UrbanStems vs. 1-800-Flowers: Which Flower Delivery Service is Worth Your Money? 

I don’t know about you, but when sending flowers, I want something that looks stunning, lasts more than two days, and arrives on time.

I’ve been on a quest recently to find the best flower delivery services, and I’m trying to really consider that what works best for me might not work best for everyone. I might love a boutique delivery service, but someone else might just want something fast and familiar.

I decided to compare my current fav, UrbanStems, with the O.G. flower delivery service, 1-800-Flowers, to see how they stack up on quality, speed, and value. I compared everything—from bouquet freshness to customization and pricing. Here’s how UrbanStems and 1-800-Flowers compare, and how to find the perfect blooms for any occasion.

UrbanStems vs. 1-800-Flowers: The Key Differences

At first glance, UrbanStems and 1-800-Flowers seem like similar flower delivery services. They both have a variety of bouquets, nationwide shipping, and same-day delivery in selected areas. But dig a little deeper, and the differences become clear.

Here’s what sets UrbanStems vs 1-800-Flowers apart:

Flower Selection & Design

When it comes to flower design, UrbanStems and 1-800-Flowers take two very different approaches. 

UrbanStems

UrbanStems feels like a boutique florist, offering modern, stylish arrangements that wouldn’t look out of place in a design magazine. Their bouquets often feature unique blooms like anemones, calla lilies, and veronica, paired with lush greenery for texture and depth. What you see online is exactly what arrives—no unexpected substitutions or filler-heavy designs. 

If you’re looking for a sleek, high-end bouquet that makes a statement, UrbanStems delivers a polished, sophisticated touch every time.

1-800-Flowers

With 1-800-Flowers, selection is the name of the game. They offer hundreds of floral arrangements, from traditional rose bouquets to mixed seasonal blooms. Whether you’re looking for birthday flowers, sympathy arrangements, or even Disney-themed bouquets, they have it all. 

Many of their arrangements come in multiple sizes, with customization options like vase selection, add-ons, and balloon bundles. However, because many bouquets are fulfilled by local florists, the final design can vary from what’s shown online.

My biggest complaint about 1-800-Flowers’ selection is that while the sheer volume of flowers and gifts they offer is impressive, a lot of them feel repetitive or even tired. I’ve seen a lot of these arrangements before, and how many bunches of red roses studded with irises or carnations in the shape of a puppy can you send before you crave something new?

I also feel like they might just have too large of a selection for me. After all the endless scrolling, a lot of the arrangements start to run together in my mind. I can see how a lot of people might appreciate having a ton of options, though. 

Customization & the Gifting Experience

UrbanStems

UrbanStems takes a high-end, boutique-style approach to gifting. Their flowers arrive in a sturdy, well-branded box, ensuring the bouquet stays protected while making the unboxing experience feel polished and elegant..

They offer aesthetic gift add-ons like chic candles, artisanal chocolates, and stylish vases for those who want to add an extra touch, but the main focus is still on the flowers. The attention to detail in each bouquet makes them feel thoughtfully curated, like something you’d get from an upscale florist rather than a mass-market retailer.

1-800-Flowers

1-800-Flowers takes a more varied approach, catering to shoppers who want maximum customization and variety. They offer a massive selection of add-ons, from chocolates and stuffed animals to personalized keepsakes, fruit baskets, and even gourmet food boxes. This makes it a solid choice for those who want an all-in-one gifting experience.

However, the presentation can be inconsistent. Some bouquets arrive fully arranged in a vase, while others are shipped in a box and require the recipient to do the arranging themselves. While this allows for more flexibility, it feels a little less polished compared to UrbanStems’ streamlined, premium approach.

Ordering Process & Ease of Use

Both UrbanStems and 1-800-Flowers make it easy to order flowers online, but their approaches are quite different. 

UrbanStems

I found UrbanStems’ website modern, intuitive, and very easy to navigate. There are no overwhelming menus or excessive choices—just a curated selection of boutique-style arrangements. You can filter by occasion, color, or price, making it a simple, stress-free experience.

At checkout, you’ll see transparent pricing and delivery options upfront. Their streamlined subscription service makes it painless to set up recurring deliveries for yourself or a loved one.

1-800-Flowers

Shopping on 1-800-Flowers feels more like browsing a giant online marketplace. In some ways, it reminds me of Amazon. With hundreds of floral arrangements, plants, and gift baskets, there’s an option for every budget and occasion—but it can be overwhelming if you’re short on time or don’t know what you (or your loved one) want or like.

One advantage? Their partnerships with local florists mean you can often find same-day delivery options in more locations, making them a solid choice for truly last-minute gifts. However, pricing isn’t always transparent, and additional fees can add up quickly at checkout.

