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Sending flowers can be a thoughtful way to send a message to someone special in your life. Whether that person needs a pick-me-up, is celebrating a milestone, or is grieving, receiving a bouquet of flowers or a plant can let them know you’re thinking about them. No matter what the occasion, the best flower delivery services can be an excellent tool for brightening someone's day.
What to consider when choosing a flower delivery service
Whether you’re looking to treat yourself to a stunning bouquet, or hoping to send flowers to someone you know, there are some key things to consider before choosing a flower delivery service.
Occasion
Most of the time, we find ourselves sending flowers for special occasions. While most bouquets could work for any occasion, some are specially designed for certain events or situations — a happy birthday floral bouquet, for example, could look a lot different than one for a funeral. If you want to get into the weeds (or, y’know, flowers), choosing specific colors or types of flowers can convey messages and meaning — irises traditionally stand for wisdom and respect, say, while red camellias embody passionate love, romance and desire.
Most flower delivery services will offer a variety of arrangements for different situations, even letting you search by occasion. However, some are a bit more limited than others, so you may need to do some searching.
Timeline
Timing is an incredibly important factor when choosing a flower delivery. Some companies don’t offer last-minute delivery, so you’ll need to plan in advance. Others may offer short-notice orders, but there could be a high fee associated with that. Planning in advance is always your best bet, but we’ve highlighted a few services that offer last-minute delivery options.
Budget
Flowers can get quite expensive. That is especially true for certain types of blooms, for larger bouquets or those that come with high-end vases. Some services are most certainly more expensive than others, so deciding your budget ahead of time is important.
How are the flowers delivered?
Finally, pay attention to how the flowers are shipped. Some come fully arranged in the vase, ready to be displayed. Others come in a box and require some prep before popping the flowers into the vase. If you send flowers to someone else, you’ll likely want a pre-arranged flower delivery so they can simply put it on display. If you’re ordering for yourself, it may be fun to act like a florist and arrange the flowers in a vase yourself.
Our top picks for the best flower delivery
Best online flower delivery service for a wide selection: The Bouqs Co.
The Bouqs Co.
The Bouqs Co. flower delivery stands out thanks to its wide range of beautifully arranged flowers. The selection can be hard to choose from, but no matter what type of flower or occasion you’re looking for, you can find it there. Plus, it also offers subscriptions with free shipping, two different bouquet size options and two vase options to customize your pick.
Specifications:
- Shipping: $15 for registered Bouq accounts, $25 for guest checkout.
- Same-day or next-day delivery: Yes.
- Subscription options: Yes.
- Prices: $49 and up.
What we like:
- Beautiful and diverse designs.
- Responsibly sourced blooms.
- Subscription options available with free shipping.
- Multiple vase and size options for most bouquets.
What we don’t like:
- Extra $12 charge for Saturday delivery.
- Vase costs extra.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A wide range of exceptionally designed bouquets at different price points, using responsibly sourced flowers.
Get it here: The Bouqs Co.
Best value flower delivery: Benchmark Bouquets
Benchmark Bouquets
Benchmark Bouquets ordering is through Amazon, so you can order flowers while shopping for other essentials. Plus, Prime members get free delivery, saving you extra money. The blooms are shipped in the bud stage, so it will take a few days to open up, but that makes them last longer, which adds to their value.
Specifications:
- Shipping: Free for Amazon Prime members.
- Same-day or next-day delivery: Yes.
- Subscription options: No.
- Prices: $35.95 and up.
What we like:
- Easy and convenient to order.
- Free shipping for Prime members.
- Long-lasting blooms
- Comes with a vase and two packets of flower food.
What we don’t like:
- Not ideal for delivery dates further in the future.
- Designs are rather basic.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Benchmark Bouquets offers a lot of value with easy and affordable ordering through Amazon, free shipping for Prime members and flowers shipped early in their bloom cycle.
Get it here: Benchmark Bouquets
Best subscription flower delivery service: BloomsyBox
BloomsyBox
No company offers as many flower delivery subscription options as BloomsyBox. You can choose from monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly deliveries and three different bouquet sizes. Unique flower boxes are also available, including a tropical subscription, plants, a New York Botanical Garden collaboration and a pet-safe subscription. Plus, you can add on things like tote bags, stickers, coffee or even a video message to make your subscription gift extra special. You don't have to opt for a subscription to order from BloomsyBox, either. Its tropical selection is more extensive than any other company, making it our top pick for the best flower delivery for tropical bouquets as well.
