What Flowers to Buy Based on Occasion

Flowers are a great go-to gift, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re giving an anniversary gift, offering condolences, or just want to surprise someone with something beautiful, flowers are an easy way to show your loved ones you care.

A lot of people don’t realize that flowers are more than just meets the eye. Each species and type of flower has a different meaning, making the creation of each bouquet unique to the situation and person. A lot of thought can go into making a meaningful bouquet, and we’re here to help you decipher the code.

Ava’s Flowers offers an incredible selection of bouquets and gift baskets that are good for every occasion, but if you want to add a little extra kick to your gift, we’ve picked some bouquets and flower types you should look for.

For Thank You: Hydrangeas

In today’s digital world, people love getting physical thank you cards, and adding some flowers to that card is a great way to really thank them in a way they’ll love. Hydrangeas are symbolic of any kind of heartfelt emotion, but especially of gratitude and thanksgiving, making them the perfect flower to give to someone who did something nice for you. (They are also the appropriate flower for a couple’s fourth wedding anniversary if you’re looking for a departure from traditional anniversary roses.)

This Elegant Bliss Basket from Ava’s is an elegant way to say thank you. The blue hydrangeas really stand out against the white and green, and it’s simplicity makes it perfect for any situation, big or small. Whether you’re saying thank you to a co-worker or to a dear family member, hydrangeas are a great way to let them know you appreciate them.

For Love: Orchids

When it comes to giving flowers to our romantic partners, the go-to flower is a red rose, and for good reason. Why mess with a classic? But if you are looking to depart from the traditional rose bouquet, try giving an orchid instead. Orchids stay in bloom for a little bit longer than other flowers and are symbolizing love, beauty, charm, and refinement, among other things. A simple and elegant orchid plant like this one is a great and unique way to say I love you to someone special.

(If you do want to stick to the traditional red rose, Ava’s Flowers has got you covered there too. This rose bouquet and this red and pink mixed bloom are gorgeous options as well.

For Sympathy: Lilies

When people we love are grieving, it can be hard to know what’s the right thing to do or say to let them know you’re there if they need you. Sending flowers is a gentle reminder of your friendship and lets them know you’re thinking about them. White flowers like the lily (among others) are symbolic of pure or unconditional love. They’re often used in wedding bouquets for this reason, but they are also used often in funeral and sympathy arrangements because they have a very calming effect. This green and white bouquet from Ava’s is no exception, making it the perfect flower to send to someone you love at a hard time.

For Happiness: The Gerbera

There are a lot of occasions in life that call for some joy—birthdays, promotions and graduations, or just as a way to do something nice for someone. The Gerbera daisy is the perfect flower for these occasions. They are simple and cute, and looking at them does invite a feeling of joy. Ava’s offers a color bouquet and a white one, which you could give individually or mixed together. Whether you’re saying happy birthday or congratulations or even I love you, the gerber daisy is a quick and cute way to give some happiness to someone in your life.