When you walk into a Florist, or click onto a website selling floral arrangements, the choice can often be staggering. Roses, Lilies, Orchids, in every possible shade of red, yellow, pink, blue ? deciding what will suit your needs can seem almost impossible. Here is a quick guide to choosing the perfect flowers to suit whatever occasion.

Colours: Different colours carry different connotations, personalising your bouquet by making sure the colour matches the occasion can help you make your gift truly thoughtful and personal. Some of these connections are fairly obvious ? white, for example, symbolises purity, but others can be more complicated.

Blue flowers are supposed to be peaceful and calming, meaning that if your recipient is stressed they might be a good option. If, however, you're sending flowers to celebrate something warm rich colours like orange or yellow might be a better choice. If you're sending someone a get-well bouquets green flowers are the perfect choice, as they symbolise good health.

Types of Flower: Just as with colour, different types of flower denote different things. Roses are one of the most powerful examples of this: it's hard to look at them without immediately thinking of passion and romance. There are other, more unusual associations ? Carnations denote not only love but happiness, meaning they can make great wedding presents.

If you're celebrating a new baby then spring flowers ? forget-me-nots, sweet peas, violets ? are a great way to suggest new life. If, however, the flowers you are looking for are one of condolence then Lilies might be a good option ? white is the traditional choice, though pink and orange can also be considered.

Mother's Day: If you're stuck on what to buy your mother then you can't go far wrong with spring flowers ? Daffodils or Tulips are particularly good options. Alternatively, take advantage of the personalised bouquets some florists and websites will help you compile so that you can have all her favourites.

Weddings: Though some people think winter weddings are limited in terms of flowers, there are in fact many options available. Tulips, Amaryllis or Cymbidium Orchids are some particularly beautiful options; people who want to make the most of the season could also try weaving in some ivy or holly. If these options don't attract then Flowers like Roses, Anthuriums and Gerbaras are in season all-year round.

When choosing wedding flowers it's particularly important to think about exactly what and where you'll be decorating. Some people choose to flood the whole Church and venue with gorgeous arrangements; others prefer to keep it more understated with just a few bouquets and head pieces. Regardless of which option you chose, simplicity is often the best option ? too many colours, or different types of flowers, will not only drastically increase cost but could also make your venue look cluttered.

Maricruz Tennill is a freelance writer and horicultural expert. They recommend Interflora for flowers Cambridge.