We ordered Valentine’s Day flowers from 8 of the UK’s biggest florists and ended up with wilting buds and ripped packaging. So, which bouquet is really worth your buck?
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Everyone knows that a bunch of flowers from the supermarket – or heaven forbid, the petrol station – is unlikely to impress your loved one on Valentine’s Day this weekend.
Florists around the UK are doing brisk business in the run up to February 14, with many offering same-day delivery for those who have left their love tokens to the last minute.
However, many of the big names in bouquets use external delivery services – leaving eleventh hour shoppers dependent on the efficiency of the likes of Royal Mail and DPD.
The Daily Mail decided to put a selection of services available across the UK to the test and ranked them on the punctuality of delivery and the packaging as well as the presentation and longevity of the flowers.
Orders ranged from a colourful bunch from Deliveroo, costing just £10, to a £105 bouquet that left our reporter despairing over torn packaging and dying petals.
While they mostly arrived on time, some delivery services failed to bring them to the door and left them languishing in a reception area – somewhat taking the shine off a romantic surprise.
Read on to find out which bouquets are worth your buck and those likely to wilt before the big day even arrives.
Fortnum & Mason
£105
EXPECTATION: Among the most luxury department stores in the world, many would drop dead with excitement if they got a Valentine’s delivery from Fortnum & Mason, and at a steep £120, this arrangement of roses (romantic antique, vitality, juliet, pavlova and princess charlene just to name a few) boasts for a perfect romantic gift
REALITY: While it arrived on time with DPD, in a similar vein to other vendors, the package was left down in the reception area all day, despite the person receiving it being in
The flimsy packaging and paper ripped from the flowers when taking them out, and the flowers looked like they were dying and had marks on them
Among the most luxury department stores in the world, many would drop dead with excitement if they got a Valentine’s delivery from Fortnum & Mason, and at a steep £120, this arrangement of roses (romantic antique, vitality, juliet, and pavlova just to name a few) boasts for a perfect romantic gift.
While it arrived on time with DPD, in a similar vein to other vendors, the package was left down in the reception area all day, despite the person receiving it being in.
For the money, this was a real disappointment. The flowers are big but there are not many of each bud, and the presentation was a let down as well.
The flimsy packaging and paper ripped from the flowers when taking them out, and the flowers looked like they were dying and had marks on them.
The other, much more affordable options looked much better.
Verdict: Overpriced
Bloom & Wild
£62
EXPECTATION: Bloom & Wild is a popular bouquet delivery brand of choice – and their Avelina selection claims to be ‘like a favourite song that always comes on at just the right moment’
REALITY: These red blossoms arrived on time – via DPD – but were left in a downstairs reception area, despite the person receiving the flowers being in. And furthermore – the package was placed upside down
While the delivery was punctual, the brown packaging was crinkled and ripped and the flowers droopy. We thought they’d perk up with water – but never quite had that ‘bloom’
Bloom & Wild is a popular bouquet delivery brand of choice – and their Avelina selection claims to be ‘like a favourite song that always comes on at just the right moment’.
‘Its blooms bring warmth and assurance, while gentle nuances create a deep, calming feel,’ the website reads. ‘A bouquet that feels familiar and says exactly what you mean.’
These red blossoms arrived on time – via DPD – but were left in a downstairs reception area, despite the person receiving the flowers being in. And furthermore – the package was placed upside down.
While the delivery was punctual, the brown packaging was crinkled and ripped and the flowers droopy. We thought they’d perk up with water – but never quite had that ‘bloom’.
Despite this, they still looked to be a pretty and nice array of flowers.
A spokesperson for Bloom & Wild said: ‘We’re delighted to be helping tens of thousands of customers celebrate Valentine’s Day this week.
‘We pride ourselves on the quality of our bouquets and service we offer to customers, but when we occasionally don’t live up to expectations we go above and beyond to put things right.
‘We encourage any disappointed customers to get in touch with our friendly Customer Delight team who will quickly resolve issues to meet our Happiness Guarantee.’
Verdict: Droopy
123 flowers
£69.99
EXPECTATION: The Alexandra bouquet, comprising memory lane and deep water roses, oriental lilies and eucalyptus claims it is designed to ‘provide a WOW factor by artisan florists’
REALITY: Once again, speediness was not an issue as the Royal Mail delivery made its way on time – albeit the postman handed the package over sideways
The Alexandra bouquet, comprising memory lane and deep water roses, oriental lilies and eucalyptus, is designed to ‘provide a WOW factor by artisan florists’.
