Say it with flowers

Red roses are a popular Valentine's Day gift.

"I think most people want something different, but guys don't know how to order flowers,' " said Jeremy Trentelman. "Roses are great. Red roses are, in my opinion ... kind of played out."

Trentelman, a floral designer at Ogden's Olive & Dahlia, is the current Designer of the Year, by vote of the Utah Professional Florist's Association.

He offers these tips for giving flowers:

Types of flowers

Trentelman says a person with contemporary tastes is more likely to enjoy alternatives to roses, such as orchids, lilies, tulips or tropicals.

"Tulips," he said, "are a declaration of love." That's the flower's traditional meaning.

The argument for tropical flowers? "Most tropical flowers do not carry scent; they don't have the pollen to agitate you," he said.

Color and style

"You can come up with something that's completely unique and individual, and still utilize roses," Trentelman said.

For example, roses may come in your love's favorite color, and some are dual-toned, such as yellow with red tips. You can also mix roses with other flowers.

Consider a contemporary design, with structured placement of flowers instead of a big mass.

Arrangements for men

It's a common misconception that men don't like flowers, said Trentelman.

Traditionally, he says, men like vibrant colors, such as dark red, oranges and yellows. And most prefer contemporary, angular lines to a vase full of soft, fluffy textures.

Ordering

When possible, order directly from a local florist.

"Online, you have dozens of order gatherers. ... You call them, they take the order, and then they generally take between 20 and 40 percent right off the top as their fee," Trentelman said. "They'll send that order to a local flower shop, minus that 20 to 40 percent."

If you're not sure you're working directly with a local florist, he suggests, click the contact information to look for a physical address. If you call, notice if they stumble or stall before providing a local address.

Trentelman says some national online and phone-based companies deliver loose flowers and a vase in a box -- the recipient has to make the arrangement.

Delivery

Valentine's Day is on Sunday, so ask when your flowers will be delivered. Consider Friday delivery, to your love's workplace.

"A lot of women love to show their flowers off to their friends," Trentelman said.

A lasting gift

To keep flowers fresh (except tropicals), add one or two ice cubes to the water each day.

"It cools the temperature down, and the flowers live in an almost dormant state," Trentelman said.