Buzz
Gifting flowers to someone in another state is a thoughtful and straightforward gesture. The optimal choice is purchasing the flowers from a local florist near the recipient, which supports local businesses and ensures a fresher arrangement. Alternatively, online orders through wire delivery services or order gatherers are possible for nationwide delivery, though this option may come with a substantial service fee.
Procedure Overview
Selecting a Local Florist Near the Recipient
Pre-order flowers 2-7 days prior to the delivery date to give the florist ample time and resources to craft a beautiful bouquet. For time-sensitive occasions like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, ordering a week in advance is advisable. You might also consider having the flowers delivered a few days early, allowing the florist extra time for meticulous preparation of the arrangement.
Locate florist shops in the recipient's vicinity. Conduct an online search for florist shops within the recipient's city. Assess the shops by reading reviews and viewing their websites for flower photos, available arrangements, prices, delivery options, and operating hours. Remember to jot down the contact number of the florist you select.
If unsure about flower choices, call the shop for advice. Opting for a local florist near the recipient promises a premium floral arrangement they'll adore. Consult with the shop staff about current stock and the day's freshest flowers to tailor a bouquet fitting both the occasion and your budget. Request the 'designer’s choice' for a stunning arrangement when undecided on the flower type.
Use online ordering if available. Some florists offer online ordering on their websites, allowing you to pick and purchase arrangements directly. This method is time-efficient if you're certain about your choice. However, this convenience might mean missing out on direct advice about flower quality from the florist.
Consider adding extra gifts to your flower order.
Many florist shops also sell cards, balloons, and other gifts that can accompany your flower delivery. Adding a special gift could make the occasion even more memorable, though it will also add to the overall cost of your order.
Finalize your purchase and schedule the delivery. Provide the recipient's details, including name and address, along with your preferred delivery date to the shop. Payment will require your name and a debit or credit card number, usually given over the phone.
EXPERT ADVICE
Jeanne Walker
Florist
Florist
Pro Tip: Ensure flowers are securely packaged and carried in a chilled environment, either a refrigerated or air-conditioned vehicle. To prevent premature blooming, have the courier place the flowers in a cool, shaded area if the recipient isn't home to accept the delivery.
Follow up on the delivery with the recipient. If the recipient hasn't acknowledged the flowers, it's wise to check in. They might have been preoccupied, or there could have been a delivery mishap. In case of issues, don't hesitate to reach out to the florist to sort them out. For instance, 'Hey Mom! Just checking in to see if the birthday flowers arrived. You still love hydrangeas, right?'
How to Order from an Online Flower Service
Search nationally for flower delivery services online. Conducting an online search will reveal numerous large-scale delivery services capable of sending flowers across the country, such as 1-800-Flowers, Teleflora, ProFlowers, and FTD. Review their websites for flower arrangement images, pricing details, and customer feedback to select your preferred service.
Select your floral arrangement online. Online flower services offer the convenience of choosing your bouquet through their extensive catalogue of images. This is especially useful if you're undecided about the type of flowers to send. However, be mindful that the final product may sometimes differ from its online picture, which makes opting for a local florist a potentially safer choice.
Add a personal message or gifts to your flower order. Enhance your floral gift by adding a note, a balloon, or even larger items like teddy bears, gourmet chocolates, or a fruit basket from the range of options provided by online florists.
Complete and pay for your order online or by phone. After selecting your floral arrangement, add it to your cart and enter the recipient’s details and desired delivery date. You may need to create an account and provide personal information. Payment can be made with a debit or credit card. Alternatively, some services, including 1-800-Flowers, offer the option to order via telephone.
Confirm the delivery of the arrangement. Check in with the recipient to make sure they have received the flowers as expected. Feel free to inquire about the quality of the arrangement and request a photo for comparison with the one you ordered. If there are any issues with the flowers, such as broken stems or damaged blooms, contact the online shop to address the situation.
