Everyone enjoys receiving fresh flowers. Whether they’re for special occasions, weddings, or simple tokens to express love or friendship, bouquets are always appreciated. With that said, choosing the right arrangement ensures that your blooms are always in season and that they have the proper effect. Here are a few tips to choose the perfect bouquet.

For Weddings

Lilacs are a popular wedding flower, but they’re only in season for three weeks out of the year. Instead, get bouquets or arrangements of romantic, fragrant flowers such as gardenias, sweet peas, or hydrangeas. These all have slightly longer blooming periods, and gardenias can bloom in the winter as well as the summer, ensuring that you can have fresh blooms all year long.

For Sick Friends

Sending bouquets or plants to friends and family to wish them a speedy recovery is a nice way to let them know that they are in your thoughts. However, experts agree that it’s best not to send highly scented flowers, such as freesias, lilies, or lilacs to a sick friend. Also, you should always make sure that your friend doesn’t have any plant allergies before you send an arrangement. Instead of fragrant flowers, consider sending tulips, daisies, or sunflowers. If your friend is home on bed rest, consider bringing a potted plant or bulbs that can be planted outside their window, which are more long-lasting than a traditional bouquet.

For a House Warming

If you’re visiting friends who have just purchased a house, or if you’re invited to a dinner party, bringing an arrangement from your local florist is always a nice gesture. Holiday flowers such as poinsettias are lovely in the winter time, but you can also expand your offering to include more hearty plants. Herbs, succulents, and bonsai trees can last the test of time and are wonderful additions to any home.

When in doubt, talk to your local florists about arrangements that they recommend. Finding a shop with quality designers and unique floral concepts ensures that your arrangements are truly extraordinary. The best floral shops will also offer delivery that works around your schedule.