Over the years, roses have become an important gift that conveys heartfelt sentiments, With all the new varieties of roses that have been introduced, our imaginations have been inspired to create new meanings for them. Every occasion can be given special meaning with roses and we have an abundant variety from which to choose. When it comes time to choose, it may seem daunting, so we are giving you some guidelines here. Just remember, a bouquet of roses is always appreciated anytime.
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Colors of Roses for Appropriate Occasions

Red roses: Believed to be the favored flower of Venus, Roman Goddess of love, the red rose became known as the love rose. Today these are the usual choice for romance and Valentines Day. If you really want to impress someone you love with the depth of your feelings, you give them a dozen long stem deep red roses. A single red rose can say, I just wanted you to know how special you are to me.Colors of Roses for Appropriate Occasions

Dark Pink: Traditionally the color chosen to say thank you, it is considered the best choice for expressing gratitude. Someone who receives a dozen dark pink roses knows they are appreciated.

White: This is the traditional rose color chosen for weddings. From covering an arch topped with an arrangement, to baskets filled with large sprays of roses, to table toppings and bridal bouquets, white on white roses, full bloom, buds and baby roses are a favorite choice. Sometimes the roses are mixed with baby’s breath and greens or mixed with flowers. Sometimes they are used to honor someone for their achievements or contributions.

Yellow roses. This is the color that represents friendship and is often given on a birthday or some other special occasion. A bouquet of yellow roses is warm and welcoming. A single yellow rose is sometimes given as an expression of appreciation to a friend. This is also an appropriate color for a sixteenth birthday.

Multi colored, mixed colors, carnival roses: These are a great choice as a get well bouquet gift. Bright colors are always uplifting. They are also great for a birthday or for table top decorations for special gatherings.

Pale Pink and Soft muted tones in roses: These are appropriate for showing sympathy, conveying a message of caring and honoring the person who has passed.

Lavendar roses: These are used for anniversaries and special occasions.

24 Kt. Gold dipped roses: These are the ultimate indulgence in giving an exotic gift. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. They can be an appropriate gift for a 60 th golden wedding anniversary.

Almost any color of rose is appropriate if it is the person’s favorite rose, and we all know Mother’s love roses, so don’t forget to ask what her favorite rose is before ordering flowers for Mother’s Day.

Availability of FlowersAvailability of Flowers and their Meanings:

Not all flowers are available at all times of the year. With the internet many flowers can be ordered from all over the world, so flowers that were once hard to get are now more available. .Green houses all over the United States raise flowers year round as well so we have what are known as hot house flowers furnishing us with beautiful blooms even in the dead of winter. Nothing can cheer up a dark, rainy day like a bouquet delivery of multi colored blooms.

Some of the flowers which are commonly available throughout the year are the following:

Azalea, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Daisy, Gardenia, Gladiola, Lily, Orchid, Rose, Snapdragon, Stephanotis, and Violet

The “language of flowers” developed when flowers were given as a way to convey a message. While a single flower might have one meaning, a bouquet might convey a complex communication. Even the way the flowers are arranged could change the intimation of the message. Here are some of the better known flowers and some of their meanings:

Azalea=temperance, fragile passion
Begonia=beware
Bittersweet=truth
Bluebell=humility
Camellia=perfection, admiration, good luck
Carnation=pure love, fascination
Chrysanthemum=friend, cheerfulness, truth
Daisy=innocence, purity
Forget me not=true love, memories
Gardenia= lovely, secret love
Gloxinia=love at first sight
Hyacinth=constancy
Iris=faith, hope, wisdom, valor
Lily=beauty, wealth, pride
Marigold=cruelty, jealousy
Nasturtium=conquest, victory
Orange Blossom=marriage, faithfulness
Orchid=love, beauty, refinement
Poppy=eternal sleep, imagination
Rose=love
Stephanotis=happiness in marriage
Tulip=declaration of love, perfect lover, fame
Violet=modesty
Zinnia=goodness, constancy, lasting affection

 
 
 

Birth Flowers and their meanings:

Birth flowers are often the ideal gift for a person’s birthday, or any special occasion the person may have. Some months have more than one flower. Some flowers come in more than one color. The color of the flower may also have meaning.Birth Flowers and their meanings

Here are the traditional flowers for each month along with their meanings.

January- Carnation or Snowdrop, Love, fascination, distinction, gratitude
February- Primrose, Modesty and virtue
March- Daffodil, Rebirth, unrequited love, vanity
April- Daisy, Innocence, purity, loyal love
May- Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn, Happiness, humility and sweetness
June- Rose, Love, gratitude, appreciation
July- Delphinium/Larkspur, Joyful, fickleness, sweet
August- Poppy/Gladiolus Moral Integrity
September- Morning glory/Aster Daintiness, love, magic
October- Calendula Grief, Hopefulness, Grace
November- Chrysanthemum, Cheerfulness, friendship, abundance
December- Holly/Narcissus, sweetness, self esteem, vanity

In addition to their birth flowers, everyone has a favorite flower, sometimes because of the color, sometimes because of the shape and sometimes because of the fragrance. Sometimes a flower can bring back a special memory. People often dry or press and save flowers for this reason.

Shopping for Flowers Online

Anytime of year, any occasion, almost any flower is available for purchase online. You can have same day delivery to most destinations. With FTD and some other florists you can actually look at the arrangements before you order and know what you are sending. Some growers sell flowers direct at large discounts, up to 35% to 50% off. Even Martha Stewart and Vera Wang have their names on fresh flower deliveries. Designer flowers are available that take bouquets to a whole new level and are a great luxury for someone to receive. Exotic Orchids, tropical flowers, roses from South America, Leis from Hawaii, the choices are endless. You can have a card included with your name and wishes written on it.Shopping for Flowers Online

Before shopping you need to know what your budget will be if you need to think about price. Remember, that besides the price of the bouquet or arrangement, there will be delivery fees, taxes and possible charges if you want to include a vase or basket. Delivery fees may vary depending on the destination.

If you tell the florist the budget you have in mind and the occasion, they can be very helpful getting you the best arrangement for your money. If you don’t recognize a flower they mention or aren’t quite sure if you are getting what you want, ask questions until you are satisfied. Ask for a total price with all fees before you commit with your credit card. I have always been impressed with the results I have gotten and have had wonderful feedback about the arrangements from the people who received them. Many times, the florist from whom I was ordering gave me great ideas I would not have considered on my own that fell well within my budget or actually saved me money.

Another way I have ordered flowers was to go online and look for a flower shop in the town where I wanted the flowers delivered. If the flower shop doesn’t have a website, they usually have a yellow page listing in their local telephone book which you can access online. I call and find out what flowers they have that are fresh and then make my decision. If you are ordering for a funeral, the funeral home can often direct you to the florist that has been handling other orders and they can usually deliver your order at the same time.