Subscription Services: Variety vs. Frequency

A flower subscription is a great way to keep fresh blooms on your table or surprise someone with a recurring gift. However, the experience differs between UrbanStems and 1-800-Flowers.

UrbanStems

• 3 subscription tiers ($60, $75, $105 per delivery)
• Rotating bouquets—each delivery features a different floral design
• Includes free shipping and a vase with the first order
• Easy to manage—skip or pause anytime

UrbanStems offers a curated, high-end subscription experience with fresh, unique bouquets delivered regularly. Every order includes a new arrangement, meaning you won’t receive the same flowers twice. This is perfect for someone who loves variety and surprises.

1-800-Flowers

• Choose a specific bouquet, or let the florist decide
• Flexible frequency—weekly, biweekly, monthly, or every few months
• Discounted pricing for subscription members
• The Celebrations Passport program offers free shipping on all subscriptions

1-800-Flowers offers more flexibility, allowing you to select a recurring bouquet or have them send a surprise arrangement. Their subscription service is also part of their Celebrations Passport program, which gives you free shipping on all orders—a major perk for frequent flower senders. 

Pricing & Value: Boutique vs. Budget-Friendly Options

So, which one gives you the most value for your money?

UrbanStems

• Single bouquets: $50–$90
• Double and triple arrangements: $100–$300
• Subscription savings: Up to 30% off with free shipping
• Delivery fees: $15–$30 depending on location and method

UrbanStems is priced for a luxury gifting experience. While it isn’t the cheapest option, its transparent pricing means no surprises at checkout (the price listed actually corresponds to the arrangement pictured, not a smaller version of that arrangement!) Plugs, its loyalty rewards program provides ongoing discounts for frequent buyers.

1-800-Flowers

• Small bouquets: Start at $30
• Premium/luxury arrangements: $100–$300+
• Gift baskets and bundles: $40–$200
• Subscription plans: Starting at $30/month (pay $20 for the first 12 months) 
• Delivery fees: $3–$45+ (varies by location and delivery method)

If you’re looking for affordable options, you’ll find plenty of choices—but add-ons, shipping fees, and florist handling charges can quickly increase the final cost.

Plus, 1-800-Flowers is guilty of my biggest floral delivery pet peeve (what…doesn’t everyone have a floral delivery pet peeve?) They show a picture of a large or medium-sized arrangement alongside the price for a smaller one. Only when you click on the arrangement do you realize that the one pictured is actually quite a bit pricier. 

When I ordered from 1-800-Flowers, I also had to deselect add-ons like a $5.99 greeting card—like, really guys?

My Experience with UrbanStems and 1-800-Flowers

I ordered bouquets from both companies to test them out. 

UrbanStems

My UrbanStems bouquet was securely packed in a branded box. It arrived incredibly fresh—it’s actually possibly the freshest flower delivery I’ve ever received. It was a little bit thirsty, but the flowers looked like I had just picked them up from a high end florist. 

I loved how textured and cool this bouquet was. It felt more dynamic and elevated than a lot of the ones I’ve seen from other companies. 

1-800-Flowers

I chose the Florist’s Choice arrangement from 1-800-Flowers. It’s an arrangement crafted by a local florist partnering with the company. The florist creates it using whatever flowers are fresh and available, so the flowers and colors used were going to be a total surprise—which I was kind of excited about!

I don’t know why, but I was actually pretty surprised when the arrangement wasn’t delivered in a box. A courrier dropped off my arrangement with some cardboard protecting the vase, but otherwise loose. 

The flowers themselves were gorgeous, even if the colors and arrangement were a little more conventional than the ones from UrbanStems. 

I do wish they had told me what local florist they had partnered with, though. I’m guessing maybe they were worried I would try to cut out the middleman next time. 

Which Flower Delivery Service Blooms Best?

At the end of the day, UrbanStems and 1-800-Flowers cater to different flower lovers. If you want a sleek, boutique-style arrangement with modern designs and premium quality, UrbanStems is the way to go. Their curated selection, transparent pricing, and modern arrangements make them a standout choice for special occasions.

On the other hand, 1-800-Flowers is ideal if you need a wide selection, budget-friendly options, and more add-on customization. With hundreds of floral arrangements, gifts, and international delivery, it’s a one-stop shop for every possible gifting need.

For me, UrbanStems takes the crown. I love their unconventional arrangements and how they make ordering effortless. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of options and questioning every choice, you get a curated selection of high-quality bouquets guaranteed to impress.

And that’s a win for me.

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Lauren Vigdor

Meet Lauren, our resident connoisseur of all things luxurious and exclusive. A culinary enthusiast at heart, Lauren relishes the opportunity to test the latest meal delivery boxes right in her own kitchen.
Lauren is also a bona fide mixologist, bringing her professional bartending skills to the table as one of our resident drink testers. In Lauren's world, life is a celebration, and her home is the party hub.

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