Local florists weigh in: how to pick the perfect V-Day bouquet

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you're planning to surprise your loved ones with flowers, you're not alone. “It’s the busiest day of the year for a florist because everyone wants their flowers on Valentine's Day. It's maybe 10 times the business that we normally do in a day,” says Stacie Lee Banks, a third-generation florist at Lee’s Flower Shop in the U Street Corridor.  “This year, we have about 10,000 roses coming — it's a large preparation.”

This means you should plan ahead. "People often assume they can just walk in on Valentine's Day for same-day delivery, but with hundreds of deliveries lined up, that's not feasible,” Lee says. Last-minute orders can also limit your options, says Bolor Tumurpurev, a florist at Roots and Blooms in Eastern Market. “Give your florist a few days’ notice to ensure availability and quality,” she says. 

Another common mistake is not knowing the difference between an arrangement and a bouquet. “A bouquet is only cut-wrapped. An arrangement is flowers in a vase,” says Diana Mubarak, a florist at Little Shop of Flowers in Adams Morgan. “A lot of people sometimes will just look at the picture and order without reading the description. And it's very important — if you're going to order flowers, you have to read the description. You can't just rely on the picture.”  

The act of giving flowers is more than a simple gesture, experts say. It’s an art. The receiver is initially drawn to colors, but you should also consider textures, flower types, scents, and fragrances. Flowers can also connect people to personal experiences, evoking strong emotions and memories, Mubarak says. “I'll have people come in and be like, 'Oh, I can't do lilies. They were at my mom's funeral’ or 'We don't do gladiolus. We're from New York, those are only seen in funerals.’” 

With so many factors to consider, selecting the right flowers may feel overwhelming — especially if you’re gifting them to different types of people, like a romantic partner, parent, or friend. Not to worry — below, our experts share tips for choosing meaningful and personalized arrangements for various people in your life. 

For romantic partners

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with red roses — the classic symbol of love. And when it comes to romance, all three florists agree that nothing beats their timeless allure. To make your bouquet stand out, Mubarak suggests adding unique elements like lilies or snapdragons.

For another take, Tumurpurev suggests garden red roses. “Garden red roses are almost like a peony. They look pretty and open up with a big, beautiful bloom,” she says. Pairing these with orchids or dark hues like burgundy and purple can create a deeply romantic and elegant arrangement.

Tumurpurev also notes a rise in the popularity of lilies and ranunculus, which are modern but still meaningful. “They’re versatile and add a unique touch to arrangements,” she says. 

Keep in mind that roses are in high demand on Valentine's Day “because they symbolize love so beautifully,” says Banks, adding that their prices tend to double. If you're looking for more affordable options for your partner, ask your florist to recommend seasonal or wildflower arrangements that capture romance without stretching your budget.

For parents and grandparents

Parents and grandparents often appreciate soft, nostalgic arrangements like an English garden bouquet. “It’s just a beautiful mixture of different shades of color and different flowers to look at,” Mubarak says. The visually stunning display conveys warmth while offering appreciation, she explains. 

Tumurpurev also highlights the emotional power of color. “Peach roses and blue delphinium bring a sense of warmth and fun,” she says. These tones can evoke cherished family memories and express gratitude. 

Banks, meanwhile, recommends bouquets filled with tulips or carnations for parents and grandparents, as they symbolize love and admiration. Plus, their simple beauty is sure to light up a room.

For children or teenagers

When choosing flowers for younger recipients, playful and vibrant arrangements are perfect picks. Mubarak recommends gerbera daisies and sunflowers, which captivate with their bright colors and large blooms. “ A lot of parents will come in with their kids and most of the time, they always gravitate towards gerbera daisies," she says. Gerbera daisies are also strong and sturdy, adds Banks, making them a great choice for kids and teens alike. 

For a whimsical touch, Tumurpurev suggests unicorn-tinted baby’s breath mixed with spray roses. “It looks like a marshmallow and is very vibrant,” she says. To make them even more special, she suggests presenting the flowers in a fun vase that can double as a keepsake — like a pencil holder or decorative trinket.

For your best friend

For close friends, Mubarak suggests starting with the recipient’s favorite colors and styles, while Tumurpurev recommends versatile flowers like carnations, alstroemerias, roses, and lilies. “By considering their style, whether opulent or minimalist, you can tailor the bouquet to their taste,” Tumurpurev says. 

Carnations offer a simple yet charming appeal, making them ideal for understated arrangements. Alstroemerias are delicate and airy, often featured in natural, subtle bouquets. Roses, known for their classic and luxurious look, evoke grandeur. Lilies — with their large, dramatic blooms — exude elegance and sophistication. These blooms also have great longevity, making them a thoughtful and lasting gift, Tumurpurev adds. 

For a more symbolic gesture, Banks suggests selecting purple flowers like hydrangeas. “Purple flowers symbolize friendship and admiration,” she explains. They can also convey appreciation without stepping into romantic territory.

For teachers or colleagues

When choosing flowers for a professional relationship, it’s important to strike a balance between beauty and appropriateness. Mubarak suggests opting for neutral color palettes, as subdued arrangements express gratitude while maintaining formality. “Flowers do speak, and it’s important to send the right message,” she says. 

To avoid arrangements that carry romantic undertones, Banks recommends leaning towards modest choices like carnations, sunflowers, and roses. 

Tumurpurev offers a different approach, recommending a mix of colors for professional bouquets. “A vibrant combination of orange, blue, purple, and yellow provides a lively yet balanced arrangement,” she says.