Flower guide
Flower names, florist terms, care words, event vocabulary and Philippine flower traditions, explained in plain words. Each entry links to designs you can order in Manila or to a guide that goes deeper.
Showing all 177 terms
A 2-in-1 transformer bouquet is a bouquet that turns into a table centrepiece. Holy Chic's red and white listings describe a limited collaboration with Hearts & Vines. The bouquet is paired with a curated wine treat, with the wine of your choice from the menu.
Also: 18 Roses Dance
18 roses is a debut tradition in which 18 male relatives or close friends each present the debutante with a red rose or a flower of her choice. It is performed as the 18 Roses Dance, which usually begins with the father-daughter dance and ends with her significant other. Some parties use nine roses instead.
A 100 roses design is a large-scale rose arrangement built around approximately one hundred roses. Holy Chic's catalogue includes a giant basket of 100 French roses and a heart-shaped arrangement of 100 red roses, plus larger sets with 150 roses.
A1, A2 and B1 are the three quality groups cut flowers are traded in under Dutch flower auction rules, with A1 the top group. Flowers that miss the A1 requirements, such as freshness, straight sturdy stems and even colour, can be downgraded to A2 or B1. Flowers below the B1 minimum are not traded. The rules are set by the Dutch Flower Auctions Association (VBN).
Add-ons are extra items ordered with flowers, such as a candle, balloons or a gift set, to make the gift more complete. In the Holy Chic catalogue, candles are described as standalone gifts or additions to a floral order, and gift sets combine flowers with candles, balloons or other gift elements. Balloon timing and delivery conditions are confirmed separately.
Also: American Institute of Floral Designers
AIFD stands for American Institute of Floral Designers, an organisation of professional floral designers whose Accredited Members are recognised for their design skills. The only route to Accredited Membership is the Professional Floral Design Evaluation, where designers must score high enough to be invited. Members keep their status by earning continuing education units. CFD is a related credential.
Aisle markers are floral pieces placed along the ceremony aisle to line the way, such as pew markers, shepherd's hooks, urns or scattered petals. Scattered petals are the simplest option. Hooks, urns and chair-tied arrangements give the aisle more presence. Tell your florist how long the aisle is and how many rows it has, so the quantities are right.
Anniversary flowers are romantic floral designs sent to mark an anniversary or another personal milestone. Holy Chic's selection includes a mixed bouquet of pink and red roses made for anniversaries. Red roses are traditionally associated with romantic love and pink with gentleness, so a mix of the two balances intensity and softness.
Anthophile is a rare word for a person who loves flowers. It comes from Greek words for flower and love. In biology the same word can also mean a living thing, such as an insect, that visits flowers.
Aqua Box is Holy Chic's name for the packaging that holds a bouquet in water during transit to keep the stems hydrated. Every delivered Holy Chic bouquet is packed in an Aqua Box and a signature branded transport box. The packaging is required during delivery and can be removed once the arrangement safely reaches the recipient.
An author's bouquet is a bouquet that carries its designer's own style, often through unusual flower combinations. Holy Chic uses the term for a lilac-toned bouquet with gladiolus and dried flowers, made for people who appreciate unusual combinations and a distinctive floral style.
Berries are small, round fruits on a branch or stem, added to bouquets and baskets as colourful accents. In floristry the word covers small round fruits on a branch, even ones that are not berries in the botanical sense. Holy Chic uses berries as delicate accents, for example with two-tone roses in a large oval basket and with button chrysanthemums in a snowy seasonal bouquet.
Birthday flowers are bouquets, baskets and boxes sent to celebrate someone's birthday. Holy Chic's birthday range spans bright, romantic, classic and statement styles, so start with the recipient's taste rather than a particular flower. You can add a card message at checkout, or choose a gift set that combines flowers with candles or balloons.
Blue flowers are traditionally associated with calm, peace and trust. Victorian lists read a blue hyacinth as constancy and blue salvia as I think of you. Holy Chic's blue range features blue flowers or clearly described blue accents.
A bouquet is a collection of flowers in a creative arrangement, either held in the hand or displayed in a vase. Holy Chic bouquets are hand-tied and wrapped designs in a range of palettes, shapes and scales. One garden-style listing notes that its bouquet looks just as charming wrapped or set in a vase.
A boutonniere is a small flower arrangement of one to three blooms with greenery, worn on the lapel. It is worn by grooms, groomsmen, fathers and honoured guests, and can be pinned, placed in a pocket or attached with a magnet. Ask your florist to coordinate it with the bouquets.
Branded packaging is a shop's own protective box or wrap; at Holy Chic it is a signature branded transport box used together with the Aqua Box. The box helps keep the bouquet upright and shields the wrapping and blooms from impact. Holy Chic describes protective packaging as a required part of every delivery rather than an optional extra.
A bridal bouquet is the arrangement the bride carries during the ceremony and portraits. It is often the most elaborate of the personal flowers in a wedding. Holy Chic's wedding bouquet guide explains how to choose one in Manila by season, palette, dress style, venue and budget.
A bridesmaid bouquet is a smaller, simpler version of the bridal bouquet, made to coordinate with it. The small round nosegay, or posy, is the style bridesmaids traditionally carry. A bridesmaid bouquet can also double as table decor after the ceremony.
A bud vase is a small, narrow vase that holds one to three stems. Bud vases are used alone or in clusters, often grouped in threes to fives on a table, and they make a simple centerpiece. Ask your florist how many vases a table needs so it looks full without crowding.
Bulaklak is the Tagalog word for flower. It is pronounced boo-lak-LAK, with the stress on the last syllable. Related forms include mabulaklak, meaning full of flowers, and namumulaklak, meaning blooming.
A bunch is a set number of stems tied together for sale, such as a 10-stem bunch. The number varies by flower and seller, so check the bunch size on the product page. Five 10-stem bunches make 50 stems.
