It’s an unspoken rule that flowers are an essential gift on Valentine’s Day. But for many, the pressure of picking the right flowers can ruin the whole sentiment of the day.
A dozen red roses may be a classic symbol of true love and desire, but if your relationship is new, you may want something less serious and more fun. FTD Master Floral Designers Jeff Corbin and Keith White have teamed up to give you some tips on picking appropriate flowers for your relationship.
First date Valentine’s Day
A first date is exciting and fun, but it can also be nerve-racking and scary. Valentine’s Day only adds pressure to the planning of a first date. It’s easy to make a great first impression by bringing flowers. The key is to go bold and simple.
A large lily-hybrid such as a stargazer, is a great flower for a first date. As the name would suggest, a stargazer has bright pink petals in the shape of a star and trimmed with white. Since the flowers are large, it only takes a few to make a beautiful statement. The scent won’t fade quickly either so your Valentine will be thinking of you long after the date is over.
New relationship Valentine’s Day
Often called the “honeymoon period,” this stage is characterized by light-hearted good times and endless supplies of laughter. This is your chance to relive the days of your schoolyard crush and get absolutely cheesy romantic with the flowers.
Again, keep the flowers simple. Colorful daisies or carnations are fun, or you could do a small mixed bouquet, but stay away from too much greenery and baby’s breath. You could also combine flowers with a small assortment of gifts such as boxes of chocolates, balloons, a stuffed animal or a greeting card. You want to have a range of gifts for this stage of a relationship. Remember, the focus is on having a good time and making your Valentine smile.
“I love you” Valentine’s Day
So you’ve been dating for a while and have confessed your true feelings. Likely, you’ve been through a few bumps in the road together. It’s now appropriate to go back to the roses.
But, think about the whole presentation of the flowers. For a personal touch, start with roses in your Valentine’s favorite color. Then add in other flowers of varying sizes along with floral accents in similar shades. If you don’t know exactly what additional flowers or vases would look good with your roses, go to www.FTD.COM to find your local FTD florist and ask for suggestions.
Soul-mate Valentine’s Day
If you’ve been in a serious relationship for years, Valentine’s Day may have become just like any other day. Perhaps your Valentine isn’t even expecting anything from you. Surprise your Valentine with a unique bouquet, and celebrate the love that has kept you together all this time.
This year’s hottest trend is deep, orange red roses mixed with Milva roses, which are a brilliant orange color and gradually fade to a golden orange near the edges of the petals. You can add some Protea, which looks like a big pincushion, in a complimentary shade or some Hypericum berries, which resemble Christmas holly berries. A rough stoneware or rusted metal vase puts the finishing touch on this exotic bouquet.
Looking for something truly unique? Use Black Baccara roses. They aren’t black at all. In fact, they are full blooms saturated in a deep burgundy color. Accent your roses in a low deco style vase with some Queen Protea and Safari Sunset Leucadendron, which is an exotic looking plant with earthy hues. The rich, deep colors are the perfect way to say, “I still love you.”
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