Flowers from a Florist vs. the Grocery Store: What’s the Real Difference?
As professional florists, one of the most common questions we get is, “Are florist flowers really that different from grocery store flowers?”
The short answer? Yes — and in more ways than most people realize.
At Kim Starr Wise Floral Events, we believe in not only providing beautiful blooms but also helping our customers understand the value behind them.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what sets florist flowers apart.
🌿 Quality from the Ground Up
We work directly with premium growers all over the world who specialize in cultivating flowers for longevity, fragrance, and beauty. These aren’t bulk-harvested blooms picked just for fast turnover; they’re carefully selected, packed, and handled with intention.
The growers we work with in Chile, South Africa, and Kenya are the best in their field (pun intended), and working with them ensures the best and brightest blooms.
Grocery store flowers are often mass-produced, shipped long distances, and sit in boxes or buckets for days before hitting the shelves. By the time they’re in your cart, they’ve already lost much of their vase life.
✂️ Handled with Care – Every Step of the Way
With us, flowers don’t just arrive and sit. We rehydrate them properly, give each stem a fresh cut, and condition them to ensure they open beautifully and last longer. Our team monitors temperature, hydration, and even stem angle because that’s what it takes to get the best performance out of each bloom.
At grocery stores, floral departments often lack staff to properly process or care for flowers. That means bruised petals, bent stems, or blooms that fade too soon.
💐 Design Matters
Let’s talk design. Our arrangements aren’t just “put together,” they’re created. We blend color, texture, balance, and proportion to craft personal and unique bouquets and arrangements. Whether it’s a romantic hand-tied bouquet or a statement centerpiece, each piece is made to fit the moment.
Grocery bouquets are generally pre-packaged and generic. You’ll see the same combinations over and over. While these combinations might be convenient, they lack the artistry and depth that a florist brings to the design.
🕊️ Personal Service You Can Trust
When you work with The Flower Shop NOLA and Kim Starr Wise Floral Events, you’re not just buying flowers, you’re working with real people who care. We ask questions, make recommendations, and help you create something meaningful, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, expressing sympathy, or just saying, “I’m thinking of you.”
Being able to select specific colors and blooms based on the person you’re buying for makes all the difference.
💧 Longer Vase Life = Better Value
While florist flowers may cost a little more upfront, they last significantly longer. That means you get more enjoyment and more value out of every stem.
Many of our customers tell us our arrangements last a week or longer with proper care. In contrast, it’s not uncommon for grocery store bouquets to start wilting after just a few days.
🌸 The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, flowers aren’t just a product; they’re a gesture, a feeling, and a living thing.
When you choose a professional florist, you’re choosing quality, artistry, and care that shows. We pour passion into every petal, and we think that’s something worth investing in.
So the next time you’re deciding between the floral aisle and the flower shop, remember: you’re not just buying blooms. You’re buying beauty, longevity, and a little touch of magic that only a florist can provide.
Want to see the difference for yourself?
Stop by The Flower Shop NOLA, or explore our custom arrangements online. We’d love to help you bring your floral vision to life.
Ready to talk flowers?
📞 Call us: (504) 315-5607
📧 Email: theflowershop@kimstarrwise.com
