6 Best Flower Delivery Services

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and if you're looking for the perfect gift, flowers might be it.

Online flower delivery services make it easy to find a picture-perfect floral arrangement. These companies offer dozens of beautiful bouquets for every budget and special occasion. Some also sell indoor plants like succulents and orchids. And you can spruce up your order by adding classic gifts like a heart-shaped box of chocolates, strawberries, balloons, stuffed animals and more.

Read on for our list of the best flower delivery services and a guide on how these companies operate.

Our Top Picks for Best Flower Delivery Services of May 2022

• 1-800-Flowers – Best One-Stop Gift Shop
• FTD – Best for Last-Minute Gifts
• The Bouqs Co. – Best for Farm-Fresh Flowers
• Farmgirl Flowers – Best Sustainable Flower Wrapping
• BloomsyBox – Best Flower-Delivery Subscription
• The Sill – Best for Indoor Plants
• East Olivia – Best for dried-flower arrangements

Best Flower Delivery Services Reviews

Why we chose this company: 1-800-Flowers is one of the country’s leading flower delivery services, with a vast catalog of floral designs and gift baskets for every special occasion.

Whether it's for Mother's Day, Father’s Day or any other event, 1-800-Flowers surely has a bouquet or basket that makes for the perfect gift.

You can order classic rose arrangements, chocolate-covered strawberries and jewelry, or you can go for a less conventional choice, like a prime-cut steak bundle or a DIY succulent terrarium set. You can also personalize various items, such as blankets, a heart-shaped photo puzzle or a decanter.

If you're placing a last-minute order, head over to the same-day delivery section. Your giftee is guaranteed to get their goodies later that day directly from a local florist or shop if you order by the time listed on the page.

Why we chose this company: FTD works with thousands of local florists nationwide, and its easy-to-navigate website has same- and next-day delivery on many items.

Many flower delivery services offer overnight or same-day delivery. However, they may have a limited flower selection, or might not have any additional gift options available aside from the flowers. FTD, on the other hand, offers same- or next-day delivery on a huge selection of both flowers and gift options, such as charcuterie and fruit baskets, baked goods, balloons, teddy bears and more.

FTD’s website also makes it easier to sort through their wide catalog. You can select the delivery zip code and preferred arrival date directly in the homepage. Once you do, you'll only see items that meet your criteria as you browse, making your search more straightforward.

Why we chose this company: The Bouqs Co. sources its flowers from eco-conscious farms in South America and the U.S., delivering some of the freshest bouquets you'll find online.

When you place an order with Bouqs, the company contacts the farm that can supply fresh blooms the fastest in order to meet your expected delivery date. The flowers are cut, arranged and delivered directly from the farm to the recipient’s doorstep. Since they are so fresh, Bouqs flowers might arrive with some buds closed. These might take a couple of days to open up — however, this does ensure the bouquet lasts longer.

Arrangements that include flowers from South America can take a couple of days to arrive, but Bouqs also partners with local florists within the U.S. to offer same-day delivery options.

Why we chose this company: UrbanStems sources its flowers directly from sustainable farms and it's an equally good option for fresh bouquets. Do note, however, that UrbanStems only offers same-day delivery in some parts of New York City and Washington, DC.

If next-day delivery works for you, take a look at UrbanStems' selection. Its catalog is small but carefully curated, and it changes throughout the year as they work with seasonal blooms. In-house florists design most of the arrangements, but the company also collaborates with other flower designers. In fact, it currently offers three bouquets that were designed in collaboration with Vogue editors.

When placing an order, you can choose between paper wrapping or four different vases. You can also include a chocolate bar gift set, vanilla-hibiscus flavored lollipops, champagne gummy bears, a diffuser or a bamboo-scented candle.

UrbanStem also sells succulents, orchids, cacti, air plants and dried-flower arrangements.

Why we chose this company: Farmgirl Flowers gives its bouquets a unique twist: it wraps them in sustainable burlap instead of plastic or paper.

