News You Can Use
Order those Valentine’s bouquets now
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Pam McTeer
Feb. 4, 2005
STARKVILLE, Miss.—When planning to send that perfect floral surprise on Valentine’s Day, it’s best to order early—like, say, today.
Lynette McDougald, manager of the Mississippi State University florist, says the secret to making a floral splash is having flowers arrive during the morning of Feb. 14. Placing an advance order helps guarantee both the desired arrangement and an early delivery.
“Flowers should be sent where everyone will see them; it’s the presentation,” McDougald explains. “If you want to cover all the bases, make sure to send chocolate along with the flowers. Message balloons also are popular because they increase the show.”
Additionally, McDougald recommends that arrangements be sent in a keepsake container so the loved one has a lasting remembrance of the occasion.
Roses are the most requested Valentine’s flowers because they are associated with the strongest of emotions, she observes. And, while red roses dominate with more than 75 percent of Valentine sales, the veteran floral designer often suggests alternative arrangements of tulips or irises if the sender is feeling bold enough to break with tradition.
“These make a pretty display and are something of a novelty,” she says of the alternate selections.
Whatever floral arrangements may be chosen, McDougald urges the earliest placement of orders possible before the Valentine’s Day crush swamps florists everywhere.