Quick: Off the top of your head, how many types of flowers can you name? Go on, take a minute to think.
Done? If you were stumped after “roses,” you’re due for some floral education. From everyday stunners like lilies and tulips to less-familiar blooms like ranunculus and proteas, a little knowledge can go a long way toward making a big impact.
But one thing you don’t need to study up on is where to get them: With DoorDash, having fresh flowers delivered is hassle-free—many options can even be delivered same-day, which covers your back—you know, on those rare occasions when you almost forget someone’s special day.
But of course, you’re not going to forget Mother’s Day, are you? And there’s still time to brush up on your know-how and plan ahead before it arrives. So read on for our guide to delivering her a bouquet she’ll brag about.
Consider Color
Do you know her favorite one? If nothing specific comes to mind (and you can’t ask a friend or family member), ask yourself: Have you observed her favoring cool tones like purples and pinks, or warm colors like yellows and oranges? Is she into something more traditional, like red and white, or something more organic, with a mix of softer hues and pastels? Most bouquets work within a relatively simple palette, and some even go totally monochrome—so thinking about color can be a great place to start.
Get Off the Beaten Path
It’s awfully tempting to just reach for roses every time. They’re everywhere—especially long-stemmed red ones, carefully assembled by the dozen. And sure, they’re gorgeous. But there’s a big, wide world of blooms out there—hey, even those roses come in dozens of shapes and colors!
And the good news is you don’t even need to know the name of every flower in a bouquet before you buy it. (Otherwise we’d be here all day.) What you can do is proactively seek out an arrangement that feels exciting and dynamic, with a variety of textures and contrasting shapes and colors.
On DoorDash, for instance, look for something unique that captures the feeling you’re trying to convey. And stay away from anything that looks unnaturally dyed. (Those blue roses that look too good to be true? They are—those are just white ones dipped in a color stain.) There’s also something to be said for simplicity: An abundant arrangement of heirloom tulips, for example, even all in one color, can be one of the most beautiful and celebratory springtime gifts.
Ponder Presentation
Floral bouquets generally fall into two camps: hand-tied or vase arrangements. Hand-tied bouquets are (obviously?) assembled and tied by hand; they will typically be a little smaller, have a more organic feel, and be wrapped in paper or cellophane. They’re a good choice if you’re traveling by car or you know your recipient already has a favorite vessel.
Vase arrangements, in contrast, tend to be a little bulkier and more dramatic, plus the vase can often serve as a bonus gift all its own. These are perfect for giftees who don’t want to work for their present—aka moms.
Either type can come with one main type of flower or a few central varieties, depending on the design. Either may also include filler flowers—smaller blooms that help fill in visual gaps in an arrangement and add balance. Filler foliage in the form of leafy branches is also often added to an arrangement to help it feel more lush and green.
It’s worth noting that when you’re buying flowers online, the day-to-day selection will vary with the season, so the mixed bouquets you get might not look exactly like the sample images. But when you order from DoorDash, you’re sure to receive something you—and of course the lucky recipient—are excited about.
