Confessions from a former florist:
Order Early! - Best selection and better service. NOW is not too early!
Order from a local brick and mortar store with a local address. 1-800 orders may route through several hands before your order is filled. You will pay more for fewer flowers.
To help with staffing issues, if you know what you want to send, do order online from your favorite local shop. Just make sure you have their web site.
Order flowers in season. If you want to send flowers that were in your wedding (so sweet) but that was in June or September, have a back up plan.
Be Flexible with what is available! Supplies are challenging right now.
If sending to work, consider sending EARLY (ALWAYS better than late!). Valentine's is on a Monday this year, so deliver to their work on Thursday or Friday to celebrate all weekend. Another option is to say no later than a specific date, but let the shop decide which day to send - if weather is nuts this helps the delivery schedules!
Get the delivery address and cell phone number before calling the florist.
Know how you want to sign the card. If you have a very private message or lengthy message - buy a card and hand write your thoughts. Don't put your florist in the middle. (They will thank you.)
Plants are a great gift! House plants are great for Valentine's Day gifts! It's pretty cold to plant anything outdoors, unless you select a dormant tree. (Lovely idea for a gardener, but not very pretty) A gift card can work great, if you want to give plants for outside.
Many men order roses, however....many women enjoy a mixed bouquet. Casually find out what your sweetheart likes best, or order a mixed bouquet with some roses and try something new.
You cannot send flowers anonymously. Oklahoma stalker laws say that if the recipient calls and requests who the sender was, the flower shop must tell them. (And by the way... Yes, she will call.)