The Meaning Behind Popular Mother’s Day Flowers

A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bouquet for Mom

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14, 2023, and if you’re looking for a meaningful and beautiful way to show your appreciation for your mom, a bouquet of flowers is a classic and timeless choice. But with so many flower options available, it can be difficult to decide which ones will best convey your love and gratitude. That’s where Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop in Milwaukee, WI has you covered!

Our experienced florists are dedicated to helping you create the perfect bouquet that will express your feelings and bring joy to your mom’s heart. Whether you want to go for a classic look or something more unique and personalized, we’re here to make your Mother’s Day celebration truly special.

When it comes to choosing the perfect bouquet for your mom, it’s important to consider the symbolism behind different types of flowers. While classic choices like roses and lilies are always popular, there are many other options that can convey a special meaning or message. Here are a few additional flower options to consider when selecting the perfect bouquet for your mom.

Tulips

These elegant flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white. They symbolize grace and elegance, making them a perfect choice for a sophisticated mom. Pink tulips represent happiness, while red tulips symbolize love and passion.

Peonies

With their large, lush blooms and delicate fragrance, peonies are a popular choice for Mother’s Day. They come in shades of pink, white, and red, and are said to symbolize prosperity and good fortune. They are also associated with healing and compassion, making them a thoughtful choice for a mom who needs a little extra TLC.

Carnations

These classic flowers come in a variety of colors and are known for their longevity. They make a great choice for a mom who appreciates a long-lasting gift. Pink carnations are associated with a mother’s love, while white carnations symbolize pure love and good luck.

Orchids

If your mom loves exotic flowers, orchids are a great choice. They come in a variety of shapes and colors, including white, pink, and purple. They are said to symbolize love, luxury, and strength. In many cultures, they are also associated with fertility and virility.

Sunflowers

For a cheerful and vibrant bouquet, consider sunflowers. These large, bright blooms are said to symbolize loyalty and longevity and are sure to bring a smile to your mom’s face. They come in shades of yellow and orange, and are a popular choice for moms who love nature and the outdoors.

By choosing the right flowers, you can convey a specific message to your mom that will make her feel truly special. At Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop, we offer a variety of bouquets that are perfect for Mother’s Day. Our Mother’s Day Flower Subscription Service is perfect for those who want to show their love all year long. With this service, your mom will receive a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers every month, reminding her of your love and appreciation.

In addition to our subscription service, we also offer a wide range of bouquets that are perfect for Mother’s Day. From classic roses to colorful mixed bouquets, we have something for every mom. Not sure what to choose? Our experienced florists can help you create a custom bouquet that is tailored to your mom’s tastes and preferences.

Finally, don’t forget to add a personal touch to your bouquet. Consider adding a handwritten note or a special gift, such as chocolates or a scented candle. These little touches will make your gift even more meaningful and memorable.

At Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop, we understand the importance of Mother’s Day and the role that flowers play in expressing your love and appreciation. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you choose the perfect bouquet for your mom. Come visit us at 7001 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213, or give us a call at (414) 475-7080 to place your order today!

Flowers for Guys: Boutonnieres and Blooms for Fun and Formal Occasions

Flowers for guys? You bet! Boutonnieres and other blooms can add a touch of fun and formality to any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift, something special for your wedding party, or just want to add a splash of color to your next formal event, flowers from Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop in Milwaukee, WI are the way to go!

There are many different types of floral gifts that are perfect for guys – from traditional boutonnieres to modern arrangements with bold colors. Keep reading to learn more about these flowers and find the perfect one for your needs!

What is a boutonniere? How does it work?

A boutonniere is a small flower that is worn on the lapel of a suit or tuxedo. They are typically made with one or two flowers and some greenery. Boutonnieres are usually worn by grooms, best men, and fathers of the bride or groom at weddings. They can also be worn by anyone attending a formal event such as a prom or dance.

