Giving flowers seems simple, but the gesture has unwritten rules: how to hand over a bouquet, whom to give flowers to when visiting, what the number of flowers means and how to accept a gift graciously. Here are the basics of flower etiquette — without unnecessary formality, but with Ukrainian traditions in mind.
Great for visits: flowers in a box and spray roses.
In Ukrainian tradition, odd numbers are given for celebrations and even numbers are brought to funerals and memorials. In large bouquets of 11–15 stems or more, nobody counts. More on mourning flowers in Funeral flower etiquette.
To make a bouquet last, see Long-lasting cut flowers and Rose bouquet care.
Colours and flowers have carried meanings for centuries: red roses for love, white for purity, yellow for joy. Today this is more tradition than rule — the recipient’s favourite flowers are always a better choice. More in The language of flowers.
Keep decorative wrapping — it is part of the bouquet. Only remove plain transport film or paper.
Yes, especially for an anniversary, an award or a premiere. Choose restrained single-variety bouquets in muted shades.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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