8 Tips for Purchasing Flowers Online, Including the Best Time to Buy
Running a quick Google search for flower deliveries was once the frantic last-minute scramble for forgotten special occasions. But not anymore — the reality today is quite the opposite with hundreds of people purchasing their bouquets from online florists every day!
With untold flower types, styles and arrangements to choose from, a florist’s website is the best place to check out all your options at once. But, since everyone’s looking for that perfect giftable bouquet, finding a great florist, picking the right arrangement and nailing down the timing has become more tricky and stressful.
From us at Dawn Q, here are eight quick tips that can help:
1. Decode Your Flower Needs
Your quest for the ideal floral arrangement starts with your special occasion. Think of it as your project brief if you’re buying flowers for someone. Ask yourself: What’s the occasion? Who are the flowers for? What do they like? Your answers will clue you in on the size, style and main colours of your bouquet. For instance, a Mother’s Day bouquet often features white, pink or red carnations because of their symbolism. Plus, some mums might prefer their blooms in vases for easier care and display.
2. Find a Florist You Can Trust
This step can determine whether your recipient gets fresh, beautiful flowers on time (or not). It might take a bit of time and effort, but finding a reputable florist known for quality products and service is worth it. If you need urgent delivery, now’s the time to check that too. Look at ratings, read reviews, and ask people you know for their recommendations. They’ll likely give you honest feedback about their experiences.
3. Compare Flower Types and Arrangements
Building on our first tip, narrow down your choices by confirming the flower types and arrangement style you want. Check their availability online to see if they meet your criteria. Some florists may only specialise in bouquets or popular blooms, so if you’re looking for seasonal flowers in wicker baskets or exotic species in tall stands, your options might be limited. On the flip side, you might stumble upon something your recipient might fall in love with.
4. Review the Product
You have to know what you’re getting. Most florists will list all the details, like the types of flowers, the size of the arrangement, and the general colours employed in the product description. Some even let you choose how it’s presented, whether in a bouquet or a vase. And don’t forget to check the care instructions to keep your blooms looking good.
5. Know Pricing and Value
As you browse different websites, you’ll notice that florists can offer wildly different arrangements for the same price! Popular flower stores often mark up their prices while smaller shops might give you more bang for your buck with competitive pricing. However, the cost of your arrangement also depends on factors like the combination of flowers and their availability. For example, specialty blooms like dahlias and calla lilies tend to be pricier than chrysanthemums and hydrangeas because of their exclusivity. Filtering for bouquets on sale is a great way to snag rare flowers at a good price.
6. Time Your Purchase
When you order flowers online, it’s up to you to make sure all the details are spot on. Before placing your order, take a moment to consider whether your chosen flowers are in season and if your intended delivery date falls around a major holiday like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or Christmas. These factors can impact everything from availability to delivery, so it’s worth thinking ahead to avoid any hiccups with your gift.
7. Factor Shipping and Delivery
Choosing a reliable florist usually means you won’t have to worry about timely delivery. However, delays can still happen due to factors like weather or high demand. That’s why most florists offer a delivery window for some flexibility. As the purchaser, it’s important to check if this window aligns with your schedule, especially if you have special moments planned. Once you’re sure, go ahead and pick the date and time that works best for you. Some florists even offer same-day delivery for last-minute orders. But to make sure your ideal arrangement is available, it’s wise to order up to three or four weeks in advance to secure your preferred blooms.
8. Care for Your Freshly Delivered Blooms
If you’ve decided to have the arrangement delivered to you — whether it’s for yourself or someone else — knowing how to care for your blooms is essential. Fresh flowers typically last one to two weeks, but with a little extra TLC, you can keep them looking fresh for longer: check their specific care instructions and visit How to Keep Your Most Cherished Fresh Blooms From Special Occasions & More for our in-depth guide.
Dawn Q’s Secret Tip
These steps and tips will help you select flowers that perfectly match your occasion and your recipient’s taste — even if that’s you. But there’s one more thing we haven’t mentioned — floral design boutiques like us at Dawn Q can guide you through every step, so you’ll never feel lost or confused. With our 5 star-rated track record and expert florists who have contributed to countless heartfelt milestones, including birthdays, weddings, and grand openings, we’ll make sure your floral gift is not only set up and ready to go, but stunning and profound.
Browse our collection now and speak with us!
