How to Order Flowers Online, According to a Top Floral Designer
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
We’ll go out on a limb here and say that almost everyone can appreciate a thoughtful bouquet of blooms — seriously, just ask science. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family, or a loved one who needs a colorful pick-me-up, the best flower delivery services make it easy to send a thoughtful gift in just a few clicks.
More from Rolling Stone
While there are a number of more unique gift offerings in the marketplace these days, flowers can still make an impact. “I often hear that spending money on flowers is a waste,” offers Nathan Aubé, the creative director and owner of Toronto-based florals company Aubé Studios. “While it’s true that the most beautiful blooms have a short shelf life, they leave such a lasting impression and have the ability to improve one’s mood that in a way I find them to be priceless.”
For other occasions (or “just cause”), Aubé says you can’t go wrong with orchids. “I think the best types of flowers to gift—and one of my personal favorites—are orchid arrangements. Orchids come in various colors, are suitable for any occasion, last for several months, and instantly elevate any space.
While flowers may seem old school, Aubé says there’s a reason why a nice bouquet or arrangement delivered to someone’s door is still a welcomed gift. “Flowers continue to become a popular gift idea because they spark joy in people and to their homes,” he says. “Through past recessions (and even during a pandemic) the floral industry saw little downturn as flowers are a convenient way to show one’s love, affection or appreciation.”
What Are the Best Flower Delivery Services?
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to send flowers online, from sustainable options to florals inspired by fashion — check out our top picks below.
FTD
Count on FTD (full name: Florists’ Transworld Delivery) to deliver an extensive selection of arrangements for a variety of occasions, plus gourmet sweets and thoughtful gifts to go with your colorful blooms. The popular online floral company’s blooms start at $45 and same-day delivery is also available for select bouquets.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Always delivers gorgeous flowers on the delivery day requested. Easy to order and reliable.” —AnxiousBee-53497
1-800Flowers.com
Got a stylish flower lover? 1-800Flowers.com has same-day and standard shipping arrangements for birthdays, housewarmings, retirements, congrats, anniversaries, and other festivities.
If you’re still stumped on finding the perfect gift, then you’re bound to find something from one of the company’s other gifting-ready brands, which include Harry & David, Wolferman’s Bakery, Stock Yards, Personalization Mall, and Shari’s Berries, to name a few.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I sent these to my sister for her birthday, and she was delighted. She said they were very pretty, plus they lasted a remarkably long time (she regularly trimmed the stems).” —Margaret K.
Terrain
Bohemian-minded giftees will love the rustic arrangements from Terrain (the gardening-focused sister brand of Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters) which also offers live plants, dried stems and bunches, faux florals, vintage-inspired vases, and more. The home goods retailer is also a great source for gifts such as candles, bath and body products, gift sets, decor, and other finds for lovers of shabby chic design.
Promising Customer Feedback: “This cascading Veronica Bunch arrived in a perfectly shipped box. The flowers were secure and intact. The gorgeous scent wasn’t overpowering—just right. All in all, an amazing floral experience.” —GladysNYC
ProFlowers
ProFlowers is owned by online floral giant FTD, but its curated selection of arrangements means a more streamlined shopping experience for those who get overwhelmed by too many options. It also has a wide range of same-day flower deliveries starting at $50, so they’re a great option if you’re on a time crunch.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Multi-tone roses are beautiful. This bouquet smells and looks amazing. I highly recommend and would buy again.” —PleasantWombat-43136
Urban Stems
Looking for a more contemporary arrangement with unique blooms and a modern color palette? Urban Stems really shakes things up — they’re an online florist who works with sustainable farms to offer an incredibly chic collection of floral arrangements, potted plants, and gift bundles with treats like Belgian Neuhaus chocolate truffles and Sugarfina candies. They deliver anywhere in the country, and bouquets start at $45 (most arrangements are around $60-$80).
Promising Customer Feedback: “I have received two arrangements this past month and have been blown away by the flowers. The bouquets are modern and full of flowers, not just greens. Both times arrangements were fresh and lasted almost two weeks.” —E Zepp
Amazon
Unsurprisingly, the world’s most expensive online shopping mall also has a noteworthy flower department. Amazon Prime members can take advantage of free one- and two-day delivery on select items and free two-hour delivery from local Whole Foods Market locations.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Absolutely gorgeous! Long lasting blooms! The person I sent them to kept sending me picture of how beautiful they were and how long they lasted! I was very impressed and will order many more times!!!” —S. Plate
How Long Does A Flower Delivery Take?
Whether you’re particular about planning or you’re a procrastinator, many of the best online floral companies offer same-day flower delivery. Keep in mind that there’s usually a cutoff time, which is usually by 2 or 3 p.m. on weekdays or noon on weekends in your recipient’s time zone. Don’t forget that there might be some shipment delays and that some holidays fall on a Sunday, so keep that in mind if you want your delivery to arrive on or by a specific date.
If you enjoy supporting your friendly neighborhood floral shop, many of these online flower companies also tap local florists to craft their blossoming creations (so your money is still going to a small business).
Best of Rolling Stone
