So what happens in Switzerland? Never even thought of this before. The number of replies will show how bored you all are today
As if I have nothing better to do, I thought I would share a trivial but sort of interesting thing I learned today. I was in a group of German/French people and they mentioned that when you are invited somewhere and bring flowers in Germany - you have to take the paper off before giving them. In France, you leave it on - usually someone in the florists has spent ages making it pretty. One florist tried to offer without plastic wrapping to make it more environmentally friendly, but customers didn't like it so she had to revert to plastic.
Long ago I attended one of those 'intro to Switzerland' seminars - the advice given was always unwrap before presenting flowers, and always give an odd number of blooms. The presenter went on and on about this, as if presenting still-wrapped flowers would damn one to the 7th level of social hell.
I asked my (20-something) neighborhood florist about that (as she was carefully wrapping my flowers, tying the package with a beautiful bow) and she said: 'Quatsch!'
To play it safe, if the recipient is not someone I know quite well... I give chocolate and wine.
At this time of year, I would expect it to be wrapped at least once or preferably twice.
My (Swiss) in-laws always give them wrapped.
Now I'm wondering if I'm being surreptitiously insulted?
It is simple:
Wrapped flowers - The norm.
Unwrapped flower - It is a hint to the host to do the same. (12 red roses are commonly used in that case @}--'--,--- )
I learn't that in Germany you unwrap them in front of the recipient, so as to see the surprised look on their face. However today I think it doesn't matter any more. Most ladies are on a diet and prefer flowers to calories. A small flowering plant is also very acceptable.
These days flowers often seem to be wrapped in transparent cellophane paper, so there's no real need to unwrap them before offering them.
I've also heard about the odd numbers and that's usually the case for prepared bunches.
I love that kind of threads! As a Swiss person myself, I'm always amazed to discover where traps can lay for foreigners! Including some, like this one, I never ever thought about!
To answer your question, in our parts (Romandie) it is perfectly normal to offer your flowers still wrapped. It wouldn't cross my mind to unwrap them before offering. A bit like unwrapping a present myself before giving it!
And yes, an odd number of blooms is a prerequisite. It's bad luck otherwise. Oh, and avoid 13 roses for the same reason!
i'd have the florist wrap the bouquet in light brown wrapping paper / tissue paper instead of plastic. and i'd let the recipient unwrap them themselves