1888Articles.com Logo
Sign In Register Latest Article Groups Sitemap
Crafts Hobbies RSS

Choosing the Right Flowers for an Occasion

Giving flowers to a loved one as a way of showing affection is one of the oldest known traditions that has never lost its charm, and never will. It’s a simple gesture that speaks volumes for the giver, much more than the most expensive gift possibly can.

Author: Stephen Pratley
Article Tools:           

Giving flowers to a loved one as a way of showing affection is one of the oldest known traditions that has never lost its charm, and never will. It’s a simple gesture that speaks volumes for the giver, much more than the most expensive gift possibly can. A red rose transforms into a potent message of love, and a bouquet can spread warmth and convey a message of love and care. Beyond a doubt, everyone loves a gift of flowers, as the feelings expressed are cherished forever. Flowers are used in decorations on many an occasion, at weddings and festive occasions, at parties and get togethers, because they lend an indescribable cheer and brighten up the atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Flowers

The Greeks believe that flowers can speak different kinds of languages, and the study of this unique aspect about flowers is termed florigraphy. Flowers are associated with human emotions, events and moods, and each flower or its colour may denote different meanings to a florigraphist. The Ivy for instance, symbolises wedded love, fidelity, friendship and affection. Flowers that are yellow, orange or red are considered to symbolise the masculine characteristics of braveness, protectiveness and stability. White and red are the symbol of purity and endurance and denote femininity. In the same way, violets are associated with trust and sacrifice. Thus flowers speak the language of the mind.

The choice of flowers for different occasions would vary, depending upon the thoughts or feelings they are associated with. Flowers such as the sunflower, which have a masculine connotation, are given for Father’s Day, while flowers associated with feminine characters such as white or red carnations and cut spring flowers, are given for Mothers Day. Floral gifts are shrouded in superstition in some countries, as in Russia, for example, where yellow coloured flowers are used with caution because of an old belief that yellow colour is the harbinger of bad luck and marks the end of the affair.

Halloween Flowers

Halloween is celebrated in the UK at the end of October. It is an occasion to honour relatives and friends who are no more, and happens to be the last holiday in autumn. Children dress up in different costumes such as pirates and princesses, ghosts and popular heroes, holding bags to collect the sweets and other goodies that neighbours give them. Black is the traditional colour of the Halloween festival, because it is celebrated at night. On Halloween night, Americans and Europeans decorate their homes and schools with pumpkins carved in different shapes and forms. Many parts of England still recognise Halloween as Mischief Night. Chrysanthemums and other kinds of orange or white flowers are appropriate for a Halloween night, with wicked black roses getting the pride of place.

Thanksgiving Flowers

Thanksgiving Day is observed on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, and it is a time when families come home to spend time together. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated only in certain parts of the United States and Canada. Young people living away from their families usually return home to enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving dinner of roast turkey and pumpkin pie, amidst a shower of special flowers associated with the feast: cornucopia, alstroemeria, sunflowers and autumn flowers.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries on the 14th of February. This is a special day for expressing love between couples, especially the young. Although the majority of young people purchase flowers and cards for their girl friends and boy friends, it is also a day when women express love to their parents, daughters, sisters and friends. Valentine’s Day is celebrated various ways in different countries. Japanese women give chocolates, candy and flowers to the men they like, and there is a reciprocal day called the ‘White Day’ celebrated on March 14, when it is the turn of the men to gift white chocolates and marshmallows to their girlfriends. Roses, lilies, daisies and daffodils are considered as romantic flowers ideal for expressing one’s love on this very special day.

Flowers for Other Occasions

The appeal of flowers can be soul stirring for the sensitive, and the choice of the right flowers for the right occasion is an art in itself. Special occasions like Christmas seem incomplete without flowers, and poinsettias grace many a home during this time. Nothing can be so romantic as a bunch of stunning roses to adorn a wedding anniversary celebration, while a new baby in the family is welcomed with pretty pink carnations or a baby flower arrangement in blue. Sympathy is shared with bud roses, blooms of white roses, sprays, casket drapes and wreaths, and wedding joy is celebrated with red roses, carnations and lilies.

How to choose the Right Flowers?

The powerful language of flowers conveys much more than the spoken word. Flowers are the ideal gift for all occasions and relationships. They enhance relationships both in business and at home, spreading love and cheer and warm sentiments. It is important to choose the right flowers every time, bearing the following in mind:

• Be sure to order flowers from a reliable online shop.
• Make a selection of flowers of the colours that befit the occasion.
• Knowing the taste of your loved ones makes your selection easy.
• Presentation style is the key part of conveying your message. For instance, presenting long stemmed roses can be more effective than giving an armful of sunflowers.
• The bouquet may be full of colourful flowers and must not be made out of green leaves alone.
• Give some basic information about the receiver to the florist so he can create a suitable bouquet for your loved one.
• Avoid accessories such as ribbons, plastic stakes and other bric a brac that diminish the natural charm of the bouquet.

Conclusion

There is no universal code or preset for gifting flowers: it takes a little effort to develop a knack for making the right selection, depending on the occasion. Flowers are associated with human feelings and emotions, and vary with different cultures. In Russia, an odd number of stems is given only during funerals while in India the number does not have any relevance. The selection of the right kind and colour of flowers is specific to the occasion, and is an art in itself. A wrong message may easily be conveyed if the choice of flowers is inappropriate. Your floral gift can add a divine aroma to the occasion when you say it with the right flowers.

About Author

Stephen Pratley is Marketing Manager at ipoints

Some of the UK`s best known online florists have partnered with ipoints.co.uk, allowing you to earn additional ipoints when buying flowers online. Find out more at http://www.ipoints.co.uk/earn-gifts .

ipoints is the largest Internet-based rewards programme in the UK with over 1 million UK members and works with more than 200 major clients both online and offline.

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com

Other Related Articles

How to Get Rid of Acne - Severe Acne Pimples Treatment by Micheal Cheal

Top Acne Myths one should know about acne by Micheal Cheal

Corporate Events by John Tarr

Choosing the Right Flowers for an Occasion by Stephen Pratley

Teens Dating Problem by Harry Johnson

Website Designing - Looks vs. Works by Michael Braganza

SEO and Search Engines - A Love-Hate Relationship by Michael Braganza



Family
All Category