Button chrysanthemum is a chrysanthemum grown in the button form, with small, round flower heads. Button heads are one of the decorative chrysanthemum forms, alongside pompon heads, which are small, fully double and very globular. Holy Chic uses button chrysanthemums with berries in a snowy seasonal bouquet, and with roses and a feather in its signature feather bouquet.
A card message is a short personal note, written on a card, that arrives with the flowers. At Holy Chic you can add a gift message at checkout and it is included on a card with the bouquet. The custom order form also has a tick box for a gift card.
Carnation is a flower with fringed petals and often a spicy, clove-like scent, grown in red, pink, yellow, white and green. Carnation is the common name for Dianthus caryophyllus, one species in the dianthus group. Holy Chic uses carnations for colour, texture and long-lasting impact in bouquets, baskets and hat boxes, often with roses and feathers.
Carnations are traditionally associated with fascination and a mother's love, with the meaning shifting by colour. In Victorian lists a red carnation meant deep love, a white one pure love and a pink one I'll never forget you. Yellow and striped carnations were read as disappointment and refusal, so choose the colour with that in mind.
A cascade bouquet is a bouquet in which flowers and greenery trail downward like a waterfall. It is a dramatic style that suits flowing gowns. It needs more flowers and more labour than a round bouquet, so it usually costs more.
A centerpiece is the floral arrangement placed in the middle of a table, setting the tone for a reception. It can take the form of bud vase trios, low bowls, tall stands or garlands. Low arrangements sit below eye level when guests are seated, and tall ones sit on a stand, leaving room for conversation underneath.
Also: Certified Floral Designer
CFD stands for Certified Floral Designer, a floral design credential offered through the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). A designer can earn it by passing the Professional Floral Design Evaluation, completing approved courses, or scoring well in a student competition. CFD holders must keep earning continuing education units to keep the credential.
Christmas flowers are seasonal bouquets and festive arrangements sent for the Christmas season. Holy Chic's Christmas selection comes from the current catalogue and changes with the season. One example is a snowy bouquet of button chrysanthemums accented with berries. Exact flower varieties can change with season and market availability.
Chrysanthemum is a daisy-family flower with many rows of petals, grown in a wide range of colours and forms. Its heads can be open and daisy-like or rounded, such as pompon and button types. Holy Chic uses chrysanthemums in graphic mono bouquets and textured mixed arrangements, including a round bouquet with spray roses that is a modern alternative to classic rose bouquets.
Chrysanthemums are often associated with mourning and remembrance, though the meaning changes with colour and culture. In the Philippines they are among the flowers brought to cemeteries on Undas, the All Saints' and All Souls' Day period. Victorian lists gave a red chrysanthemum the meaning I love you and a white one truth, so a short card message helps when you send them as a gift.
Also: Cash on delivery
COD stands for cash on delivery, a way of buying in which you pay the courier when the order arrives instead of paying in advance. Holy Chic's payment page does not list cash on delivery. It lists GCash, Maya, PayPal and bank transfer for online orders and says orders are dispatched only after full payment, including the delivery fee.
A colour palette is the set of colours a florist chooses for a design, from one colour in varied tones to a mix of several. A single colour in varying shades and tones is called monochromatic. On a Holy Chic product page the palette is listed beside the composition, and the gallery is the reference for palette, scale, shape and mood.
Composition is how a florist arranges flowers, foliage and other materials into one balanced design. Floral designers work with seven principles: proportion, scale, balance, focal point, rhythm, harmony and unity. Holy Chic selects its signature designs for their composition, scale and distinctive presentation.
Also: processing
Conditioning is the preparation of fresh flowers after they arrive, including cutting the stems, removing the lower leaves and hydrating them in treated water. Florists put the flowers in water on arrival to begin hydrating them. Holy Chic names professional stem preparation among the steps behind its arrangements.
Congratulations flowers are bouquets sent to celebrate someone's achievement, such as a new job, a promotion or a milestone. Bright, celebratory colours suit the moment: yellow is traditionally associated with friendship and cheer, and orange with enthusiasm. For a colleague, avoid red roses, which can read as romantic. A short personal note of support completes the gift.
A corporate buyer is a business, team or office that orders flowers or gifts for clients, staff or company events. Holy Chic takes bulk and corporate orders and gives a custom quote, so share your requirements with the team first. Its corporate gifts category collects polished flowers, candles and gift sets for clients, teams and business occasions.
Corporate flower gifts are flowers sent on behalf of a company to clients or teams, usually as thanks or congratulations. Holy Chic's corporate selection includes polished flowers, candles and gift sets. Keep the look professional, add a short card signed with the company name, and avoid red roses, which can read as romantic. Holy Chic accepts bulk and corporate orders and prepares a custom quote on request.
A corsage is a small flower arrangement worn on the wrist or pinned to clothing. Traditionally it is given to mothers, grandmothers and other honoured women, and the wrist version is now more common. Ask your florist whether a wrist or a pinned style suits the outfit.
A custom order is a bouquet or arrangement made to your own brief rather than chosen as shown in the catalogue. Holy Chic's form asks for your colour palette, mood and composition preferences, a budget, and your contact and delivery details. You can share reference photos by messenger after submitting the form.
Cutoff time is the latest time of day an order can be placed and still be delivered the same day. At Holy Chic the cutoff for same-day delivery in Metro Manila is 3 PM, and orders placed after 3 PM are delivered the next day. Same-day delivery orders cannot be cancelled once confirmed.
Cutting at an angle means trimming the base of each stem on a slant, with a clean cut, before the flowers go into water. Holy Chic's care guide asks for a 45-degree cut as soon as the bouquet arrives. Use a sharp knife or secateurs: crushed stems take up less water, and jagged edges can lead to decay.
Daisy is a small flower with white petals around a yellow centre, and the name is also used for many look-alike flowers. The common daisy, Bellis perennis, is a European flower about 2 to 3 cm across, while gerbera, oxeye and Shasta daisy are other flowers also called daisies. Holy Chic pairs daisies with peonies in a bouquet it describes as soft yet striking.
