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Red Roses If I Love You, Yellow If I Don't: The Secret Language of Flowers

By Burgandi Collins
Turpin's Florist Staff Writer

Whether you’re a reluctant Casanova dreading Valentine’s Day or a veteran Romeo looking to spice things up, Turpin’s Florist in Norfolk, Virginia can help you.

Easily one of the most favorite holidays for women, tradition says that sending flowers is the best way for guys to show their affection to their special ladies. But what type of flower arrangement is the best? And does it even matter?

Most women say yes. And Turpin’s Florist agrees with them. The family operated business has helped romantics make Valentine’s Day special for almost 50 years.

Turpin employees are experts in knowing the best arrangement to select, opportune time to order, and when to send flowers back that are not satisfactory.

Turpin’s Florist owner Jay Turpin says the best arrangement for Valentine’s Day is an assorted bouquet that contains a mixture of flowers and red roses. Why? Jay says a dozen roses are what most shoppers buy on Valentine's Day. Nationwide, that puts a huge demand on roses which raises the price and sometimes hurts the quality.

He says the best arrangement to purchase is a pretty mixture of flowers with some roses sprinkled in. "With this assortment, you’ll get across the Valentine's Day theme and have an arrangement that lasts longer," he says.

Jay says Valentine’s Day is the single busiest day for florists, so it’s best to beat the rush if you do not want to spoil one of the most romantic days of the year. This year Valentine's Day falls on a Tuesday, which will present a few problems for procrastinators. Most people will wait until the very last moment to place their orders and want delivery on the 13th and 14th. That puts a strain on the delivery system.

Jay says it's best to plan ahead and get your flowers ordered before the rush. "The worst thing you can do is call a florist at 4 p.m. on Valentine's Day trying to get same-day delivery," he says. "Besides pushing the limit on time, you will probably find yourself in a long line or stuck on hold as the florist’s phone rings off the hook with other procrastinators."

Avoid all the frustration and order early. That way you know your loved one is going to get a beautiful arrangement and not get caught up in the jam. And, she can enjoy the flowers before and on the holiday. Turpin's Florist has even added an incentive for early delivery, such as a free box of chocolates or a balloon.

Jay says the second best arrangement to send is the FTD special that the wire service offers. In addition to breath-taking flowers, you also buy keepsake containers, gift baskets, teddy bears, and other special gift items. The FTD main holiday special, the Valentine's Bouquet, is a beautiful way to express your love.

With so many flowers being sent around Valentine's Day, you should look over the arrangement to make sure it survived the trip in good shape. Check for plenty of water in the vase, proper arrangement, and wilting. If you've received a mishandled or inferior arrangement, send it back and note why.

Like Turpin's, most florists have a 100% money back guarantee policy. "If you have a complaint we don't even ask questions," Jays says. "It's replaced automatically."

So Romeo, now you know how to make your Valentine’s Day as easy as Sunday morning. Cupid couldn’t have done it any easier.