Wholesale Flowers

Red roses stand for eternal love. Oleanders represent caution. White poppies symbolize heartfelt sympathy.

Whether it is a wedding, funeral or party, flowers can set the mood.

These events require a large number of flowers to complete the ambiance. Purchasing wholesale flowers is a great way to beset the generally high cost of creating unique floral arrangements for once-in-a-lifetime events.

Most wholesale flower companies can deliver flowers within 48 hours of the initial purchase, although they highly recommend giving up to six month's notice.

When the flowers arrive, they should immediately be hydrated and cooled to increase their vase life. The bottoms of the stems should be cut at 45 degree angles to allow fresh water to enter the stems, re-hydrating the blossoms. If the flowers will be used in a bouquet, a floral sealer should be sprayed on the flower, particularly if it is a delicate blossom.

Prices for wholesale flowers vary dramatically. For example, a box of 150 multi-colored carnations can range from $90 to $190.

Roses tend to cost about $1.50 per stem. Bought in bulk, this equates to $150 for 100 roses, significantly cheaper than the local florist's $50 charge for a dozen red roses or the $27 fee for a single red rose in a bud vase.

Tropical flowers tend to be a bit more expensive because they generally need to be imported. For example, Heliconias, a colorful Indonesian plant, cost about $3.25 per stem and Cymbidiums, a popular breed of Asian orchids, set customers back approximately $5.50 per stem.

The Online Florist Shop offers wholesale bargains such as a “wedding in a box.” This kit, which costs a mere $150, includes 100 roses, three bundles of baby's breath, three bunches of leather fern and a one gallon bag of rose pedals. For an upgrade of $250, the bride-to-be can receive 200 carnations, 100 roses, three bunches of tree fern, three bunches of baby's breath and a one gallon bag of rose pedals.

Wholesale flower companies also offer many helpful hints when it comes to floral arranging. For example, Florist Direct recommends a display of gladioli and peonies to add sophistication to corporate parties. Keep in mind, table displays should be tasteful in size and not so overpoweringly aromatic that they detract from the food.

Though many wholesale flower companies have easily-accessible websites allowing customers to order online, they recommend a phone call or personal consultation. Flowers are a personal touch, and wholesale florists want to get a sense of the customer's personality and the style of the event.

Customers are also recommended to call and confirm the order at least one week ahead of the scheduled delivery date. This will clear up delivery details and any last-minute confusion. Most wholesale flower companies do not have shipping charges unless the order is teetering under $100.  

Before ordering wholesale flowers, make certain the company adequately protects the flowers during the shipping process. Flowers should be shipped with environmental protectors, such as ice packets in the summer, to ensure the freshest product.