What Flowers for a Name Day? A Practical Guide
Name days in Poland – why flowers are the best gift
Name days (imieniny) in Poland go back to the calendar of saints – everyone who bears a given name celebrates their name day on the feast of their patron. Whatever the date, the custom of marking the day with family and friends is still very much alive, though more often as a get-together than a formal party.
The question "what flowers to give for a name day?" has a simple answer: roses are the most popular choice, but tulips, freesias, carnations, lisianthus and gerberas work equally well – bright, cheerful arrangements with positive symbolism. Name-day flowers should reflect the relationship and the taste of the person receiving them – then the gift hits the mark.
Name-day flowers are an elegant gesture for both women and men, welcome at home and at work. At IFIORA – a local online florist in Warsaw – we prepare name-day bouquets for delivery within the city, hand-arranged from seasonal flowers.
Which flowers work best for a name day?
For a name day it is worth choosing long-lasting species with pleasant symbolism – especially when the bouquet is meant to please for several days during a gathering with guests. Here are some concrete suggestions:
Roses – the classic. They stand for love, respect and gratitude. Red roses mean passionate love (perfect for a partner), while pastel and cream shades suggest tenderness for a mother or grandmother. Vase life: 7–14 days.
Tulips – wonderful in spring (February–April). Pink tulips symbolise attachment and care, red ones love, and yellow ones warm thoughts and joy, though they are traditionally linked to jealousy. They last 5–7 days in a vase.
Freesias – symbolise delicacy and trust, and express kindness and appreciation. Tulips and freesias are especially popular in spring. Vase life: 7–10 days.
Carnations – notably long-lasting after cutting (even 2–3 weeks) and symbolise appreciation and admiration. They work well in bouquets for a grandmother, aunt or boss.
Gerberas – associated with fondness and optimism, they add a smile to any arrangement.
Lisianthus, alstroemeria, hydrangeas – more modern options. Hydrangeas suggest sincerity and gratitude. Peonies symbolise elegance and abundance, and lilies nobility; both beautifully round out name-day bouquets.
Sunflowers – symbolise sincerity and friendly feelings, ideal in less formal arrangements.
Chrysanthemums, although very hardy, are strongly associated in Poland with All Saints' Day – it is better to avoid them as the main flowers for a name day.
For close people you can go for saturated colours; for formal relationships (a manager, a colleague) pastels and muted shades are the better choice.
Name-day bouquet or a potted plant?
This is a common question with no single answer – the choice between a bouquet and a potted plant depends on the recipient's preferences.
Cut bouquet:
gives an immediate visual effect – joy at first glance,
ideal when you are going to a party or a short visit and don't know the conditions at the celebrant's home,
a rose bouquet, mixed seasonal arrangements, a classic name-day bouquet – always fitting,
it has a limited life after cutting, but its freshness can be extended with simple care.
Potted plants:
last longer thanks to their root system – they can grow and regenerate for years,
a potted orchid is a lasting, elegant gift; orchids stand for sensuality and singular admiration,
peace lily, ZZ plant, anthurium – plants that don't need much light,
a good choice when the celebrant enjoys tending plants or is setting up a new home.
In short: a bouquet – when the celebrant marks the day at work or you want a strong impression. Potted plants – a "longer-term" gift for someone you know well. At IFIORA you can order both bouquets and potted plants for delivery in Warsaw – a greeting card is included in the price.
Colour, number and savoir-vivre – how not to slip up when giving name-day flowers
When choosing name-day flowers, it is not only the species that counts – colour and the way you present them are part of good manners. Flower colours carry different emotional meanings:
Red – symbolises passionate love (for a partner).
Pink – expresses friendship and fondness (neutral, warm).
Orange – signals warm relations and gratitude (ideal for family).
White – white flowers stand for purity and respect (good for superiors and older people).
Yellow – traditionally linked to jealousy, but yellow roses symbolise joy and friendship – use with care if you don't know the celebrant well.
Number of flowers: in Poland the custom is that a bouquet should have an odd number of stems (3, 5, 7, 9…). Even numbers are associated with mourning. The exception is large arrangements, where the overall effect matters more.
Rules for presenting:
Hand flowers over without the protective film (a subtle, tasteful wrapping is acceptable – without excess).
During the handover the bouquet should face heads-up.
A man presenting flowers holds them in his left hand.
You offer your wishes after greeting, once outer coats are off.
You will find more tips in our guide to flower-giving savoir-vivre.
Flowers for men are entirely appropriate for a name day. Good species: roses in darker shades, sunflowers, irises. Colours: navy, green, orange – bold, without excessive sweetness. Such a bouquet is handed to the celebrant with simple, warm wishes.
Name-day flowers with delivery in Warsaw – how to use IFIORA
By ordering flowers online you can delight the celebrant even without being present at the celebration – the bouquet reaches them by courier directly at home or at the office.
What we offer for name days:
fresh bouquets (roses, seasonal arrangements, elegant mixed bouquets),
potted plants as an alternative,
a greeting card and standard wrapping included in the price,
optional paid add-ons: chocolates and balloons.
Practical information – check before ordering:
delivery within Warsaw only, Mon–Sat (no Sundays),
standard delivery fee: 29 zł; free delivery for orders of 500 zł or more,
same-day delivery for orders accepted before 16:00 when a slot is available (usually 3–4 hours),
express option (within 2 hours, 50 zł) – after contacting us in advance to confirm availability,
a 7-day freshness guarantee.
IFIORA is a local floral studio in Mokotów – not an anonymous nationwide portal. We arrange every bouquet by hand, with an eye on freshness and the seasonal character of the flowers. Choose flowers to match the occasion and the person – and we will take care of the rest, delivery within Warsaw included.