What Flowers to Give on a First Date: Tips for Men

Flowers on a first date are a lovely gesture that shows your attentiveness straight away. But it is easy to overdo it: a huge bouquet can be embarrassing, and she would have to carry it around all evening. Here is how to find the happy medium.

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To give or not to give?

Yes, if you are meeting in person and will have at least a little time to talk. A small bouquet is a pleasant surprise for almost any woman. The exceptions are when you are heading straight to the cinema, a concert or an active walk: then flowers will get in the way. In that case, give them at the end of the evening or have them delivered the next day.

Which flowers to choose

• Soft-coloured roses — white, cream or pale pink. To find out why it is better not to start with bright red, read the article on what rose colours mean.
• Garden roses or peonies — romantic without being clichéd.
• Eustoma — looks like a rose but lighter and more delicate; lasts well in a vase.
• Tulips — in spring, the freshest and lightest choice.
• A small mixed bouquet in pastel shades with gypsophila.

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Illustration 1. A small pastel bouquet is the ideal format for a first meeting.

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Illustration 5. Eustoma looks delicate and lasts a long time in a vase.

Size matters

Ideally, choose a compact bouquet that is easy to hold or put on a café table. 1–7 flowers or a small mixed bouquet is just right. We wrote about what the number of flowers means in a separate article.

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Illustration 3. One beautiful rose or a few tulips are also a great option.

A convenient alternative is a mini box of flowers: it doesn’t need water and fits easily in a bag or on a table. Read more about formats in the article bouquet, box or basket.

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Illustration 4. A mini box needs no vase and is easy to carry.

How to give them

1. Don’t hide the bouquet behind your back; simply hand it over with a smile when you meet.
2. Say a few simple words: “These are for you, I thought you’d like them.”
3. In a café, ask the waiter for a vase or put the bouquet beside you.
4. Don’t make the flowers the main topic of the evening; they are just a nice touch.

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Illustration 2. A bouquet on a café table sets the mood without getting in the way of conversation.

What to avoid

• Huge bouquets of 51 or 101 roses: they belong to a different stage of a relationship.
• Strongly scented flowers such as lilies: she may not like the smell.
• Potted flowers: they are awkward to carry.
• Bouquets bought in a hurry in an underpass: it is better to order fresh flowers in advance. How to tell a fresh bouquet — we explain here.

In short. A small, delicate bouquet given simply and sincerely is the best start. It shows your attention without putting her in an awkward position.