Dangwa flower market is a fresh flower market in Sampaloc, Manila, where small stalls and street vendors sell flowers wholesale and retail. It is centred on Dos Castillas and Dimasalang streets and takes its name from the nearby Dangwa bus terminal. Its flowers come from Benguet and the Cordilleras, other provinces and overseas.
A debut is a Filipino coming-of-age party held for a young woman's 18th birthday, the traditional age of maturity in the Philippines. It is similar to a quinceañera or a sweet sixteen and comes with several traditions, including the 18 roses. Men customarily hold theirs at 21, often with less formal celebrations or none.
Delivery areas are the places a shop delivers to; Holy Chic delivers across Metro Manila, Pampanga and Batangas. Flowers are delivered daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and orders are accepted 24/7. Delivery fees depend on the area, distance and traffic, and the team confirms the final cost before dispatch. Terms and pricing may vary during holidays and peak seasons.
A delivery window is the stretch of time in which an order is expected to arrive. Holy Chic delivers daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM and does its best to accommodate a requested time within those hours. Delivery times are estimates and are not guaranteed, so name a preferred time at checkout or by contacting the team.
Also: larkspur
Delphinium is a flower whose blooms line an upright stem, in blue, purple, white and pink, and it is also called larkspur. Garden hybrids, mostly bred from Delphinium elatum, are grown for cut flowers. All delphiniums are toxic to humans and livestock. Holy Chic uses delphiniums with roses and berries in its Versailles Collection pearl round basket.
Dianthus is a group of about 340 plants with frilled petal edges, including carnations, pinks and sweet William. A carnation is one species in the group, so the two names overlap. Holy Chic uses dianthus in romantic, garden-inspired designs, including princess bouquets and a round mixed bouquet with tulips and branches.
DIY flowers means buying flowers and arranging them yourself, often for a wedding or party, instead of hiring a florist. It usually involves ordering ahead, trimming and hydrating the stems, arranging them and keeping the finished pieces cool. Sellers say it can save money, and it helps to practise beforehand.
A dopamine bouquet is a bright, playful bouquet built around vivid colour and abundant texture, designed to lift the mood. Holy Chic dopamine designs run from bold orange, pink and yellow to soft pastel shades, and include bouquets and a flower box. The listings describe them as joyful and expressive.
Double tulip is a tulip with extra petals, giving a full, bowl-shaped bloom instead of a single cup. In the standard tulip classification, double early tulips have fully double, bowl-shaped flowers up to 8 cm across, and double late tulips have large, heavy blooms. Holy Chic calls them double-petal tulips and offers them in a round-wrap spring bouquet.
Dried flowers are flowers that have been dried so they keep their shape, colour or form for decoration. A common method is air drying: bunches hang upside down in a warm, ventilated, shaded place for about a week to several weeks, and the flowers become brittle. Holy Chic mixes dried flowers with fresh roses in a small square basket inspired by effortless French style.
Also: Eighth box
EB stands for Eighth Box, the smallest of the standard wholesale flower box sizes. Wholesale sellers pair it with QB, HB and FB, which show how much of a full standard box is filled. Smaller boxes give buyers more flexibility.
Entourage flowers are the bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages made for the wedding party, which in the Philippines is commonly called the entourage. A Philippine entourage usually includes the principal sponsors (ninongs and ninangs), the best man, the maid of honour, bridesmaids, groomsmen, bearers and flower girls. Send your florist the full list so each person's piece is counted.
Ethylene is a natural gas that plants produce, notably ripening fruit, and it makes cut flowers age faster. That is why Holy Chic's care guide asks you to keep flowers away from fruit. Roses and carnations are among the flowers the gas affects.
An event florist is a specialist florist who designs custom flowers for weddings and other events and arranges for them to be set up on time. They meet the client to discuss the vision, theme, colours and budget, then create pieces such as bridal bouquets, centrepieces, aisle decor and installations. Many also coordinate setup with venue staff and removal after the event.
An event planner organises an event from the first idea to the day itself, coordinating suppliers, schedules and practical details. At a wedding, a planner helps shape the vision, books and coordinates suppliers, writes the run sheet and handles logistics such as permits. Compare the stylist, who owns the overall look, and the florist, who owns the flowers.
Also: Full box
FB stands for Full Box, the largest of the standard wholesale flower box sizes. Full boxes are generally used for larger orders or event work. EB, QB and HB are the smaller sizes, each showing what share of a full box is filled.
Feathers are delicate decorative accents added to a bouquet or flower box for a soft, airy finish. Holy Chic treats feathers as a deliberate styling element in bouquets of peonies, carnations and roses, and in hat boxes. Its signature feather bouquet combines roses and button chrysanthemums.
A filler flower is a flower that adds volume and fills empty spaces in an arrangement without being the focal point. Fillers are often small sprays of blooms, such as baby's breath or statice. They add dimension around the larger flowers.
Also: arbor
A floral arch is a freestanding ceremony frame decorated with flowers or greenery, placed behind the couple. An arbor is a wooden garden structure used the same way, though the two words are often used interchangeably. Arches suit ceremonies with an aisle walk, especially in open outdoor spaces, while a flower wall suits photos and tight indoor spaces.
A floral backdrop is any decorative floral structure that creates a visual background for a ceremony, portraits or a reception. Common forms are a flower wall, a flower arch and a hanging curtain of flowers and greenery. Couples often use one for the ceremony and another for the reception photo area.
Also: Floral artist
A floral designer is a florist who arranges live, dried or silk flowers and greenery into bouquets, wreaths and other displays. Job guides list floral designer as another name for florist. Floral design is the arranging part of floristry, while selling, growing and delivering flowers are separate parts of the trade.
Floral foam is a dense foam that holds moisture and keeps flower stems in place in an arrangement. Florists use it to hold stems in structured arrangements. Holy Chic flower boxes contain it, and the care guide asks you to keep the foam lightly moist, never flooded, and the box upright.
