Use a clean vase
Wash the vase thoroughly before adding flowers. Old bacteria and residue can shorten vase life. Fill it with fresh water at a comfortable room temperature unless the florist provides different instructions.
Trim stems with a clean tool
Remove a small amount from the bottom of each stem with a sharp knife or clean shears. An angled cut can increase the exposed surface. Remove leaves that would sit below the water line.
Keep the water fresh
Change the water regularly, rinse the vase if it becomes cloudy and remove spent flowers. Use the flower-food packet according to its directions rather than adding random household ingredients.
Choose a cooler location
Keep cut flowers away from heating vents, direct afternoon sun and hot appliances. Ripening fruit can also accelerate ageing because it releases ethylene gas.
Watch the water line
Leaves sitting below the water can decay quickly and encourage bacterial growth. Remove submerged foliage when arranging the bouquet and keep enough clean water in the vase so stems do not dry out between changes.
Different flowers age at different speeds
A mixed bouquet will not decline all at once. Removing spent stems can keep the remaining flowers looking fresh for several more days. Re-trim healthy stems and move them into a smaller clean vase as the bouquet becomes lighter.
Travel and hotel bouquets
If you receive flowers while travelling, ask the hotel for a suitable vase and keep the arrangement away from direct window heat. Before flying or driving home, consider whether transporting the bouquet is practical. Sometimes photographing the arrangement and enjoying it during the stay is better than damaging it in transit.
Ask whether the arrangement has special care needs
Some designs use floral foam, delicate tropical flowers, woody stems or very short-cut blooms that need different handling from an ordinary hand-tied bouquet. If the florist gives care instructions, follow those first. For a gift, leave the care card with the recipient rather than removing it for presentation.
Common questions
How early should I order?
For an ordinary residential delivery, one or two days usually gives a florist more flexibility than a last-minute request. Weddings, funerals, holidays and destination events deserve more lead time.
Should I allow substitutions?
Seasonal availability changes. If the exact bloom matters, ask the florist to confirm inventory before ordering. Otherwise, approve substitutions by colour, style and overall value rather than letting the arrangement change without guidance.
What recipient information matters most?
Use the recipient's full name, complete delivery address, useful phone details when appropriate, and any building, desk, unit, hotel or venue instructions needed to complete the handoff.