The right bouquet depends less on rules than on the person and the moment: bright, generous colour for birthdays; roses and peonies for anniversaries; soft whites and greens for sympathy; gentle, unscented flowers for a new baby. Below is how we choose for each occasion in the studio — and what to write on the card.
Birthday flowers
Birthdays are the occasion for colour. Mixed bouquets in coral, pink, peach and yellow feel celebratory without being loud; a single-colour bouquet in their favourite shade feels personal. Garden roses, ranunculus and hydrangea give volume and a sense of abundance.
Tip: if you don't know their taste, choose a palette that matches their home or their style — soft blush for someone understated, vivid pinks for someone who loves colour.
Anniversary flowers
Roses are the classic for a reason, but an anniversary bouquet doesn't have to be red. Blush garden roses and peonies feel romantic and a little more considered; deep red roses are the confident, traditional choice. Many couples choose the flowers from their wedding — a lovely way to bring the day back.
Romantic flowers
For a first date, a “just because” or a grand gesture, romance is about proportion as much as variety. A smaller, beautifully composed bouquet says more than an oversized one. Red, blush or white roses, peonies in season and orchids all read as romantic.
Sympathy and funeral flowers
Sympathy flowers should feel calm and quiet. White and cream roses, hydrangea, lisianthus and soft greenery are the most fitting choices; lilies are traditional but have a strong scent, so they are better for a service than a home.
- To a home: a modest hand-tied bouquet that arrives ready to put in water is kind and practical.
- To a funeral: check with the family or the funeral director about timing and where flowers should be delivered.
New baby flowers
New parents have little time and less space, so choose a compact bouquet that is easy to put in a vase. Soft colours — white, cream, pale pink, gentle blue — suit the moment, and we avoid strongly scented flowers and lilies, whose pollen and scent can be too much for a newborn's room.
Thank-you flowers
A thank-you bouquet should feel generous but not overwhelming. Bright, cheerful mixes work for colleagues and friends; something more elegant in white and green suits a host or a client. It is one of the few occasions where sending flowers to an office is ideal.
What to write on the card
Keep it short and personal. One honest sentence in your own words is better than a long quotation. A few that work well:
- Birthday: “Happy birthday — take the day slowly.”
- Anniversary: “For the years behind us, and the ones still to come.”
- Sympathy: “Thinking of you, with love. No need to reply.”
- Thank you: “Thank you — properly, and not by email.”
When you order, you can add your card message in the bag, choose from our ideas under “Lost for words?”, and choose to deliver anonymously.
Frequently asked questions
What colour flowers should I avoid?
There are few hard rules today. The main one: keep bright, very celebratory colours away from sympathy flowers, and avoid heavily scented flowers for hospitals or new babies.
Is it OK to send flowers to a man?
Absolutely. Structured bouquets in deep colours, white and green, or a single variety such as orchids or hydrangea are popular choices.
Can I send flowers if I don't know the address?
Yes. Add the recipient's phone number at checkout and we will arrange delivery with them directly. See how it works.
Every Coral Flowers bouquet is made to order with flowers bought at the London flower market that morning, and delivered across London the same day when you order by 2pm. Browse all bouquets.