Floral Etiquette: What Flowers to Send and When
You already know flowers say so much more than words. But which blooms send the right message?
Maybe you want to show Mum just how much you appreciate her, mark a milestone with something unforgettable, or find a gesture that says ‘I’m thinking of you’ without overdoing it.
Choosing the right flowers isn’t about guesswork; it’s about matching the meaning to the moment. That’s what this guide is here for. Together, we’ll explore which flowers suit which occasions and what each bloom really says, so every bouquet you send feels as thoughtful as you are.
When you’re ready, Camberwell Florist makes it easy. Our hand-crafted seasonal arrangements and same-day delivery mean your flowers will always arrive fresh, beautiful, and right on time.
Flowers for Every Occasion
Florists are highly trained in crafting bouquets and flower displays for all kinds of occasions. Certain flowers and colours have different associations, so creating the perfect mix has become an art.
Anniversary Flowers
Flowers for an anniversary need to be beautiful and intimate. But anniversaries also have their own gift-giving schedule, even when it comes to flowers.
While roses are common, consider personalising your bouquet based on the year. For the first year, carnations are considered a staple. Here, we’ll quickly list each anniversary year and its flower.
| Anniversary Year | Flowers for Anniversary |
| 1 | Carnation |
| 5 | Daisy |
| 10 | Daffodil |
| 15 | Rose |
| 20 | Aster |
| 25 | Iris |
| 30 | Lily |
At Camberwell Florist, we offer a wide variety of curated anniversary bouquets. Consider our Paula Neutral Bouquet, elegant Monique White Lilies, or our Mia Pink Flower Posy for a mix of seasonal fresh flowers.
Celebration Flowers
Celebrations come in many forms, such as graduations, promotions, engagements, or just life’s little wins. Bright, seasonal blooms like sunflowers and irises are perfect for creating a joyful moment worth remembering.
Our Vanessa Bright Bouquet can help you say congratulations in style.
Valentine’s Day
Roses are the classic choice for a romantic Valentine’s evening. They show your passion and romantic intentions clearly, letting your date know how much they mean to you.
At Camberwell Florist, we use locally grown roses for a more personal, vibrant touch. Some varieties have a unique fragrance, so you can really feel romance in the air.
Take a look at our Florence Red Rose Valentine’s bouquet. Prefer something different to roses? Our seasonal, locally grown flowers are a charming and cost-effective alternative.
Mother’s Day
Every mum deserves appreciation for all that they do. While chrysanthemums are a popular choice, consider pink and red roses. These illustrate love, appreciation, and admiration.
Our stunning Elissa Pink Bouquet is an elegant piece, mixing delicate seasonal pink flowers with lush foliage, perfect for any mother.
Father’s Day
Flowers for Father’s Day are not a common gift, but that’s what makes it so special. Consider native pieces for a bright, eye-catching way of showing your appreciation.
Our Jackie Native Flower Bouquet is a beautiful statement piece with understated charm, perfect for your dad. A more practical, yet no less thoughtful gift, could be our Fresh Fruit Gift Hamper.
Birthday Surprises
For birthdays, aim for a design that feels both elegant and cheerful. A mix of roses, seasonal blooms, and lush foliage strikes the perfect balance between celebration and thoughtfulness.
At Camberwell Florist, we offer an extensive range of birthday flower bouquets. Our Eden Rose Bouquet effortlessly mixes red and pink roses with complementary flowers and foliage to create a stunning gift.
Get Well Soon
Flowers add colour to any and every space, even hospital rooms. If your friend is unwell, consider bright but low-pollen flowers to brighten their room and cheer them up. Tulips, irises and Australian native flowers are all great choices.
Our Native Posy Olivia, Short Vase Arrangement of Native Flowers Caroline, or Corinne Bright Tulip Bouquet make any space bright and cheerful. We also offer a variety of different tulip colours, from pinks to reds and elegant whites, when tulips are in season (from May to September)
Christmas Flowers
Whether you’re hosting lunch, decorating the table, or gifting something festive, Christmas flowers add a warm, seasonal touch. Think red roses and white lilies, lush greenery, and a hint of red.
Try our Elsa Rose and Lily Posy or Stella Lily Bouquet for a cheerful holiday surprise.
Sympathy
When words aren’t enough, flowers can express care and comfort. Sympathy flowers are typically soft and comforting, think white roses, lilies, and chrysanthemums.
Choose our White Flower Posy for an elegant and thoughtful way to show you’re thinking of someone.
New Baby Flowers
To celebrate a new baby, choose soft, cheerful flowers like orange and yellow roses with native foliage.
Our Rebecca Bright Flowers Vase Arrangement offers the perfect mix of bright roses carefully arranged in a giftable vase. Our Sunrise Bright Rose Bouquet also showcases a delightful mix of orange and yellow roses.
Thank You Flowers
When saying thank you, go for flowers that feel warm, genuine and cheerful, like yellow roses, tulips, and snapdragons. These fresh picks symbolise gratitude and positivity.
Our Sophia Bright Flower Posy embraces these bright and cheerful tones, highlighting bright yellow roses alongside complementary florals.
Flower Meanings and Associations
If you’re more interested in something unique, you could explore the different meanings of each flower. This way, you can choose the bouquet that matches your intentions.
Roses
While roses are generally associated with romantic love, the different colours can offer different meanings. For instance, pink roses mean happiness, while white roses mean purity. If you’re trying to communicate romantic love, avoid yellow as this colour is often associated with friendship.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas also come in a range of colours that also have different connotations. However, taken as a whole, hydrangeas are generally seen as an expression of gratitude. They are often used as a thank-you gift or mixed into a bouquet for other occasions, such as Mother’s Day.
Peonies
Peonies are often associated with romance, prosperity, and good fortune. They are considered a symbol of a happy marriage and are commonly used in wedding bouquets and anniversary arrangements. Beyond love, peonies also represent honour and compassion, making them versatile flowers that can be gifted for both joyful and thoughtful occasions.
Lilies
Lilies are an elegant yet striking flower. They symbolise purity and rebirth and are often used at funerals. If you’re preparing for a sad occasion, consider how lilies, with white neutral tones, may show your sympathy.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers symbolise loyalty and adoration. Because of their bright yellow colour, they are also associated with cheer and joy. Likewise, cut sunflowers can live up to two weeks with care, so if you’re trying to brighten up a space, embrace these tall beauties.
Find the Right Bouquet for any Occasion at Camberwell Florist
Shopping for an occasion doesn’t have to be stressful. Flower etiquette offers simple and timeless guidance to ensure you always have the right pick. But if you’re still feeling lost, help isn’t too far away.
Find the perfect floral gift for every occasion at Camberwell Florist. Whether you need a stunning bouquet or a delightful fruit basket, our experienced florists handcraft every piece.
Need it today? Order by 3 pm for same-day delivery in Camberwell and nearby suburbs, or by 12 noon for same-day delivery across most Melbourne metro areas.
We deliver between 8 am and 6 pm, so your flowers arrive right on time. Have a special delivery request? Just get in touch, and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
