Flower Gifting In Singapore

“Flowers make pain feel like a thing of the past, and scent your road to a better tomorrow.” Fyodor Dortosomov

The world as we know it is a wonderful, mystical place. A key component of the wonder, of course, is the beauty that nature has bestowed upon us in the form of flowers. Singapore, the tiny city-state, one of the most developed markets in the world is not immune to the charms of sending flowers and they form a crucial part of life in the city and celebrations of all of life’s good things. A heady mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures, Singapore is a hybrid country that is both quirky and delightful in its orientation. Singaporeans are a warm, albeit formal people and are always on the lookout for a good time.

Singaporean culture is a mix of the old and the new and gifting flowers is one of the age-old traditions that is steeped in symbolism and meaning. In this guide, we help you with the finer aspects of gifting apt floral bouquets, centerpieces, and tributes keeping in mind Singaporean sensibilities.

1. The Vanda or Singaporean Orchid is the national flower.
2. It was designated as the national flower in 1981 and symbolizes the resilience of the Singaporean people and their multi-ethnic, hybrid culture.

Popular Flowers And Their Meanings

• Roses especially Red are a treasured symbol of love and passion.
• Lilies play an important role in both marriages and funerals due to their association with purity and rebirth.
• Gerberas are thought to be great symbols of hope and friendship
• Daisies are flowers of thankfulness and gratitude.
  • Alstroemerias are flowers of kindness, warmth, and family
• Tulips are exotic and used in gifting on special occasions and as gifts to important people.
• Orchids symbolize raw passion and sensuality.

Popular Flower Gifting Days In Singapore

Singapore is a curious and quirky mix of the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Vietnamese cultures. As one of Asia’s fastest growing economies, it is a rich and prosperous city state. It is also a place that really comes together to celebrate festivals, occasions and secular holidays with great fervor. Irrespective of what culture, nationality or race, Singaporeans are very enthusiastic and flowers are a part of their celebrations and happy times. A note of caution, however, as with any Asian culture there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when presenting Singaporeans with flowers for festivals. This section will lead you through these subtleties and ensure that by the end of it, you’re well versed with the kind of flowers that can be presented for these different occasions.

Valentine’s Day

Singaporeans are a reserved yet passionate people. Valentine’s Day sees Singaporean couples shed their inhibitions and really express their love for each other. And what better way to do this than with flowers. Come 14th February, and the city’s florists are working overtime to cater to the burgeoning demand for flowers that couples will bestow on each other. Looking to win the heart of a Singaporean beauty? Well, you can’t possibly put a foot wrong with Red Roses, and the more the better. Think of Roses an addiction. Contrast these with White Lilies or Orchids and you have a perfect expression of love and affection to your special someone.

1. A wonderful way to win your lady love’s affections is to include a Teddy Bear with your bouquet, add a hamper of chocolates or fruit cake and you have the perfect melange of gifts to say, “I LOVE YOU.”

Women’s Day

Women are a driving force in Singaporean life and enjoy an equal status to men, both socially and economically. International Women’s Day on March 8th, therefore, is a wonderful time to celebrate the women of Singapore. Depending on your relationship with the woman, flowers are a much-appreciated gift that will brighten up their day and win you their favor. In the case of a lover or spouse, Orchids and Roses are the two most amazing gifts you can look at. For friends, think Gerberas or Lilies. In the workplace, a female boss or colleagues would appreciate a lovely arrangement of Lilies, White Roses, and Orchids.

1. Always contemplate your relationship with the recipient, and the meaning of the flowers in an arrangement to avoid misinterpretation of your intentions and obvious embarrassment.

Easter

Singapore is a secular and multiethnic culture and Easter is celebrated here with great fervor by the Christian community. Flowers, an eternal symbol of rebirth and also this festival, are perfect as both items of gifting and decor. White is the color of purity and penitence and White Roses are an amazing symbol of this. Lilies too are a very popular offering at this time. Easter sees the coming together of families in communal celebration, and therefore a thoughtful Hamper of Chocolates or Candies could also make a lovely gift.

1. Always ensure that the flowers you choose are fresh cut as they tend to hold their shape and fragrance longer.
2. A thoughtful Easter gift, especially with kids are Easter Eggs, or simply a Chocolate Cake and/or Chocolate Hamper.

Mother’s Day

Singapore like any other Asian culture is quite family oriented. At the center of this orientation is the mother. The value of the mother in the functioning of the family and especially in the lives of her children can never be understated. This is why Mother’s Day celebrated in May, is such a meaningful and looked forward to the festival. Singaporeans go to great lengths to make this day special for their mothers and gift flowers and other treats most generously. Offerings of flowers on this day are a lovely touch and you can’t spell gratitude and affection without Lilies, Roses, and Carnations. An exotic fruit hamper to round off the gift is also a nice touch.

1. When choosing flowers for Mother’s Day, unblemished, Pink and White Roses make a thoughtful gift.
2. A gourmet Hamper or a Chocolate Cake is also a very popular gift on this occasion.

