Sweet show of love: Ann showing flower bouquets for Mothers Day at her shop in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: You can’t go wrong with a bouquet of carnations for Mothers Day.
While carnations remain the most popular choice for this celebration, a florist who wished to be known as Ann said some customers had ordered flowers made with bank notes for their mothers.
“This has been trending now but we had to stop taking more orders as turning bank notes into flowers can be time consuming,” she said yesterday.
Ann added that orders for flowers had surged this week, with a stalk or bouquet priced between RM10 and RM500, depending on one’s budget.
She said they started stocking up and packing bouquets for the big day this Sunday.
“Some customers just want a single stalk of flower and we understand that it’s the thought that counts.
“Others requested for the flowers to be delivered to restaurants where the family will be gathering for dinner to surprise the mothers,” said Ann, who operates from her shop here.
Fellow florist Alex Yong, 37, said orders for Mothers Day had always been a last-minute deal for most customers.
“We are used to the rush as many customers only place their orders about three days before Mothers Day.
“To keep it simple, we offer several options with the price averaging at RM160.
“A bouquet usually contains 12 to 14 stalks of carnations that symbolise love and gratitude.
“Some customers include gifts for us to deliver along with the flowers to surprise their mothers, even though they live nearby,” he said.
The celebration of Mothers Day would not be complete without good food.
Penang Koosoo Kwong Choon Tong Restaurant and Tea Shop Association chairman Vinah Yee said many families started celebrating Mothers Day since the Labour Day and Wesak Day holidays in early May.
“As it is more of a personalised family event, many prefer to avoid the crowds.
“Large families of two to three tables usually take up meal packages that include extra decorations, wine and desserts.
“But for smaller families who cannot fill all the seats at a table, they prefer to order a la carte with a focus on their mothers’ favourite dishes.
“At least one luxury dish is included for multi-course meals such as ‘Buddha Jumps Over the Wall’, Peking duck or shark fin soup.
“Most restaurants are fully booked for dinners on weekends as we are receiving between 20% and 30% more customers than last year’s celebration,” she said.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chapter chairman Tony Goh said many hotels received overwhelming responses for their Mothers Day promotions.
“Many hotels are fully booked for their buffet night on the eve of Mothers Day and buffet lunch on the actual day,” he said.
