flowers: When to Choose Even, and When Odd?
The rule about even and odd numbers is essentially a Central European specificity (in many Western countries it's not considered an issue at all). Here, however, it has a deep tradition worth knowing, to avoid any unnecessary misunderstanding:
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1 to 9 flowers: For smaller gift bouquets, always choose an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7...). There's also a practical reason – an odd number arranges much more naturally in a vase, and the bouquet looks more balanced and symmetrical.
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10 or more flowers: Here, the number no longer matters. Large bouquets are visually perceived as one rich whole. If a woman is celebrating her 40th birthday, giving exactly 40 roses is a thoughtful expression of great taste.
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Funerals: An even number (most often 2, 4 or 6 flowers) is traditionally brought to funerals and memorials. For these solemn occasions, our specialised funeral bouquets and wreaths are most fitting, expressing sincere sympathy and deep respect for the deceased.
White Avalanche Rose
94 KčMaria Claire Orange Rose
89 KčRed Naomi Red Rose
98 KčRose Malibu
96 KčHazel Rose
97 KčRose Dolcetto
99 Kč2. Rules for Gentlemen: How to Properly Present a Bouquet in Person?
Etiquette has very clear rules for handling a bouquet. Presenting it correctly reveals that you pay attention to detail:
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Unwrap it, or not? If the bouquet is wrapped only in plain paper (meant purely to protect the flowers during transport), always remove it before ringing the doorbell. However, if decorative paper or a coloured cuff is a designed part of the arrangement, present the bouquet still wrapped.
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The left-hand rule: Always hold the bouquet in your left hand as you arrive. The reason is simple – your right hand needs to be immediately free to shake hands and greet your hosts.
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Who gives the flowers to whom? A man always presents the bouquet to the woman. If a couple is visiting another couple, the male partner presents the flowers to the hostess, while his partner greets the host at the same time.
3. Flowers for a First Date: Sometimes Less Is More
Getting ready for a first date and want to make an impression? Don't turn up with a giant bouquet. It could embarrass the woman, and it would also be very impractical for a walk around town or a trip to the cinema afterward.
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The ideal choice: One beautiful rose, or a smaller, airy arrangement. Colourful seasonal flowers and bouquets full of fresh colour work beautifully.
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The symbolism of colour: Classic large red roses are a powerful symbol of deep, passionate love. On a first date this can come across as far too committal. For a start, try pink instead (it expresses tenderness and admiration), or an elegant combined anniversary bouquet or one from our love collection.
4. Flowers for Men? Absolutely Yes, But with Sensitivity
The myth that men don't receive flowers is thankfully long outdated. Bouquets are given to men for significant life milestones, graduations, or professional achievements. However, a bouquet for a man should have a completely different character from one for a woman:
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Shape and style: Forget round, romantic arrangements. A proper bouquet for men should be vertical, elongated, and have a more modern, technical look with minimal decoration. Bold plants like sunflowers, anthuriums, strelitzias, or exotic greenery are used.
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An original alternative: If you don't feel confident choosing flowers, you'll always win over a man's attention with our exclusive gift basket full of select wine and premium delicacies.
An Elegant Solution: A Surprise via Airway Courier
Want to avoid the stress of a personal handover, or live on the other side of the country? Leave it to us. That moment of surprise, when a courier delivers a stunning bouquet straight to the office or home, creates the strongest emotions of all. And whatever's on your mind, we'll also carefully print it onto a gift card for you.
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Team KvětinyExpres.cz