Flowers for Men

Breaking the Stereotype

I’ve been a “guy” my whole life. I never really thought about it much until I got this job, but I’ve discovered that flowers really are kind of incredible. I know that I’m supposed to say that. It’s my job. I’ve had some time to sit with it though, and there really is something awesome about the collision of nature and design. It’s like a sculpture built only for you, in that specific moment. That bouquet is absolutely unique. Over the next few days it will grow and change, then eventually wilt and fade and die. That bouquet will never exist again—it is truly a deeply intimate and pure moment of art dedicated specifically to whoever is receiving it. It’s a little mind blowing to think about.

I’ve bought flowers for a lot of people. I’ve received them as a gift twice in my life. I remember them vividly both times. I remember the person I received them from, the flowers, the moment in time, and I especially remember awkwardly not knowing how to react. Apparently, that’s not an uncommon experience. Every guy I’ve ever talked to about this has shared with me a similar story. Most will say that flowers aren’t really their thing, if they’ve ever received them at all, but most men can count on one hand the number of times they’ve received a bouquet, and all of them can recall those rare moments with exact clarity.

It’s really bizarre that as a society we’ve constructed this idea that flowers are an effeminate or even a specifically romantic gift. It’s a way to acknowledge to someone that they are special to you and you want to create a beautiful moment for them. 

Most men can count on one hand the number of times they’ve received a bouquet, and all of them can recall those rare moments with exact clarity.

The Universality of Flowers

There’s a reason flowers have been used for centuries to convey emotion. Their appeal is rooted in their ability to connect with our senses. Flowers speak a language of color, texture, and fragrance that resonates with everyone.

In the last decade or so, we’ve found that men' s mental health often suffers, often to the point of crisis, because of a lack of positive reinforcement. While generally it’s acknowledged that guys often need more compliments and respond well to them, I can say that when I have received flowers in the past, I experienced feelings of appreciation and joy and this just may be a way to offer someone important to you strength and connection.

One of the things that I am consistently amazed by working in this job is the intensity of connection that receiving flowers can bring. One of my favorite things is helping out with deliveries because I get to see the look on people’s faces when they see that they’re getting flowers. It’s wholesome and genuinely a good thing in this world. When a friend loses a loved one or a pet… when a colleague gets a promotion and you’re genuinely excited for their new opportunity… when a brother has his first child and as excited as you are that you’re going to be a new Aunt, you’re SO FRIGGIN STOKED that he’s gonna be a new Dad… basically any time that you really don’t have the words to say it, flowers connect.  It’s universal.

I’m supposed to tell you to “buy more flowers”. I’m a pretty biased source as it goes, but as I write this, I feel more like what I’m trying to say is “give yourself permission to buy flowers for the men in your life. They will be received well.”

Give yourself permission to buy flowers for the men in your life. They will be received well.

Choosing the Perfect Arrangement

So let’s pretend for a minute that I’ve convinced you. Let’s say that you’ve come to the conclusion that “You know what? A bouquet, a six-pack, and a steak actually seem like the perfect gift for my boyfriend for Valentine’s Day.” How the heck do you go about it? I’m gonna be real with you - most of what’s out there is marketed towards women. Even as I write this, I can tell you that we at Bespoke Blossoms are guilty of this. It’s a hard problem. Marketing flowers directly at men feels like a disingenuous blue washing. Ready for your Tactical Stealth Power Bouquet? Choose either gunmetal grey or bomber blue ribbon! Yikes.

So this year for our Valentine’s Day lineup, we’re trying something. We’ve tried to focus on designing our products as fine floral art arrangements, rather than targeting any specific gender based on aesthetic. This is easy to see in the Whipped Cream Bouquet. Highly geometric textures with billowy puffs of hydrangea against a neutral wrap. No pink, no blue, just good, artistic floral design. 

Ultimately, the best advice I can give for purchasing flowers for men is the exact same information that I would give if you were buying them for women or any other gender. Buy the one that best reflects their personality. There’s going to be people who love clean, sleek lines, and those who like diverse textures. There are going to be people who love neutral, comforting tones and those who love colourful, dramatic designs. Get the bouquet that feels the most like them and if you feel like there are any details you’d like changed, give us a call and we’ll do what we can.

Embrace the Beauty of Thoughtfulness

Flowers are a really wonderful expression of thoughtfulness and care. For men who may rarely experience such gestures, receiving flowers can be unexpectedly meaningful. It’s a way to show appreciation, celebrate achievements, or simply brighten someone’s day.

So next time you’re searching for a gift, consider a bouquet. It’s a romantic gesture, a luxurious treat, and a reminder that beauty belongs to everyone. Let’s redefine what it means to give flowers and embrace the idea that guys like flowers too.

Author’s Note: I respect that the construct of gender is not simple and I’m not here to rewrite the book. I deeply respect and support how people construct their identities, so if I’ve inadvertently said something improperly, please contact me directly at nick@bespokeblossoms.com.