A floral installation is a large flower design built on site, such as an arch, a flower wall, a hanging piece or a ceiling treatment. It takes more time, skill and labour than placing ready-made arrangements. Holy Chic's case study of a birthday at Medusa BGC describes an installation built around red French roses, fresh apples and mirrors, with 3 focal areas and a crew of about 15 people led by the 3 co-founders.
A floral proposal is a florist's written plan for an event, listing the recommended flowers, quantities, styles and prices. You review it, ask for changes and approve it. To start a brief with Holy Chic, share the date, location, occasion, budget, preferred colours and reference photos.
Floral stylist is an informal title for a designer who plans how flowers fit into the overall look of an event. A stylist is responsible for how a whole event looks, including decor, lighting and furniture, while a florist makes the flowers and foliage. Some event stylists also design the floral arrangements, so ask who owns the flowers when you hire.
Floriculture is the cultivation of flowering plants, a branch of horticulture that includes growing cut flowers, bedding plants and houseplants. It is the growing side of the flower trade, with plants raised in ground beds, flower fields or greenhouses. Retail florists buy flowers mainly from local growers, wholesalers and auctions.
Also: language of flowers
Floriography, also called the language of flowers, is the practice of using flowers to communicate feelings and messages. It became a popular pastime in the 1800s, especially in Victorian England, when guidebooks listed what each flower and colour could say. There is no single agreed set of meanings and lists differ from book to book, so every meaning in this glossary is traditional, not fixed.
A florist is a person who arranges flowers and plants into bouquets and displays and usually sells them to customers. Florists also advise on flower choice and care, confirm the occasion and delivery details, and may be contracted to set up flowers for events. Holy Chic bouquets are made in-house in Makati.
A flower basket is a basket filled with fresh flowers, arranged to be displayed as it is, with no vase needed. Holy Chic baskets are designed for generous gifting, table placement and statement presentations. One listing notes that a basket is easy to transport and suits a home with no vase. Basket size and flower availability are confirmed for your date.
A flower box is an arrangement of fresh flowers presented in a box, ready to give without a vase. Holy Chic flower boxes come as hat boxes and other structured boxes. The care guide says to keep a box upright in a cool indoor area, with the floral foam lightly moist but never flooded.
A flower courier is a driver who carries a finished bouquet from the florist to the recipient's door. Some florists use their own drivers, while others partner with courier companies to handle busy days. At Holy Chic, delivery is confirmed by photo or signature, and if the recipient is unavailable the team tries to contact them or leaves the flowers with a neighbour or building security.
A flower crown is a circular arrangement of fresh flowers worn on the head, from a single bloom to a full wreath. Flower crowns are popular at bohemian and garden weddings. Florists also make hair combs and pinned blooms for a similar look, and thin wire supports the stems so the piece keeps its shape.
Also: cut-flower food, flower preservative
Flower food is an additive for vase water that feeds cut flowers and contains an anti-bacterial treatment. Dissolve it in the water before the flowers go in. Holy Chic's care tips say to add it to a vase of fresh water.
Flower grade is a trade rating of the quality, size and key characteristics of flowers and foliage. Roses are graded mainly by stem length and ranunculus by head size, while hydrangeas are graded on both. Quality also counts, including disease, petal bruising and weak stems.
Also: Flower farmer
A flower grower, also called a flower farmer, raises flowers in fields or greenhouses and sells them to florists, wholesalers or directly to buyers. Some farms sell only wholesale to flower shops and designers. Others, sometimes called farmer florists, also design bouquets and sell them at farmers markets or by subscription.
A flower market vendor is a seller with a stall or street spot in a flower market who sells flowers wholesale and retail. One example in Manila is the Dangwa flower market in Sampaloc, which has small, independently owned stalls and street vendors.
Flower peak seasons are the busiest times for flower buyers in Manila, around Valentine's Day, Holy Week, graduations, Mother's Day, All Saints' Day and December. At Dangwa flower market these periods bring the biggest crowds, and on Valentine's Day customers have reportedly crowded the market until 11 PM. Holy Chic's delivery terms and pricing may vary during holidays and peak seasons.
A flower recipient is the person who receives the flowers, often someone other than the buyer. Holy Chic's checkout asks for the recipient's name and phone number, and the recipient needs to be available to accept the delivery. A card message can travel with the bouquet.
Also: Florist shop
A flower shop is a business where florists make and sell fresh flowers, bouquets and arrangements to customers. Shops keep flowers chilled and in water, and often have a separate workroom where designers make arrangements. Holy Chic is an online flower delivery business, and its Makati location is a pickup point for confirmed preorders, not a walk-in shop.
A flower subscription is a recurring flower delivery sent to a chosen address on an agreed schedule. Frequency, delivery dates and recipient details are agreed before the schedule begins. Seasonal flower choices can vary between deliveries while the agreed palette and overall direction are kept.
A flower wall is a flat backdrop covered in flowers, designed to be stood in front of for photos rather than walked through. It suits reception photo areas, sweetheart tables and tight indoor spaces. Unlike an arch, it is a staging piece and not a ceremony structure.
Also: Wholesale florist
A flower wholesaler is a supplier that sells flowers, plants and floral supplies in bulk to florists, designers, retailers and event planners. Wholesalers buy from growers, importers and other suppliers, keep the stock fresh, and sort and package orders for clients. They sell mainly to businesses rather than to individual customers.
Foam care is keeping the floral foam in an arrangement lightly moist, so it never dries out and is never flooded. Pour a little water gently into the centre and leave the stems where they are. Keep the arrangement upright in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight and AC. These are the steps in Holy Chic's care guide for foam arrangements such as flower boxes.
A focal flower is the main, most prominent flower in an arrangement, the one the eye is drawn to first. Garden roses and peonies are common examples. A filler flower, by contrast, adds volume without taking the lead.
Also: greenery
Foliage is the leafy greenery in a bouquet or arrangement, used to accent the flowers. In English garden style, foliage accents the flowers, which stay the main feature. Holy Chic uses silver dollar foliage with pink roses in a grand basket.