Christmas

Christmas in Singapore is like observing a cultural melange through a microcosm. The city’s expatriate and local communities come together in a multi-ethnic, diverse celebration that is a hybrid of all the city’s cultural influences. From the colorful decor around the Marina to lavish Christmas parties, this is easily the biggest festival in the city. Of course, flowers too are an important component of the festivities and are purchased and gifted enthusiastically. When in Singapore around Christmas, look for fresh Roses in multiple hues. Don’t forget the wreaths, bedecked in Carnations or Centerpieces in seasonal flowers.

1. A thoughtful Christmas gift to a Singaporean friend, business contact or family member isn’t complete without a wine hamper, a subtle and classy (not to mention) well-appreciated gift.

How To Get Right Flowers For Different Occasions?

Singapore is the true melting pot of the great Asian cultures. While communal celebrations are big in Singapore, individuality and independence are two streaks in the Singaporean people that lead to personal celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and others being looked forward to and followed with equal vigor and gusto. Flowers as always play an important part in these celebrations and Singaporean elements, culture and social mores need to be adhered to when gifting an individual or a couple a bouquet. This section deals with these nuances in order to keep you in the right when choosing and gifting flowers.

Birthdays

Birthdays are important personal milestones that are celebrated with much joy and cheer in Singapore. If you’re ever invited to one by a friend, co-worker or acquaintance, it is considered rude to turn up empty-handed. It is also considered inappropriate to gift certain flowers without understanding their relevance and meaning.

The flowers to go with: Think about the relationship and equation you share with the person whose birthday it is and pick out your flowers accordingly. Red and Pink Roses for lovers, spouses or girlfriends. White flowers to be avoided at all costs as they are flowers of mourning or only appropriate to be presented in a multicolored bouquet. A conservative arrangement of Daisies, White Roses, and Gerberas is your best bet for friends, co-workers or acquaintances.

Combinations: Play it safe with your choice of gifts. Singapore is a great shopping destination and if you’re confused by the sheer magnitude and scale of what’s available, a simple gift voucher to a shopping destination would definitely be appreciated.

Birthday Greetings:  A simple, heartfelt message is the best way to go. “On your birthday, surrounded by love and adoration from your family and friends, all I wish for you is that this only grows and multiplies over the years. Happy Birthday and here’s to many more.”

1. A hand-tied floral arrangement is an artisanal take on the traditional bouquet.
2. Always research the meaning of various flowers before including them in your arrangement, so as to avoid misunderstandings or embarrassment.

Wedding

Singapore’s cosmopolitan nature means that it’s weddings are also similarly cosmopolitan and generally follow the Western nuptial/service – wedding reception format. Flowers, therefore, are very important both as tokens of congratulations and as decor pieces. Here are a few tips on helping you get your flower selection for this occasion, just right.

Choosing congratulatory flowers: Roses, Chrysanthemums, White Lilies, and Sunflowers are your best bet for a wedding bouquet or floral arrangement. All these flowers are symbols of love, prosperity, good health and the good life and are therefore most appropriate.

Combinations: Singapore has the distinction of being one of Asia’s earliest adopters of the wedding registry system and it makes shopping for a gift for the bridal couple that much simpler. Inquire where the couple as registered and pick out a gift according to your proximity, relationship to them and your own budget.

Wedding Greetings: Heartfelt, sincere and stylish is the way to go. “We witness your coupling and hope that your voyage in the sea of life, continues to be one of intense love, passion and mutual respect. Congratulations on your wedding and all the very best to you.”

1. Flowers symbolizing love like Roses and Lilies are indispensable to a wedding bouquet.
2. S-shaped arrangements or a high vertical arrangement is the way to go.

Funeral

Funerals are moments of great sorrow and mourning and must be approached with the utmost respect and sensitivity towards the bereaved family. Flowers are a wonderful symbol of love, empathy, and respect and are a welcome gesture in a difficult time for the family.

Choosing flowers to offer condolence: You cannot go wrong with an all-white arrangement. Look for unblemished flowers like White Roses, Lilies, White Daisies or Chrysanthemums for a special and heartwarming tribute to the deceased.

Condolence Message: A message of condolence should be written in a tone that reflects your grief and support for the bereaved family. Something to the effect of: “Know that his/her passing doesn’t mean that he/she will not live on through you. We pray God grant you the strength and grace to accept this loss and cope with it. We stand with you in your darkest hour. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

1. Wreaths and sprays are the preferred styles of the bouquet as they can be placed directly on the coffin or grave.
2. 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 Singapore Import Flowers From?

Singapore is one of the region’s most dominant economic powers and a large, prosperous population means that the demand for gifting flowers is extremely high. Like most of its agri-consumables, the city is dependent on imports for a lot of its flowers as well. Some of the countries from which Singapore imports flowers include Australia Russia, Germany, China, Canada, Japan, Holland, India, and parts of East and South Africa.

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

Singapore is one of the world’s most vibrant places and this is most evident in its culture. The people of the city absolutely love flowers and make it a point to express themselves with them. So now that you have gotten a quick run through of all the dos and don’ts of flower gifting in Singapore, you too can pick, shop and gift flowers with the utmost confidence and poise.