Birthday
HydrangeasFlowers 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.
Odd or even number of 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.
Should you remove the wrapping?
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.
Flowers to choose with care
- Chrysanthemums. In Ukraine they are much-loved autumn flowers, but in France, Belgium, Italy and several other countries they are traditionally taken to cemeteries. If you are giving chrysanthemums to someone from abroad, check the local custom first.
- Carnations. Older people often associate them with official and memorial events. Carnations look fresh in modern bouquets, but single red carnations are best avoided for celebrations.
- Lilies and other strongly scented flowers. Not suitable for a hospital ward, a small office or someone with allergies. Lilies are also dangerous for cats — the whole plant, including the pollen.
- Pot plants for hospitals. Soil is unwelcome in wards, and many departments do not allow flowers at all, so check the rules in advance.
- Yellow flowers. The belief that they mean "separation" is a superstition. Yellow tulips or roses are a sunny and perfectly appropriate gift.
How to give and receive flowers
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.
Myths you can forget
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.
FAQ
Can you give an even number of flowers?
In Ukraine an odd number is customary for celebrations, but the rule no longer applies to bouquets of more than 9–11 flowers.
Should you remove the wrapping from a bouquet?
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.
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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.