Garden rose is a large, round, many-petalled rose with a ruffled, peony-like look. It is fuller and rounder than the pointed bud of a hybrid tea, the classic florist rose. A spray rose is different: it carries several small blooms on one stem.
Also: garden-inspired
Garden style is a loose, organic, hand-gathered look, as if the flowers had just been picked from a garden. Stems sit at varying heights. Holy Chic calls its Versailles collection of bouquets and baskets garden-inspired, and describes other baskets as garden-style or in an English garden look.
Get well flowers are compact, cheerful arrangements sent to someone who is ill or recovering. Check whether the hospital or ward allows flowers, and keep the choice light on scent and pollen, since strong fragrance is the main concern. A low or medium arrangement in a stable vase suits a bedside better than an oversized design. Add a short, warm card.
A gift buyer is someone who orders flowers for another person rather than for themselves. In US figures from the Society of American Florists, 67% of fresh flowers are bought as gifts. Holy Chic's checkout has fields for the recipient's name and phone and an optional gift message, and the price can be left off the receipt.
A gift set is a coordinated set that combines flowers, candles, balloons or other gift items in one order. Holy Chic gift sets include a rose basket with balloons, flowers with wine from a collaboration partner, and candle sets in a heart-shaped box.
Also: sword lily, gladioli
Gladiolus is a flower that carries its blooms along a large, one-sided spike, in pink, red, purple, white, cream and orange. It belongs to the iris family, so despite the nickname sword lily it is not a lily. Holy Chic uses gladiolus with dried flowers in the lilac version of its bestseller, an author's bouquet for unusual combinations.
Graduation flowers are bouquets given to a graduate to celebrate finishing a course or a degree. A hand-tied bouquet with a neat ribbon is a common format. Match the palette to the graduate's style and think about how it will look with a cap and gown in photos. A ribbon in the school colours can tie the palette together when the exact shades are not in season.
Also: ground cloud
A ground meadow is a low, sprawling flower arrangement placed at the couple's feet, creating the feeling of standing in a meadow. The same low style can also line the aisle as an aisle marker. Because it sits low, it adds flowers without rising into the view of the guests.
Also: Hibiscus
Gumamela is the Tagalog word for hibiscus, a tropical flower with bold red, pink or yellow petals that Filipinos grow in gardens. Children traditionally crush its petals to make soap bubbles, so many Filipinos remember it from childhood.
A hand-tied bouquet is a bouquet whose stems are gathered in the hand and secured with binding at the grip point. The stems stay visible below the binding. It differs from a box or basket arrangement, where the flowers sit inside a container.
A hat box is a box of flowers, usually round like a traditional hat box, with the stems set in floral foam, so no vase is needed. Holy Chic hat boxes hold roses, tulips and ranunculus, sometimes with feathers or ribbons. The care guide says to keep the box upright and the foam lightly moist, never flooded.
Also: Half box
HB stands for Half Box, a standard wholesale flower box size that is half of a full box. It sits between QB and FB. Full boxes are generally used for larger orders or event work, while smaller sizes give buyers more flexibility.
Head size is the size of a flower's head, the bloom itself, used to sort flowers such as roses and ranunculus into size groups. Rose growers sort roses into four head-size groups, from premium down to sweetheart, whatever the stem length. Size depends mainly on the variety, and growing altitude also affects it.
A heart-shaped box is a gift box in the shape of a heart, holding flowers such as roses or other gifts such as candles. Holy Chic's heart-shaped box with 10 French roses and delicate ribbons is described as a sweet gift and a thoughtful sign of attention. Candle sets also come in heart-shaped boxes.
Heat and aircon are two things Holy Chic's care guide says to keep cut flowers away from, together with direct sunlight. Tropical heat shortens the life of cut flowers, so the guide recommends a cool, shaded spot. Cooler conditions are also known to extend vase life.
Hydrangea is a flowering shrub whose large, round heads are made of many small flowers, in white, pink or blue. The showy part of each head is made of coloured sepals, not true petals. Mophead types form round pom-pom heads, while lacecap types are flatter. Holy Chic uses hydrangeas in full, textural bouquets and baskets, including a giant basket with spray roses.
Hydrangeas are traditionally associated with gratitude, in the sense of thanking someone for understanding you. Some Victorian lists also gave it a colder reading, frigidity and heartlessness, and one modern guide notes the meaning can be positive or negative depending on context. A short thank-you note on the card removes any doubt.
Just because flowers are a bouquet sent for no particular occasion, simply to brighten someone's day. Start with the mood you want, such as cheerful, calm or sophisticated, rather than a specific flower. If you are unsure of the recipient's taste, a mixed seasonal bouquet is a balanced choice. A short note that says there is no reason makes the gesture clear.
A lead florist is the senior florist in a team, who oversees other florists and the finished look of their work. At Holy Chic the lead florist is co-founder Inessa Bertta, who leads floral craft and creative execution and shapes the compositions Holy Chic creates.
Leaves below the waterline are the leaves that would sit under the water in a vase, and they are stripped off so they do not rot there. Holy Chic's care guide lists this step with using a clean vase and recutting the stems, and calls clean water critical for long-lasting flowers.
Lily is a large, often fragrant flower with six spreading petals, grown from a bulb and found in white, yellow, orange, pink, red and purple. Holy Chic's care guide says lilies need their pollen removed. True lilies are also highly toxic to cats. Holy Chic offers lily designs such as a mono lily bouquet for a milestone birthday.
Lilies are traditionally associated with purity, especially white lilies, while other colours carry different meanings. In Victorian lists a yellow lily meant happiness and an orange lily meant hatred, so colour matters when you choose. White lilies are also linked with peace and are among the flowers brought to cemeteries in the Philippines on Undas.
Lily pollen is the pollen a lily flower releases, and it can stain. Holy Chic's care guide says lilies require pollen removal. Double-flowered lilies have extra petals in place of stamens, so they produce no pollen.