Green Orchid Boutonniere from Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop – Milwaukee, WI florist

How boutonnieres are worn has changed over time. In the past, boutonnieres were pinned to the lapel with a boutonniere pin. Today, many florists will use a small amount of clear tape or fishing line to attach the boutonniere to the lapel. This ensures that the boutonniere stays in place and does not damage the clothing.

There are many different types of flowers that can be used for boutonnieres. The most popular flowers include roses, lilies, and carnations. However, any type of flower can be used as long as it is small and delicate.

When choosing a boutonniere, it is important to consider the color of the flowers and the time of year. For example, a boutonniere made with red roses would be appropriate for a winter wedding. A boutonniere made with yellow lilies would be perfect for a summer event.

Other Floral Gift Ideas for Dad and Other Guys

Boutonnieres may be the first thing people imagine when they think of flowers for men, but they certainly are not the only choice when it comes to selecting flowers for guys. We feature a wide selection of flowers and plants including flower arrangements

For Father’s Day, consider giving your dad a floral arrangement or a potted plant. Houseplants are a great way to add some life to his home, office, or man cave. If you’re looking for something more traditional, a bouquet of fresh flowers is always appreciated. Here are a few of our picks for dad this Father’s Day:

Orchids

Orchids make a perfect gift for dad on Father’s Day – or any other day of the year. Orchids are a type of flower that come in many different colors and sizes. They have a long-lasting bloom and a very strong fragrance. Orchids make a great boutonniere or centerpiece for any formal event and also make excellent gifts.

Carnations

Carnations are a type of flower that come in almost every color of the rainbow. They are often used in boutonnieres and corsages because they have a long-lasting bloom and can withstand being out of water for long periods of time. Because of their availability in so many different colors, we can design a personalized bouquet that matches the color scheme of his favorite sports team, club, or organization.

Succulents

Succulents also make excellent gifts for men because they are easy to care for and long-lasting. Hearty succulents come in many different colors and varieties, so it is easy to find one that dad will love. Since they require little sun, they can be placed in any room of the house and make a great addition to every type of décor.

Potted Plants

Another great gift idea for dad is a potted plant. Potted plants are available in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. They make a great addition to any office or home and can be placed on a desk, windowsill, or shelf. Potted plants are easy to care for and require very little maintenance.

Now that you know a little bit more about floral selections for guys, it’s time to get shopping! Head to your local florist near me to pick out the perfect blooms for your needs.

Need some help? The expert florists at Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop are always happy to assist you in finding the perfect last minute gift. Best of all, we offer same day flower delivery anywhere in Milwaukee, WI and can help you send flowers near me or anywhere in the U.S. and Canada with online flower delivery.

Ask about our flower subscriptions – you can send happy birthday flowers multiple times throughout the year and even choose your delivery dates! Call Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop today at (414) 475-7080 or visit our retail store at 7001 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213.

Pro Tips From Your Local Florist: 7 Steps for Longer Lasting Flowers

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner which means it’s time to start thinking about flowers! If you’ve ever received flowers, you know the feeling of excitement that comes with seeing a beautiful arrangement delivered to your home or office. But what if the joy of receiving flowers could last longer?

Most people know the basics for keeping flowers alive longer: changing the water, keeping it in a cool place, and not leaving them in direct sunlight. But there are a few tips from the floral designers at Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop in Milwaukee, WI that will help make your flowers last as long as possible.

1. Choose a clear vase

One of the most obvious ways to make roses and other flowers last longer is by using a clear vase with a lot of water. Why clear? Because opaque vases make it much more difficult to monitor the water level – which almost always leads to under-watering and faster perishing flowers.

2. Condition your water (use flower food)

Luxe Roses & Hydrangea from Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop – Milwaukee, WI

Tap water is great for flowers, but nutrients are necessary if you want to extend their life. Flower food packets are just three ingredients mixed together to make a perfect environment for cut flowers. Bleach (bactericide) kills any bacteria or mold while sugar provides energy and water retention. Citric acid dissolves air bubbles and balances the pH level of the water.

