The Best Flowers for Birthdays by Month

Birthdays are fun and special and we all love a reason to celebrate. As the years pass by, however, it can become difficult to find the perfect gift for that special someone that either has everything they want and need. Or maybe they're just difficult to buy for. That's why flowers are an awesome choice for birthdays. They're elegant and beautiful. And you can have arrangements specially made with your loved one's favorite flowers. Include a special note to add a touch of sentiment. Your special recipient will feel loved and enthused. The best flowers for birthdays range from month to month, of course. Here, we're breaking down the best flowers for birthdays for you so you can be sure to find the perfect gift next time you're feeling unsure. Keep reading to learn more.

January

There are two flowers associated with each month of the year. The birth flowers for January are Carnations and Snowdrops. These flowers are black, dark blue, or deep red and they stand for fascination and consolation. They are thought to signify the qualities of passion, enthusiasm, and adventure. Carnations specifically represent pride, beauty, and gratitude. It's a fluttery flower that blooms in a variety of colors.

February

Violet and Primrose make the list for February. These gorgeous flowers are violet purple, sky blue or yellow. The meaning of these flowers is modesty, faithfulness, virtue, and young love. It was believed by the ancient Greeks that Violet was the flower of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. It's no wonder other representations of the flower signify modesty. Both blooms have distinct yet fragile fragrances that are thought to affect one's senses so profoundly that the effects of other unpleasant odors are weakened.

March

Daffodils or Jonquils are naturally white or light blue and represent the birth for those born in March.
This is one flower that goes by several names and just as many meanings. It is a flower most well known to be associated with Spring. The daffodil represents friendship and sunshine and you can find them in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

April

Daisy and Sweet Pea flowers are perfect for April birthdays because they represent innocence, youth, purity, and blissful pleasures. They are also thought to represent goodbyes. These are the best flowers for birthdays to represent the departure of one year and on to the next. Daisies are thought to epitomize childlike joy and playfulness. This flower is supposed to capture the essence of spring's happy-go-lucky, brand new attitude. Sweet Peas have a delightful scent and you can find them in vibrant colors such as yellow and red. There are also colorless varieties of both of these flowers.

May

The yellow, red and green Lilly of the Valley or the Hawthorn flowers are the best flowers for birthdays in May. Sweetness, humility, the return of happiness, fertility, and hope are just a few things these flowers represent for those born this month. The Lilly of the Valley is sometimes called the May Lily and it's famous for its small, white, bell-shaped flowers. The fragrance is also delicate!
The Hawthorn resembles and belongs to the rose family.

June

Roses are classic flowers and June babies are lucky enough to have this flower in their sphere. If you were born in June and you don't like roses, you can opt for the Honeysuckle instead.
Roses come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. They represent love and devoted affection, as does the honeysuckle. You can find the honeysuckle growing wild with light blue, white and cream colors.
Roses are the dominant flower in this month because they are a popular flower that also represents friendship and beauty. Roses are in fact the most popular of all cut flowers.

July

The Larkspur is a simple yet elegant flower that is symbolic of a beautiful spirit, lightness, and swiftness. The green, russet, and red 'flavors' make it a popular choice for birthday bouquets in July.
The water lily is another July baby flower that represents laughter and a purity of heart. You'll find water lilies in red, salmon, pink, white, yellow, orange, peach, and some even near-black. There are also blue and purple varieties.

August

The ever-popular Poppy is a bright and happy flower for August birthdays. It signifies the qualities of optimism and playfulness. You can find poppy varieties in a range of colors from white to deep plum. They are perennials, meaning they bloom in and out during spring and summer.
August has another flower, the Gladiola. This birth flower represents strength and moral integrity. It also symbolizes remembrance and strength of character.
A member of the iris family, the Gladiola is one of the most popular cut flowers in the world.

September

The Morning Glory is such a beautiful flower and it represents daintiness. It also smells so good. This is one of the best flowers for birthdays for September babies that represent love and affection in a dainty manner. Aster is another beautiful flower that gets the September listing. This bloom derives its name from the Greek meaning 'star' and is considered unique for its delicate purple color. You may also find Aster in blue and white.

October

Calendula can be found in varied colors that represent joy and modesty. This bloom has a lengthy flowering season and therefore derives its name from the Latin word for calendar. You can easily find this bloom from spring through the first frost of the fall season. Cosmos are simple flowers but they get their name from the Greek meaning 'balanced universe'. They are white yellow and purple and other colors with a simple pollen center.

November

November only gets one flower because it's so special. The chrysanthemum which signifies qualities like unconventional and independence. Better known as simply 'mums', these flowers can be found in dark blue, red and yellow. They also represent cheerfulness, rest, loveliness, abundance and wealth.

December

The best flowers for birthdays in December are Narcissus or Holly. Holly is well known as a holiday flower and so it stands as a beautiful plant that fits for those born in December, too. The Narcissus represents egotism, formality, foresight, and good wishes, as well as Holly, signifies the latter.

Now You Know the Best Flowers for Birthdays

Now that you know which flowers to get for the people you love on their birthdays, it's time to order flowers!

Beware that your selections will vary from time to time depending on the nature of the design you choose for your bouquets and the season for the blooms. The recommendations listed here will be in season each month. If you prefer mixed arrangements, the following flowers are popular for birthdays:

• Lillies
• Orchids
• Roses
• Gladiolus
• Gerbera Daisies
• Iris
• Sunflowers

Send someone you love a heartfelt piece of birthday cheer. Fresh flowers can brighten anyone's day. Check out our collection of birthday flowers. If you need additional help or have any questions, please contact us.

