The short answer: a business is one of the easiest places to send flowers, as long as the address is complete and someone is there to receive them. Include the company name, the person's full name, the suite number and the floor, and send them on a weekday during office hours. For most workplaces, a compact vase arrangement or a potted plant is the safest choice, because it arrives ready to display and does not take over a desk.
Good reasons to send flowers to a business
- A client thank you. A signed contract, a referral or a long partnership all deserve more than an email.
- A grand opening or a new location. Flowers in a reception area are seen by everyone who walks in, and a plant can stay for years.
- An anniversary. A company's tenth year or a staff member's twentieth are both worth marking.
- A condolence. When a business loses a founder or a colleague, a simple arrangement for the front desk shows that you noticed.
- A sorry or a make-good. After a mistake, a modest arrangement and a sincere note can go a long way.
- Just to brighten the room. Some offices and shops like fresh flowers at reception for no reason at all.
What to send
Think about where the flowers will end up. On a reception desk, a compact vase arrangement is ideal, since it fits next to a phone and a computer and looks tidy from the front. For a lobby or a boardroom table, you can go larger, and a design with height looks good in a big space. Our best sellers are a good place to start, and our flowers and gifts under $60 suit a smaller gesture.
A plant is a strong choice for a business because it keeps working long after the occasion has passed. Orchids look polished in an office and only need occasional care, and succulents suit a desk with little fuss. See our potted plants and succulents and our orchids, and pass along our guide on how to care for an orchid.
If the team is the audience, a gift basket to share in the break room is often a bigger hit than flowers. Gift baskets are made to order and need at least one day's notice.
Things to avoid
- Strong scents. Many offices are scent-free, or have people with allergies. Heavily perfumed lilies are best kept for the home, and it is fair to ask us for a gentler choice.
- Red roses, in most cases. A dozen red roses to a colleague or a client can send the wrong message. Mixed colours are a safer pick. Our guide to what rose colours mean can help.
- Very large pieces. A huge arrangement on a small desk is more of a problem than a gift.
- Skipping the check. Some workplaces, such as medical offices, have rules about what can sit at the front desk, and a quick call settles it.
Getting the address right
Most delivery problems at businesses come down to the address. Before you order, gather the following:
- the person's full name and job title
- the company name, as it appears on the door
- the street address, suite number and floor
- the name of a backup person or the front desk number
- any notes on deliveries, such as a loading dock or a security desk
Large office towers often have a security desk or a mail room, and flowers may be left there. If that is the case, ask someone in the office to watch for them. Enter the postal code on our contact page if you are not sure we deliver to that area, or see our delivery map and zones.
When to send them
Choose a day when someone will be there. Avoid sending to a business on a weekend or a holiday, unless you know it is open. Many offices now have staff at home for part of the week, so it is worth checking which days the person is in. If you are sending a surprise, ask a colleague quietly, so the flowers do not sit in an empty office. If you need a delivery at a set time, for a meeting or an opening, call 905-677-9999 before you order and we will tell you what is possible.
What to write on the card
Keep it short, warm and professional, and sign with your full name and your company, since the person may know several people named Sarah or John.
- Thank you for your trust and your partnership this year.
- Congratulations on your grand opening. Wishing you every success.
- Thank you for the referral. It meant a great deal to us.
- Happy tenth anniversary to you and your whole team.
- We are thinking of you and your team at this difficult time.
Order directly from the florist
Every design is hand-arranged in our Mississauga studio, and we offer same-day delivery of fresh flowers across the GTA. Delivery is free on orders of $50 or more, and every order includes a free handwritten card. If you would like help choosing for a client or an opening, call us at 905-677-9999.