To make more flower food at home, simply mix 1 teaspoon of sugar with 1 teaspoon of bleach and 2 teaspoons of lemon or lime juice with a quarter cup of warm water until fully dissolved.

3. Refresh them every day

Just a few minutes of care each day can have a substantial effect on the life of your flowers. Refreshing the water, trimming the stems, and adding new flower food, will prevent bacteria and keep your flowers looking their best.

Unlike many houseplants, it is nearly impossible to “over-water” your cut flowers (unless water is spilling over the top of the vase) so the bigger concern is not giving them enough. If you cannot give them a refresh every day then at least make sure they have plenty of water at all times.

4. Remove any leaves below the water line

If you’re looking for ways to make roses and other cut flowers last longer, this is a big one that often gets overlooked; cut off any leaves that are below the surface of the water, these will rot and cause bacteria growth which will shorten the life of your flowers.

5. Only touch the stems

Touching a flower is like touching fabric – it can be delicate and cause damage if you aren’t careful. It is important to avoid touching flowers except when removing them from their vase for trimming or fresh water. Touching these delicate pieces of art can easily cause damage and shorten the life of your flowers, so use stems as handles when you need to touch them instead of heads or petals.

6. Use pruning shears or your sharpest scissors

When cutting the stems, make sure to use a very sharp pair of scissors or knife if you do not have pruning shears available. Dull blades can crush the stems and damage them – which will also shorten their life span. Cutting the stems with a sharp implement not only ensures that you’ll get an even cut, but it also helps prevent them from getting crushed.

Cutting stems at least an inch from the bottom will allow otherwise clogged plants to reopen and absorb more water. Cutting them with a 45 degree angle creates larger openings near the base, which allows for greater absorption due to a larger exposed surface area.

7. Create a healthy environment

Your flowers’ environment plays a considerable role in how long they will last. Positioning your floral arrangement in a location where it won’t be exposed to direct sunlight will help prevent it from wilting prematurely.

Flowers have a special talent for retaining heat. If you’re trying to slow down the decay process, place your flowers in an area with temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit–but don’t worry if they’re room-temperature. It is also important to keep your flowers away from any fruits or vegetables because they release ethylene gas as they ripen – which poisons cut flowers and expedites wilting and browning.

By following these seven simple steps, you can keep your fresh flowers looking vibrant for as long as possible. Don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner on Monday, February 14.

Now is the perfect time to send flowers with the best flower delivery and beautiful blooms from your local florist. At Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop, we offer same day flower delivery for Valentine’s Day flowers as well as birthdays, anniversaries, get well soon wishes, sympathy, or just to make someone smile in Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas.

Ring in the New Year With Very Peri – The 2022 Color of The Year

After a year of indecision in 2021 when the Pantone Color Institute couldn’t pick between “Illuminating” (yellow) and “Ultra Gray” as Color of the Year, the “color experts” at the Pantone Color Institute returned to their customary selection of a lone color to represent 2022. Their choice? Very Peri (PANTONE 17-3938), a shade of blue with violet red undertones, not unlike what most people call periwinkle.

How did the color experts choose Very Peri for the 2022 Color of the Year? Pantone Color Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman explains:

“As we move into a world of unprecedented change, the selection of PANTONE 17-3939 Very Peri brings a novel perspective and vision of the trusted and beloved blue color family, encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time with its violet red undertone, encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expressions.”

Pantone chose bright and soothing colors last year to symbolize a renewed sense of hope and optimism following the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic that changed the world considerably in 2020.

This year’s selection of Very Peri builds on that sentiment by symbolizing carefree confidence and daring curiosity to help us embrace the altered landscape of new opportunities and possibilities.

Very Peri is a Sign of the Times

In these transformative times, Very Peri symbolizes the worldwide spirit of the moment and the transition that we are experiencing together. As emerging from a period of intense isolation, our standards and our notions are changing, and our digital and physical lives have merged in unexpected ways.

