Ordering flowers online-Mothers Day?

[traditional_woman]

We live in different states. Anyone have experience with ordering/sending flowers online?

[jeepers]

Proflowers is my friend if I'm doing it online. They have decent long stemmed roses MOST of the time. If something is sent and it's unacceptable, they will replace it. The roses are usually tight. The only problem is that sometimes the edges are a bit beaten. I've received and given them a LOT and statistically they're really reliable. Things like irises need to be sent early because they literally are barely open when they arrive. Lillies and orchids, good. Again, send earlier, the only flowers that are even partly open when you receive them are the roses. Everything else needs a couple of days.

Do not send a mixed bouquet through them, they stink. I'm not kidding. The whole 'upgrade' thing is more money for a poopy mixed arrangement. I once spent almost 100 bucks on something and then got to see it. I was literally embarrassed.

I would also not do the smaller roses. Once you downgrade to that, you cannot know what it is that they consider acceptable. Long stemmed roses are long stemmed, if ykwim. Garden roses could be literally any size.

Which leads me to FTD online. The issue is not whether or not they'll send flowers, it's whether or not the florist on the OTHER end is reliable and honest. FTD florists online are really expensive. The last time I sent flowers that way, it was to my husband's family member who was seriously ill. I wanted to send something cheery but not juvenile. So I sent a large yellow roses arrangement. I upgraded...

The upgrade, hold onto your hat, was that they stuffed yellow maribou fluffy butterfiles on wire sticks in the arrangement. I kid you not. I was sent a picture. My relatives were howling and I was embarrassed.

I don't do 'fluffy butterfies' and I wouldn't send something like that to someone who is elderly and critically ill. :redface: However, the arrangement itself was large, beautiful and well done otherwise.

***It comes down to several things for me. I will send them online but I have to know exactly what I'm sending. Long stemmed roses can only be roses, if ywkim. SINGLE flower bouquets where you add some fern or baby's breath is usually something that will work.

But if I'm going to do a mixed arrangement, I would only do it in person, at a florist that I've dealt with that I trust, that I know won't mess me over.

Btw, with Proflowers if you put 'hannity' in the code box, you'll get a free vase. :mrgreen:

I have the same situation in that I'm in the middle of the country, and all of my family and friends are elsewhere.

So bullet points:

Long stemmed roses

Single style flowers, like irises, lillies, or orchids.

No truly mixed arrangements.

Read all product descriptions CAREFULLY to know the size of the flowers used, and the NUMBER of stems.

If you do not want to not use an online company, google the local florists in the area. Or talk to famliy there and find out what florist is reputable and reliable and just make a long distance call and call them directly to order. I've been known to do that in my hometown. There was a florist that I used to use and I just call them myself.

I've had very few screwups and I've been doing this for years. Hate to plug PF, but if youi're looking for something like long stemmed roses, it's hard to go wrong with their price. Their filler plant material can be a bit skimpy, but it's a very good deal, considering how much that stuff costs. And they pack the stuff incredibly well.

It's hard to do this from a distance, but it's doable without going completely broke.

[Ex_Spy_Guy]

ive used proflowers and 1800 flowers.....ive had good and bad experiences with both

[super cool ski instructor]

Do it all the time with work. I have had good experiences with both 1-800 Flowers and FTD.

FTD is a bit more expensive, but there are times when 1-800 Flowers has called me to tell me that they do not have a specific flower I ordered at the time. However, they always tell me they will have the flowers in stock in a few days...so the only issue would be that the flowers are deliverd a couple of days later than I requested. Since this is for Mother's Day though, that might be a problem.

[ValricoKate]

I've used Proflowers before never had a problem, but recently I've gone back to Teleflora ...just because I can access them w/ a built in discount directly from my bank's website.

I'm actually going for the cookie bouquet (google cookie bouquet more than one company) this year ...yummy and fun.

Cute huh?

[janer]

I have used Pro Flowers - they have a lovely bouquet called the "Hugs and Kisses"; I have heard some complaints that it doesn't come with a vase - you may have to put in the "Hannity" code for that, I would look it up and ask before ordering just to make sure - however, I've ordered it 3 times and gotten raves every time.
If you want edible flowers, there are these cookie bouquets from a place called Corso's - Corso's Cookies. I have ordered from them at least a dozen times and always gotten great feedback.

[super cool ski instructor]

Ooh yes....I am also a fan of cookie bouquets.

If you go through Cookies By Design you can pick either Sugar or Molasses Cookies.

[CaptPops]

I used pro flowers last year and I was not happy with what they delivered. By then, it was too late to do anything about, so I just dropped it. This year I will go back to buying them locally. Two years ago they had some real nice ones at Home Depot, but I have not seen any so far this year.

[traditional_woman]

Well I went with them before i even read the replies. Happy to hear mostly positive reviews. Their advertised prices were deceptive....Ie ''only $19.00, free vase''....... but they didn't factor in delivery, safe handling and some other fees.

I was like, WOW, only 20bucks??!!!!!!!!
Try $60.00. Lesat I got a $15.00 rebate.

[foxgurrrl]

I used 1800flowers online for my mom one year and she loved it. So good experience here. I ordered a basket thing with stuffed animal and arrangement of different flowers. I think you pick a general color theme and the florist on the other end puts together what they have...? Anyway, I'd use it again.

[malnila]

I'm definitely happier with ProFlowers instead of 1800Flowers. ProFlowers have actually arrived on time (all the time) and much fresher. Those edible fruit bouquets are fun too - a tad bit expensive for fruit but well worth it if the recipient is be allergic.

[ValricoKate]

HEY thanks for this thread ...I hadn't looked at proflowers in a long time (lots of funerals lately and I needed flowers on stands for the churches)....but I took a look again and found the perfect gift for my mom!

She used to love gardening, but can't do much of it anymore I got her this , so she can garden in her house.
Thanks again.

http://products.proflowers.com/flowers/victorianduetformom-30003470

[angelicmadrigal]

Another suggestion was seeing if a florist in your mothers area has a website that you can order from online.

[Gaby77]

I've used Proflowers before never had a problem, but recently I've gone back to Teleflora ...just because I can access them w/ a built in discount directly from my bank's website.

I'm actually going for the cookie bouquet (google cookie bouquet more than one company) this year ...yummy and fun.

Cute huh?

Have you seen those fruit bouquets? You can have the fruit covered in chocolate and everything if you choose. Used it several times now. It's wonderful!

[stoked]

We live in different states. Anyone have experience with ordering/sending flowers online?

I've used ftd a few times and have had good luck. Good on you.