How to Choose Graduation Flowers: Leis, Bouquets & Etiquette
Graduation is a major milestone, and flowers are a classic way to celebrate the graduate's achievements. From traditional wearable leis to bouquets color-coded to their school, choosing the right floral gift adds extra meaning to the commencement ceremony.
π Celebrate Your Graduate
For stunning graduation bouquets and fresh orchid leis shipped on schedule, order from UrbanStems or The Bouqs Co..
Top Recommended Products for this Guide
If you're looking to purchase fresh flowers or healthy potted plants online, we've reviewed and compiled the best arrangements currently available from our recommended delivery networks. Here are the top selections:
1. The Unicorn (UrbanStems)
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The Unicorn is a signature UrbanStems arrangement featuring a magical mix of pastel roses, double tulips, and fresh seasonal greenery. Shipped in a beautiful custom gift box with optional vase designs, it's perfect for romantic gestures, congratulations, or special celebrations.
- Stunning modern pastel color palette
- High-end signature gift box packaging
- Vase included options
- High demand, frequently sells out early
2. The Alaskan Peony (UrbanStems)
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Featuring lush, massive double-petal peonies direct from Alaskan soils. Renowned for their soft pink tones and wonderful spring fragrance, they are the absolute gold standard for anniversaries, Mother's Day, or luxury thank-yous.
- Premium, massive double-bloom flowers
- Exquisite, sweet spring fragrance
- Includes signature matching ceramic vase
- Limited seasonal availability
3. The Margot (UrbanStems)
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The Margot is a sophisticated mixed arrangement featuring rich lilac spray roses, lavender orchids, and dark textured foliage. Set in a premium concrete pot, it adds modern structural luxury to any table display.
- Beautiful lavender/lilac color theme
- Includes minimalist, heavy concrete pot
- Highly durable stem varieties
- Lower scent profile than peonies
Essential Selection & Care Instructions
1. Traditional Hawaiian Orchid Leis
Wearable flower leis are a popular graduation tradition. Purple Dendrobium orchid leis are the standard choice because they are highly durable, stay fresh for hours without water, and look stunning against graduation gowns.
2. Match School Colors with Rose Bouquets
To add a personalized touch, choose a rose bouquet matching the graduate's high school or college colors. You can mix dyed roses or combine natural rose shades with colorful ribbons to create a custom arrangement.
3. Ceremony vs. Dinner Gifting Etiquette
If you are gifting a bouquet, present it immediately after the commencement ceremony during the photo session. If you are attending a celebratory dinner later, you can have a larger vase arrangement delivered directly to their home.
π‘ Keeping Leis Fresh
If you buy an orchid lei the day before graduation, keep it fresh by misting it lightly with cool water, sealing it in a plastic bag, and storing it in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
π±πΆ Graduation Flower Pet Safety
Orchids used in graduation leis are pet-safe and non-toxic. However, if your rose bouquet includes baby's breath (Gypsophila), be carefulβbaby's breath is toxic to dogs and cats, causing vomiting and diarrhea.