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Ordering flowers online - what you should know

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 4 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

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Add a little something to your next floral gift.

 

Online florists as well as your local neighborhood florist make it easy for you to choose the perfect floral arrangement even when you have absolutely no know ledge of flowers. Here are a few tips to save you money when ordering flowers and make the best choice for your needs (all florists are not created equal). Finally, we've highlighted a few bits of trivia you can mention to make your gift extra special (and make you seem extra thoughtful!)

How do you do flowers? 

Loyal to your local florist, or click-and-go with an onine florist?

We all know that human contact and a personal element better ensure a good final finished product. That would mean a trip to the local florist. That can be difficult though when sending flowers long distances (maybe even with language barriers). Sometimes we just don't have time to make that extra stop. Or, we just remembered that birthday, or an unplanned event has happened (new baby) and you want to send something, but can't leave the office... There is definitely a reason for online flower delivery.

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How to get the best deal on flowers whether you order them online or go to your florist 

A few tips that are sure to save you a few bucks on your next floral purchase


  • Order as early as possible - Not only will you probably receive discounts, your arrangement will include higher quality flowers (not the last ones from the batch) and you'll have a better chance of getting your flowers delivered on time (especially on busy holidays like Valentines Day.

  • Do a quick search for online coupon or promo codes - Five minutes spent searching for coupon or promo codes can save you a percentage off your subtotal, a specific dollar amount, or even get you a few stems or a vase.

  • Choose a non-traditional flower on big holidays - The price of a dozen roses does increase for Valentines Day. Orchids are just as stunning though, and in less demand. Ask your florist for other suggestions.

  • Buy local, seasonal flowers - In many northern climes, this can be difficult to do during the winter. Your local florist is the best way to find out about this one. See below for an image gallery of seasonal flowers.

  • If you regularly order flowers online, create a new profile - No doubt about it, your online purchases are tracked. If you're already a regular customer, chances are that you won't get offers designed to lure back one-time buyers. Create a new profile and disguise yourself as a new customer to get the hottest deals.

  • Sign up for online florist email listings and reward clubs. - Most online florists will send you a coupon code or special offer immediately when you sign up for their rewards clubs or email listings.

  • Just go and order from the local florist instead of online. - A large floral network will pay the florist fulfilling your order less money than if you went in and bought the arrangement yourself. To make up for this lost revenue, the florist won't use their best flowers, and may scrimp on the quantity of them.

Getting the best floral arrangement today 

Tips on current floral trends and how to find a quality florist

If you're not familiar with an area and want to food a good florist, try asking the opinion of a hotel concierge! Phone a respected hotel in the city you will be sending your flowers to and ask to speak to the concierge. Ask the concierge which florist they use and recommend at the hotel. Odds are, this will be the best one in town.

  • Good florists will use seasonal blooms. Consult our chart below to see which flowers are typical for each of the four seasons and ask which blooms will be included in your arrangement. Start wondering if no seasonal blooms will be featured...

  • Current trends use a single color for the palette. Arrangements consisting of different shades of the same color are much more stunning than a mix of colors and are also currently the height of floral fashion. Opt for one color - be it white, pink, red, yellow, even green!

  • Avoid carnations, babies breath and fern fronds. While making appearances in most arrangements, high-end floral arrangements will not include baby's breath or ferns as fillers, nor will they include carnations. If you want to make an elegant statement, ask that these blooms and fillers not be included in your arrangement.

Brand Name Recognition 

Those are lovely roses, are they Verifloras?

Cut flowers are one commodity that has virtually no brand-name recognition. Of course we know the names of the floral delivery networks such as FTD and Teleflora. In some cities, certain florists names and shops will carry prestige. But, as far as the actual flowers themselves, most people couldn't even tell you what country they are from (most flowers sold in the US are grown in California, or Latin American countries such as Ecuador and Colombia, then flown in through Miami and stored in warehouses there. Europe is supplied by flower farms in the Netherlands and equatorial African countries such as Kenya)! Two names that are becoming more well-known are Veriflora and Fair Trade. Rather than being the actual flower farms or growers, these names belong to certification organizations that strictly audit flower farms for environmental and labor conditions, although they do not require the flowers to be grown 100% organically.