A line flower is a tall spike of flowers that bloom along the stem, used to set the outline of an arrangement. Line flowers determine the height and width of a design. Snapdragons, delphiniums and gladiolus are examples, and all three appear in Holy Chic designs.
Also: stock, stock flower
Matthiola is a heavily scented flower, widely used by florists, that comes in white, cream, pink, red, purple and blue. It is also sold as stock. Holy Chic pairs matthiola with tulips, peonies and tuberose, and its dopamine bouquet is made only of fragrant matthiola in pastel shades.
A mixed bouquet is a bouquet that combines more than one type of flower in a single design. One Holy Chic example is a round mixed bouquet of tulips and dianthus with branches. Mixed colours is a different idea: a bouquet of one flower in assorted colours is still a mono bouquet.
Also: monofloral, mono-bloom
A mono bouquet is a bouquet made from only one type of flower. The flowers can still come in several colours: one Holy Chic mono bouquet is made of spray roses in assorted colours, and another is made of lilies. It differs from a mixed bouquet, which combines different flowers.
Moss is a small, flowerless plant that forms dense green mats and is used in floristry and home decoration. Moss has no true roots and often grows in damp or shady places. Holy Chic uses natural moss in a woven basket of tulips, a design meant to evoke a spring meadow and the freshness of an early morning.
Mother's Day flowers are bouquets, baskets and gifts sent to mothers, grandmothers and the people who care for us. Holy Chic's selection includes bouquet sets for a mother and daughter in pink tones, as well as seasonal peony bouquets. In the language of flowers, carnations are traditionally linked with a mother's love.
New baby flowers are gentle bouquets and gift sets sent to welcome a newborn and congratulate the family. Choose soft or neutral colours and low-scent flowers, and check the hospital's rules first, since some maternity and neonatal units restrict flowers. If they do, home delivery is often easier. Many families no longer build the arrangement around pink or blue.
Online flower delivery means choosing flowers on a website and having them delivered to the recipient's address. Holy Chic makes its bouquets in-house in Makati and delivers across Metro Manila, Pampanga and Batangas, daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Orders are accepted 24/7, and an order is dispatched only after full payment, including the delivery fee.
Orange flowers are traditionally associated with enthusiasm and excitement, although Victorian lists read an orange lily as hatred. An orange rose was read as desire and enthusiasm, and one guide reads an orange tulip as appreciation. One modern guide treats orange as an optimistic colour. Holy Chic's orange range covers flowers with orange tones and warm citrus accents.
Orchid is a flower with three petals and three sepals, one petal shaped into a lip, from one of the largest plant families. Many orchids grow on trees in the tropics. The moth orchid, Phalaenopsis, is among the most common potted orchids, and its blooms can last two to three months indoors. Holy Chic's care guide says orchids need minimal water and indirect light.
Orchids are commonly associated with luxury, beauty and refinement, and in Victorian times they were given as symbols of refined taste. Victorian collectors treated rare orchids as a display of wealth. Colour adds nuance in modern guides: white suggests purity, pink suggests grace and admiration, and purple suggests royalty and dignity.
Also: Tweedia
Oxypetalum is a plant with pale blue, star-shaped flowers that florists use as a light, airy accent in bouquets. The flowers cut well and are long lasting, and the pale blue can age towards purple. Holy Chic uses it as an airy blue accent with soft pink peonies in a baby shower bouquet, and with ranunculus in a seasonal spring bouquet.
Pearls are decorative pearls, such as a pearl thread, added among flowers in a bouquet or basket as a refined accent. Holy Chic uses pearls in its Red Rose and Pearl Bouquet, where red roses are adorned with pearls and tulips echo the whiteness of the pearl thread. The Versailles Collection pearl round basket carries the same idea with roses, delphiniums and berries.
Peony is a large, often fragrant flower that comes in pink, red, white, purple and yellow. Holy Chic offers peonies as seasonal bouquets, from soft round wraps to large statement designs, and sometimes adds oxypetalum or soft pink feathers. A garden rose has a similar ruffled look but is a rose, not a peony.
Peonies are traditionally associated with prosperity and a happy life, and in Victorian lists with bashfulness. In East Asian art the peony is called the king of flowers and stands for wealth, nobility and feminine grace. Sources differ, and some Western lists read it as boldness or shame, so a short card message helps.
Pink flowers are traditionally associated with affection, gentleness and gratitude. A pink rose was read as grace and happiness, and a pink carnation as I'll never forget you. Because pink roses imply a lesser affection than red, pink suits a warm gift that is not meant to be romantic.
A pink rose is traditionally associated with grace, gentleness and happiness. One source reads pink roses as a lesser affection than red, which makes them a softer choice for a warm gift that is not strictly romantic. A dark pink rose is also linked with gratitude.
Also: nosegay
A posy, also called a nosegay, is a small, compact, round bouquet. The two terms are now used interchangeably. A posy suits bridesmaids or an understated bride, and it is the style bridesmaids traditionally carry.
A pre-order is an order placed ahead of the date you need the flowers, so the florist can prepare it in advance. At Holy Chic, the Makati pickup point is for confirmed preorders only. Planned orders give the team more freedom to source the right palette and refine the arrangement.
Purple flowers are traditionally associated with royalty, elegance and admiration. One modern guide links purple with success, distinction and honour. Victorian lists were less consistent: a purple carnation meant capriciousness and a purple hyacinth meant sorrow. Holy Chic's purple range includes purple, lilac and fuchsia-led palettes.
Ranunculus is a buttercup relative whose full, double blooms measure about 3 to 5 cm across, in red, pink, yellow or white. Double forms of the Persian buttercup, Ranunculus asiaticus, are widely used in floristry. Holy Chic offers seasonal ranunculus in soft garden-style compositions, such as a bouquet with oxypetalum and a summer hat box with roses and tulips.
Recutting stems means trimming a little off the base of each stem again after the flowers have been standing in water. Use a sharp knife or secateurs for a clean cut, because a crushed stem takes up less water. Holy Chic's care guide pairs recutting with removing leaves below the waterline.
