Choosing the Perfect Flowers for a First Date

Going on a first date is incredibly exciting and flowers are a thoughtful way to show you care, conveying attraction while encouraging conversation.  

Your date will feel special with a floral gift, especially if you can match the flowers to their personality or pick their favourite blooms (read on for advice on doing just that!).    

Is a flower on the first date too much? It isn’t, although there are some venues where flowers are less suitable, like go-karting, bowling, or anywhere else where they are likely to end up squashed into a bag.  

But most of the time, flowers are a safe and welcome choice.

Roses - The quintessential romantic flower, red roses signify love and passion with their full, velvety petals and unmistakable fragrance. Give a classic dozen long-stemmed reds for a traditional romantic gesture. 

Peonies – Peonies look a little like roses but have tight ruffled petals in popular colours like pink, white, and red. They have a sweet, floral scent and grow between April and June.  

Alstroemeria - Sometimes called Peruvian Lilies, these delicate blooms have a contemporary look with their thin, twisted petals in vibrant colours like purple, pink, yellow, and orange. Their long shelf life makes them a smart choice. 

Carnations - An underrated flower, carnations are beautiful statement flowers with their burst of frilly petals and clove-like scent. Go for mini carnations for a playful feel or dramatic large blooms for old-fashioned romance. 

Freesia - Delicate, bell-shaped freesia blooms have a heavenly sweet citrus scent. Their whimsical forms and colours, like yellow, white, pink, and lavender, suggest innocence and cheer. 

Gerberas - Gerbera daisies' bold, bright faces lend a cheerful, optimistic vibe with their layers of pointed petals in red, orange, pink, white, and yellow. Their long, sturdy stems mean they'll last the distance. 

Lilies - Regal oriental lilies have an intoxicating floral perfume and large, intricate blooms that convey drama and elegance. Their associations with rebirth and purity make them extra thoughtful. 

Chrysanthemums – Also called "mums," chrysanthemums have lush, full flowers that convey depth and sophistication. Classic varieties have folded, petal-packed blooms in autumnal tones like burgundy, bronze, yellow, and peach. 

The setting and activity of your date can help inspire the perfect flower choice. For a casual picnic in the park, opt for relaxed blooms like daisies or wildflowers in bright, cheerful colors that match the laidback vibe. If your date is an elegant restaurant dinner, sophisticated orchids or lilies in refined tones suit the formal ambience. 

If you are exploring an art museum, use textured blooms like roses or lilies to appreciate the craftsmanship. Planning a hike or outdoor adventure? Portable stems like alstroemeria and carnations stand up well to travel while adding colour to the natural landscape. 

Whatever you have planned, consider flowers for a first date that will enhance the overall experience rather than just look good back at home. 

Your date’s personality can provide clues for selecting the perfect fresh blooms. For example, do they have a vibrant, energetic demeanour? Then sunflowers, dahlias, or freesias in bold, fiery hues will complement their upbeat spirit. 

Someone with an artistic eye would likely appreciate textural blooms like oriental lilies, orchids, or calla lilies in unique colours. 

For an understated person, a single rose, or a petite bouquet of alstroemeria or hydrangeas are tasteful choices that will likely go down well.    

When in doubt, find out whether your date is an extrovert or introvert – extroverts will likely appreciate bright, bold blooms, while introverts will enjoy subdued ones. 

If you’re lucky enough to know your date’s favourite colour, then buying flowers is easy, but fret not – you can simply buy flowers in a colour you’ve seen them wearing. 

Red flowers like roses, tulips, or carnations express romance, passion, and interest in cultivating a deeper connection. Soft pink blooms like peonies communicate sweetness, admiration, and genuine care for your date. 

White flowers like roses, calla lilies, daisies, and orchids add a fresh, romantic feel. A small bouquet of white blooms shows thoughtfulness without coming on too strong. They're ideal for dressy occasions, too, complementing smart outfits. 

Yellow flowers can also be fitting for a first date. Yellow conveys warmth, delight, and cheerfulness, associated with springtime and new beginnings. Giving yellow tulips can represent your optimism about the relationship. It shows you're approaching the date with a warm, cheerful attitude and hope for what may unfold. 

Pastel lavender and purple blooms like hyacinths, lilacs, and iris convey charm, femininity, and grace – ideal for the younger crowd. 

Grand floral displays can feel uncomfortably showy and undermine your efforts to connect on a personal level – and let's not forget your date will have to cart them around afterwards, too. Instead, you should opt for modest bouquets. 

A small bouquet or single floral stem offers a touch of romance without overwhelming your date. If you choose larger flowers for a first date, request that the florist include more greenery and filler flowers to create an airy, understated look. The goal is to make your date feel special without making them feel smothered by an effusive gesture. 

Consider pairing your floral gift with small extras that add a personalised touch. Depending on your venue, you could include the following: 

Chocolates (many of our flowers come with free chocolates)

A vase for the flowers

A candle

A handwritten romantic note expressing excitement about the date - check out these romantic card messages for ideas. 

When a thoughtful memento accompanies flowers, the gift takes on greater meaning and significance. It shows that you cared enough to give a beautiful bouquet and a personalised token of affection – a doubly good deal by anyone's standards. Browse our romantic collection for inspiration!

Let the season inspire your first date flower choices for a thoughtful touch. In spring, gift fragrant hyacinths, tulips, or daffodils to celebrate new beginnings. 

For a summer date, give brightly coloured sunflowers, daisies, or gerbera daisies to embody the season's warmth and vibrance. 

As autumn approaches, warm-toned chrysanthemums, asters, and dahlias can beautifully complement the changing season.  

Winter calls for chrysanthemums, roses, and amaryllis, with these textured flowers conveying a sense of warmth and comfort.  

Picking a florist comes down to four things: 

Look at their online reviews and check if they have satisfied customers.  

Ensure they have a good selection of fresh flowers in stock. 

Ask about their delivery service - do they deliver locally and nationally? Does the delivery service carry a charge? 

Check their freshness guarantee. For example, we have a 7-day freshness guarantee.  

Our florists craft beautiful arrangements with fresh flowers, including traditional, contemporary, and unique bouquets to match your date's style. 

We source flowers directly from local growers for freshness and work quickly to deliver same-day or next-day. Fast delivery ensures your flowers stay fresh and arrive on time.  

You can add chocolates, a vase, or a card to your bouquet order for a special touch. Adding a personal message is as simple as providing it at checkout. 

We also offer recommendations on flower options, presentation styles, and added touches to take your gift to the next level – just ask us! 

With thoughtful consideration and expert guidance, you can choose the perfect floral gift to complement a first date. Seek blooms that align with your date's personality and interests while reflecting the mood of your planned activity. Avoid overwhelming gestures and instead opt for tasteful, understated beauty. 

When given with care and sincerity, flowers pave the way for a memorable first date filled with new possibilities. Seasonal selections and personalised extras can add further meaning that resonates with your date. 

Good luck!