Burlap is a woven fabric commonly made from the jute plant. Sustainable and versatile, it's now frequently being used to make everything from clothing to bags for vegetables and seeds. Farmgirl sources burlap by repurposing empty coffee sacks from local roasters. Its signature wrapping helps reduce unnecessary waste while giving the arrangements an earthy yet elegant look.

The company has a section for holiday-inspired arrangements (Mother's Day currently) and another for free-shipping options. Most of its selection features mixed bouquets with peonies, lilies, roses or tulips (to name a few), but it also sells a few preserved arrangements.

Why we chose this company: BloomsyBox flower subscription plans make the perfect gift for anyone who wants freshly cut blooms year-round.

The company delivers beautiful flowers from sustainable farms monthly, weekly or bi-weekly. The flower subscriptions cost between $44.99 to $69.99, depending on the delivery frequency and the number of stems included. The Bloomsy Deluxe, for example, costs $49.99 and delivers monthly bouquets with 25 to 27 stems. As an additional perk, shipping costs are already included in the plan price. (Shipping can cost upwards of $15 with other flower delivery services.)

BloomsyBox will send out a unique flower arrangement each time, using what's currently in season. The company says you'll always receive a different bouquet — although they might include similar flowers in different colors. You can also skip a shipment or pause your subscription anytime, and you won't be charged.

If cut flowers aren't your thing, there's also a potted plant subscription service. Subscribers receive an indoor plant, such as a Sansevieria or a succulent, in a white ceramic pot every month. If you're a gardening newbie, not to worry — BloomsyBox sends each plant with care instructions and tips.

Why we chose this company: The Sill is a one-stop shop for all things plant-related, making it an excellent choice if you'd rather gift a houseplant than a bouquet.

The Sill has a wide variety of popular indoor plants like fiddle leaf figs and calatheas. Browsing their website is easy as you can search by plant species, light requirements and by whether the plant is easy to care for or pet-friendly. Some plants are available in several sizes, and you can choose whether they're sent in a growing pot or a decorative planter (for an additional fee).

Its plant care section has essentials like potting soil, fertilizer and insecticide. There are also pots, vases and plant hangers, some of which are upcycled.

The Sill also offers a small collection of fresh and dried bouquets made from sustainably sourced flowers.

Why we chose this company: East Olivia carries a wide variety of dried-flower arrangements that are just as vibrant as any fresh bouquet.

If you want flowers that will last for a lot longer than a fresh bouquet will, take a look at East Olivia’s catalog of dried arrangements.

The company dehydrates and seals the blooms to protect their natural shape. This makes the arrangements last a year or more if kept in a dry environment and out of direct sunlight.

There's also a fresh-flower option called the flower therapy box. It includes over 40 flowers you can cut and arrange as you like. The service includes different flowers every month, but typically will include roses, carnations, delphiniums and more.

Other Companies We Considered

ProFlowers

• Owned by FTD, offers bouquets for all occasions, including engagements and anniversaries.

• While its selection is smaller than its parent company, this does make it easier to find gorgeous bouquets quickly.

• You can type the recipient’s zip code and the expected delivery date to see only items that meet your criteria.

• Offers same-day delivery nationwide.

Teleflora

• A good option if you need same-day delivery.

• If you don’t see anything you like, its “Deal of the Day” service lets you set a price and the occasion and a florist will design a suitable arrangement.

• You can include a stuffed animal, chocolates or balloons with your order.

Terrain

• A unique option for anyone who enjoys gardening or the outdoors.

• Its small collection of bouquets focuses on earthy tones, fresh flowers and branch or grass bunches.

• It also has dried and preserved flowers, wreaths, houseplants, bulbs, and seeds.

• Other gift options include house decor, kitchenware, books and plant accessories.

• Overnight and two-day shipping are available.

Fresh Sends

• Simplifies the process by offering a single fresh bouquet every day.

• The arrangement changes daily based on the freshest flowers available.

• Customers should check out their Instagram page to see an approximation of what the bouquet will look like.