The Blue Horizons bouquet from Alfa Flower and Wedding Shop in Milwaukee, WI features 2022 Color of the Year – Very Peri iris flowers.

In a world where trends are emerging from the digital to become reality, Very Peri has taken it one step further by fusing modern life with how color choices manifest themselves in our physical surroundings.

Very Peri is both playful and fresh, making it the perfect color to inject life into your home. It works best in a variety of materials with different textures or finishes like painted walls, furniture accents (like accent pillows) as well as when used for decoration on patterns in designs.

Very Peri, a warm and friendly blue hue with carefree confidence, emboldens uninhibited expression. Displaying dynamic presence in shades of shimmery metallics to high tech materials; it is an enthusiastic color that lends itself for unpredictable color harmonies when used on different surfaces like natural fibers or handcrafted items alike!

Very Peri in the Floral Industry

Very Peri is an intriguing color that we sometimes take for granted until we give it a second look. Natural examples of this color can be found almost everywhere, but some of our favorites we see everyday in the floral industry. Here are a few of our favorites:

Periwinkle

There are many fine examples of Very Peri in the floral industry, but the closest match would have to be periwinkles. Periwinkles are flowers that bloom in the spring. They are “periwinkle blue” (or Very Peri) with white stars on the petals and are often used for decorative purposes in floral arrangements. A periwinkle flower arrangement can make a home feel bright and happy, even if it is raining outside. For this reason periwinkles are popular flowers to include in any floral bouquet that you purchase from your local florist shop, online, or at a street market.

Delphinium

Delphinium flowers are beautiful and delicate, but they need something to attach themselves to in order to grow strong. They love sunny places with well-drained soil for at least half of the day time; however these tall plants do poorly under hot weather conditions or rainy days.

For best results you’ll probably want them near some shelter like an apartment complex’s rooftop garden area where there is always plenty happening (and also some shade).

Iris

The Iris is a flower that comes in many colors and has the ability to bring freshness into your home or garden. The flowers vary depending on their height, making them perfect for any type of arrangement you may want done with this beautiful plant!

Irises can grow from six inches all the way up to four feet tall which means there’s something available no matter how large or small an area needs updating right now.

Additionally these lovely plants come equipped not only one but two different types: blue irises tend toward being more acidic soil alkaline while pink counterparts prefer slightly less rigorous conditions

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are the most beloved of all shrubs for their beauty and versatility. They come in a wide range of colors, including blue-hued hydrangea varieties that can be used as accent plants or along side larger flowers such as roses; vibrant pink blooms during springtime when other plant life begins to take shape again after winter’s cold snap–hydrangeas make great fresh cut flower bouquets too!

Hydrangeas also perform well even without much care—they’re hardy enough not only at home but anywhere else you might find yourself growing them!

Hyacinths

Hyacinths are gorgeous flowers that have been admired by royal families throughout the ages. They’re also a must for gardens in palaces and parks, but today you can find them everywhere from your home garden to indoor pots! Their distinctive scent cannot be mistaken; it adds another layer of beautiful floral blossoming during springtime – which is when these amazing plants first start coming out layers on top of one another like an opened tabby cat waiting patiently at its feet before slowly lurching into full bloom with rich colors.

Do not miss out on the hottest new color trend for 2022: Very Peri! Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop has many beautiful floral designs featuring this intriguing color. We offer same-day delivery in Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas for birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, get well soon, sympathy, or even just because. Call us today at (414) 475-7080 or shop online 24/7.

Cross Off Your Entire Holiday Wish List at Alfa Flowers – In-Store or Online!

December is here once again. That means the time is now to start planning your holiday shopping (if you haven’t already) in order to avoid picked-over store shelves and lengthily shipping delays closer to Christmas.

Holiday shopping does not have to be difficult or stressful. In fact, holiday shopping can be a simple one-stop shopping experience if you know the best place to shop for holiday gifts in Milwaukee, WI.

