Last updated: Published:
Short answer: red for love, bright mixed colours for birthdays and congratulations, white and ivory for weddings and for condolences, yellow and orange for get-well wishes and thank-yous. The colour says what you mean before the card is read.
Love and romance
Red roses are the agreed language, and nothing substitutes for them on an anniversary or a first declaration. Pink is quieter and suits a newer relationship; ivory leans tender rather than passionate.
Browse love & romance.
Birthdays
There is no rule here beyond cheerfulness: several colours, a full arrangement, something that registers the moment you walk into the room. Gerberas, mixed roses and sunflowers all do the job.
Browse birthday flowers.
Weddings and engagements
White, ivory and pale pink are the most requested, because they sit well with any decor and don't compete with the couple. Lilies, peonies and cream roses build that mood.
Browse weddings & engagements.
Congratulations
New job, graduation, an opening, a promotion: pick something that stands steadily on a desk or in an entrance. Vase arrangements work better than bouquets here, because the recipient is usually at work rather than at home.
Browse congratulations flowers.
Get well soon
Warm, light colours: yellow, orange, soft pink. Avoid very strong scents in a closed room, and check the hospital's policy first — some wards don't accept flowers at all.
Browse get well & sympathy.
Condolences
White and green only, arranged quietly, with no bright colours and nothing celebratory attached. Keep the card short. There is more in our guide to condolence etiquette.
Best avoided
- Bright colours and sunflowers for condolences.
- Very strong scents in small hospital rooms.
- Large arrangements sent to a small or shared office.
- Sending to a workplace after the working day has ended.
Before you confirm the order
Double-check the recipient's name, phone number and address, and write the gift card in your own words — it is free with every order, and no invoice travels with the gift. Areas and delivery timings are on the delivery page.
Quick answers
What is the safe colour if I'm not sure?
White with pale pink. It suits almost every occasion and is never misread — except for condolences, where white alone is better.
Should I send flowers to a hospital?
Check the ward's policy first. Some don't accept flowers at all, and patient rooms are usually too small for a large arrangement.
Can I send flowers without giving my name?
Yes — the gift card says exactly what you dictate. But most recipients would rather know who sent them, and an unsigned card is the most common awkward moment we see.