Footage of a flower farm in California 

Featuring the author of "Flower Confidential", Amy Stewart

Author Amy Stewart takes you on a tour of a California flower farm. A rather long video, skimming through it shows the huge scale of flower production, from grower to warehouse to you.

Flower Confidential B-Roll

General footage of a flower farm. Filmed at Sun Valley Floral Farms in Oxnard, California.

Runtime: 6:40
516 views
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But those flower bouquets at the grocery store are cheaper. 

Is their really a difference between the tulips at the grocers and those at the florist?

Why shouldn't you just pick up a bouquet of flowers from those buckets by the cashiers at the grocers? It's more convenient than going to the florist, and certainly cheaper than ordering them online. They're just as pretty and we have a nice vase at home!


Like all things, you get what you pay for. The life of your flower is affected by genetics as well as growing conditions. More importantly though, the conditions the flower is stored in will affect the life span of the bloom. A lack of proper refrigeration shortens the life of a flower and it will wilt more quickly. Heat sources further aggravate this problem, even the heat given off from the cash registers at the grocers! Car exhaust fumes also cause a more rapid deterioration of the bouquets sold by street vendors.

They last long, they smell not. 

Your flowers are beautiful for a long time, but don't have any fragrance.

Most flowers sent to the US and Canada are grown in Colombia or Ecuador, and are genetically modified in labs. This is necessary in order to produce flowers that can survive what is often a week-long journey to the distributor, going many days without water. In order for the flowers to clear Miami International Airport's customs, they must be doused in fungicides. These long-living, strong and pest-free flowers naturally lose their more delicate qualities, namely scent. Finally, the production of ethylene (strongly linked to fragrance production in flowers) naturally shortens the lifespan of the bloom. It's a give and take, you can't have both long-living cut flowers and beautifully-scented blooms.

Where are the best places to buy flowers online? 

You know a few names, but which florist is right for you?

Here we'll give you an overiew of which online florist is right for you. As a note, if you want to use a local florist - don't look for them online! Many companies pose as 'local florists' in online ads and search results. You'll end up paying much more for your order (which will get fulfilled by a local florist in the end - but with much lower quality as they receive significantly less money) when using these masquerading distributors. If going local, use a florist you know and don't search online. If ordering online, use a big name. We show you who is quality. Read on.
Order flowers online
Centsible.net has researched all of today's top online florists, and found a few online retailers you may not have thought of for your flower delivery needs (overstock.com anyone?). Centsible's floral page is even complete with handy links to current coupon codes, sales or hot deals and shipping promos for their featured florists!

 

1-800-FLOWERS.COM

1-800-flowers.com 

Sending your flowers through the BloomNet network.

1800flowers.com is one of the five major florist delivery companies, having its own internation floral wire service, "Bloomnet". 1800flowers also offers gifts from Fannie May, Cheryl & Co., Plow & Hearth, WineTasting Network, Ambrosia Wine, Hearthsong, Magic Cabin, The Popcorn Factory, Wind & Weather and Problem Solvers. Find coupon codes for 1800flowers, shop the sales at 1800flowers, or find out about research your 1800flowers delivery options and charges.

Experiences with 1-800-FLOWERS.com 

Been there, done that.

If you've ordered flowers from 1-800-FLOWERS.com (or any other type of gift for that matter), let us know about your experience with them! Thumbs up or thumbs down, we want to know!

 

florist.com 

Sending your flowers through FTD's Mercury Network

Florist.com uses FTD's "Mercury" international floral wire service and offers a free vase with most of its bouquets. Very value-oriented, florist.com bouquets range in price from $29.99 and up. Florist.com is strictly an online florist, you won't find any food or gift baskets here. Find online promo codes for florist.com, go bargain shopping at florist.com, and explore your shipping options with florist.com.

Experiences with florist.com 

Been there, done that.

Are you a previous customer of florist.com? If so, we want to know what you thought! Was your recipient pleased with their arrangement? Did it arrive on time? How was the customer service? Tell all!

 

Save 10% on Flowers and Gifts starting at $19.99 at FTD.com! (468x60)

FTD.com 

Sending your flowers via their own "Mercury" network.