Alfa Flower Shop has all of your holiday gift ideas covered with an incredible variety of holiday flowers, centerpieces, and plants available now in-store, as well as countless other holiday gift ideas including candles, chocolates, ornaments, and more!

Whether you’re holiday shopping for a loved one, friend, co-worker, or business associate, we have unique holiday gift ideas that everyone on your list is sure to love!

5 Fabulous Holiday Favorites from Alfa Flower Shop

Poinsettias
A lovely poinsettia plant is an excellent traditional holiday gift idea they will cherish all season long. No one can resist the cheerful beauty of a poinsettia plant. When you are looking for an excellent holiday gift, consider giving someone this long-lasting and easy to care for houseplant that will bring joy all year round! Alfa Flower Shop offers different sizes in colors available including red berries or green leaves with envy inducing burgundy coloring.

Holiday Centerpieces
A great holiday gift idea is Alfa Flower Shop’s full selection of holiday centerpieces available in the store now! Holiday centerpiece ideas include traditional holiday flower arrangements, as well as delicious candy dishes filled with your favorite chocolates. Perfect for entertaining guests at home this holiday season!
Wreaths
A festive wreath adds a warm welcoming touch to your home or office during the holidays. Alfa Flower Shop offers a variety of holiday wreaths in a wide range of styles, colors, and shapes to compliment everyone’s holiday style. We also have custom wreaths available that can include almost anything you’d like in the size of your choice!
Fresh Flowers
Fresh holiday flowers are not just for decorating, they also make outstanding holiday gifts that can be delivered directly to the recipient of your choice. We also offer custom floral arrangements that can be made with any color or style you choose; including poinsettias, wreaths, candles, bows & pinecones. Additionally, floral bouquets are also perfect as hostess gifts or thank you gifts for holiday parties and gatherings.
Candles, Ornaments, and other Holiday Décor
Holiday baskets and candles make Christmas decorating a breeze and also make terrific holiday gifts for co-workers or collogues. We have many holiday scented options, as well as holiday themed votives and tealight holders that are perfect for holiday tabletop centerpieces or simply adding holiday cheer to any room in your home! We also have an incredible selection of beautiful Christmas décor, including handmade bows and pinecones, holiday ornaments, and holiday cards.

Stop in and see us or Order Online

Alfa Flower Shop is your one-stop holiday shopping destination this holiday season. Whether you’re looking to cross off an entire holiday wish list or just a few people on your list, we’ve got the perfect holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list at Alfa Flower Shop!

There’s nothing better on this chilly winter day than to step into the warmth of Alfa Flower Shop and get your holiday shopping done in one visit. Our beautiful flowers and decoration will brighten any room, our Christmas ornaments are sure to put some sparkle on your tree with their vibrant colors. We also carry a wide selection of unique gifts that would be perfect for anyone you might need an extra gift for this year!

Visit our Christmas showroom at 7001 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53213, or shop online 24/7 at alfaflowershop.com and let us take care of all those pesky errands so you can go back home with time left over to enjoy your family! Call us today at (414) 475-7080 to order Christmas gifts anywhere in Milwaukee, or the USA.

Don’t Forget Grandparents Day on Sunday, September 12

Grandparents Day is a national holiday or observance, celebrated each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year it takes place on Sunday September 12. Contrary to popular misconception, Grandparents Day was not invented by greeting card companies, florists, restaurants, or any other business interest.

Instead, the origin of Grandparents Day can be traced back to 1956 when a mother from West Virginia named Marian McQuade helped organize a community celebration for people over 80 years of age. In doing so, she realized how many elderly care facility residents had been forgotten by their families.

Fresh and Fabulous Bouquet from Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop is a perfect gift for Grandparents Day

She envisioned a holiday that would not only bring attention to the elderly population but would also honor all grandparents by celebrating the connections between generations. Her work paid off and in 1973 West Virginia became the first state to set aside a special day to celebrate grandparents. Three years later – in 1978 – her efforts resulted in Grandparents Day becoming a national holiday celebrated in every state.

