Aside from visiting, one of the kindest gestures you can make to a person in the hospital is gifting them flowers. There are many ways of sending flowers to the hospital for your loved one. You can deliver the flowers yourself, have them delivered, or send them up through the hospital gift shop.
Whatever your method of flower delivery, make sure you know the hospital procedures beforehand. Here’s a guide on how to send flowers to a hospital for an acquaintance or a special someone.
Step 1: Know the Hospital Policy
Before you send flowers to the hospital, know that they may not permit flowers under some particular circumstances. Here are situations where flowers may not be allowed:
- If your loved one is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- If your loved one or their roommate has allergies to flowers
- If your loved one has a compromised immune system
Check the hospital’s website
The hospital should have its policy regarding flowers posted online. There, you will find explicit rules about sending flowers to the hospital.
Although some may have some specific guidelines or restrictions, most are open to having flowers delivered inside their premises.
Call the hospital
Trying to find their flower gifting policy may be tricky. If you need help finding the policy online or have any clarifications, try calling the front desk.
The front desk attendant will likely be familiar with policies and procedures regarding flowers. Also, make sure to ask when the best time is to have the flowers delivered to the hospital. This way, you can be sure your flowers will arrive at a time when an attendant will be there to give them to your loved one.
Step 2: Selecting Flowers to Send
Once you know the hospital’s flower policy, you can choose what flowers to send to your loved one. The best flowers to send are allergy-free, low-maintenance, and in non-breakable containers.
Low-maintenance
Unless your loved one likes dramatic arrangements, sending a simple bouquet is best. A low-maintenance arrangement will be easier to take care of and will take up less space.
Allergy-free
When sending flowers to someone in the hospital, it is also optimal to choose allergy-free bouquets. This will ensure that the patient will not have an allergic reaction to your gift. It also protects other patients from possible allergic reactions.
Non-breakable container
Glass vases and ceramic pots are pretty, but they may be prone to breaking. So it’s ideal to send flowers in a non-breakable container. That way, if someone bumps the flowers or they fall off the table, it won’t create a hazard.
Examples of non-breakable containers are woven baskets, decorative tins, plastic containers, and light wooden boxes.
What kind of flowers does the patient like?
If you know your loved one is fond of roses, send an arrangement with roses. If they like tulips, send those. Getting flowers is a joyful experience, but receiving your favorite flowers is even more special.
If you’re unsure what flowers a person likes, you could always ask around to see if anyone in your circle knows what they want. When in doubt, ask your florist.
Ask the florist for advice
Any florist you contact will have experience arranging flowers for hospital patients. Don’t be afraid to ask what kind of flowers they recommend that are within your budget. Vibrant flowers are often a great choice because hospitals tend to lack bright colors.
Step 3: How to Place your Order
Call before sending flowers to the hospital
Be sure you have the patient’s full name and room number. Also, remember to tell the florist what facility they’re in if the hospital complex has multiple facilities. But most of all, please make sure you send the flowers to the right hospital!
Contact a florist
You can visit a florist in person, order on their website, or call them directly. Whatever method you choose, ensure they are capable of sending flowers to the hospital where your loved one is staying.
Let the florist know the hours when the hospital accepts gifts for patients. Also, let the florist know if you want the flowers sent on a specific day. Some florists can do rush orders while others may take a few days to have the flowers delivered to the hospital.
Contact the hospital gift shop
Most hospitals have a gift shop where they sell gifts and flowers. Ordering directly from the gift shop can be an easy way to send flowers to the hospital room of your loved one. This method is more convenient and can save you on delivery fees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About How to Send Flowers to a Hospital
What kind of arrangement is best when sending flowers to someone in the hospital?
The best flowers to send a loved one are those they like. If you’re unsure what flowers they favor, ask the florist for their advice.
When you send flowers to the hospital, we recommend vibrant flowers because they brighten up a hospital room and cheer up your loved one.
Why can’t you send flowers to the hospital’s ICU?
Hospital staff keep ICUs as sterile as possible for the safety of the patients. Therefore, this type of unit does not allow for the sending of real flowers.
However, you can bring other gifts like plush animals, balloons, and even artificial flowers. Most of the other units in the hospital will allow flowers unless the hospital policy states otherwise.
What colors are best when sending flowers to the hospital?
The best color of flowers is the one that brightens the mood of your loved one. You can’t never go wrong if you select their favorite color or choose a multi-colored arrangement.
Can you have flowers delivered to the hospital?
Yes, almost all florists can get flowers delivered to the hospital for you. Also, most hospitals have gift shops that regularly stock fresh flowers.
This way, you can have the flowers delivered directly to your loved one’s room.
Is it appropriate to send a man flowers in the hospital?
Yes. Flowers are appropriate unless your loved one has specifically told you that he doesn’t like or want flowers. Many men may not admit to liking flowers, but the gesture is often appreciated.
Up Next
Want to learn more about sending flowers? Here’s a guide on how to send flowers to your loved ones
Concerned about gifting flowers during a hardship? Here’s a guide on giving them flowers
Feature image: Alla Serebrina; Image 1: monkeybusiness; Image 2: rubanok.i.ua; Image 3: CandyBoxImages;
