Flowers for private parties and birthdays

Different parties, same method

A milestone birthday, an 18th, a wedding anniversary, a marriage proposal, a baby shower, a dinner at home with friends: private parties are very different, but the method for the flowers is the same. Start from the place and the time of day, then decide where flowers do the most work. Usually there are three spots: the entrance, the table or buffet, and the corner where photos are taken or the cake is cut.

You do not need to fill everything. At home, an arrangement at the entrance, small vases on the table and a well-dressed cake table can be enough. At a larger venue, on the other hand, it makes sense to focus the budget on one feature piece and keep the rest simple.

The occasions

• Birthdays and 18ths: themed colours and styles, a photo corner, a cake table, sometimes balloons and flowers together. Read the guide to flowers for birthdays, 18ths and anniversaries.
• Anniversaries and renewals: an elegant dinner, the wedding-day flowers reinterpreted. For a proper ceremony see the page on symbolic weddings and vow renewals.
• Marriage proposal: a spot prepared in secret, with flowers, candles, sometimes a sign. Precise timing and discretion matter here. Read about flowers for a marriage proposal.
• Baby showers and parties at home: soft palettes, low arrangements, a dessert table. See flowers for baby showers and home parties.
• New Year's Eve and seasonal parties: greenery, berries, lights. See also the page on Christmas and seasonal decorations.

At home, in the garden or at a venue

At home the florist delivers, sets up quickly and usually collects the vases the next day: ask whether they need water, space to work and easy access. In a garden, the rules of any outdoor event apply: wind, sun, insects, and a plan B if it rains. At a restaurant or venue, ask first about access times and whether the place already has its own flowers on the tables.

Take care with candles and children: keep open flames away from dried flowers, curtains and areas where people run about. If there are pets in the house, ask the florist to avoid plants that are toxic to dogs and cats.

How much it costs

For a private party the quote is usually simple and the figures lower than for a wedding. The items are the arrangements (number, size, type of flowers), vases (hired or bought), delivery, set-up and collection, and any feature pieces such as arches or flower walls. Seasonal flowers and plenty of greenery bring the bill down; imported flowers, unusual out-of-season colours and installations push it up. For a proposal, work at unusual hours or in hard-to-reach places also adds to the cost. Always ask for a written quote.

What to ask the florist

• Are delivery and set-up included? When do you collect the vases?
• How long do you need to set up and what do you need on site?
• Can you work to a theme or specific colours?
• Are the flowers safe near food, children and pets?
• For a surprise, how do you handle timing and discretion?

If the party follows a religious ceremony, see the page on flowers for christenings and communions. Once you have a date and a place, ask for up to 3 quotes.