Gifting Tips

Taboos to Avoid When Sending a Flower Stand

When sending a flower stand, especially for grand openings, funerals, or other formal occasions, there are some taboos to be aware of to avoid misunderstandings or inappropriate gestures. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

1. Color Taboos

✅ Appropriate Colors:

  • Red, Pink, Gold → Symbolize celebration, prosperity, and success, suitable for business openings, store launches, and housewarmings.
  • Yellow, Orange → Represent wealth and fortune, also commonly used for commercial events.

❌ Inappropriate Colors:

  • White, Blue, Purple → White is often associated with funerals, while blue and purple can be linked to sorrow or mourning, making them unsuitable for grand openings.
  • Black → Symbolizes mourning and should be avoided in decorations or ribbons for celebratory occasions.

2. Flower Selection Taboos

✅ Recommended Flowers:

  • Sunflowers (Helianthus): Represent positive energy and financial success.
  • Lilies: Symbolize "harmony in all things" and bring good luck.
  • Red Roses, Carnations: Represent prosperity and success.
  • Gladiolus: Symbolize continuous growth and rising success.

❌ Flowers to Avoid:

  • Chrysanthemums: Often associated with funerals, especially white or yellow ones.
  • White Lilies: Though lilies generally have a positive meaning, white lilies are commonly seen in funeral arrangements and should be avoided.
  • Artificial or Paper Flowers: Some cultures believe artificial or paper flowers lack vitality and are associated with memorials, making them unsuitable for business openings.

3. Timing & Occasion for Sending a Flower Stand

✅ Best Time to Send:

  • Before the grand opening ceremony starts (usually before 10 AM) so the recipient can arrange it properly.
  • If you miss the ceremony, ensure the flower stand is delivered within the same day to show sincerity.

❌ Inappropriate Occasions:

  • Hospitals: For hospital visits, it’s better to bring a flower bouquet rather than a flower stand. Also, avoid strongly scented flowers like lilies.
  • Religious Ceremonies: Different religions have specific flower preferences. For example, Buddhism often favors lotus flowers or chrysanthemums, while Christianity prefers lilies and roses.

4. Number of Flowers & Arrangements

✅ Recommended Numbers:

  • Odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, etc.) → Often symbolize good fortune and prosperity.
  • Even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) → Some cultures believe even numbers bring balance, but the number 4 should be avoided due to its negative connotation.

❌ Numbers to Avoid:

  • 4 ("Four") → Sounds like "death" in some languages and is considered unlucky.
  • 9 ("Nine") → While some cultures associate 9 with longevity, others link it to funerals, so it’s best to check local customs.

5. Ribbon & Message Taboos

✅ Common Prosperity Messages:

  • "Wishing You Great Success"
  • "Prosperity and Abundant Wealth"
  • "Thriving Business with Endless Customers"
  • "Expanding Horizons and Great Achievements"
  • "Continuous Growth and Flourishing Ventures"

❌ Phrases to Avoid:

  • "Getting Rich" → While "prosperity" is a good wish, directly mentioning "getting rich" may seem overly materialistic.
  • "Smooth Sailing" → In some cultures, mentioning "water" may imply that money flows away, which is not ideal.
  • "Long Rainbow Road" → Though it sounds poetic, some cultures associate "rainbow" with funerals, making it an unlucky phrase.

6. Choosing the Right Recipient

✅ Appropriate Recipients:

  • Business partners, store openings, company anniversaries, art gallery openings, and personal acquaintances celebrating new ventures.

❌ Inappropriate Recipients:

  • Direct Competitors: Sending a flower stand to a rival business may create awkwardness or be misinterpreted.
  • Government Offices or Public Institutions: In some countries, gifting flower stands to public institutions could be seen as bribery.

Summary: Avoid These Mistakes When Sending a Flower Stand!

✔ Choose red, pink, or gold colors and avoid white, black, or blue.
✔ Use sunflowers, lilies, and roses, and avoid white lilies, chrysanthemums, or artificial flowers.
✔ Deliver the flower stand before the grand opening and avoid hospitals or religious events.
✔ Pick odd numbers or lucky even numbers, avoiding 4 and 9.
✔ Select prosperity-related messages like "Thriving Business" and avoid phrases like "smooth sailing" or "getting rich."
✔ Make sure to send flower stands only to suitable recipients, avoiding direct competitors or public institutions.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your flower stand is both appropriate and brings good fortune!