Giving flowers is one of the most delicate and universally accepted ways to show someone you care. But what if you don’t know the person well? Perhaps it’s a colleague you’ve barely worked with, a new project partner, a distant relative, or even a friend of a friend. In these cases, picking the right bouquet feels like a gamble — you want to brighten their day without crossing any lines.
This becomes even more important when sending flowers remotely — for example, using flower delivery in Rome to surprise someone in another city or country. You may not be there to hand over the bouquet personally, ask follow-up questions, or read their reaction in real time. That’s why you need to rely on tact, simplicity, and a bit of intuition.
Why “not knowing their taste” isn’t a reason to skip the flowers
Many people hesitate to give flowers to someone they don’t know well out of fear of choosing the “wrong” color, variety, or symbolism. But in truth, flowers are one of the safest ways to express goodwill — they are visually pleasant, emotionally neutral (yet positive), and rarely misinterpreted.
The key is to select a tasteful, versatile bouquet that doesn’t carry overly specific messages. It should say, “I thought of you,” without putting pressure or requiring explanation.
What to consider when choosing a “neutral” bouquet
1. Color palette
Avoid overly bright or eccentric shades (e.g., neon yellow, intense orange, dark purple). Instead, opt for soft, natural, neutral tones like beige, pale pink, pastel green, peach, cream, and white.
2. Composition
Go for mixed arrangements with different shapes and textures that still feel harmonious. Great choices include seasonal mixes, field-inspired bouquets, and greens with subtle floral accents. Steer clear of grandiose monochromatic rose bouquets — they can feel overly formal or too personal.
3. Size and shape
Avoid massive or elaborate designs. A mid-sized, thoughtfully composed bouquet works well in office and home settings.
4. Wrapping
Stick to minimalist packaging or none at all. Natural paper, a soft ribbon, or simple kraft wrapping lends a calm, genuine look and avoids an overly festive feel.
Safe flower choices for any occasion
When in doubt, these flowers are widely accepted and emotionally neutral:
Tulips are universally loved, cheerful, and rarely associated with romantic undertones.
Gerberas are vibrant and friendly, perfect for expressing joy without intimacy.
Lisianthus (Eustoma) – elegant and refined, they send a message of thoughtfulness and grace.
Alstroemeria – often symbolizing friendship, they’re colorful yet understated.
Field-style bouquets – natural-looking arrangements that evoke warmth and sincerity.
Flowers to avoid if you don’t know the recipient’s preferences
Red roses are classically romantic, potentially too intense or misinterpreted.
Orchids are luxurious but cold, often seen as distant or overly formal.
Lilies are heavily scented and sometimes associated with allergies or even mourning.
Carnations are culturally linked to memorials in some regions.
Exotic flowers (anthuriums, proteas, birds of paradise) are unusual and not always well-received.
Conclusion: Better subtle than excessive
When unsure what someone likes, follow this trio: tact, natural beauty, and balance. The bouquet shouldn’t scream for attention or signal an emotion that isn’t there. Instead, it should gently say, “I’m thinking of you,” and bring a bit of calm and warmth into their day.
Flowers are a language in which tone matters more than volume. And the tone — you get to choose.
