“Flowers are thoughtful reminders of love and life, gifted well, they make lasting impressions.” -Torvald Sigurdsson
Flowers are nature’s bounty that stirs up lasting memories and gives voice to our deepest feelings. The world over, flowers are used to express love, tenderness, passion, verve, and jubilation. Nowhere is this more pronounced than on the tiny island nation of Dominican Republic. Blessed with natural bounty, temperate weather and of course beautiful beaches, DR is one of the world’s most visited destinations. What’s more is that the people are beautiful souls with an unquenchable joy and thirst for celebration. Gifting flowers in DP play an important role in these celebrations.
When in the DR, there are a few simple tips that will help you partake in these celebrations and gift flowers, floral arrangements and tributes appropriately.
- The Bayahibe Rose, an indigenous species that is on a conservation list is the primary floral emblem of the Dominican Republic.
- Flowers are considered precious and celebrated, making the DR one of the most eco-conscious countries on planet Earth.
Popular Flowers And Their Meanings
- Red Roses are a symbol of trust, love, mutual affection and passion.
- Carnations are considered one of the symbols of family love and friendship
- Daisies are thoughtful gifts that stand for mutual respect, honor, and friendship.
- Lilies are thought of as flowers of both celebrations of life and mourning.
- Tulips signify imagination, perfection, and passion.
- Orchids are flowers of desire and passion and treasured as a symbol of flaming sensuality.
- Alstroemeria symbolizes friendship.
- Irises are flowers of gratitude and humility.
Popular Flower Gifting Days In Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a tiny island nation. That, however, does not mean that they skimp on the celebration of life’s joys and events. The people are passionate about their national holidays and celebrations of these often spill out into the streets, a la the Carnival in Rio. Flowers and festoons play an important role in all of the celebrations on the island. And if you find yourself on the isle and looking to make a good impression with a knowledgeably sourced floral gift, we’ve got your back. In this section, we deal with the best practices you should keep in mind when buying flowers for certain communal celebrations.
Valentine’s Day
The Dominican Republic celebrates love as enthusiastically as the next island and Valentine’s Day is a huge deal here. Every February 14th sees couples canoodling, expressing undying love and affection for each other. And is there any better way of telling your lady love how you feel about her than with flowers? Red Roses are the staple diet of love all over the world and on the island too, they’re wildly popular! A dozen Red Roses are an apt gift for someone you love. Make this even more seductive by .throwing in White Lilies to make the bouquet really pop.
- Plan your floral gift well in advance to ensure that you get it at a decent price.
- Wine, chocolates, intimate wear and other sensual tokens of appreciation can really elevate your Valentine’s Day gift to the next level.
Easter
Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion followed on the island. Reverential devotion to Christ means that the period of Lent, where abstinence is practiced, culminates in the Feast of Easter or Christ’s rising from the dead. This also marks a period of celebration, and it centers around the family. Coming together, exchanging gifts, Easter Eggs and flowers is a common practice. Roses of all hues, Carnations, and Tulips are all popular flowers at the Easter feast. Adding a Chocolate Hamper to your floral purchase makes for a fun, thoughtful upgrade.
- Fresh, seasonal flowers are always the best as they are in season and keep their freshness, shape and smell longer.
- Add Easter Eggs, Chocolate Hampers, Chocolate Cakes and other sweets to round off a beautiful/thoughtful gift.
Mother’s Day
Just like in the Latin Americas, a family is a huge part of life in the Caribbean as well. This means that the celebration of the matriarch on Mother’s Day is a huge deal here. Dominicans are very attached to their mothers and felicitate them with flowers, candy and thoughtful gifts on this day. Some of the varied flowers showered on this day include Pink Roses, Gerberas, Orchids Carnations, and Lilies. Adding a thoughtful chocolate or fruit hamper featuring exotic and seasonal fruits is also considered a loving expression of gratitude.
- Choose flowers that are blemishless to make a statement of love and care.
- Think of what your mother would love and appreciate based on her interests.
Carnaval
Carnaval is celebrated in the month of February on every Sunday of the month. It is a wild, crazy party that spills onto the streets and causes revelry that can last into the wee hours of the morning. It is a celebration of togetherness, love and family and flowers play an important role. Looking to gift your Dominican friends with flowers, depending on your relationship with the recipient, look at Red, Yellow and White Roses, Gerberas, Daisies, Carnations and other flowers.
- Look for fresh seasonal flowers to really give your loved ones a sense of warmth and serenity during this lovely festival.
Christmas
Christmas is a time of coming together and celebrating togetherness. It is THE most WONDERFUL time of the year, and Dominica is no exception. On the islands, this is the most important festival and is celebrated with flowers and gifts. Looking to show your family, friends and loved ones how much you care? Simple, do it with flowers. The Red Rose, Red Poinsettia Plant, Christmas Tree, Floral Centerpiece and Chocolate Hampers are all amazing and thoughtful gifts for the season.
- Add a chocolate/gourmet hamper and plan your purchase in advance so you get the choicest flowers for the feast.
How To Get Flowers Right For Different Occasions?
Dominica is a tiny isle, but it is large on verve, Joie de vie, and celebration. While communal celebrations here are on a mammoth scale, with wild revelry, personal milestones and familial moments too are celebrated with great gusto. Flowers obviously play an important part in these celebrations and a Dominican would love receiving flowers as much as anyone else. Looking to gift the right flowers to make the right sentiment felt can be tricky. Therefore follow this section to the tee, to get your floral gifting just right.
