The history of corporate flowers can be traced back to ancient times when blooms symbolized wealth and power. In ancient Egypt, for example, flower garlands adorned the tombs of pharaohs and other significant figures. Similarly, the ancient Greeks and Romans used floral wreaths to honor victorious athletes and military leaders. As a matter of fact, the tradition of giving flowers as gifts evolved over time. And today, it has become an integral part of corporate culture.
From the ancient civilizations of Egypt to the modern-day, the art of arranging flowers has evolved and transformed, reflecting the ever-changing tastes and values of different societies. In this article, we will journey through time and explore the fascinating history of floral arrangements.
Evolution of Corporate Floral Gifts
Gardens and flowers have a way of bringing people together, drawing them from their homes.
Clare Ansberry
Ancient Egypt is often regarded as the birthplace of floral arrangements. At that time, the Egyptians believed in the spiritual significance of flowers and used them to honor gods and ensure a bountiful afterlife. In those times, tombs and burial sites often contained floral decorations. In the opinion of ancient people, such a decore brought comfort and beauty to the deceased. People made intricate wreaths and garlands using flowers like lotus, lilies, and roses, which held great symbolism and were connected to deities and significant rituals.
Flower arrangements during the Renaissance period in Europe took on an ornate form. Moreover, each flower carried a meaning, allowing people to express themselves subtly and elegantly through bouquets coded with hidden messages. For instance, red roses symbolized love and passion, while white roses and lilies together represented purity and innocence.
The Transition from Transactional Business Relationships to Stronger Relationships
In the early days of commerce, business relationships were primarily transactional. However, the need to foster stronger relationships with clients and partners became evident as businesses grew. This led to the rise of corporate gifting, including the giving of floral arrangements, making this an invigorating chapter in the history of corporate flowers.
Due to the Industrial Revolution, the corporate world underwent significant changes during the 19th century. As companies grew and competition increased, there was a greater emphasis on building and maintaining positive relationships with customers and employees. This led to recognizing the importance of appreciation gestures, such as floral gifts, in strengthening these relationships. It could be said that this is where the history of corporate flowers started to bloom!
The Victorian days saw a significant rise in the popularity of flowers and floral arrangements. The Victorians developed elaborate flower arrangements called “parterre de broderie.” They mimicked the intricacies and patterns of embroidery. These bloom arrangements were a form of art. People often decorated their gardens with them. For instance, they used them as table centerpieces. Flowers played a central role in Victorian social etiquette. Different flowers carry specific meanings and connotations. A gift of flowers was often a declaration of love or a subtle rejection, depending on the type and arrangement of the blooms.
Experiments with Corporate Flowers
During the early 20th century, giving corporate flowers as a gift became a popular tradition in the US. Companies give flowers to clients and partners to express gratitude and leave a lasting impression. Most companies preferred to give traditional arrangements such as roses or lilies, symbolizing love and purity.
In the early 20th century, the art of floral arrangements underwent a radical transformation, thanks to the Japanese influence on Western culture. Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, emphasizes the balance between the natural and the artificial, creating arrangements that evoke a sense of harmony and tranquility. Unlike traditional floral arrangements that focused on visual appeal, Ikebana sought to capture the essence of the flowers, using space and asymmetry to create a poetic and mindful composition.
As the floral industry expanded, new varieties of flowers became available. For that reason, businesses began to experiment with different floral arrangements. They started considering the recipient’s preferences and choosing flowers representing their brand or values.
Corporate Flowers and Expression of Gratitude
As communication technology advanced, businesses collaborated with professional floral designers to craft personalized floral gifts that reflect their brand image, often featuring the recipient’s name or company logo.
In addition to fostering stronger client and partner relationships, companies also recognized the importance of employee appreciation. During the mid-20th century, organizations began to create employee recognition programs to boost morale and loyalty. By the way, floral gifts often accompany these programs as a tangible and meaningful way to express appreciation for employees’ hard work and dedication. You can read our previous article about flowers as a reward for employees here.
Evolving Practices of Corporate Flowers Gifting
Nowadays, corporate gifts of flowers have expanded beyond traditional blooms. Sustainable and eco-friendly options like potted plants or dried flower bouquets are now embraced. This shift demonstrates an increasing awareness of environmental responsibility and a desire to align corporate gifting practices with sustainability values.
As we have noted, the impact of corporate floral gifts extends beyond the recipient, positively affecting a company’s reputation and image. Clients who receive a thoughtful and personalized floral gift are more likely to associate the company with professionalism, care, and attention to detail. Similarly, employees getting floral gifts feel valued and appreciated. In its turn, it leads to increased job satisfaction and loyalty.
By the way, you may read about corporate flower delivery trends as an effective tool for solving many business multiple tasks in our previous post here.
In conclusion, this history of corporate flowers as gifts is deeply rooted in ancient civilizations. And it has become an integral part of corporate culture over time.
While the practice initially focused on building relationships with clients and partners, it has expanded to include employee appreciation and corporate wellness programs. Today, the choice of floral gifts is diverse and includes custom arrangements that reflect a company’s brand image.
At the present time, as businesses continue to recognize the importance of building and maintaining sustainable connections, the tradition of corporate floral gifts remains a valuable tool for these goals. Moreover, it is a perfect tool for fostering stronger relationships.
Our experts offer a wide selection of high-quality arrangements. Furthermore, you can strengthen business relationships and enhance workspaces with corporate flowers today.
Good Choice Flowers is the ideal choice for companies aiming to build and maintain sustainable connections. And now:
- Browse our catalog and collect appropriate bouquets or contact us for more information;
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Born in Nalchik in 1966, graduated with a major in English Lit, and working as a school teacher since 1990. My interests are diverse: music, good literature, and computer technology at the user level. I like to try new things, and I bring what I started to its logical conclusion. Oh! And I do love my pets! I’m already 54 and I still believe in miracles and hobbits with elves and Gandalf. I myself am a bit of an adventuress like a hobbit, and I love mushrooms, too, like they do.