Corporate flower gifting is weird. Get it right and you're the thoughtful vendor who actually pays attention. Get it wrong and you've sent a $120 bouquet that ends up in the bin because the recipient's partner already sent flowers.
When flowers work
Flowers land well for: new clients (especially after a successful pitch or contract), staff milestones (workiversaries, promotions, retirements), office openings, and 'just because' gestures for teams that went above and beyond.
They don't work as well for: apologies (flowers can seem perfunctory), sensitive situations, or anyone who's recently had a major life event. When in doubt, ask the recipient's assistant or check LinkedIn for recent news.
What to send
For clients: a medium bouquet ($120-$180 range) in a professional palette. Avoid overly romantic colours (deep reds, pinks) unless you know the recipient well. Neutral tones like cream, sage, and soft orange work almost universally.
For staff: smaller arrangements ($65-$120) that fit on a desk. Subscriptions are even better because they show ongoing appreciation rather than a one-off gesture.
For events: larger installations or entry arrangements make sense. Coordinate with the venue and event planner early.
The card matters more than you think
A generic 'Thanks for your business!' card is forgettable. A card that references something specific ('Loved your presentation at the Q3 summit') shows you actually paid attention. Keep it to two sentences max.
Timing and logistics
Send flowers mid-week, not Monday (everyone's slammed) or Friday (they wilt over the weekend). Tuesday to Thursday is ideal. For subscriptions, set delivery for a consistent day so it becomes part of the office routine.
If you're sending to an office, call ahead to confirm reception hours and whether they accept deliveries. Some buildings have strict policies.
Budget reality check
You don't need to spend $200 per client. A well-chosen $120 bouquet with a thoughtful card beats an expensive generic arrangement every time. For ongoing relationships, a monthly subscription at $95-$120 is more cost-effective than quarterly gifts.
Ready to set up corporate gifting or subscriptions? See our corporate flowers service or check pricing.
