Florists and growers who ship flowers
Online florists send bouquets by courier to customers in other towns. Flower farms ship direct to buyers and to event planners. Dried and preserved flower studios ship across the country.
Each has the same problem. Flowers have no rigid shape, so the box has to give them one. Without support, stems bend and blooms rub against the lid.
Wedding and event suppliers order these too. Their boxes carry bundles of stems, buttonholes or table arrangements that must arrive ready to use.
Subscription flower services are a growing group. They ship a fresh bunch every week or month, so they need a box that packs the same way every time.
Long box or square box
A long box holds a hand-tied bouquet lying down, with stems toward one end. It is the classic flower box shape and suits most fresh bouquets.
A square or upright box holds an arrangement standing in a vase, pot or foam base. It keeps the design upright so nothing gets flattened.
Dried and preserved flowers often go in a shallower long box. Their stems are brittle, so they need to lie flat with gentle support rather than stand.
If you sell both styles, keep the artwork the same across shapes. Customers then recognize your shop whether the flowers arrive lying down or standing up.
Browse our shipping and subscription box range to see how other brands run two box shapes side by side.
Box style by flower type
Use this table to match your product to a box shape and support. We finalize the size once we know your arrangement dimensions.
For mixed orders, such as a bouquet with a small gift, ask for a side pocket in the insert. It keeps the gift from rolling into the petals.
| Product | Box shape | Support inside |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-tied fresh bouquet | Long box | Stem holder at one end |
| Arrangement in a vase | Square upright box | Vase cradle at the base |
| Potted plant or orchid | Square upright box | Pot collar insert |
| Dried flower bunch | Shallow long box | Tissue and a stem strap |
| Bundle of wholesale stems | Long box, deeper build | Corrugated divider |
Holding stems and vases still
The most important part of a flower box is the insert. A corrugated stem holder grips the bouquet near the binding point so it cannot slide toward the lid.
For vase arrangements, a cradle holds the vase at the base and sometimes at the neck. The vase stays upright even if the box is tipped.
Water is the florist's job, not the box's. Most florists wrap stems with a water source sealed in a bag before packing. Keep that pack inside the stem holder so it stays upright.
Our page on boxes with fitted inserts shows how cradles and holders are cut from corrugated board.
Test the holder with your heaviest bouquet before ordering a full run. Large blooms like peonies and hydrangeas weigh more than they look.
Choosing board for a light but fragile load
Flowers are light, but the box often travels in a courier van with heavier parcels. E-flute corrugated suits most bouquets and keeps the box easy to carry.
Choose B-flute for vase arrangements and potted plants. The added flute height protects glass and ceramic, and it resists crushing when other parcels lean on it.
Corrugated board takes on moisture, so do not rely on the box itself to hold water. Keep the water source sealed, and the board stays dry and strong.
Kraft liner hides water marks from wet hands at the packing bench better than white. That keeps boxes presentable during a busy shift.
Packing a fresh bouquet for courier delivery
A consistent packing routine reduces damage and complaints. These are the steps florists follow with our long boxes.
Pack the same way every time, even on quiet days. Habits formed on quiet days hold up when the shop is busy before a peak date.
- Condition the stems and add a sealed water source.
- Wrap the bouquet head in tissue to protect petals.
- Lay the bouquet in the box with stems at the holder end.
- Fasten the stem holder around the binding point.
- Add the care card where it is seen first.
- Close the lid and mark which side is up.
- Hand over to the courier as late as possible.
What to put in the box with the flowers
A flower box should tell the recipient how to keep the flowers fresh. Print it inside the lid or on a card in the box. These are the details florists include most:
Leave space on the card for a handwritten message. Recipients value a personal note far more than a printed one.
- Trim stems at an angle before placing in water
- Change the water every few days
- Keep away from direct sun and fruit bowls
- Remove leaves below the waterline
- Your shop name and how to order again
Branding a box that is also a gift
The recipient often did not order the flowers. The box is their first contact with your shop, so the outside should look like a gift as well as a carrier.
Many florists print one or two colors on kraft for a natural look. White liner with full-color print suits brands with bright floral artwork.
Inside print turns the lid into a card. A short message area, your logo and care steps make the opening feel complete.
Our box printing and finishing guide explains white ink, inside print and coatings for corrugated board.
Place the logo where it shows when the box is carried, usually on the long side panels. The top panel is often hidden under the courier label.
Ordering ahead of peak flower dates
Flower orders spike around a few key dates each year. Boxes need to be on your shelf before the rush starts, not during it.
Plan for proofs, then 4–6 business days of production after approval and 2–3 business days of shipping to your studio. Leave a margin on top in case you want a second proof round.
Many florists order a seasonal print for peak dates. Our holiday mailer box designs show how brands change artwork for a season.
Track how many boxes you used in last year's busiest week. That number is a better guide than a guess when you set the order size.
Larger arrangements and wholesale stems
Event pieces and wholesale bundles need longer or deeper boxes. Tell us the full size, including any foliage that sticks out past the flowers.
For bigger orders, a deeper build with dividers keeps bunches from crushing each other. Our general custom shipping boxes cover more sizes if your flowers need a larger carton.
Store flat boxes in a dry spot away from the cold room. Damp board weakens quickly near misting systems and wet floors.
Mark the box with this side up on at least two panels. Couriers then see it whichever way the box is turned.
Getting a flower box quoted
Send your bouquet or arrangement size and say whether it ships lying down or upright. We design the box and insert and send a free digital proof.
Revisions are unlimited, and design help costs nothing. Shipping to the US, UK, Canada and Australia is free.
Flower shipping boxes start from $0.30 per unit, and the final price depends on size, board, inserts and print. Questions about a tricky arrangement? Reach us on our florist packaging contact page.
A photo of a packed bouquet beside a tape measure helps us size the box. It shows the real spread of the blooms, which drawings often miss.
