Buying flowers online has become increasingly popular in recent years. Sending flowers to loved ones or to yourself to brighten your home or workspace has never been more convenient or hassle-free. With just a few clicks, you can browse a vast selection of beautiful blooms and inspiring bouquets, order them online, and have them delivered to your doorstep or the recipient's address. However, with so many online florists to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. So where is the best place to buy flowers online? Whether you are buying flowers for the home, buying flowers for the office, or any special occasion, we can help you know what to look for. In this guide, we will provide tips and guidelines for buying flowers online that will help ensure you are happy with your purchase every time.

Where to Buy Flowers Online and How to Choose a Florist

The first step to buying flowers online is finding the right florist. A reputable and trustworthy florist can ensure the quality and freshness of your flowers and provide excellent customer service. Many people start by looking for flowers online by searching all of the big-name flower delivery services first, but local florists in Orange County (or your local area) can often provide a highly superior product for a similar price point. This is because most big-name wire services take a large percentage of overall sales. By choosing to shop small at a local florist, you not only support small businesses, but you receive a better overall value!

When choosing an online florist, we recommend you begin by considering the following factors:

• Reputation: Look for an online florist with a solid reputation and positive customer reviews. Check out their website and social media pages, and read reviews on third-party websites such as Yelp or Google to get a sense of their reliability and quality of service.
• Delivery Options: Look for an online florist that offers a range of delivery options, including same-day or next-day delivery and floral subscription services. Consider their delivery fees and policies as well, as some florists may charge extra for certain delivery areas or times.

Customer Service: Look for an online florist that offers excellent customer service, including the ability to contact them via phone or email with any questions or concerns. Check their customer service hours and response times to ensure they are available when you need them.

It's All About the Style

Gone are the days when we'd find a random flower delivery service and order an arrangement for a loved one's birthday or other celebration, sight unseen. Choosing a florist today can still be tricky, but there are many more ways now to become acquainted with a specific florist's style before making a purchase. With the prevalence of social media, it's now easier than ever to get a sense of a florist's aesthetic and design approach. By checking out their Pinterest or Instagram profiles, you can view examples of their past work and see if it aligns with your vision. A florist whose style you appreciate and admire can help bring your floral vision to life and create a truly special and personalized arrangement.

Choosing the Right Arrangement 

When buying flowers online, choosing the right arrangement to suit your occasion is key. Different events may call for different styles, sizes, and color schemes, so selecting an arrangement that reflects the occasion and the recipient's preferences is essential. Some popular types of flower arrangements include:

• Hand-Tied Bouquets: a classic and versatile option for any occasion
• Vased Arrangements: a more formal and elegant choice for special occasions
• Living Plants: a casual and charming option for birthdays or get-well wishes
• Floral Centerpieces: a stunning and eye-catching option for weddings or special events

Consider the recipient's preferences when choosing the arrangement's size, style, and color scheme. You can also customize arrangements or work with a florist to create a personalized design.

Flower Subscriptions: Gorgeous Blooms On the Regular

Flower subscriptions have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient and hassle-free way to enjoy fresh flowers regularly. By signing up for a flower subscription, you can have beautiful and high-quality flowers delivered to your doorstep or office weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Here are some of the benefits of flower subscriptions:

1. Regular delivery of fresh flowers: With a flower subscription, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of fresh flowers on a regular basis without the hassle of having to go to the florist or market to buy and arrange them yourself. You can customize your subscription to suit your preferences and schedule, ensuring you always have beautiful blooms on hand.
2. Cost-effective: Flower subscriptions can be a cost-effective way to enjoy fresh flowers, as many florists offer discounts or special pricing for subscribers. By signing up for a subscription, you can enjoy a consistent supply of beautiful flowers without breaking the bank.
3. Self-Care and Well-Being: Flower subscriptions are a wonderful way to enjoy the sensory relaxation and heightened sense of presence that being in nature offers, without leaving your home or workplace. This can be especially helpful for busy individuals or those who may not have easy access to the great outdoors.
4. Variety: Many flower subscription services offer a variety of blooms and arrangements, allowing you to explore different types of flowers and styles. Flower subscriptions can be a great way to discover new favorites or to experiment with different colors and textures.

Flower subscriptions also make wonderful gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, and many other occasions. Many florists offer three, six and twelve month flower subscriptions as gift options.

Placing Your Order

Once you've chosen the right online florist, flowers, and arrangement, it's time to place your order. When placing an order online, be sure to provide accurate delivery information, including the recipient's name, address, contact information, and any gate codes or special delivery instructions. Double-check your order to ensure you've selected the right flowers and arrangement, and review the delivery options and costs. Some online florists may offer additional options such as gift wrapping or personalized notes. You can also schedule deliveries in advance or request same-day delivery for specific areas.

Caring For Your Flowers

Once your flowers arrive, it's important to care for them properly to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. Follow the care instructions provided by the florist, which may include changing the water regularly, trimming the stems, keeping the flowers away from direct sunlight or heat sources, and removing flowers as they fade.. You can also search for “flower care tips” to learn more about how to care for different types of flowers.

Buying flowers online can be a convenient and hassle-free way to send love and appreciation to loved ones or decorate your home or office. By choosing the right local florist, understanding flower types and meanings, choosing the right arrangement, placing your order carefully, and caring for your flowers, you can ensure a successful and satisfying experience. Remember to take your time, do your research, and choose flowers that reflect the occasion and the recipient's personality and preferences. 

Need help buying flowers online? As a top florist in Lake Forest, California, the team at The Bloom of Time is uniquely qualified to help bring your floral vision to life. Please reach out to us with any questions you may have. We can’t wait to help!

Serving all of Orange County, CA, and specializing in weddings and events in Newport Beach, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Monarch Beach, Irvine, Lake Forest, Coto de Caza, Rancho Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo.