What to write on a flower card · the simple rule
Write three things: the person’s name, a thought that only applies to them, and your signature. “Lea, to celebrate your first day, I’m so proud of you. Julien” works better than any quotation, because nobody else could have written it. The thought can be a memory, a shared plan, a specific thank-you or simply the occasion named. If you are torn between two sentences, keep the more concrete one. And if nothing comes, the occasion and your name are enough: “Happy birthday, Mum. Paul” is a complete message.
How long · one or two sentences
One or two sentences, around 10 to 30 words, are enough in almost every case. At Hanaé, 94% of paid orders carry a card message, and half of those messages are under 48 characters, about 9 words (measured on 24 October 2026 across 109 orders). The field accepts up to 400 characters, room for a proper note, but a card is read standing on the doorstep, holding the bouquet: the first sentence has to carry what matters. Keep long declarations for a letter or for dinner.
Love and Valentine’s Day messages
For a love message, a shared memory says more than an adjective. A few examples: “Three years, and I still get butterflies before our dates.” “For all the times I didn’t say it: I love you.” “In memory of our first coffee on Rue des Martyrs.” “Come home soon, the flat is too quiet without you.” “Just because it’s Tuesday and I’m thinking of you.” Early on in a relationship, keep it light: “Thank you for last night, I can’t wait for what’s next” leaves room for the other person. Avoid innuendo if the card might be read by a colleague or a concierge.
Valentine’s Day flowersBirthday messages
For a birthday, name the person and add a wish that suits them. “Happy birthday, Camille. May this year be like you: funny, a little late and perfect.” “Thirty, and still the first on the dance floor. Happy birthday!” “Happy birthday Dad, we’re raising a glass tonight.” “Far away, but with you all day. Happy birthday.” If you won’t be there, say so and suggest a date: the bouquet becomes a promise to meet. For a couple’s anniversary, mention the year or the place where you met.
What flowers to give for a birthdayThank-you messages, at work and between friends
A thank-you lands when it says exactly what for. “Thank you for looking after Olive all weekend, she doesn’t want to come home.” “Thank you for dinner, we’re still talking about it.” “Thank you for your welcome and your patience during my internship.” At work, keep it simple and sign on behalf of the team: “For your leaving day, from the whole Product team. We’ll miss you.” For a host, a note sent the next day has more effect than a bouquet brought on the night, which she has to put in water while guests arrive.
Thank-you flowersNew baby messages
For a birth, address the parents and name the baby if you know the name. “Welcome to the world, Jules, and well done to you both.” “Congratulations! Get some rest, we’ll come and meet him when you’re ready.” “For Louise and her parents, with all our love.” Avoid advice and questions about the birth: new parents already get plenty. Offering practical help, a meal or some shopping, often pleases more than a long message.
New baby and maternity flowersMessages to say sorry
An apology card names the mistake, without justifying it, and asks for nothing back. “I’m sorry about Saturday. You were right.” “Sorry I forgot. I have no excuse, just the wish to make it up to you.” “I feel bad about last night. I’ll call you tomorrow, if that’s all right.” Avoid “sorry if you felt hurt”, which shifts the blame, and any joke. Flowers go with an apology, they do not replace it: the real conversation comes afterwards.
Flowers to say sorrySympathy messages
For a bereavement, two or three sincere sentences are better than a polished phrase. “We are thinking of you and share your sorrow.” “With all my love, in memory of Jacques.” “I’m with you with all my heart. I’ll call you in a few days.” Sign with your first name and surname if the family barely knows you, or on behalf of a group. Do not write “I know how you feel”: every loss is different. Our dedicated guide also covers colours and customs, including the French notice “ni fleurs ni couronnes” (no flowers, please).
Sympathy flowers: what to sendSigning, and what to avoid
Always sign: people sometimes receive several gifts on the same day and cannot guess who the bouquet is from. Your first name is enough between close friends; add your surname for a colleague, a grieving family or someone you barely know. If you are sending flowers from abroad, say so: “From Montreal, with you today” explains why you are not there. Avoid famous quotations they have read before, in-jokes the courier or a flatmate will read too, any mention of price or effort, and ironic messages that read badly without your tone of voice.
Sending flowers to Paris from abroadHow the card works at Hanaé
At Hanaé, the card is included with every bouquet. You type your message when ordering, up to 400 characters, and it is copied out by hand on the card tucked into the bouquet. Check the spelling of the name before paying: it is copied exactly as typed. Delivery covers all of Paris proper, from 10am to 11pm, in under 2 hours or by express within 1 hour, available to order from 10am to 8pm. The courier photographs the hand-over: you see the bouquet delivered, card included.
One-hour flower delivery in ParisFrequently asked questions
What should I write on a card with flowers?
The person’s name, a specific thought that only applies to them, and your signature. One or two sentences are enough: “Lea, to celebrate your first day, I’m so proud of you. Julien”.
How long should a flower card message be?
One or two sentences, 10 to 30 words. At Hanaé, half of all messages are under 48 characters, about 9 words (109 orders, October 2026). The field accepts up to 400 characters.
Should you sign a flower card?
Yes, always. People sometimes receive several gifts and cannot guess who the bouquet is from. Your first name is enough between close friends; add your surname for a colleague or a grieving family.
What is a short love message for flowers?
A shared memory rather than an adjective: “In memory of our first coffee on Rue des Martyrs” or “Just because it’s Tuesday and I’m thinking of you”. Early in a relationship, keep it light.
What do you write on sympathy flowers?
Two or three sincere sentences: “We are thinking of you and share your sorrow.” Sign with your first name and surname if the family barely knows you, and avoid “I know how you feel”.
Is the card included at Hanaé?
Yes. You type the message when ordering, up to 400 characters, and it is copied out by hand on the card tucked into the bouquet. Check the spelling of the name: it is copied exactly as typed.
By Hanaé8 min read
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