5 Tips Before You Buy Flowers Online

Online flower delivery is a great way to brighten someone’s day or mark a special moment. But if you’ve never done it before, it might feel a bit confusing. How do you know if the flowers are fresh? Are they made by a real local florist? Are there extra fees you don’t see right away?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to order flowers online – and how to make sure your money goes straight to the florist creating your arrangement.

1. Where Should I Start?

The first step is to figure out what you want to send. Most local florists have a website where you can look through pictures of their work. You’ll usually find categories like:

  • Mixed bouquets
  • Vase arrangements
  • Dish gardens
  • Sympathy flowers
  • Wedding flowers

Each item often has a name or a number you can use when placing your order. Some florists allow online orders through their website, while others might prefer that you call them directly.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to pick—florists are creative experts. They can guide you based on your price range, flower preferences, and the occasion. Just give them a few details like:

  • The colors you like
  • Your budget
  • Any flowers you want to include (or avoid)
  • Who the flowers are for and why you’re sending them

They’ll create something beautiful that fits the moment.

2. I Don’t Know What to Order. What Should I Do?

If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s completely fine. This is where your local florist really shines. They work with flowers every day and know what works best for different situations.

Whether it’s a romantic bouquet, a birthday gift, a sympathy arrangement, or something for a wedding, they’ll help you choose flowers that suit the occasion. Just be honest about what you need and your price limit—they’ll do the rest.

Many florists also enjoy the freedom to design something special for you. If you don’t have a strong preference, just tell them the mood or feeling you want to send (like cheerful, soft, bold, etc.), and let them get creative.

3. How Do I Avoid Extra Fees?

This is something many people don’t know: if you search online for a florist, you might see ads from large national flower companies. These websites aren’t actual florists. Instead, they take your order and send it to a real local florist to make and deliver. But they also take a cut of the money—and that means the local florist gets less to work with.

This can result in smaller or lower-quality arrangements, even if you paid a high price.

To avoid this, always try to order directly from a real local florist. You can find them by looking up flower shops in your city and visiting their official website or calling them. Many local florists have social media pages (like Instagram or Facebook), where you can see real photos of their work and customer reviews.

Another thing to watch out for: if your order is being passed between florists or cities, more fees may be added. To keep things simple and clear, contact the florist who will be making and delivering the flowers.

4. Why Should I Buy From a Local Florist?

When you order from a local flower shop, you’re getting more than just a bouquet—you’re getting a personal touch. Local florists care about quality because they live and work in your community. They want you to be happy and come back again.

Here’s why buying local is a smart choice:

  • Fresher flowers: Local florists often use flowers that are grown nearby or brought in fresh every day.
  • Creative designs: Every arrangement is made with care and attention to detail.
  • Better service: You can speak directly with the person making your order.
  • Stronger community: Buying local helps support small businesses in your area.

You can also look at their past work online to get an idea of their style. Each florist has a unique touch—some prefer bold colors, while others make soft and elegant designs.

5. When Should I Order?

You can order flowers whenever you want. But for busy holidays or special events, it’s best to plan ahead. Florists get many orders during:

  • Valentine’s Day
  • Mother’s Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas
  • Weddings

If you’re ordering around these times, try to place your order early. You should also be ready to give the florist a second or third flower choice in case your first option isn’t available.

Planning ahead gives your florist time to get the right flowers and create something extra special.

A Local Favorite: Salisbury Floral Studio

If you’re in the St. Albert area, one of the best places to go for flowers is Salisbury at Enjoy Floral Studio. Their expert team is full of creativity and care, and they take pride in every arrangement they make.

You can visit their floral studio at the Salisbury Enjoy Centre or order directly through their website or by phone. Whether you need flowers for a birthday, wedding, holiday, or just to brighten someone’s day, they’ll make sure your order is handled with love and attention.

Final Thoughts

Ordering flowers online doesn’t have to be confusing. With a little care and the help of a good local florist, you can send something truly beautiful. Remember:

  • Start by looking at the florist’s website or social media
  • Share your budget, preferences, and occasion
  • Avoid third-party websites that charge extra fees
  • Order early during busy times
  • Choose a local florist to get fresher flowers and better service

Flowers speak when words fall short. Whether it’s joy, love, sympathy, or support—you can say a lot with a thoughtfully made bouquet. And when you order from a local shop, you’re not only sending flowers—you’re sharing kindness and helping your community grow.