Venus ET Fleur

• Venus ET Fleur is a luxury flower delivery service and said to be a favorite among celebrities like Kim Kardashian.

• It only creates arrangements using preserved roses which can last for up to a year without water, sunlight or any maintenance.

• Prices are high, with a single rose starting at $44 and larger arrangements costing upwards of $1,000.

• You can change the color of the roses and the branded container they come in.

Ode a la Rose

• Minimalist arrangements with just one or three flower varieties.

• Flowers are sourced from sustainable farms in Ecuador, Colombia and the Netherlands.

• You can upload a picture and it will be printed and included with your bouquet for free.

Amazon / Benchmark Bouquets

• Benchmark Bouquets on Amazon has thousands of positive reviews.

• You get free shipping if you have an Amazon Prime membership.

• You can find affordable arrangements for $50 or less.

Floom

• Connects you with independent florists who can deliver to your location.

• Florists can sell their own designs through the platform instead of being told what to prepare by the company (like other major flower delivery services do).

• Same- and next-day delivery in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago and other major US cities.

• You can order up to four week in advance.

FromYouFlowers

• Has many floral arrangements available for $40 or less.

• Wide variety of plants including orchids and bonsai trees.

• Offers same-day delivery nationwide.

• Tons of food, fruit, candy and wine baskets available.

Flower Delivery Guide

Flower delivery services give you tons of options to choose from, whether it's the traditional red roses or fresh-cut, seasonal blooms imported from Ecuador. However, picking the right one for your loved one can be overwhelming, considering the vast number of choices available.

Read on to find out how flower delivery services work, how much they cost and some tips that can make your ordering process smoother.

How flower delivery services work

Many flower delivery services work with a network of local florists that hand-deliver bouquets wrapped or in a vase, ready for display. Arrangements can be sent to most addresses nationwide and can get to the recipient in less than a day if you place the order before the cutoff (usually around 2 PM in your recipient's time zone). Orders placed past that time are delivered the following day.

On the other hand, some companies cut the florist middleman and mail the flowers directly from the farm to the recipient using next-day delivery. These flowers are sent in a decorative box, with care instructions and plant food. Note that they may arrive in bud form, so you'll need to give them a few days to bloom fully.

Types of flower delivery services

There are two main types of flower delivery companies: floral wire services and direct-to-consumer delivery. Here's the rundown on how they operate:

Floral wire services

Floral wire services don't actually prepare bouquets or own flower shops. Instead, they rely on affiliate florists across the country to arrange and deliver orders placed through their website. So, when you place an order through a floral wire service, the company relays it to the florist closest to the recipient's address.

Some of the biggest names in the flower delivery market are floral wire services: FTD, 1-800-Flowers, ProFlowers and Teleflora. Since their affiliate network includes thousands of florists nationwide, they often offer same-day delivery on a wide variety of arrangements. They also sell additional gifts like fruit or food baskets.

Direct-to-consumer delivery

Flowers are typically harvested in massive quantities and stored in refrigerators until delivered to independent florists or retailers. There’s quite a few drawbacks associated with this: it can take days, many blooms die in transit or at the store due to lack of demand and it consumes a lot of energy in transport and storage. Additionally, in most cases, flowers have been refrigerated for a while before they're sold, and will not last that long once they're in a vase in your home.

Direct-to-consumer businesses, on the other hand, aim to disrupt this model by sourcing flowers directly from farms only when orders are placed. So, when you make an order, they contact a farm that cuts, arranges and sends the bouquet directly to your doorstep. The result is a freshly cut arrangement that lasts longer and reduces unnecessary waste and need for refrigeration.

Popular companies that use these farm-fresh models include The Bouqs Co. and UrbanStems. These companies claim to work with sustainable farms from the US and Mexico, Colombia or Ecuador.

How much do flower delivery services cost

The cost of flower delivery services depends on the type and number of flowers used in the arrangement, the delivery date and location.

Here's an overview of what to expect when ordering:

• Prices usually start at around $40 for a small, mixed-flower bouquet wrapped in plastic or paper. However, prices can top $100 for more elaborate designs.