Specifications:
- Shipping: Variable, depending on delivery address.
- Same-day or next-day delivery: Yes.
- Subscription options: Yes.
- Prices: $59.99 and up.
What we like:
- Lots of beautiful arrangements to choose from.
- Wide range of subscription options.
- Subscription options for plants and coffee as well.
- Plenty of add-on options.
What we don’t like:
- Vase costs extra.
- Will need to trim and arrange yourself.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
BloomsyBox offers a wide range of subscription options, including unique offerings like tropical flowers or pet-safe flower delivery.
Get it here: BloomsyBox
Most convenient online flower delivery service: 1-800-Flowers
1-800-Flowers
1-800-Flowers is a classic flower delivery option that largely relies on local florists to assemble and deliver bouquets. Its website offers endless options to choose from for every occasion you could imagine, even National Siblings Day. It offers reasonably priced arrangements starting at $40, as well as plenty of gifts beyond flowers, such as gift baskets and food and a subscription service for 15% off (it's no meal delivery service, but it can be a fun way to get regular snacks and treats). For extra convenience, the 1-800-Flowers app makes it straightforward to order flowers at any time.
Specifications:
- Shipping: Free on most orders.
- Same-day or next-day delivery: Yes.
- Subscription options: Yes.
- Prices: $39.99 and up.
What we like:
- Affordable pricing
- Exceptionally large variety to choose from.
- Plenty of gifts beyond flowers.
- Wide scheduling options.
What we don’t like:
- Arrangements are more basic.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
With options ranging from flowers to gift baskets and an easy-to-use app, 1-800-Flowers is a convenient way to send gifts.
Get it here: 1-800-Flowers
Best for last-minute flower delivery: FTD Flowers
FTD Flowers
Established in 1910, FTD is another longstanding flower delivery company. It is commonly the go-to for last-minute flower delivery and for good reason: It offers a variety of beautiful arrangements and other gifts available for same-day shipping. Plus, its bouquets all come with a quality vase or basket that can be used long after the flowers die off.
Specifications:
- Shipping: Starts at $17.99.
- Same-day or next-day delivery: Yes.
- Subscription options: No.
- Prices: $40 and up.
What we like:
- Transparent information on each bouquet.
- Easy-to-navigate website.
- Includes an attractive vase or woven basket.
- Same day delivery options.
What we don’t like:
- Not as many options as other companies.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
With a good selection of same-day delivery bouquets, you can get an attractive arrangement sent last-minute.
Get it here: FTD Flowers
Best online flower delivery service for next-day delivery: Floom
Floom
Floom is a unique flower delivery service that’s also great for last-minute deliveries. Floom sources local florists that provide service to your specific location, giving you a wider selection than just one company. Same-day delivery is only available for major cities, but there are plenty of bouquets to choose from, along with plants and gift baskets.
Specifications:
- Shipping: $14.99 for regular delivery, $19.99 for same-day delivery.
- Same-day or next-day delivery: Yes.
- Subscription options: No.
- Prices: $35 and up.
What we like:
- Uses local florists.
- Free delivery option for larger same-day orders.
- Plants and non-floral gifts are also available.
- Easy-to-navigate website.
What we don’t like:
- Same-day delivery only available for major cities.
- Selection is not as large for those not in major cities.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Floom uses local florists in major cities to get floral arrangements sent out the next day.
Get it here:
Best flower delivery service for modern flower arrangements: UrbanStems
UrbanStems
Many flower delivery services offer fairly stuffy, traditional designs that lack excitement. But that isn’t the case with UrbanStems, who ship nationwide and offer a wide range of options with vibrant, texture-rich designs beyond the basics. The website makes it easy to sort by what you’re looking for, and the subscription option allows you to keep fresh flowers around all the time.
Specifications:
- Shipping: $10 to $30 with some free options.
- Same-day or next-day delivery: Yes.
- Subscription options: Yes.
- Prices: $45 and up.
What we like:
- Modern arrangements that are less stuffy than basic designs.
- Plenty of variety.
- Add-ons available.
- Website makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
What we don’t like:
- Limited options for last-minute orders.
- Requires trimming and arranging after delivery.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
UrbanStems offers a more unique, modern take on flower arrangements.