Simple Celebration

Unlike many other popular holidays that honor people on a larger scale with parties and large gatherings, most Grandparents Day celebrations are small and intimate and often take place in homes, hospitals, and care facilities with close family members.

In fact, McQuade went to great lengths to keep the holiday less commercial and truer to its roots by refusing all donations and royalties associated with her efforts. She also spurned overtures from Hallmark who predicted that Grandparents Day would become the sixth biggest holiday on the calendar each year for greeting card sales.

Despite that, many families celebrate grandparents by giving gifts. Some families embrace the spirit of the holiday and encourage grandparents to share stories and give gifts to their grandchildren, especially personal gifts that celebrate special family traditions.

In most cases, family get-togethers do not need to be expensive or elaborate. The important thing is choosing activities the grandparent enjoys while fostering intergenerational connection. Sharing a simple meal or spending time to visit is enough to please most grandparents. Engaging with them by playing board games, cards, and puzzles are fun ways to spend time together. Grandparents Day is also a fantastic time to look at old pictures or share some family stories.

It’s the Thought That Counts the Most

Perhaps the biggest reason why Grandparents Day has escaped commercial exploitation is because of holiday burnout. If that is truly the case, grandparents still should not let the occasion go by unnoticed. Most of the younger generation will be happy to participate even if they don’t have to plan. It is important to remember that true reason for holiday is to give grandparents a chance to show their love for – and spend their time with – their grandchildren.

If you are not able to get together in person, Grandparents Day is a terrific chance for you to call them, text them, video chat with them, or perhaps even write them a good old-fashioned hand-written letter or have your children draw some pictures for them to include in a card. Of course, you could also send them a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop. We have options for everyone, and a simple surprise delivery is an easy, convenient, and personal way to make a grandparent’s Grandparents Day special.

As a Yes We Can florist, Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop features same-day delivery in Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas for Grandparents Day, as well as birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, get well soon wishes, sympathy, weddings, or even just because. Visit our store, located at 7001 W North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53213, or shop online 24/7.

Back to School time is the perfect opportunity to say thank you with flowers from Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop

It may feel like summer just started, but it’s almost that time of year once again! Back-to-school sales are starting to pop up everywhere, and teachers are busy preparing for the start of school year unlike any we’ve experienced before.

Not sure what to order? Choosing Designer’s Choice from Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop is an ideal option for Back to School flowers because YOU pick the price!

With summer winding down, now is not only the perfect time to show your appreciation to those who have been taking care of your kids during the break, but also a fantastic opportunity to start the school year off right with a gift of flowers for the teachers, facility, coaches, and staff who will be enriching their lives during the next nine months.

To some, it may seem like the summer flew by too fast while others have been counting the days until the new school year begins. Regardless of how you feel about your kids going back to school, we hope your summer was filled with adventure and learning experiences that can’t be taught in schools. If there are any nannies, babysitters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, camp counselors, clergy members or coaches who influenced your summer, flowers are always a perfect way to acknowledge and say thanks for their hard work and dedication.

Most of those people aren’t expecting gifts, so the gesture certainly isn’t necessary, but even a small token of your appreciation is a thoughtful way of showing gratitude that often means more to the recipient than the giver will ever realize.

Forget the apple

It’s 2021 – your teacher doesn’t want an apple unless it’s a phone or computer – so forget the fruit in favor of a beautiful bouquet of brightly-colored flowers instead. Flowers really are the perfect way to set the mood for the start of the school year while brightening up the classroom at the same time.

Teachers aren’t the only ones who enjoy flowers, however, so don’t forget bus drivers, teacher’s aides, facility members, crossing guards, and everyone else who makes the school a fun and inviting place to learn. Flowers are so wonderful at putting smiles on people’s faces, especially when they’re least expected. At Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop, we specialize in helping you choose the perfect gift for everyone on your list – no matter how big or small of an impact they have on your children’s education.