• The most affordable options usually include between 12 to 15 flowers. Doubling up the stem count increases the bouquet's price by $20 or more.

• Most companies charge between $10 and $30 for shipping. Same-day, next-day and weekend delivery may increase shipping charges by $10 or more.

• Some companies offer add-ons like vases, chocolates, or teddy bears. Although convenient, these extras can cost a pretty penny. For example, a bouquet of 15 tulips can cost around $40. Throw in a red vase and heart-shaped box of chocolate truffles, and it'll cost $70 — not to mention you'll probably have to pay more for shipping.

How to choose the best flower delivery service

Here are some tips on how to choose the best flower delivery service and a bouquet from their wide selection:

• Set a budget. Once you do, you can narrow your search by price range instead of scrolling endlessly through dozens of pages.

• Search by occasion. This can also help speed up your search as some companies have hundreds of bouquets available. Most pages have sections for Mother’s Day gifts, Valentine’s Day flowers and more.

• Compare similar bouquets between companies. You may find that an arrangement from one company includes 12 flowers and 15 with another, for the same price.

• Consider shipping fees. A dozen red roses might cost $40 at first glance, but with shipping, its actual price might be more than $60.

• Order in advance if possible. Many services let you order weeks before your preferred delivery date. You may find better deals this way, especially for high-demand holidays like Mother's Day.

• Find out the company's satisfaction guarantee. If you're not satisfied with it or the blooms die in a day or two, the company might send a replacement.

• Research the flowers you're sending. Species and colors have different meanings, so picking specific blooms can be a thoughtful way of conveying a message. For example, pink roses are associated with gentleness or grace, while red ones represent passion and desire. Peonies can traditionally mean prosperity and daisies, hope or innocence.

• If in doubt, contact a local florist instead. An expert can help you personalize a floral bouquet based on the occasion or your relationship with the recipient — and it's always a good idea to support small businesses.

How are flowers sourced

Most flowers sold by florists, grocery stores or online delivery services in the U.S. are sourced from Colombia or Ecuador. These countries’ mountainous regions have the ideal climate for growing popular flower varieties year-round.

Flower farms in these areas use less energy than those in colder regions because they don't need heated greenhouses. However, once the flowers are cut, they are hauled in refrigerated planes and trucks over thousands of miles, producing serious amounts of carbon emissions.

How to buy an eco-friendly bouquet

Buying locally grown flowers helps avoid the increased energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with imported blooms. Search for local flower farms and make sure they use sustainable growing practices. You could also visit a farmer's market or ask a florist where they source their flowers from.

Another option is buying from direct-to-consumer flower delivery services — like Bouqs or Urbanstems. These companies send bouquets straight from the farm to you, producing less waste and carbon emissions since flowers are cut and shipped only if an order is placed.

How We Chose the Best Flower Delivery Services

Flower variety

We preferred companies with a wide selection of flowers, from classic roses and carnations to orchids. Whether it's for Mother’s Day, an anniversary or a birthday, our picks have a beautiful bouquet ideal for any event.

Additional gift options

We favored companies that let customers upgrade their orders with vases, chocolates or balloons, for example. We also considered whether they offered other gifts options beyond bouquets, such as edible arrangements or food baskets.

Shipping services

All of our picks offer at least next-day delivery nationwide. Some companies also offer same-day delivery in some areas.

Satisfaction guarantee

We chose companies with satisfaction guarantees. If you're not satisfied with your order, take a picture of it and contact the company asking for a refund or replacement

Summary of Money's Best Flower Delivery Services of May 2022

• 1-800-Flowers – Best One-Stop Gift Shop
• FTD – Best for Last-Minute Gifts
• The Bouqs Co. – Best for Farm-Fresh Flowers
• Farmgirl Flowers – Best Sustainable Flower Wrapping
• BloomsyBox – Best Flower-Delivery Subscription
• The Sill – Best for Indoor Plants
• East Olivia – Best for dried-flower arrangements