FTD.com has their own "Mercury" international floral wire service. The acronymn FTD originally stood for "Florist's Telegraph Delivery", but was changed in 1965 to "Florist's Transworld Delivery". The new name indicated their ability to take orders and deliver flowers worldwide. Not only sending flowers, FTD can send personalized gifts, jewelry, gourmet food from names like Harry & David, Godiva and Mrs. Fields, wine and many more items. You can even send SpaFinder gift certificates and gift baskets for pets! Find coupon codes for FTD.com, go bargain shopping at FTD.com, or explore your delivery options for FTD.com.

Experiences with FTD.com 

Been there, done that.

If you've ordered gifts or flowers from FTD.com before, we want to know about it! Would you use them again or recommend them to a friend? What was your order? Was it a good value? Enquiring minds want to know...

 

Send Organic Flowers & Gourmet Gifts - from $29.95

Organic Bouquet 

using the best certified sustainable practices including Organic and Veriflora

Organic Bouquet offers flowers and gifts from suppliers with the following certifications: Organic, Veriflora, Biodynamic, Fair-Trade Certified, Transitional, Eco-Friendly, Socially Responsible, Made With Organic Ingredients, Control Union Certifications, Veriflora & Fair Trade Certified. Organic Bouquet offers not only flowers, but also chococolates, wreaths and gourmet treats. Find Organic Bouquet online coupon codes, shop red hot deals at Organic Bouquet and explore your delivery options from Organic Bouquet.

Experiences With Organic Bouquet 

Been there, done that...

Have you ordered flowers or gifts from Organic Bouquet? What did you think of the product? Did it arrive on time? Was it a good value for the money? Let us know here!

 

Teleflora Flowers

Teleflora 

Delivering your flowers via their own Teleflora network.

Teleflora delivers its flowers and floral arrangements through its own floral delivery network. They offer cut flower bouquets and arrangements, as well as potted plants and gift baskets. Teleflora's site offers a wealth of information on flowers, traditional gifts for occassions such as wedding anniversaries. You can also shop Teleflora by price, occasion, recipient, gift type, or even flower type. Check for Teleflora coupon or promo codes, shop featured offers and hot deals at Teleflora and research your Teleflora delivery options..

Experiences with Teleflora 

Been there, done that.

Have you sent your flowers via Teleflora before? If you had done, would you do so again? Would you trust an important event to them, such as a 25th wedding anniversary, or just use them for a last-minute gift when you overlook a friend's birthday or want to send a quick get-well gift to the hospital but can't make it there in person? Let us know your thoughts and experiences with Teleflora.

Is a rose just a rose? 

Know the different varieties available

Usually we think of red roses and true love with the mention of the word "rose". You can also choose from pink, yellow and white roses though, with each variety saying something different. When you send roses, you are sending more than just flowers or a bouquet. Roses convey deep feelings, whether of love, friendship, appreciation or sympathy.

What A Rose Can Say by La Lela

A red rose says true romantic love.

Yellow Rose by Chylandra

Yellow roses convey friendship, gratitude, joy and respect.

Passion by Luigi FDV

Pink roses are sweet. Friendship, appreciation, admiration, a crush... Pink roses are more appropriate at the start of a relationship.

White rose by Janny Brocken

White roses are unique and show purity. Send white roses as a gesture of sympathy.

Spring Flowers 

Send a refreshing, hopeful message of youth and renewal

A bouquet of spring flowers can really brighten someone's day. When the holidays are over and everyone is tired of cold weather and being indoors, a spring floral arrangement can really lift someone's spirits. Spring is just around the corner and a bouquet of spring blooms is ultimately refreshing!

Red Tulips Against Sky by scott photos

Red Tulips signify

More tulips by Kipourax

Yellow tulips show joy.

Purple Tulips by Tatiana Faber

Purple tulips traditionally mean royalty.

Tulips in their Sunday whites by Bonnie Shulman

White tulips are a symbol of forgiveness.

A whole lot of hyacinth by Schooled_in _rock

Nothing says spring more than hyacinth!

Spring/Summer (not sure which) is here! by L-T-L

Daffodils trumpet in the arrival of spring.

Found an old photo I had of Mimbrava!! by Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton

Crocus flowers are another harbinger of spring.

Blue irises by dotlyc

Irises are a sure sign that spring has sprung.

