(Editor’s note: I asked Sara, a friend of mine and owner of The Florista, where she is a floral artist and designer, to weigh in on this subject after I read an article posted to Facebook about ten “old-fashioned” things that should make a comeback in the world of dating. After I reposted the article to my Facebook page, a debate with two male friends of mine ensued about whether or not they would ever feel comfortable bringing flowers on a first date–one of the things the author of the article mentioned as something quite necessary and fitting. I happened to agree with the writer. Flowers are all about proportion–as are most things in life. One wouldn’t bring a dozen red roses on a first date, but we believe you should and could bring something. Here’s our take on what you can safely show up with when you embark on that first date. – DK)
by SARA BALMER
First dates are all about impressions and most of us have had great first dates and not so great first dates. So what is the etiquette when it comes to bringing your date flowers and what is tasteful and what isn’t?
The first thing to consider is what kind of date you will be going on. If you’re picking your date up for the first time, by all means bring flowers!
The flowers chosen don’t have to be fancy or extravagant, in fact choosing just one flower is adequate and will be well received. If your date is meeting you at a destination, a flower or wrapped bouquet is appropriate so long as water tubes are used and there isn’t a lot of walking involved where your date has to lug around a bouquet for the duration of your time together.
Plan your day accordingly before your big date and stop by your local flower shop and ask a designer what is in season and beautiful. I suggest choosing something that you either really like or that you think your date will like. Is the male or female you’re taking out a classic type? If so, roses are a very common choice, but don’t choose red, ask for a variegated high petal count variety. Some of my favorite roses are Cherry Brandy, Amnesia, Green Fashion and Free Spirit. If you want to step out of the realm of boring for your classic date, then choose a different flower type such as hydrangea, or a bunch of tulips. If your date is the intellectual artsy type, choose something along the lines of a protea stem, colored mini calla lillies, ranunculus or even thistle with some interesting foliages wrapped loosely.
If you’re looking to set a very romantic tone for your date I’d suggest choosing something soft, lush and fragrant like peonies, english garden roses, hyacinth, freesia or heather. A soft palette of peaches, pinks, purples, grays, whites and creams screams of the French country side, and what is more romantic than that?
Farmer’s markets are filled with excellent quality blooms and some of the vendors have hand tied bouquets ready for purchase for under $10. Sunflowers, zinneas or gladiolus are a great casual choice for a casual gal or fella.
Steer clear of gas station and grocery store mixed bouquets. Better to buy one flower, even just one carnation, than give a bouquet that looks like a circus or a rainbow.
Sara Balmer is a style editor for Haven Styleguide and the owner, floral designer, and artistic director of The Florista.
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