Tipping for flower delivery is optional in Canada, and nobody should feel obliged. If the recipient or sender wants to thank the driver, $5 to $10 is a common, generous gesture, with a little more for very large orders, heavy or awkward items, or deliveries made in a snowstorm.
Below we explain who usually tips, how the delivery fee differs from a tip, and the etiquette for the situations people ask about most.
Is a tip expected for flower delivery?
No. Unlike restaurant service, florist delivery has no strong tipping custom in Canada. The person who receives the flowers did not order them, so they are not expected to pay anything at the door. A warm "thank you" is perfectly fine. That said, a small tip is always appreciated, especially when a driver has carried something heavy up several flights of stairs or navigated icy Ottawa side streets in January.
The delivery fee is not a tip
When you order online, the delivery fee covers the cost of getting the gift from the florist to the door: the driver's time, the vehicle and the distance. It is not a gratuity. At Lux Berry & Bloom, delivery is priced by distance from our studio in Carp, near Kanata, and the exact fee is shown at checkout:
| Distance from our studio | Delivery fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 10 km | $10 |
| Up to 20 km | $20 |
| Up to 30 km | $30 |
| Up to 40 km | $40 |
| Up to 55 km | $55 |
For addresses farther than 55 km, contact us first. Learn more in our guide to how much flower delivery costs in Ottawa.
Common tipping situations
- You are the recipient at home: no tip is needed. If you want to, $5 is a kind gesture.
- A large or heavy order: a big arrangement, several balloons or multiple boxes can take two trips. $10 or more is a nice thank-you.
- Bad weather: deliveries during a snowstorm, freezing rain or a heat wave are harder work. Many people tip a bit more.
- Holiday rushes: Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the busiest days of the year for florists. A small tip on those days is appreciated.
- Office or hospital deliveries: reception staff usually sign for the gift, and no tip is expected.
What about tipping the florist?
Tipping the florist who designs your order is not customary for everyday bouquets. For large custom work such as wedding flowers, some couples give a thank-you note, a review or a small gift to the team, but it is entirely optional. The most useful thing you can do is give clear instructions: the recipient's name, a working phone number, buzzer codes and unit numbers. That saves the driver time and gets your gift there faster.
Tips for a smooth delivery in Ottawa
- Include the recipient's phone number so the driver can reach them.
- For condos and apartments, add the buzzer code and unit number.
- In winter, choose a time when someone is home. Fresh flowers should not sit outside in freezing temperatures.
- For same-day orders, order early in the day and call or text 819-208-3034 to confirm afternoon or custom orders.
- Prefer to skip delivery? Local pickup in Carp, near Kanata is available at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip flower delivery drivers in Canada?
It is optional. Many people do not tip, and that is fine. If you want to, $5 to $10 is common.
Should the recipient tip for flowers?
No. The recipient is not expected to tip, since the sender already paid for the gift and delivery.
Is the delivery fee a tip?
No. The delivery fee covers the cost of the delivery itself. At Lux Berry & Bloom it is priced by distance and shown at checkout.
Should I tip more in winter?
It is a kind gesture during snowstorms or icy conditions, but still optional.
Related reading
Send something beautiful today
Same-day delivery on many arrangements across Ottawa. Questions or custom requests? Call or text us.
Studio and pickup: 71 Wingover Private, Carp, ON K0A 1L0. Delivery up to 55 km; farther away, request a delivery price.