Graduation flowers: ideas for the big day

What to look for

This is a happy day, so choose colour and energy over restraint. If you plan to send flowers to the party or the family home, think bright, uplifting and a bit generous. Dark, moody palettes belong to other occasions.

Sunflowers

For a lot of Australian students, finishing school coincides with the start of summer, and sunflowers fit that mood perfectly. Big, yellow and hard to ignore, they photograph well in the post-ceremony pictures. Blue delphinium or orange gerbera next to them adds contrast.

Gerberas

A mixed gerbera bunch in orange, yellow, hot pink and red is about as cheerful as flowers get. They stand up straight in a vase and usually last well, which helps if the bunch has to sit through a long afternoon of speeches and photos.

Tulips

Tulips are a spring flower, so they tend to be easiest to find for ceremonies held in the cooler months. Yellow and orange ones feel light and optimistic, and they are an easy gift from friends.

Pink roses

Want something that feels a touch more grown-up? Pink roses convey admiration and pride, and suit parents and grandparents who want to say "we are so proud of you". You can order flowers online and have them delivered to the venue or the house.

Something native

If the graduate loves the outdoors or is heading overseas, a bunch with kangaroo paw, banksia or wax flower is a distinctly Australian keepsake. Ask the florist what is available locally.

Making it work on the day

• Think about carrying: a large bunch is lovely at the party but awkward to hold in a gown on a crowded lawn. For the ceremony itself, a smaller posy is easier.
• Check where to send: universities and schools often run several ceremonies, so confirm the venue, or send to the family home or party instead.
• Mind the heat: in summer, flowers left in a car or in direct sun wilt quickly. Plan to get them into water soon after they arrive.
• Pick their favourites: if you know a preferred colour, use it, or match the faculty or school colours.
• Add a little extra: a card with a handwritten note means more than the biggest bunch.

Finishing school and finishing uni

Year 12 results and ceremonies cluster towards the end of the year, while university and TAFE graduations are held at different times depending on the institution. Either way, it is a milestone worth marking, and flowers are a long-standing part of the celebration. Our guide to sending flowers explains how to pick the right delivery day, and the language of flowers can help you choose a meaningful bloom.

Ready to order? Browse flowers online and choose a day that suits the celebration.