Red flowers are traditionally associated with romantic love and passion in Western flower language. Victorian lists gave red roses love, red tulips passion and red chrysanthemums I love you. Meanings vary by culture: in China red is linked with good luck and celebration, so the colour can read differently depending on the recipient.
Red rose is a rose with red petals, one of the main colours roses are grown in. Holy Chic's red rose designs include bouquets, baskets, heart-shaped boxes and gift sets for romantic gestures and bold gifts. For someone who cannot choose between pink and red, a two-tone rose bouquet mixes both.
A red rose is traditionally associated with romantic love and desire, and in the Victorian language of flowers it said I love you. Red roses are also widely associated with Valentine's Day. Holy Chic's red roses range covers bouquets, baskets, heart-shaped designs and gift sets. For a colleague or friend, red can read as romantic, so choose another colour if that is not your message.
Ribbon is a thin band of fabric used to tie and decorate, added to bouquets, boxes and gifts as a finishing touch. Ribbons come in fabrics such as satin, organza, silk and velvet. Holy Chic finishes a large hat box of 30 roses and a heart-shaped box of roses with ribbons, and its heart-shaped balloon sets come with elegant ribbons.
Rose is a flower of the genus Rosa, found in white, pink, red, orange and yellow and widely sold as a cut flower. Florists sort roses by head size, from large heads of about 7 to 8 cm down to small sweetheart roses of 2.5 to 3.5 cm. Spray roses and garden roses are two popular variations. Many Holy Chic bouquets, baskets and boxes feature roses.
A round bouquet is a compact, dome-shaped bouquet in which all the stems are trimmed to the same length. Holy Chic round bouquets include tulips with dianthus and branches, and spray roses with imported chrysanthemums. It describes the shape of the flowers, while a round wrap describes the wrapping.
A round wrap is a style of bouquet wrapping with a rounded outline. Holy Chic lists peony, tulip, double-petal tulip and spray rose bouquets in a round wrap. It describes how the bouquet is presented, while a round bouquet describes the dome shape of the flowers.
Same-day delivery means flowers ordered today are delivered today; at Holy Chic it applies to Metro Manila orders placed before 3 PM. Delivery runs daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Holy Chic's terms say delivery times are estimates and not guaranteed, and the recipient must be available to accept the delivery.
Also: Arabian jasmine
Sampaguita is the national flower of the Philippines, a small white jasmine (Jasminum sambac) declared by Proclamation No. 652 in 1934. Its flowers are strongly scented, bloom year-round, and open in the evening before closing in the morning. Filipinos string them into garlands, which adorn religious images.
A sampaguita garland is a string of sampaguita buds threaded onto fibre, sold outside churches and used to honour people and religious images. Makers thread the buds onto abaca fibre and tie the ends in a knot. Garlands are used at baptisms, funerals, graduations and Sunday Mass.
Also: Same-day delivery
SDD is short for same-day delivery, an order fulfilment model in which customers receive their purchase on the day they place the order. Online shops usually set a cutoff time for it, and later orders move to the next day. Holy Chic's cutoff for same-day delivery in Metro Manila is 3 PM.
A seasonal substitution is the swap of one flower for a similar seasonal one when the variety shown in a design is not available. At Holy Chic the florist may propose a seasonal alternative that keeps the design direction, and any important change is confirmed with you first. The photograph sets the palette, shape and scale; exact varieties can change with season and market availability.
Setup and breakdown are the two ends of event flower work: placing arrangements at the venue before the event and removing them afterwards. In Holy Chic's Medusa BGC case study, the decor stayed in place after the party and the team returned 2 days later to dismantle it and take it out of the venue. Ask your florist whether breakdown is included, or who will handle it.
A signature design is a recognisable design that a florist or shop is known for, chosen for its composition, scale and distinctive presentation. Holy Chic gathers them in its Signature collection of bouquets, baskets and hat boxes.
Silver dollar eucalyptus is eucalyptus foliage with round, bluish-grey leaves, used in floral arrangements. The rounded leaves are juvenile foliage, and the name is shared by more than one eucalyptus, including Eucalyptus cinerea and Eucalyptus polyanthemos. Holy Chic uses silver dollar foliage with pink roses in a grand basket.
Snapdragon is a cut flower whose two-lipped blooms look like a dragon's face, in white, yellow, orange, red, purple and pink. The flower's mouth opens and closes when its sides are squeezed, which gives it the name. Holy Chic pairs snapdragon with roses in a romantic garden-style bouquet that looks as good wrapped as it does in a vase.
Spray rose is a rose with 3 to 7 small blooms branching from one stem, instead of a single large bloom. Because one stem carries several blooms, it looks like a small bouquet on its own. A standard rose has one large bloom per stem. Holy Chic makes spray rose mono bouquets in assorted colours, round-wrap bouquets, boxes and large baskets.
Stem count is the number of stems in a bunch, box or order. A bunch is essentially a stem count, so a 10-stem bunch holds 10 stems. Holy Chic's 100 rose arrangements are built around approximately one hundred roses.
Stem length is how long a cut flower's stem is, one of the things flowers are graded on, especially long-stemmed roses. Longer stems take more time to grow, so they are graded accordingly. One online flower seller lists its Ecuador roses in three stem lengths: 40, 50 and 60 cm.
Store pickup means collecting your order yourself instead of having it delivered; Holy Chic's pickup point is in Makati, at Y2 Residence Hotel. Pickup is available only after your order and collection time are confirmed, and the Makati location is not a walk-in flower shop.
Sympathy flowers are restrained arrangements sent to offer condolences and support to someone who has lost a loved one. White is the most popular colour, and a subdued tone suits the moment better than a bright, cheerful bouquet. Write a short, sincere card message rather than leaving it blank. Customs differ between families and faiths, so check the family's wishes if you are unsure.
Also: runner
A table garland is a long arrangement of greenery, sometimes mixed with flowers and candles, laid down the middle of a table. It runs the length of the table as one continuous line instead of separate centerpieces. The same style of garland is also used on arches and railings.
