Whether it's mobile phones or mushy peas, more and more of us are opting to go online to buy whatever it is we're looking for. It's even true these days when it comes to buying flowers. If you want to bring a smile to someone's face by sending them a bouquet on a special occasion, or if you're simply looking for something to help you freshen up your home, going online helps you do it quickly and conveniently.

With so much choice and many different retailers on the Internet, it begs the question of what the best approach for you will be. You can of course get a good arrangement at a lower price by going to your local florist in person.

They will usually be able to offer much more of a personalised service, whereas if you visit a website you'll benefit from the convenience and reliability of a potentially global network.

By visiting your local trader you'll have the advantage of seeing with your own eyes their range of flowers in all their glory. They can give you a price directly, and that is what it will cost you for the flowers you want. Buying flowers online however can be more complicated in this respect: they may source their goods from independent florists, and so the prices they give you and their availability may well vary.

Of course, the price adds up quickly when you buy your flowers on the Internet. This is because of the added costs of processing your order and passing it on to the florists to complete. This inevitably will raise the cost of the service, leaving you with less to spend on your flowers.

For a slightly lower price you may find that you can go directly to your florist and not only buy the flowers you want but also seek their help and advice as to what type of flowers would be best for your purposes, whether you're seeking a display for your home or a bouquet to give as a gift.

Nonetheless, more and more people are making use of the services available online, as has been shown by the marked rise in Internet flower trading. With the delivery services they provide, online retailers offer you a convenient option.

As long as you find a firm ? whether online or in your local area ? which is able to provide quick, professional service and who will offer you a wide range from which to choose, you're sure to find something that will be perfect.

Maricruz Tennill is a freelance writer based in Bristol. They recommend Interflora for florists in Bristol.