What are the unspoken rules of flower etiquette?

The unspoken rules of flower etiquette are about timing, color, the occasion and the card. Send flowers at the right moment, pick colors that suit the message, and always add a short note so the recipient knows who they are from.

Timing

Birthdays and anniversaries: arrive on the day or a day before. Sympathy: send as soon as you hear, or to the service. Thank-you flowers: within a few days.

Color

Red says love, pink says gratitude, yellow says friendship, white says respect. Choose with the relationship in mind.

Occasion

Keep funeral flowers soft and simple, keep office flowers tidy and low in scent, and avoid strongly scented flowers for hospital rooms.

The card

Always sign it, and keep the message short and sincere. A thoughtful line matters more than a large bouquet.

Quick dos and don'ts

• Do include a card with your name.
• Do match the flowers to the occasion and the relationship.
• Do check for allergies or pets when you can.
• Don't send strongly scented flowers to a hospital room or a small office.
• Don't assume the recipient has a vase; an arrangement that comes in one is easier.

When in doubt, a simple mixed bouquet with a warm note is almost never a mistake.