A florist is typically more expensive, and the reason is that they are a professional and your flower arrangement will be carefully created by them. Many grocery store bouquets are little more than six or so of the same flower in cellophane.

A local florist means you're buying directly from the source. So you won't pay the added markup that comes with ordering online. The markup is the difference between what retailers pay the florist for the flowers and what they charge customers. So you'll skip this when buying locally and get a better deal.

Though not mandatory, flower deliveries may warrant a $5 to $10 tip for average-sized bouquets, plants, and arrangements. If they're bringing multiple arrangements, large plants, or other difficult-to-carry items, the tip should be around $10 to $20 depending on the total cost of the order.

You can ask your local florist when they restock and then check the evening prior to the restock for discount sales, most florists will be happy to make at least some money out of older blooms. Leftover flowers are sometimes distributed to hospitals and care homes.