The short answer: red roses are the classic Valentine's Day flower, but they are far from the only good choice. Pink roses, lavender roses, lilies and mixed bouquets can feel more personal, especially for a newer relationship or someone who has received red roses many times before. Think about the person, the stage of your relationship and where the flowers will be delivered, then keep the card simple. Here is how to choose.
What the colours say
Colour is the quickest way to change the message of a Valentine's bouquet.
- Red. The traditional way to say "I love you". It is confident and hard to get wrong, for a partner you have been with for a while. Browse our roses.
- Pink. Softer and sweeter, pink suggests affection and admiration. It suits a new relationship as well as a long one. See our pink flowers.
- Purple and lavender. A little unexpected and quite romantic. A nice change if your partner has seen plenty of red over the years. See our purple and lavender flowers.
- White. Elegant and calm. White roses mixed with red look striking and suit someone with classic tastes.
- Yellow and orange. Friendly and cheerful rather than romantic. Save these for a friend, a sister or a parent on a day that is not only for couples.
Beyond roses
Roses are the reason most people start shopping, but other flowers can say just as much.
- Lilies bring big open blooms and a sense of occasion. Oriental lilies have a strong perfume, so make sure the person loves scent, and skip them if there are cats at home, since lilies are toxic to cats. Our lilies include mixed designs with roses.
- Orchids are a good pick for someone who prefers elegance over tradition. A potted orchid also keeps going long after February. See our orchids.
- Mixed bouquets work well when you are not sure of a favourite flower. They feel generous and a little less formal than a dozen roses.
Matching the gift to the relationship
- A new relationship. Go for something warm rather than overwhelming. A smaller bouquet or six roses in a vase says you care without making a big declaration. Our flowers and gifts under $60 are worth a look.
- A long-term partner. You know what they like, so use it. Their favourite colour, the flowers from your wedding or a bigger version of what you sent last year all feel more personal than a safe pick.
- A long-distance partner. Flowers do a lot of the talking when you cannot be there. Send something that arrives in its own vase, so it is ready to display with no effort.
- A parent, a friend or a grandparent. Valentine's Day is not only for couples, and many people are touched to be remembered. Bright mixed colours keep it cheerful. Our best sellers are a good place to start.
Home or work?
Many people like receiving flowers at work on Valentine's Day, because coworkers get to see them. Others would rather keep it private. If you send to a workplace, check that the person will be in that day, include the company name and a phone number that will be answered, and choose a design in a vase, since few offices have a spare one. If you are not sure, the home is the safer choice.
Plan ahead
Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for florists, so ordering a few days early gives you the widest choice. It also helps to think about the day of the week: when February 14 falls on a weekend, or on a day your partner is away, you may want to send flowers earlier in the week. Our Valentine's collection brings our seasonal designs together in one place, and we offer same-day delivery of fresh flowers across the GTA for those who are running a little late.
Adding a little extra
A plush bear or a box of chocolates turns a bouquet into a complete Valentine's gift, and our add-ons make it easy to include one with your order. Keep it simple: one small extra is usually enough, and the flowers should still be the star.
What to write on the card
Every order includes a free handwritten card. Say something only you could say, even if it is short. A few examples:
- "Happy Valentine's Day. You still make me laugh every day."
- "Five years in, and I would choose you all over again."
- "I wish I could be there. These will have to do until Friday."
- "To my favourite person. Thanks for putting up with me."
- "Happy Valentine's Day, Mom. Love you always."
Helping your flowers last
A little care keeps a Valentine's bouquet looking good well past the day. Our guides on how to care for roses and how to keep a bouquet fresh longer are worth sharing with the person who receives it.
Ordering from Mystic Flowers
Every bouquet is hand-arranged in our Mississauga studio, and delivery is free on orders over $50. If you have a question about a design, a colour or a delivery, call us at 905-677-9999.