A tablescape is the styled look of a table, arranging flowers, candles, tableware and other decorations around a chosen colour palette or theme. The centerpiece is only one part of it. In Holy Chic's Medusa BGC case study, small red rose arrangements carried the installation palette onto the dinner tables.
Thank-you flowers are bouquets sent to show gratitude, usually in warm, friendly colours rather than romantic ones. Pink and yellow are common safe choices: pink suggests gratitude and admiration, and yellow reads as friendship rather than romance. Avoid deep red, which can seem romantic, and all-white, which can read as sympathy. Name what you are thankful for on the card and keep it to two or three lines.
Tuberose is a strongly fragrant flower with waxy white blooms that grow along a spike. Perfumers have distilled its scent since the 17th century, and it is strong enough that they use it in moderation. Holy Chic adds tuberose to a large spring basket with tulips and matthiola for its fragrance.
Tulip is a spring flower with a cup-shaped bloom, grown from a bulb and found in red, orange, pink, yellow, white and purple. Tulips grow from underground bulbs and flower in spring. Holy Chic's care guide notes that tulips need shallow water and keep growing after delivery. In the catalogue they appear in round-wrap bouquets, baskets, hat boxes and pairings with matthiola or dianthus.
Tulips are traditionally associated with a declaration of love when red and with sunshine in your smile when yellow. Those are the Victorian readings for the two colours, and one modern guide reads an orange tulip as appreciation. Choose red for a romantic message and yellow or orange for a lighter one.
Two-tone rose is a rose that combines two colours, such as pink and red. Some rose varieties are bi-colour, with petals that show two colours at once. Holy Chic's Two-Tone Rose Bouquet is made from several rose varieties and suits anyone who cannot choose between pink and red. Two-tone roses also appear with berries in a large oval basket styled as an English garden.
Also: Araw ng mga Yumao
Undas is the Filipino observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on 1 and 2 November, when families visit and tend the graves of loved ones. Families clean and repair tombs and bring prayers, flowers, candles and food, and vendors outside cemeteries sell flowers and candles. Many spend the day at the cemetery for family reunions.
Valentine's Day flowers are romantic bouquets, rose arrangements and gifts sent on 14 February. Roses, especially red roses, are the most popular Valentine's Day flower. Holy Chic's selection includes rose arrangements, candles and gift sets, and its red roses range includes heart-shaped designs. Red roses are traditionally associated with romantic love, so they suit a partner more than a colleague.
A vase arrangement is a floral design composed directly in a vase, ready to stand on a table or in an interior. Holy Chic lists a table arrangement of garden flowers in a vase. A hand-tied bouquet is different: you place it in a vase yourself.
Vase life is the length of time a cut flower or cut foliage keeps its appearance in a vase. It varies by flower and by care. Cooler conditions, clean water and flower food help, while heat and ethylene from fruit shorten it.
A venue flip is moving ceremony flowers to the reception, usually during cocktail hour. It lets the same arrangements work twice, but it needs extra labour while guests are at cocktail hour. Ask your florist whether a flip is included and who will carry it out.
Venue styling is the process of designing a venue's look and feel for an event, including florals, lighting, furniture and decor. Holy Chic's event work covers weddings, birthdays and private celebrations in hotels, clubs and restaurants, corporate events and launches, and venue styling. Share the date, venue and the mood you want to start.
A wedding florist is a florist responsible for all the flowers and foliage at a wedding, from the bridal bouquet to ceremony and table arrangements. They know what is in season and which blooms suit the colours, layout and budget, coordinate with other suppliers, and source and transport the flowers. A stylist designs the overall look and a planner coordinates logistics.
White flowers are traditionally associated with purity and innocence in Western flower language. Victorian lists read a white rose as purity or reverence, a white carnation as pure love and a white chrysanthemum as truth. In Chinese culture white is also linked with mourning, so consider the recipient's background before sending an all-white bouquet.
A white rose is traditionally associated with purity, innocence and reverence, and with a new beginning. Some sources add virtue and chastity, and one modern guide links white roses with gratitude for friendship. An all-white arrangement can also read as sympathy, so mix in colour for a celebration.
Who buys flowers: according to US data from the Society of American Florists, 65% of fresh flower purchases are made by women and 35% by men. The same source says 67% of fresh flowers are bought as gifts, and birthdays and anniversaries are the top occasions. These are American figures and may differ in Manila.
Women's Day flowers are bouquets, baskets and gifts sent for International Women's Day, observed on 8 March. International Women's Day is a global call for equal rights and justice for women and girls. Holy Chic's selection includes bouquets, baskets and gifts chosen for the day. If you are ordering for a team, Holy Chic accepts bulk and corporate orders and prepares a custom quote.
Wrapping is the paper or other covering a florist gathers around a bouquet to present and carry it. Holy Chic listings name the wrap as part of the bouquet: round wrapping, minimalist wrapping and an unusual wrap.
Yellow flowers are today associated with friendship and cheer, though Victorian lists gave some yellow flowers harsher meanings such as jealousy. A yellow tulip stood for sunshine in your smile and a yellow lily for happiness, while a yellow carnation meant disappointment. Because the meanings are mixed, a short card message keeps the cheerful sense clear.
A yellow rose is today associated with friendship and joy, though some Victorian lists read it as jealousy. Sources disagree on the older meaning, so the Victorian reading is best treated as one tradition among several. Modern guides treat yellow roses as a friendly colour that suits thanks and friendship rather than romance.
Same-day delivery across Metro Manila for orders placed before 3 PM.
About Holy Chic
We make every bouquet ourselves in Makati and deliver across Metro Manila, Pampanga and Batangas, daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Orders are accepted 24/7, orders placed before 3 PM can arrive the same day in Metro Manila, and you can also pick up in Makati.
We also decorate and organize events: weddings, birthdays and private celebrations in hotels, clubs and restaurants, plus corporate events and launches.
