In today's frenetic world, saying it with flowers is no longer a walk in the park. Flower business is tricky with seasons, longevity, time, place, weather and tastes, ruling the terms. Florists are fast becoming important service providers in a mercurial, niche market. If you are tongue-tied by emotion or an occasion, seek a florist well versed in floriography or the language of flowers, to articulate it best. They can brilliantly bouquet your feelings, tag a well-worded enclosure card and deliver with panache. Putting together highly personalized object d'arts, florists cater to individual needs as well as corporate events, private functions, school and college ceremonies or public extravaganzas.

Choosing the right florist can be tough. Check with friends, family, church, local yellow pages, floral guides or website recommendations to select the right person. Whether florists operate from homes, stores, supermarkets, garden supply stores or through on-line brokers, word-of-mouth recommendations are the safest bet. Out-of-city deliveries mean that your florist must be part of a floral wire service or national affiliation that makes for easy networking.

Decide on the budget and then customize the selection. If the basket must be delivered, provide the name, address and contact telephone number, as well as the best time it needs to be dropped off. Give the florist at least a few days' prior notice and remember to sign the personal card that goes with it.

For busy individuals, flower delivery via telephonic orders is an easy option. But spell out choices on color, single type or mixed flower arrangement and offer the same information on the recipient that you would do at the store. Payment can be by any major credit card or through an in-house account.

For big events, flower delivery orders must be placed at least a month in advance to enable the florist schedule order-supply-delivery and set-up time. Especially if it is the holiday season, flower delivery can be fraught with hits and misses. Provide all the information about the location, purpose and scope of the event, so that the final delivery is top notch. And ensure your contract spells it all out, including taboo flowers, second choices, rental, delivery, set-up costs, payment schedule, cancellation or refund clauses.

Let that spontaneous gesture of love and attention be an indelible one-affirm it with flowers and remain a delightful forget-me-not.