If you have a friend or family member going away to college for the first time this fall, flowers are a fun and festive way to decorate dorm rooms and live plants are perfect picks if you’re looking for a longer-lasting gift. Most of the plants we carry are easy to care for and don’t require a lot of work, which is ideal for busy students who are always on the go.

As a Yes We Can florist, Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop features same-day delivery in Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas for birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, get well soon wishes, sympathy, weddings, or even just because. Visit our store, located at 7001 W North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53213, or shop online 24/7.

This Mother’s Day, trust the designers at Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop to create a one-of-a-kind gift she will never forget

Click to order a Designers’ Choice bouquet from Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop in Milwaukee, WI

Mother’s Day is less than a week away, but the good news is you still have time to find the perfect gift for mom and have it hand-delivered to her door in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 9. Even better news is that you won’t have to travel far to find a gift that is so unique and special that we can guarantee she has never seen anything like it before. All it takes is the click of a button and a little faith the experienced floral design team at Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop.

Ordering flowers online with the national retail companies can often be a frustrating experience. First you see a beautiful image of a perfect bouquet of flowers with a “special” price that seems too good to be true. The further along you get in the ordering process, the more fees, and charges you manage to rack up until you finally end up paying nearly as much in mysterious service and convenience fee as you did for the flowers!

Several days later your gift to mom will arrive in a box that will be left on her doorstep with the rest of the packages. Please don’t do that to mom (or yourself) this year when there are better, fresher, and more cost-effective options right here in town.

Why choose designers’ choice?

If you want the most bang for you buck when ordering flowers, a “designers’ choice” bouquet is almost always the best option, no matter where you shop. Without having to replicate an image from the website, our designers are free to create something totally unique with the freshest flowers we have available in the shop.

You also won’t be disappointed by unrealistic expectations! No matter how delicious the dish, the food you receive at a restaurant will never look exactly like the picture on the menu. But that is what you ordered, so expectations have been set and that is what you expect the waiter to bring. If your food arrives looking less-than-camera-ready, you might be disappointed before even taking a bite.

We certainly don’t ever want you to be disappointed with your flowers, and we definitely don’t want to disappoint mom this Mother’s Day with an ordinary gift that looks like all the rest. Make this year one she will never forget with Mother’s Day flowers from your friends at Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop. Same-day delivery is available in Milwaukee, WI and surrounding areas, or anywhere in the USA for birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, get well wishes, thank you, sympathy, or even just because!

Six Ways to Help Support Small and Local Businesses

Looking back, 2020 was a devastating year for small businesses. Many closed permanently, and most that survived were forced to downsize or racially alter their business model in order to keep operating. In many instances, customers stepped in a big way with innovative efforts to support their favorite local and small businesses. Here are six things you can do if you wish to help in 2021.

1) Follow and engage with the business on social media

One of the easiest and most effective ways to support a small business without spending a dime is by following them on social media. It is easy to engage with their posts and stories by commenting, sharing with a friend, or simply liking their posts.

Social media engagement is extremely important to a small business. If their content receives enough good engagement, algorithms begin pushing it to the feeds of other users with similar interests. This exposure helps a small business get noticed by people who may not know it even exists yet, which is a very powerful way of helping them grow.

Make a Wish by Alfa Flower and Wedding Shop, Milwaukee, WI

2) Share your experiences with a small business by writing a review or offering a testimonial

People love sharing their experiences on social media but are much less likely to leave a review unless their experience was either outstanding or terrible. Unfortunately, many of those reviews come from extreme circumstances that fall outside the norm and do not necessarily reflect the overall reputation of the business or the views of their regular customers.

You can help by writing reviews and offering testimonials for the brands and small businesses you love. You can even go a step further and become an influencer by posting about them on social media to let your followers know about them. Good reviews will encourage new customers.

3) Buy a gift card to a local business

Another fantastic way to support small business is by purchasing gift cards. Their versatility makes them a great gift idea because the recipient can use them to order online or can choose to save them for a time when they feel comfortable enough to use them in person.