Once again, speediness was not an issue as the Royal Mail delivery made its way on time – albeit the postman handed the package over sideways.
Visually it looked impressive, with nice packaging. A few of the rose petals were turning, but with some water they brightened up and unlike some other variants (notably Bloom & Wild and Moonpig), not all the roses and flowers were already opened up – so it was nice to see them bloom.
Verdict: Got better with time
Appleyard London
£57.99
EXPECTATION: These 50 Red Roses certainly look impressive when you open the box – and have lasted probably the longest of all the options
REALITY: Making it a good choice for the romantic season – they arrived on time and made for an impressive, romantic gift
These 50 Red Roses certainly look impressive when you open the box – and have lasted probably the longest of all the options.
Making it a good choice for the romantic season – they arrived on time.
Verdict: Statement piece
Moonpig
£49.99
EXPECTATION: Moonpig contains a selection of bouquet varieties – including some in collaboration with Hotel Chocolat, Cath Kidston and Next, ranging from £10 and going well into the upwards of £50 territory
REALITY: However, while arriving on time (but being left downstairs), the roses – and brown packaging – both looked dull
Moonpig contains a selection of bouquet varieties – including some in collaboration with Hotel Chocolat, Cath Kidston and Next, ranging from £10 and going well into the upwards of £50 territory.
However, while arriving on time (but being left downstairs), the roses – and brown packaging – both looked dull.
They were fine, but considering not far off the price of others, they didn’t compare.
However, for those that like a floral scent – they were also very fragrant.
Verdict: Dull
Deliveroo
from £10
EXPECTATION: Deliveroo’s flowers, which, in a fun twist, include a number of different arrangements based on fun quips about the stage of the relationship, were a good choice for on-the-day delivery
REALITY: They arrived on time, were very bright, and looked pretty. However, all the flowers seemed to be open already – so this raised questions about how long they will last
Deliveroo’s flowers, which, in a fun twist, include a number of different arrangements based on fun quips about the stage of the relationship, were a good choice for on-the-day delivery.
They arrived on time, were very bright, and looked pretty. However, all the flowers seemed to be open already – so this raised questions about how long they will last.
Verdict: Cheap and cheerful
Interflora
£45
EXPECTATION: Interflora’s With Love 6 Red Roses bouquet made for a stunning, bespoke option – and was not anywhere near the priciest on this list
REALITY: They arrived unspoilt by delivery, in a beautiful Love themed box – and the roses were gorgeous, they are still going and look sensational
Interflora’s With Love 6 Red Roses bouquet made for a stunning, bespoke option – and was not anywhere near the priciest on this list.
This was by far the absolute best experience from start to end. So easy to use website, and then you get a lovely local florist who brings the flowers to your door.
Our reporter had a lovely chat about the care of the flowers and how and why they were picked – and they’re the only blooms where you can tell real care has gone into the selection.
They arrived unspoilt by delivery, in a beautiful Love themed box – and the roses were gorgeous, they are still going and look sensational.
The service was incredible and despite not being the most show-offy option – with loads of flowers bunched together – they pick quality over quantity.
Verdict: Perfectly romantic
Haute
£90
Haute’s Rouge Royale Hat Box is among the more expensive on this list – but promised ‘timeless beauty’ and ‘rich red blooms which ooze romance’
Like the others, the delivery was punctual, but expectations were high. Rather than charming, the experience was just irritating, however
Our reporter tried to water the flowers slightly – but fear there was a rip – and the water soon made the box itself damp and stained
Haute’s Rouge Royale Hat Box is among the more expensive on this list – but promised ‘timeless beauty’ and ‘rich red blooms which ooze romance’.
The website boasts: ‘Our artisan florists have included Freedom Red Roses with the soft charm of Gypsophila, while the contemporary allure of Steelgrass adds a touch of sophistication.
‘Presented in a sleek branded hatbox, this exquisite floral masterpiece is a perfect gift for any special occasion, leaving a lasting impression that will be cherished for years to come.’
Like the others, the delivery was punctual, but expectations were high. Rather than charming, the experience was just irritating, however.
Our reporter tried to water the flowers slightly – but fear there was a rip – and the water soon made the box itself damp and stained.
It did look pretty with the added bells and whistles, but perhaps not worth the 90 quid.
Verdict: Irritating
