Ellermann Flower Shopping Tips: Flower Bouquet Styles for 25 Special Occasions

Romantic Occasions

1. Valentine's Day

Classic Choice: Red roses in a dozen or two-dozen arrangement Style: Tight, rounded bouquet with baby's breath accents Alternative: Deep red tulips, pink peonies (in season), or burgundy dahlias Presentation: Long-stemmed in clear vase or wrapped in elegant paper with satin ribbon

2. Anniversary

Traditional: Roses matching the anniversary year (1st = red, 25th = iris, 50th = yellow) Style: Cascading or hand-tied bouquet Modern Options: Mixed seasonal blooms in couple's favorite colors Special Touch: Include the bride's original wedding flowers if recreating

3. Proposal/Engagement

Premium Choice: White or blush roses with eucalyptus Style: Compact, pristine round bouquet Luxury Option: Garden roses, white peonies, and ranunculus Presentation: Hand-tied with silk ribbon, perfect for photos

4. First Date Flowers

Approach: Subtle and thoughtful, not overwhelming Best Choice: Small mixed bouquet with tulips, daffodils, or gerbera daisies Style: Loose, natural gathering Colors: Soft pastels or bright, cheerful tones

5. Apology/Reconciliation

Strategy: Meaningful over extravagant Choice: Partner's favorite flowers or colors Classic: Pink roses (gratitude) or white lilies (rebirth) Style: Simple, sincere arrangement with personal note

Family & Personal Milestones

6. Mother's Day

Traditional: Pink carnations, roses, or tulips Style: Full, lush bouquet in garden style Modern: Mixed spring flowers including peonies, lilacs, and sweet peas Presentation: In decorative vase she can keep

7. Baby Shower

Theme: Soft, delicate, and sweet Colors: Pastels - pink, blue, lavender, or yellow Flowers: Baby's breath, white roses, pink tulips, or delphiniums Style: Rounded bouquet with ribbon matching shower colors

8. New Baby Arrival

Girl: Pink roses, pink gerberas, or pink tulips with white accents Boy: Blue delphiniums, white roses with blue ribbon, or blue hydrangeas Gender Neutral: Yellow roses, white lilies, or mixed pastels Style: Cheerful, uplifting arrangement with soft textures

9. Graduation

Colors: School colors when possible Flowers: Bright, celebratory blooms like sunflowers, gerberas, or mixed roses Style: Vibrant, energetic bouquet Special: Consider lei-style arrangement for ceremony wear

10. Birthday (General)

Approach: Match personality and age Young Adult: Bright, trendy flowers like gerberas or mixed wildflowers Adult: Elegant roses, lilies, or seasonal favorites Style: Fun and colorful or sophisticated depending on recipient Personal Touch: Birth month flowers when possible

Professional & Achievement

11. Job Promotion/New Job

Message: Success and new beginnings Flowers: Yellow roses (achievement), sunflowers, or iris Style: Confident, upstanding arrangement Presentation: Professional but celebratory

12. Retirement

Theme: Gratitude and well-wishes for the future Choice: Elegant mixed bouquet with roses, lilies, and complementary flowers Colors: Warm, appreciative tones like peach, yellow, and white Style: Full, generous arrangement showing respect

13. Teacher Appreciation

Approach: Thoughtful and appropriate Choice: Bright, cheerful flowers like gerberas, tulips, or mixed seasonal Style: Modest but beautiful hand-tied bouquet Avoid: Overly romantic flowers; keep it professional

14. Business Opening/Housewarming

Goal: Prosperity and good fortune Flowers: Chrysanthemums (prosperity), orchids (luxury), or vibrant mixed arrangements Style: Impressive, long-lasting arrangement Consider: Potted plants for lasting presence

Sympathy & Support

15. Funeral/Memorial Service

Traditional: White lilies, white roses, or white chrysanthemums Style: Formal arrangements - wreaths, sprays, or standing arrangements Alternative: Deceased's favorite flowers or colors Message: Peace, respect, and remembrance

16. Sympathy/Condolences

Approach: Comfort and support Flowers: White or pale flowers - lilies, roses, carnations Style: Gentle, soothing arrangement Delivery: Send to home rather than workplace when possible

17. Get Well Soon

Goal: Cheer and healing energy Choice: Bright, uplifting flowers like yellow roses, orange gerberas, or mixed cheerful blooms Avoid: Heavily scented flowers for hospital delivery Style: Compact, easy-to-maintain arrangement

18. Thinking of You/Support

Purpose: Show care during difficult times Flowers: Soft, comforting blooms in gentle colors Options: Lavender roses, white tulips, or mixed pastels Style: Understated elegance with caring message

Seasonal & Holiday

19. Christmas/Winter Holidays

Colors: Red, white, green, gold Flowers: Red roses, white lilies, red amaryllis, or winter greenery Style: Traditional holiday arrangement with seasonal accents Additions: Pine, holly, or holiday ornaments

20. Easter/Spring

Theme: Renewal and rebirth Flowers: Pastel tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, or spring mix Colors: Soft yellows, pinks, purples, and whites Style: Fresh, natural garden-style arrangement

