The Best Florists in NYC
Audrey Hepburn
Ooh, Valentine’s Day. I won’t deny that way too much emphasis gets placed on the receiving chocolates and flowers on this day (remember how horrible this day can be in high school?).
But for those that argue this is an absolutely arbitrary day, let’s quickly review Valentine’s Day’s history.
It all started with this thing called The Feast of Saint Valentine. The feast was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honor of Saint Valentine of Rome, who died on that date in AD 269. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of courtly love flourished, especially by association with "lovebirds" of early spring. In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "Valentines").
What I took away from all that is… if ladies in the 18th-century already started getting flowers, then my shallow desire to receive flowers on Valentine’s Day is simply honoring treasured tradition! ;)
With that out of the way, here are the best florists in New York City. I can be really picky when it comes to floral design (the wedding planner in me can be a monster sometimes), so rest assured that the handful of florists that made this list have been vetted at the highest degree. Like always, I only recommend things that I would use myself.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Send flowers to someone you love. Show this list to someone you love (cough, cough). Even better, place an order and get yourself some flowers! Here’s to celebrating romance and some #selflove that we don’t practice enough.
1. Designs by Ahn
Price Range: $100-$250
Services: FLOWER DELIVERIES, Weddings
Designs by Ahn isn’t only my favorite florist in New York City, it’s one of my favorite florists in the world.
Designs by Ahn is the vision of floral and event designer, Victoria Ahn. Victoria has designed countless special events at premier venues in New York City and the surrounding areas. Her background as a professionally trained ballet and modern dancer gives her a unique approach to design: choreographing colors and textures to create inspired looks that set a mood.
In addition to the creative designs and refreshing color palettes, Design by Ahn’s price is also unbeatable.
You’re just not going to get more beautiful flowers at this price. Personally, this is where my husband gets me flowers from all the time. I really can’t recommend this florist enough.
2. Elan Flowers
Price Range: $120-$500
Services: FLOWER DELIVERIES, Weddings, candles, bath & body, decor
In a more classic style, Elan Flowers designs bouquets that are more tightly compacted, creating a statement-making oval shape with the selected florals.
Their color palette also leans towards the classic side, leveraging lots of white and light warm tones (with the occasional vibrant pinks).
Elan Flowers is perfect for anyone with a more traditional taste when it comes to their flowers (for example, my mother would love these).
3. Ode a la Rose
Price Range: $250-$450
Services: FLOWER DELIVERIES, Weddings
While I don’t love their everyday flower bouquets, Ode a la Rose is my go-to florist for large rose bouquets. I mean, just look at these things. Who wouldn’t scream getting these on Valentine’s Day (I do hope my husband is reading this).
Ode a la Rose also sells beautiful preserved roses that would elevate any space. Speaking of… maybe I should get one for my home office!
Ode a la Rose is for you if you or your special someone is all about the OG symbol of love.
4. FlowerBx
Price Range: $85-$400
Services: FLOWER DELIVERIES, candles, vases
For me, FlowerBx is luxe flowers with a modern twist. There’s also simplicity and glamour in only using one type of flower in their floral arrangement.
I especially like the vases that they use for the floral arrangements; they are vases I can easily re-use in my home.
FlowerBx is for you if you like luxury delivered in understated ways. One of the most special items FlowerBx offers is 3 small vases of roses delivered in Baccarat glasses (case and point).
5. Adore Floral Inc.
Price Range: $120-$350
Services: FLOWER DELIVERIES, weddings
Last but not least, Adore Floral Inc. might have fewer choices when it comes to bouquets you can order, but boy are they beautiful. Similar to Designs by Ahn, Adore Floral Inc. offers refreshing structural designs with vibrant color palettes.
In addition to flowers, this florist also creates dry terrarium arrangements that could be key to decorating your home.
If you’re looking for something in between classic floral arrangements and something new, look no further than Adore Floral Inc.
