How to Pick the Perfect Flowers for Any Occasion
Flowers can evoke so many different feelings and sentiments without saying a word.
From classic flower occasions like birthdays and anniversaries to expressing sympathy or thanks, choosing the right flowers for different occasions can make your gesture more meaningful and leave a lasting impression.
In this flower guide, we’ll walk you through popular flower meanings and how to pick the perfect blooms for life’s most important milestones.
Browse our occasions collection to find the best flowers for the moments that matter most.
Birthdays
Birthday flowers should represent happiness, to mirror the joy of the occasion.
A thoughtful touch is to choose occasions flowers linked to the recipient’s birth month. Each month has its own traditional bloom, often tied to symbolism.
January: Carnation and Snowdrop – resilience, new beginnings
February: Violet, Primrose and Iris – loyalty and faithfulness
March: Daffodil and Jonquil – rebirth and joy
April: Daisy and Sweet Pea – innocence and pleasure
May: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn – sweetness and hope
June: Rose and Honeysuckle – passion and love
July: Larkspur and Water Lily – positivity and purity
August: Gladiolus and Poppy – strength and remembrance
September: Aster and Morning Glory – wisdom and love
October: Marigold and Cosmos – creativity and harmony
November: Chrysanthemum – friendship and honesty
December: Narcissus and Holly – prosperity and protection
(For a more in-depth look, see our guide to birth month flowers.)
However, the most common method for picking flowers for special occasions like a birthday is to consider the recipient’s personality and stage of life. Children and teens usually like vibrant, playful bouquets, while adults often appreciate something a little more elegant and refined.
Anniversaries
Anniversaries are one of the most romantic reasons to give flowers. Classic red roses remain a universal choice, embodying passion and devotion, but there are many other blooms with meanings just as touching.
Traditional anniversary flowers by milestone are as follows:
1st Anniversary: Carnations – youthful, fresh love
5th Anniversary: Daisies – fidelity and forever love
10th Anniversary: Daffodils – new beginnings
25th Anniversary (Silver): Irises – faith and wisdom
30th Anniversary (Pearl): Lilies – long-lasting devotion
40th Anniversary (Ruby): Gladioli – strength, integrity and infatuation
50th Anniversary (Golden): Yellow Roses and Violets – loyalty and long-lasting love
60th Anniversary (Diamond): Orchids – luxury, beauty, and strength
(Discover more in our anniversary flowers by year blog.)
For something extra meaningful, personalise your arrangement with other flowers that reflect your partner’s favourite colours or are tied to special memories you’ve had together.
Condolences
In times of loss, flowers can offer solace when words fall short.
Although we think of black as the colour of mourning, when it comes to flowers for occasions like a death, white is favoured as a symbol of peace. Sympathy flowers are typically understated, using white as well as cream colours and muted, soft pastels to represent remembrance.
People wanting to express their condolences to someone experiencing a devastating loss often choose from the following:
White Lilies: Symbol of restored innocence and purity
Peace Lilies: Represent calm and healing
White Roses: Purity and reverence
Gladioli: Strength of character and sincerity
Carnations: Warmth and love; white carnations signify innocence
Orchids: Grace and lasting sympathy
Chrysanthemums: Honour and respect (significant in some cultures)
An arrangement of sympathy blooms, either sent to the house or given in person, will offer comfort and be a symbol of care and support during difficult times.
Congratulations
All achievements, big or small, deserve a burst of colour.
Whether it’s getting over a long illness, graduating school or college, a new job or promotion, retirement, an engagement, a new baby, or a new home, congratulations flowers bring joy to the occasion.
Some of the most common flowers for a special occasion, like celebrating personal milestones or saying “well done”, are:
Tulips: Can represent fresh starts and new beginnings
Daisies: Energetic and cheerful, perfect for new accomplishments
Sunflowers: Meaning longevity, resilience and success
Dahlias: A symbol of creativity, positivity and growth
Opt for bold, uplifting floral arrangements with yellows, oranges, and pinks to reflect the excitement and anticipation of new beginnings.
Thank-Yous
Sometimes a simple “thank you” feels bigger than words, and flowers are a beautiful way to express that gratitude.
A thoughtful bouquet shows the recipient that you’ve taken the time to acknowledge their kindness, help, or support in a heartfelt way.
Thank you flowers don’t need to be extravagant — it’s their warmth and sincerity that matter most. Some popular choices include:
Pink Roses: For appreciation and admiration
Daisies: Cheerful yet simple sincerity
Lilies: Admiration, thankfulness and friendship
Mixed Bouquets: A versatile way to show thanks in any setting
For an extra thoughtful touch, pair your bouquet with a handwritten note. A few heartfelt words alongside your flowers can turn a kind gesture into a cherished memory.
Get Well Wishes
When someone is unwell, flowers can help lift their spirits and bring comfort.
It’s always best to choose flowers that are meaningful and low-maintenance, with vibrant colours that brighten the room without overwhelming it.
Some of the most commonly recommended get well soon flowers are:
Gerbera Daisies: Bursts of colour and optimism
Carnations: Long-lasting, low fuss, and uplifting
Lavender: Calming fragrance to soothe and relax
Lilies: For hope, renewal and healing
Freesia: Fresh scent to invigorate the senses
Tulips: Bright and cheerful, and easy to care for
Avoid heavily perfumed flowers if the recipient is in hospital or sensitive to strong scents, and choose sturdy blooms that won’t require much attention whilst they are recovering.
Buy Flowers for Every Occasion at My Florist
The right flowers can transform any occasion into something special. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, sending sympathy, or simply saying thank you, flowers carry a message far beyond words.
Next time you’re choosing flowers, think about the meaning behind the blooms and how they reflect the moment you’re marking. A thoughtful choice will always be remembered.
At Williamson’s My Florist, we offer same-day flower delivery across Scotland and the UK. Browse hand-tied bouquets and fresh flowers by occasion online or call our expert florists on 01506 811433 for help picking the perfect bouquet.
Contact UsWhich Flowers Last the Longest for Special Occasions?
All flowers from Williamson’s My Florist, when cared for in line with the care guide, are guaranteed to last 7+ days after delivery. We use only the finest, hand-picked blooms, so they stay vibrant and fresh for as long as possible.
How Far in Advance Should I Order Special Occasion Flowers?
You only need to buy the blooms you want 1-2 days in advance if you want them to arrive on time. If you place an order before 10 am, your flowers will be delivered that same day. Otherwise, we do next-day delivery.
How Do I Care for Occasion Flowers to Make Them Last?
Put your flowers in a clean vase with fresh water. Place in a cool, shady spot away from direct sunlight, drafts and heat sources to prevent wilting. Remove any leaves that sit below the waterline. Regularly change the water and re-trim the stems at an angle every 2-3 days.
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