Get it here: UrbanStems
Best rose delivery: Ode À La Rose
Ode À La Rose
While Ode À La Rose offers more than just roses, its roses are exquisite. You can also choose a preserved bouquet, which uses treated flowers, allowing them to last a full year. Its fresh-flower arrangements come in two sizes, with nine different vase options for each (for an added fee). There are plenty of centerpiece options as well, which are perfect for events and small weddings. Plus, they ship fully arranged, so you don’t need to trim any stems once they arrive.
Specifications:
- Shipping: $8 to $25.
- Same-day or next-day delivery: Yes.
- Subscription options: Yes.
- Prices: $58 and up.
What we like:
- Preserved bouquets available for long-lasting option.
- Bouquets are pre-arranged.
- Multiple vases to choose from for each bouquet.
- Designs for centerpieces available.
What we don’t like:
- Pricier than other options.
- Vase costs extra.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Ode À La Rose offers stunning and classic rose arrangements that come fully arranged so you can display them immediately.
Get it here: Ode À La Rose
Best plant delivery: The Sill
The Sill
Flowers that fade in a few weeks aren’t for everyone, so a great alternative is a plant delivery. The Sill offers a wide range of potted plants, including flowering plants, if you still want to send flowers in some capacity. You can search by easy-care, pet-friendly and low-light. This helps ensure you get an appropriate plant for your recipient. There are also multiple subscription options if you know someone (or yourself!) who is growing their collection.
Specifications:
- Shipping: Free standard shipping.
- Same-day or next-day delivery: No.
- Subscription options: Yes.
- Prices: $34 and up.
What we like:
- Pet-friendly, easy-care and low-light options available.
- Includes flowering plants or dried bouquets.
- Multiple subscription options.
- Website is full of plant care tips and tools.
What we don’t like:
- A bit pricey.
- Ceramic plant options are especially expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Sill offers a wide variety of potted plants, ranging from small to large, at various care levels.
Get it here: The Sill
How we selected the best flower delivery services
We based our picks on a mix of personal experience and positive customer reviews. We aimed to select flower delivery services that fall within a range of price points and delivery options, with a focus on quality flowers and design variety.
How to keep flowers fresh
If you want to keep your flowers looking fresh and lively, you’ll need to do some prep. “The key to keeping flowers fresh begins before you even put them in a vase,” warns Hannah Bonham Blackwell, florist and cofounder of Southside Blooms. In terms of the vase, “make sure you freshly wash the container and put a little flower food in the water,” she says.
For the actual blooms, “Trim the stems and take off any leaves that would get covered by water,” Bonham Blackwell advises. “You don’t want them to rot or grow mold (there’s an exception for tulips — their leaves can hold up in water). When you put the flowers into the vase, make sure they don’t touch the bottom where bacteria can linger.”
Finally, to keep the flowers lasting longer, “change the water every other day, and if you have time, trim the bottom of the stems just a touch each time you change the water.”
What flowers last the longest?
It can be disappointing to spend money on flowers only to see them wilted and fading within a few days. Luckily, some flowers last longer than others. If you want a bouquet that lasts a long time, you have a handful of options. “Chrysanthemums can last two to four weeks in a vase, so they are a great choice. Cut carnations, dahlias, allium, orchids and lilies will look great for about two weeks,” according to Bonham Blackwell.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best app to order flowers from?
Most of the above services are website-based platforms, but there are a few handy apps for ordering flowers. One of the best available is also our top choice for the most convenient flower delivery: 1-800-Flowers. The app is well-designed and easy to use, with gift options beyond flowers as well. You can track your order and receive notifications for new designs.
Which flowers are safe for pets?
Having pets doesn’t mean that you can’t display fresh-cut flowers in your home. “Many classic, beautiful cut flowers are pet friendly,” explains Bonham Blackwell. “Roses, orchids, sunflowers and snapdragons are all pretty options.”
Which flowers are best for people with allergies?
Unfortunately, with flowers comes pollen, which can aggravate allergies. But that doesn’t mean you are fully out of luck if you suffer from allergies. Florists “generally advise that flowers with low pollen levels are allergy safe,” says Bonham Blackwell. “Roses are a classic choice (pet and allergy-friendly!) I also think tulips are a lovely option. Orchids are quite nice. In summer, a big pink peony blossom looks pretty in a vase and shouldn’t make you sneeze.”
However, if you deal with severe allergies, take care, as no flowers are pollen-free. Bonham Blackwell emphasizes that “it is best to consult with your doctor about whether it’s safe to keep cut flowers in your home at all,” if your allergies are particularly severe.
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AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.