The first question a man asks himself before ordering a bouquet is how many flowers to get. In Ukraine the answer has both a practical and a symbolic side: the number of flowers in a bouquet still says a lot.
Illustration 1. Even one flower is a proper gift if it is beautiful and fits the occasion.
In Ukrainian tradition, living people are given an odd number of flowers: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and so on. Even numbers are taken to funerals and memorials. That is why a bouquet of 4 or 6 roses will seem inappropriate to many people, especially the older generation.
Illustration 4. Small bouquets are always made with an odd number of flowers.
In large bouquets of 15–20 flowers or more, odd or even is barely noticeable and matters less. Still, florists usually make them with an odd number out of habit, and that will give you peace of mind too.
Illustration 2. Eleven roses is a versatile size for most occasions.
Illustration 3. 51 or 101 roses make a bouquet that becomes an event to remember.
The meaning of numbers is a folk tradition, not strict etiquette. What matters is that the bouquet suits the person and the occasion; we explain how to choose in the article on bouquets for a mother, wife and colleagues.
In mixed bouquets with hydrangeas, spray roses or gypsophila, flowers aren’t counted; what matters is the overall volume. The same goes for arrangements in boxes: read how a box differs from a bouquet.
Illustration 5. In boxes and baskets, flowers aren’t counted one by one.
In short. Give an odd number of flowers in small bouquets, don’t be afraid of big numbers for special events, and in mixed bouquets go by volume and style. And don’t forget what rose colours mean.
For what bouquets of different sizes cost, see a bouquet for any budget.
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