STARGAZER by linda yvonne

The Stargazer Lily adds a touch of drama to a bouquet.

laranja-lírio by wagner campelo

Asiatic lillies hint to warmer days ahead.

Summer Flowers 

Carefree summer days brought back by flowers.

Let those lazy summer days live a little longer when you choose summer flowers. Scent takes you back to a period in time quicker than any other sense. Relax and breathe in the summer air.

for TWTME by peggy.

Daisies speak of summer's simplicity.

Field of red by Tampen

Poppies bring to mind those magical fields...

Asiatic Lilly by Clint Voris

Asiatic lillies radiate summer's tropical heat.

begonia bouquet by tadelloeser

Beautiful pink begonias.

Snapdragons by Aussie Jules

Snapdragons embody the graciousness of summer.

Bouquet of gladioluses by JarekCichy

Gladioli (or "glads") shine of summer sun.

White Gardenia  Flower by Craig Jewell

Gardenias give off a heavenly scent.

Would you like a cup of "spring" tea?? 1 by june_c_oka

Pansies hold all the beauty of summer.

Violetas by Ally123

Violets seem as carefree as a hand-picked bouquet on a summer's day.

Delphiniums by grainoftruth

Blue delphiniums transport you to a summer garden.

Autumn Flowers 

Autumn Harvests of flowers and blooms.

Autumn is the season of harvest. Its the last days of warmth. Bursts of warm color. The season's flowers reflect this as well.

Van Gogh would have loved these by moos

Sunflowers epitomizes autumn flowers.

Bright and high against a dull sky! by maureen_g

Red hot pokers capture the sunset.

My Dahlia Collection # 4 by natureloving

Dahlias allow summer to last a few more days.

Pomegranate Flowers by Luigi FDV

Pomegranate flowers bid farewell to summer.

Mums, 50 Kroner by Philosopher Queen

The arrival of chrysanthemums ushers in the autumn.

Winter Flowers 

Perhaps surprisingly, there are plenty of them!

Just because the winter months don't allow for gardening, don't fool yourself into thinking there are no seasonal flowers! Have a look at some of the top winter flowers.

Amaryllis by anneinparis16

An Red Amaryllis flower - one of the more splendid winter blooms.

poinsettia by iz*source

Poinsettias are the traditional flowers of the holidays.

a3147 Red Cymbidium Up Close by tengtan

Cymbidium orchids are an unusual winter bloom.

Have a wonderful week! by Ashley1954

Carnations are a favorite winter flower.

Paper White Narcissus by humminggirl

Paperwhite Narcissus shines in winter.

Dogwood Winter by Graylight

The dogwood fable is tied deeply to Christian beliefs of Christ.

Three Story Christmas Holly Berries.... by TIO...

Holly makes a wonderful winter filler for arrangements.

Bridesmaid bouquet by Seonas

Hypernicum berries add festive cheer to blooms.

Green With Ivy. by Reciprocity

Ivy - the perfect complement to holly.

Array by Emma McIntaggart

Pussywillows can embellish winter arrangements.

What are your favorite flowers to receive? 

Is there a universal favorite?

Not everyone is delighted with roses. Some prefer the freshness of hyacinth, or the unique orchid. Which flower would you prefer to receive in an arrangement?

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Your thoughts on buying cut flowers 

Have you had good or bad experiences with a particular online florist, or even your local florist? Do you prefer to buy organic or fair-trade flowers? Did you learn anything here that will affect your flower buying habits? Let everybody know!

Like this lens? Want to share your feedback, or just give a thumbs up? Be the first to submit a blurb!

Flower Confidential - Amy Stewart 

Did this lens whet your appetite for a knowledge of the flower industry?

Author Amy Stewart takes a deep look at every aspect of the cut flower industry. Check out her book and find out more about the flower farms and science they're using to construct "perfect flowers", the marketing, and more.
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LauraSchofield

About LauraSchofield

There are plenty of ways to save money online.  You just need to know where to look and what to look for. Unfortunately, this takes time that most people don't have.

Thankfully, there are those of us out there that are online full-time, finding out how to get the best bargains. Check out my website, Centsible.net, for the latest online coupon codes, hot deals and shipping promos as well as my growing collection of Squidoo lenses on saving money online.

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