21. Thanksgiving

Approach: Gratitude and harvest themes Colors: Warm autumn tones - orange, burgundy, gold, bronze Flowers: Chrysanthemums, marigolds, orange roses, or sunflowers Style: Rustic, abundant arrangement with seasonal elements

22. Father's Day

Challenge: Traditionally masculine appeal Solutions: Sunflowers, yellow roses, or mixed arrangements in deeper colors Style: Structured, less delicate arrangements Alternative: Succulent arrangements or potted plants

23. Prom/Formal Events

Coordination: Match dress colors and style Popular: Roses, orchids, or lilies in coordinating colors Styles: Corsages, boutonnieres, or small hand bouquets Trend: Wrist corsages over traditional pinned styles

Additional Special Occasions

24. Wedding (Various Roles)

Bridal: White, blush, or chosen wedding colors in sophisticated style Bridesmaids: Complementary colors in smaller, coordinated arrangements Mother of Bride/Groom: Elegant corsages or small bouquets Style: Cohesive with wedding theme and season

25. Just Because/Random Acts of Kindness

Philosophy: Unexpected joy and brightening someone's day Choice: Recipient's favorites or cheerful seasonal flowers Style: Natural, unpretentious arrangement Message: Spontaneous happiness and thoughtfulness

Bouquet Style Guide

Classic Styles

Round/Posy Bouquet

• Tightly arranged flowers in perfect circle

• All stems same length

• Best for: Formal occasions, traditional preferences

• Flowers: Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums

Cascade/Waterfall Bouquet

• Flowers flow downward in natural trailing pattern

• Dramatic and elegant

• Best for: Weddings, formal events

• Flowers: Orchids, lilies, roses with trailing greenery

Hand-Tied/Gathered Bouquet

• Natural, just-picked appearance

• Stems visible and tied with ribbon

• Best for: Casual occasions, country/garden themes

• Flowers: Mixed seasonal blooms, wildflowers

Garden Style Bouquet

• Loose, organic arrangement mimicking garden growth

• Varied heights and textures

• Best for: Spring occasions, natural themes

• Flowers: Varied seasonal mix with foliage

Modern Styles

Composite Bouquet

• Single flower type in perfect geometric shape

• Sophisticated and architectural

• Best for: Contemporary tastes, minimalist preferences

• Flowers: Roses, peonies, chrysanthemums

Presentation Bouquet

• Long-stemmed flowers arranged for easy carrying

• Elegant and simple

• Best for: Awards, formal presentations

• Flowers: Long-stemmed roses, lilies, gladioli

Nosegay

• Small, tight cluster perfect for one hand

• Traditionally herbs and flowers

• Best for: Intimate occasions, vintage themes

• Flowers: Small roses, herbs, baby's breath

Color Psychology in Flower Selection

Emotional Messages by Color

Red: Love, passion, courage, respect Pink: Gratitude, appreciation, gentleness, admiration White: Purity, new beginnings, sympathy, reverence Yellow: Friendship, joy, new beginnings, get well wishes Purple: Royalty, admiration, enchantment, love at first sight Orange: Enthusiasm, warmth, desire, fascination Blue: Peace, tranquility, trust (rare in natural flowers) Green: Harmony, fertility, fortune, renewal

Seasonal Availability Guide

Spring (March-May): Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, cherry blossoms, peonies (late spring) Summer (June-August): Roses, sunflowers, lilies, delphiniums, gladioli Fall (September-November): Chrysanthemums, dahlias, marigolds, asters Winter (December-February): Amaryllis, poinsettias, evergreen arrangements, imported flowers

Practical Tips

Flower Longevity

Longest Lasting: Chrysanthemums (7-14 days), alstroemeria (7-10 days) Medium Duration: Roses (5-7 days), lilies (5-7 days) Shorter Lived: Tulips (3-5 days), peonies (3-5 days)

Budget Considerations

Luxury: Peonies, garden roses, orchids, out-of-season imports Mid-Range: Standard roses, lilies, mixed seasonal bouquets Budget-Friendly: Carnations, chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, seasonal locals

Delivery Timing

Best Days: Tuesday-Thursday for freshness and availability Avoid: Mondays (weekend shipping stress) and major holidays (premium pricing) Special Occasions: Order 3-5 days in advance during peak seasons

Cultural Considerations

Western Traditions: Generally positive flower meanings Asian Cultures: Avoid white flowers for celebrations (associated with mourning) European: Different color meanings in some regions Religious: Consider appropriateness for specific faiths and customs

Final Ellermann Recommendations

Remember that the most important aspect of flower giving is the thought and care behind the gesture. While this guide provides traditional suggestions, personal preferences and the recipient's favorite flowers should always take precedence. Consider allergies, living situations (pet-friendly flowers), and personal style when making your final selection.

The key to successful flower giving is matching the magnitude and style of the arrangement to the occasion while considering the recipient's personality and preferences. When in doubt, a beautiful mixed seasonal bouquet with a heartfelt note rarely disappoints. fleuria.com