Whether you’re brightening someone’s day, sending love from afar, or marking a milestone, whatever the occasion, a flower bouquet is a timeless and meaningful gift. But with so many types of flowers, bouquet styles, colours, and occasions, it might feel near impossible to pick the right combination.
But fear not: we’re here to give you the lowdown on flower arrangements 101. Follow our practical guide to make you feel more confident the next time you’re out and about picking flowers for a special someone.
What to consider before choosing flowers
We won’t lie, there are so many flowers out there, from rose varieties to lilies, and all the foliage in between. To keep you on the right track, here are a few things to keep in mind when picking your next bouquet:
- The emotion of the occasion: Is the occasion joyous (birthdays, congratulations), romantic (anniversary, engagement party), solemn or respectful (funeral, memorial, hospital visit), filled with gratitude (thank yous), a housewarming, or corporate gifting?
- Match the palette: Align the flowers to the host’s decor, theme of the event, or personality.
- Choose the right-shaped and sized bouquet: Are you looking to create a table centrepiece, entry display, or personal gift? Consider compact versus cascading arrangements.
- Local is lekker: Support local growers, keep it seasonal and indigenous to help reduce costs and be fresher.
- Choose a focal flower and build balance: Choose a hero bloom, like an orchid or rose, then add supporting foliage and fillers to create a harmonious look.
- Consider your budget: Have a set budget in mind that can help guide your flower choices.
- Longevity & care: Pick hardy flowers for hot and humid weather, shorter lifespans for events, longer lifespans (and flowers that dry beautifully) for personal gifting.
- Plan timeously: Some stems require conditioning; keep lead times in mind when using florists, and match delivery schedules to the event.
Types of bouquets
- Hand-tied: These naturally-arranged and tied bouquets are charming, relaxed and perfect for personal gifting. They are versatile, neat and ready to place in a vase, making them great for birthdays, thank-you’s and casual gifting.
- Vase arrangement: Elegant and polished, these arrangements are perfect for corporate deliveries, sympathy gifts, hospital visits or hostess gifts where no vase is needed.
- Boxed arrangement: Flowers come arranged in structured packaging (like hat boxes or designer bags). This makes them modern, chic, and transport-safe, ideal for personal gift deliveries, celebratory occasions and events.
- Wrapped bouquet: Beautifully simple, these arrangements are simply wrapped in paper or cellophane, which makes them feel fresh and personal. A great choice for casual gifting or surprising someone “just ’cause”.
- Dried florals: An interesting take on flower arrangements, dried florals are long-lasting and make it feel like the moment has been set in stone. Blooms like lavender, bunny tails, proteas, fynbos and eucalyptus make beautiful keepsakes and home accents.
Colour meanings
- Red: love, passion and romance
- Pink: gratitude, admiration, gentleness
- White: sympathy, purity, beginnings
- Purple: luxury, admiration, regal celebrations
- Yellow: joy, friendship, housewarmings
- Blue: calm, trust, neutral
- Green: renewal, good luck, new beginnings
- Orange: enthusiasm, congratulations, milestones
- Lavender: elegance, femininity, quiet admiration
Flower arrangements for every occasion
- Birthdays or congratulations: Arrange a bright mix that’s hand-tied or wrapped; use sunflowers, gerberas, dahlias, roses and tulips
- Anniversary/romantic gestures: Choose a romantic palette (red and pinks) that is hand-tied or in a vase; use roses, ranunculus, peonies, and orchids
- Thank-yous or appreciation: Choose soft neutrals or cheerful brights, hand-tied or boxed; use lilies, snapdragons, alstroemeria, or a mix of seasonal blooms
- Sympathy or condolence: Choose white and green or muted tones, present in a vase or as a standing arrangement; use lilies, hydrangea, chrysanthemums, roses, and fynbos
- New home: Bright colours, hand-tied or in a vase; use long-lasting blooms like eucalyptus, fynbos, proteas, orchids and dried grasses
- Corporate gifting: Professional colours, in a vase or boxed; use orchids, hydrangeas, roses and anthurium
- Get well soon or hospital visit: Choose low-fragrance and non-messy blooms, vase only; use gerberas, tulips, chrysanthemums, and alstroemeria
Arranging flowers is less about the rules and more about intention. When you match the emotion, the moment, and the recipient, you’re already on the path to success. Choose seasonal and local blooms to create thoughtful, sustainable and beautiful gestures every time.
Also See: How to cook with edible flowers
How to cook with edible flowers
