7 Questions to Ask a Florist Before Buying a Bouquet

A florist is your best ally in a flower shop, but only if you know what to ask. Seven simple questions help you get a fresh bouquet that suits the person, stay on budget and avoid paying for unnecessary wrapping. Save this list on your phone: it takes a minute and makes an instant difference.

More on this topic: a man’s guide to flowers, a floristry glossary for men, how to check bouquet freshness.

Questions 1–2: who it is for and the budget

• 1. ‘I need a bouquet for… because…’. Say who it is (mum, wife, colleague), their age and the occasion. The florist will rule out unsuitable options such as bright yellow for a funeral or overly romantic roses for a colleague. Tips on who gets what: bouquets for mum, wife and colleagues.
• 2. ‘What can you do for … UAH?’. Name your budget straight away: it is not embarrassing and saves time. A good florist can make something lovely at any price. Price guides in a bouquet for any budget.

Questions 3–4: freshness and vase life

• 3. ‘What is freshest today?’. The florist knows when the last delivery arrived. Seasonal flowers are fresher and often cheaper than imports.
• 4. ‘How long will this last?’. Chrysanthemums, alstroemerias and carnations last up to two weeks, roses about a week, tulips and peonies 5–7 days. If you are giving it tomorrow, ask for flowers in bud. How to check freshness yourself: 7 signs of a fresh bouquet.

Questions 5–6: colour, wrapping and care

• 5. ‘Which colours do you suggest, and can the wrapping be simpler?’. Mention their favourite colour if you know it. Layered wrapping can cost as much as a few stems, so feel free to ask for kraft paper or just a ribbon.
• 6. ‘How should this be cared for?’. Ask for a sachet of flower food and short instructions to hand over with the flowers. Unfamiliar florist terms are explained in a floristry glossary for men.

Question 7: card and delivery

• 7. ‘Can you add a card and deliver it?’. A short handwritten card makes a bouquet personal. See what to write on a flower card.
• Delivery helps when you are at work or in another city: ask about the price and timing. Kyiv details in how much flower delivery in Kyiv costs.

What not to do in a flower shop

• Do not grab the first ready-made bouquet from the display without looking closely: check stems, leaves and petals.
• Do not be shy about saying you do not like something and asking to swap a stem or two; florists do this all the time.
• Mind the number: in Ukraine small bouquets for the living have an odd number of stems. Why: how many flowers to give. The full guide: a man’s guide to flowers.

Bouquets that are easy to order online

Rather not go to a shop? Choose a bouquet online and our florist will contact you if anything needs checking. We deliver across Kyiv and Ukraine and add a card.

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See flowers for women and red roses.

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FAQ

Is it OK to tell the florist my budget?

Yes, it is the best way to get a lovely bouquet without overpaying. Florists work with any amount.

How do I know a bouquet is fresh?

Stems are firm and green, leaves are not yellowing, petals are tight and the bucket water is clean. Ask for flowers delivered today.

What if I need the bouquet tomorrow?

Ask for flowers in bud and keep the bouquet in water somewhere cool.

Can I ask for simpler wrapping?

Yes. Kraft paper or a ribbon is cheaper and often looks more stylish than layers of film.

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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.