Do NOT buy your boyfriend or girlfriend flowers on the first date. It will imply you're after something or moving too quickly.
When buying roses make sure you know to put them in deep water as soon as possible otherwise you will kill them off pretty quick. See our flowercare section for more details.
Make sure the florist you are buying from buys fresh flowers daily. if you're not sure ask them.
Make sure if you want them delivering the florist can deliver SAME DAY.
Before calling or popping into the shop make sure your debit/credit card is valid and up to date to save embarrassment.
Make sure the florist has a good selection of flowers and the florist are qualified in order to advise correctly especially for a big occasion such as a wedding or funeral.
It's also a good idea to ask what add on's they can provide such as chocolates, wine, champagne, helium balloons and soft toys. These are all great for making your gift extra special.
Make sure the florist advises on how exactly how you should care for your flowers once you get them home to get the most out of them. Any good florist should provide this advise without prompting.
Have all the necessary details to hand if ordering for delivery such as recipients name, address, telephone number, postcode and any special instructions you wish to be passed onto the delivery driver( i.e. please leave round back in porch if not in).
If you can suggest to the florist the types and colours of flowers the recipient prefers, this will help in the overall design of your gift.
If purchasing flowers for someone in hospital make sure before hand that the hospital ward accepts flowers on the ward. A lot don't these days because of fear of spread of infection. It's best to ask the hospital first before ordering.
Funeral Flowers: Need to know time of funeral, where the funeral is leaving from such as home or funeral undertakers. The exact address for delivery home or funeral directors. Favourite colours and types of flower.
The main thing is to think ahead of exactly your requirements and delivery information. If you follow the guide above you won't go far wrong.