Flowers in vase

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FRESH FLOWERS: AVOID THE HOLIDAY RUSH
Sending a floral bouquet for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or another holiday? Order at least a week beforehand, and have it delivered two to three days early to avoid the holiday markup—typically 10 to 20 percent. During nonholiday weeks, shop on Tuesdays, often the slowest sales day of the week.

Also be sure to ask the florist to make a bouquet using whatever flowers are in season. "As with produce, you'll get the best deal on what's growing now and it will also be the best quality," says Berry.