Birthday, wedding, bereavement, Mother's Day - the honest florist's guide
We hear this question every day in the shop: "What works best?" The answer depends on the occasion — and on what you really want to say.
There is no such thing as a wrong flower — but there are more and less suitable choices. If you bring yellow chrysanthemums to a birthday, your intentions may be good, but in Austria they are cemetery flowers. Little missteps like that are easy to avoid.
Here’s an honest overview of which flowers suit which occasion — based on the daily experience of a Vienna florist.
Birthday
The most common occasion for flowers. Almost anything goes here, as long as it feels cheerful. Colorful bouquets always work. If you're unsure, these flowers are a safe choice:
- Roses (pink or mixed) - timeless, always appropriate
- Sunflowers - cheerful, easy-going, summery
- Gerberas - colorful, lively, affordable, and effective
- Tulips (in spring) - fresh, joyful, perfectly seasonal
- Peonies (May to June) - luxurious and fragrant
Tip: In Austria, flowers are always given unwrapped — remove the plastic before handing them over. And choose an odd number of stems (3, 5, 7). Even numbers are traditionally associated with mourning.
Wedding
For weddings, seasonality matters. Wanting peonies in December is possible, but expensive and ecologically questionable. Better to work with flowers that are naturally in season.
- Spring: ranunculus, tulips, anemones, lilac
- Summer: peonies, dahlias, roses, hydrangeas
- Autumn: dahlias, chrysanthemums (white or pastel), asters
- Winter: amaryllis, roses, eucalyptus, baby's breath
For the bridal bouquet, the rule is simple: choose what you love and what suits the dress. White, cream, and soft pink are timeless classics. Eucalyptus and baby's breath as accents add fullness and elegance to any bouquet.
Bereavement
In Austria, funeral floristry follows long-standing traditions. White is the dominant color, followed by muted tones. The classic funeral flowers:
- White lilies - the traditional symbol of mourning in Austria
- White roses - purity, loyalty, quiet love
- Chrysanthemums - Austria’s quintessential cemetery flower
- Carnations - classic, long-lasting, dignified
Important: No bright or cheerful flowers for a funeral. Sunflowers, gerberas, or colorful tulips feel out of place at a memorial service. If in doubt, ask your florist for advice — we know the local customs.
Mother's Day
In Austria, the second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day. Traditionally, carnations are given as a gift – a custom that goes back to the founder of Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis, who made her mother’s favorite flower (white carnations) its symbol.
Today, roses, tulips, peonies (when in season), and colorful bouquets are just as popular. Moms are happy with anything that comes from the heart.
Valentine’s Day
Red roses are the classic choice – not a cliché, but a tradition that has worked for centuries. But it doesn’t always have to be red. Pink roses, ranunculus, or a mixed bouquet in warm tones can be just as romantic.
If you want to do something a little different, orchids as a potted plant last longer than any bouquet and look just as elegant.
More Occasions
- Move-In / Housewarming – Colorful bouquets or an easy-care houseplant (monstera, pothos)
- Hospital Visit – Choose unscented flowers (no lilies, no lilacs). Avoid potted plants, as many hospitals do not allow them.
- Apology – White roses or tulips. Understated, not over the top.
- Say Thank You – Sunflowers, gerberas, or a colorful bouquet.
Bouquets for Every Occasion at MoBlumen Vienna
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers and Occasions
For a birthday, 25 to 40 euros is a good guideline. For weddings and funeral flowers, it varies greatly. More important than the price is the choice – a thoughtfully selected small bouquet makes a better impression than an expensive, random one.
Of course. In Austria, it’s less common than in some other countries, but it’s becoming increasingly popular. Sunflowers, protea, or bold colors are often especially appreciated by men.
Chrysanthemums (up to 3 weeks), carnations (up to 2 weeks), lilies (up to 2 weeks), and alstroemeria (up to 2 weeks). If longevity matters – for example for a hospital visit – these are the best options.
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