The Etiquette of Sending Bereavement Flowers

It can be difficult to know what to say or do when someone loses a loved one. Sending bereavement flowers is a kind and thoughtful way to send your condolences after a painful loss.While sending bereavement flowers is a long-standing tradition, the etiquette involved is not always clear. There are many factors to consider when deciding on an appropriate arrangement.
Read on to learn more about properly selecting and sending flowers to those who are in mourning.

Where Should You Send Bereavement Flowers?

Flowers are usually sent to the funeral home. They are displayed during the funeral and other services.
They're also sent to the homes of surviving loved ones as a gesture of comfort and condolence.

When Can You Send Flowers?

In most cases, it's acceptable to send bereavement flowers at any point after the deceased has passed.
If you're aware of the date of the funeral, you may send flowers to the funeral home for display during the service.
You may have missed the funeral date and still want to express your sympathy to the family. Small and medium-sized flower and plant arrangements can be sent directly to the home in this case.

Cultural and Religious Considerations

Flowers are generally accepted as a gift of kindness during a difficult time. However, it's good to take cultural and religious preferences into consideration.
For many faiths and cultures, most flowers are acceptable. These include:

• Buddhists - white is preferred, red is not appropriate
• Catholics
• Protestant Christian
• Baha'i

With other cultures and religious groups, preferences for colors or arrangements may be more specific.
For example, Hindus commonly display garlands at funerals instead of other arrangements.
White flowers are preferred by Eastern and Greek Orthodox church members.
It's considered inappropriate to send flower arrangements that involve a cross or a crucifix to Mormons. Other arrangements are acceptable.
Flower preferences can vary among Muslims. While a simple arrangement is usually acceptable, those of the Islamic faith often prefer that a donation to charity is made in place of flowers.
Jewish funerals typically do not include flower arrangements, although some funerals now allow them at the synagogue entrance. You may send flowers to the Jewish home as a thoughtful gesture; however, fruit and food baskets are generally preferred.
Flowers should not be sent to a Jewish home during a Shiva call. This is the seven day period during which family and friends come to the home to pay their respects to mourn loved ones.
For Chinese families, color choice is very important if you choose to send flowers. White or yellow lilies or chrysanthemums are acceptable funeral flowers. White is most appropriate for funerals in Chinese culture.
White chrysanthemums are an acceptable flower selection for Korean funerals.
Many cultures and faiths are fairly relaxed about flower types. For these families, you may choose sympathy or funeral flowers based on colors or symbolism.

Who Can Send Bereavement Flowers?

Anyone who knows those affected by the loss of a loved one may send flowers. There are no definite rules on what types of flowers to send. There are some loose guidelines, however.
Immediate family can send any type of arrangement. At a funeral service, theirs are usually on display close to and sometimes inside of the casket.
Extended family can send either a standing arrangement or something less formal that can be taken home after the funeral.
Friends, coworkers, and other business associates or acquaintances can send flowers to the funeral home or directly to the family's home. Most arrangements are appropriate, including living potted plants.

Selecting the Appropriate Flowers and Arrangements

There are different types of funeral or bereavement arrangements that can be sent to funerals or homes. Here are some common arrangements:

• Wreath - represents eternal life, usually sent by immediate family
• Casket blankets - blanket of flowers draped over the casket
• Sprays - viewed from one side only and displayed at a service
• Casket sprays - obtained by immediate family and displayed on top of casket
• Floral arrangements - Any type, including cut flowers, containers, and baskets
• Potted plants - Continues to grow, symbolic of new life, can be brought home
• Inside pieces - smaller arrangements such as bouquets and sprays that are placed inside casket

Casket arrangements such as sprays and blankets are ordered by close family members. These shouldn't be sent by extended family, friends, or business associates.
Wreaths and large sprays, held upright by easels, are commonly used as a memorial display at funeral services, as well as large container arrangements.
Smaller container and basket arrangements are good choices when sending flowers to homes or offices.
Potted plants make wonderful living arrangements for homes and office spaces as well. They can be enjoyed long after funeral services as a living memorial.

Flower Colors

As mentioned earlier, color choice is important in certain cultures, so make sure you're aware of any preferred or inappropriate colors before you make a selection.
For other families and loved ones, there are no set rules on flower types or colors.
You may wish to send something colorful and uplifting as a symbol of the celebration of life. Bright, cheery arrangements can be comforting and encouraging in times of sadness.
If you happen to know the deceased person's favorite color or flower, choosing an arrangement that includes these favorites is acceptable.
Simple white arrangements, especially of flowers like white lilies and carnations, are elegant, tasteful options. Arrangements that include white roses and greenery make lovely floral tributes as well.

Sympathy Versus Funeral

Sympathy flower arrangements are sent directly to mourning loved ones as a condolence during their time of loss. They are usually smaller and are used by the family as decor in the home.
Funeral flowers serve as a tribute and are intended to be displayed at a funeral service. They are usually large, formal pieces that are not suitable for display in the home.

When Family Requests Donations In Lieu of Flowers

Some families will ask that you make a contribution to the family for expenses or to charities instead of purchasing flowers.
If this was the request, you may still send flowers; however, you should also make the requested contribution or donation.

A Thoughtful Way to Show You Care

Sending flowers to those who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one is a kind expression of sympathy.
It's the perfect way to let them know you care and that they are in your thoughts. It's also a lovely way to pay tribute to the deceased.
If you're looking for a timeless way to express your condolences, please browse our selection of bereavement flowers. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information on ordering arrangements.