Birthdays
Birthdays in DR are very important celebrations of coming of age. The Dominicans being a fun folk love get-togethers and birthday parties. If you’re ever invited to one and want to express joy through flowers, here is what you need to keep in mind!
The flowers to go with: The flowers you gift are completely dependent on the relationship you share with the person. Red Roses are apt for lovers. White and Pink Roses, Gerberas and Carnations for family and friends. Daisies and Irises, with colorful seasonal flowers for acquaintances and colleagues, and you won’t go wrong!
Combinations: Intimate gifts like scented candles, seductive perfumes etc are perfect for lovers. Interest-based gifts like books, stationery, gift vouchers etc can cover almost anyone else.
Birthday Greetings: Make the birthday boy/girl feel uber special with a personal message. Something to the effect of: “On your special day, surrounded by the ones you love, I wish you the best of everything. Love to cocoon you in warmth. Success to help you cruise through life and Family and Friends to make you the richest person in happiness always. Happy Birthday!”
- A hand-tied floral arrangement is an artisanal take on the traditional bouquet.
- Always research the meaning of various flowers before including them in your arrangement, so as to avoid misunderstandings or embarrassment.
Wedding
Weddings in the DR follow the typical Catholic format of a church nuptials and a reception, both of which are wonderful venues for flowers. Therefore flowers are the apt gift for the wedded couple.
Choosing congratulatory flowers: Think of love and purity, think Red and White Roses. Throw in Carnations, White Lilies, and Orchids for a beautiful culmination to your arrangement.
Combinations: Wedding registries are the way to go. Ask about where the couple has registered and according to your equation with the couple and your budget, pick up an appropriate and desired gift to accompany your floral arrangement.
Wedding Greetings: Weddings are all about love and that’s what your greeting card must also echo. Simple and classy, something to the tone of: “A lifetime of joy, companionship, love, and happiness are what I/we wish you. May your love only grow and blossom through the years. Congratulations on your special day.”
- Flowers symbolizing love like Roses and Lilies are indispensable to a wedding bouquet.
- S-shaped arrangements or a high vertical arrangement is the way to go.
Funeral
In the Dominican Republic as with anywhere else in the world, funerals are a time of grieving and expressing solidarity and comfort to the bereaved family. Do it right with flowers.
Choosing flowers to offer condolence: White flowers symbolize hope, purity and the afterlife, so look no further than White Roses, Chrysanthemums, Calla Lilies or White Daisies for your wreath.
Condolence Message: Heartfelt and compassionate is what your messages need to be. “In this difficult time, we pledge to stand by you. We join you in celebrating his/her life and remembering the amazing person, he/she was. Our love and condolences will always be with you.”
- Wreaths and sprays are the preferred styles of the bouquet as they can be placed directly on the coffin or grave.
- While white flowers are the standard at a funeral. A loving tribute to the deceased would definitely be a bouquet or wreath of their favorite flowers.
Which Countries Does Mexico Import Flowers From?
The Dominican Republic is one of the most important flower markets in the world. Along with beautiful varietals from around the isles, flower markets in DR are teeming with flowers from the world over. Roses, Alstroemerias, Gerberas, Poinsettias, Tulips, Daisies, Lilies, and Tuberoses from European Union countries like UK, Spain, Germany, France, and Holland are ever present. In fact, Asian countries like South Korea, China, India, and Japan are also considered among the best exporters to DR.
Top Tips To Consider When Buying Flowers To Gift
Local flowers are best: Local flowers are used to the climate, have a certain significance to the populace and hold their shape and freshness longer.
Researching the meaning of flowers: In one culture the Lily may be considered a mourning flower, whereas, in another, the romantic aspect of the same flower may hold more importance. Depending on the culture, it is important to research the meanings of the flowers before considering gifting them, in order to avoid inadvertent disrespect or embarrassment.
Checking the overall state of the flowers: If and when possible always check the overall state of the flowers before incorporating them into your bouquet. Even the slightest of blemishes can aesthetically damage the appearance of the arrangement. Flowers with blemishes often spoil early and can be perceived as sloppy, or disrespectful.
Check the credentials of the florist/flower delivery service: Every online florist/flower delivery service is generally rated by previous users. Take the time to view the testimonials section, or visit online review sites like Yelp that will feature user reviews. Make an informed decision, in order to get the best possible quality.
How To Care For Flowers Received As Gifts?
- Choose a clear vase in order to properly display flowers.
- Add a good amount of water to the vase.
- Cut the stems regularly to keep them fresher, longer.
- Keep flowers in a cool, dry area, away from heat emitting appliances.
- Change the water in the vase daily or whenever possible.
- Follow the care instruction that comes with the bouquet.
- Add a little sugar or lemon juice to the water in the vase, to reduce the acidity of the water and provide the cut flowers with some nutrition.
Conclusion
There’s an old adage, “never judge a book by its cover, or a flower by how it looks”, this is true about Dominica too. It is a tiny set of isles, but it is big on celebration and flower consumption. So the next time you are on the island and want to gift a special someone or business acquaintance with a floral arrangement, simply follow these easy tips and you’re well on your way!