Flowers are one of the most versatile gifts, but they come with their own etiquette. Some rules really do help you avoid awkward moments; others have long turned into superstitions. Here is what counts as bad form when giving flowers in Ukraine, and what you can safely ignore. If you want a ready-made option, UFL flower delivery will put together a bouquet to suit the occasion. More flowers with photos, names and meanings are in our guide to types of flowers. All our advice for men is in one place — a man’s guide to choosing and giving flowers.
In Ukraine and neighbouring countries, flowers are traditionally given in odd numbers, while even numbers are brought to funerals and memorials. So for a festive bouquet of 3, 5, 7 or 9 stems it is worth following the rule — that way the recipient will not feel uncomfortable.
In most Western European countries this superstition does not exist, and in large bouquets the count stopped mattering long ago: it is generally accepted that after 9–11 flowers nobody counts. So 100 roses or a dozen tulips are perfectly fine gifts. If you have been given an even number of flowers, there is no reason to be upset — the giver most likely did not attach any meaning to it.
The old rule says that plain paper or film used to carry the bouquet down the street is removed before handing the flowers over. It still applies on formal occasions — for example, at an official event or when laying flowers at a memorial.
Modern designer wrapping, boxes and baskets are part of the arrangement and stay on. Florists choose them so the bouquet looks finished and keeps its shape longer.
Etiquette is easier if you start from the occasion. These tried-and-tested choices avoid awkward associations:
| Occasion | Good choice | Better to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 8 March | tulips, mimosa, freesias, spring mixes | funeral carnations and dark chrysanthemums |
| Valentine’s Day | red and pink roses, peony roses | yellow flowers, which may read as jealousy |
| Wedding | white and pastel roses, peonies, lisianthus | overly bright bouquets that clash with the bride’s |
| Birthday | the person’s favourite flowers, seasonal mixes | tiny bouquets or flowers with very narrow symbolism |
| Thanks to a teacher or colleague | restrained medium-sized bouquets | overly intimate red roses |
Read more in Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her and wedding gift ideas.
Hold the bouquet with the flower heads up and hand it over with your right hand; you can pass a gift with your left. When visiting someone, it is better not to arrive empty-handed — a small bouquet for the host is always welcome.
When you receive flowers, a sincere thank-you is enough, and put them in water straight away. "You shouldn't have spent so much" sounds like a reproach, so it is better left unsaid. And of course flowers are not only for women: a restrained single-variety bouquet or a pot plant is a fitting gift for a man.
A guest’s wedding bouquet should complement the day, not steal the show. Florists advise avoiding deep burgundy and near-black flowers, carnations that many associate with memorials, and potted plants, which are awkward for the couple to take home after the reception. Heavily scented lilies aren’t ideal either: in a closed hall the fragrance can be overpowering. The safest choice is white, cream or pastel shades in a compact size that is easy to hand over.
Plenty of "rules" have nothing to do with etiquette. For example, that lilies should not be given to young women — even though white lilies are a frequent choice for bridal bouquets. Or that it is improper to give gerberas instead of roses to an older woman. What really matters is the recipient's taste and the occasion, not age. If in doubt, go for a classic — a bouquet of roses suits almost any occasion.
Before bringing flowers to a hospital, check the ward’s rules: intensive care, infectious disease and some surgical wards don’t accept fresh flowers. Where allowed, choose a small unscented bouquet — roses, tulips, gerberas — without lilies or pollen-heavy flowers. A flower box or basket is handier as it needs no vase. Potted plants are usually avoided, since soil can contain microorganisms risky for a weakened patient.
In Ukraine an odd number is customary for celebrations, but the rule no longer applies to bouquets of more than 9–11 flowers.
Plain film or paper, yes; designer wrapping or a box, no.
The main rule of flower etiquette is simple: flowers are given with attention to the person. Everything else is detail, and a florist can help you with it.
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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