Gift cards also make wonderful gifts for the friends and loved ones when you cannot get together to celebrate. While many large gatherings have been put on hold for a later time, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are still taking place. Gift cards are easy to put in a card and mail anywhere in the country for the cost of a stamp.

4) Be understanding and patient

For local business reopening after the pandemic, the retail landscape looks completely different than it did before COVID-19. While some of the larger businesses were able to return to normal operations, many of the smaller shops have taken longer to adjust.

In most cases, small business owners rely on a number of constantly changing factors in order to make difficult business decisions. While they are doing what they feel is best to keep employees and customers safe, they are often forced to rely on trial and error until they discover what works best.

5) Sign up for their email list

Email lists are extremely valuable for small business owners because email is a direct line of communication to you. Many businesses offer exclusive discounts and sales through email and some even offer a special promotion just for signing up.

6) Make someone smile with flowers from Alfa

At Alfa Flower and Wedding Shop, our expert floral designers are still working hard every day to arrange beautiful flowers and our delivery drivers are out every day of the week making same-day contactless deliveries. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, or even “just because,” now is the perfect time to send some love with the gift of flowers. We offer same-day delivery in Milwaukee, WI or anywhere nationwide! Call us today at (414) 475-7080 or shop online 24/7.

Need a reason to celebrate in 2020? Sweetest Day is the best holiday you’ve (probably) never heard of

Everyone deserves a break after surviving the first three quarters of 2020 and we cannot think of better way to celebrate than donning our fanciest mask and enjoying Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 17.

If you are unfamiliar with Sweetest Day, you’re missing out one on of the best reasons we can think of to celebrate right now. Unlike holidays such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day does not have a religious affiliation.

It actually stemmed from a clever candy company employee named Herbert Kingston who promoted a holiday called Candy Day as a chance to bring happiness to those in society who were often forgotten.

He enlisted the help of several friends, and together they distributed over 20,000 boxes of candy to “newsboys, orphans, old folks, and the poor” in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Sweetest Day in the Year Committee was assisted in the distribution of candy by some of the biggest movie stars of the day including Theda Bara and Ann Pennington.

The idea began in Cleveland in 1922 and quickly spread through the Great Lakes areas and portions of the Upper Midwest. Newspapers and advertisements began referring to Candy Day as the “Sweetest Day of the Year.”

Sweet Peep Bouquet by Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop

That fairytale, however, was completely untrue. Candy Day was in fact established for the sole purpose of selling more candy, and Kingston was actually an advertiser. But by the time that was discovered, Candy Day had already been proven to be a big hit!

The cities of Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo are among the biggest Sweetest Day celebrators according to Retail Confectioners International, a trade association comprised of chocolate and candy makers, some of its members report that Sweetest Day candy sales are bigger than those for Mother’s Day.

Despite Sweetest Day’s questionable origins, the tradition stuck, and now Sweetest Day serves as a reminder to give back and take care of those who need extra attention.

it has truly become a reason to celebrate in several parts of the country who view it as similar to Valentine’s Day, although sometimes on a smaller scale without all the pageantry and romance involved.

Primarily a regional observance celebrated in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast, Sweetest Day is spreading to other areas of the country. People tend to take the Sweetest Day tradition with them when they move. Ohio is the top state for Sweetest Day sales, followed by Michigan and Illinois. Texas, California, and Florida are among the top 10 states in sales.

One reason why is that there seems to be less pressure tied to Sweetest Day, as it focuses on the actual thoughts behind the actions. It also occurs during the fall season, everyone’s favorite time of the year.

Now, the point of the day is to show friends, family and even strangers that you care by gifting them a note, a small treat, or any other act of kindness. We recommend flowers!

From Birthdays to Anniversaries to New Babies, Sympathy, and Get Well Soon flowers, Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop has you covered. We offer same-day delivery to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and surrounding areas as well as anywhere else in the US.