Stem to Success

How to Set Up Birthday and Anniversary Reminders That Drive Easy Repeat Orders

Some florists chase every order.
Smart florists make orders come back automatically.
One of the easiest ways to create repeat sales?
Set up birthday and anniversary reminders that do the follow-up for you.
Here’s how to collect the right data, automate your messages, and make customers feel like you remembered them personally — even if it’s all running in the background.

Step 1: Collect the Right Dates (Without Being Pushy)

🎂 What you need:
  • Recipient’s birthday
  • Customer’s anniversary (or their recipient’s)
  • Optional: wedding date, baby due date, move-in date
📍 Where to collect:
  • During checkout (“Want to save a birthday for next year?”)
  • In post-purchase emails (“Add a birthday, get a reminder + discount”)
  • Via WhatsApp/SMS (“Save the date — we’ll remind you when it’s time to send flowers again”)
  • In-store sign-up (with tablet or printed QR code)
📦 Pro tip: Offer a perk like 10% off next time for saved dates.

Step 2: Choose Your Automation Channels

💌 Email — Works great for advance reminders, soft nudges, and pre-written discounts
📱 SMS / WhatsApp — Perfect for last-minute urgency: “Don’t forget her birthday tomorrow!”
🌸 Combine both:
  • Email 5–7 days before
  • Text 1 day before
✅ Recommended tools: Klaviyo, Mailchimp, Postscript, WhatsApp Business, or even Google Sheets + Zapier if you're scrappy.

Step 3: Create the Actual Reminder Flow

Timing:
  • Email: 5 days before
  • SMS: 1–2 days before
  • (Optional): Follow-up 3 days after if they didn’t buy
Email Subject Lines:
  • “It’s almost time…”
  • “You saved this date last year 👀”
  • “Want to send flowers again for Sarah’s birthday?”
SMS Copy:
“Hey! Just a heads-up — it’s Sarah’s birthday this week 🌸 Want us to deliver something special again? Tap here to order → [link]”
Make it feel human, not robotic. Reference past orders if possible:
“Last year, you sent her our 'Pink Peony Dream' — want to do the same, or try something new?”

Step 4: Link to Pre-Filled Pages or Bundles

Make it easy for them to complete the order in under a minute:
  • Link to a pre-built product page with date, name, and delivery location prefilled
  • Offer bundles like “Birthday Classic” or “Anniversary Luxe”
  • Include options for quick add-ons (cards, candles, wine)
🎁 Add a line like:
“We remembered, so you don’t have to stress. Just click and go.”

Step 5: Use This Data for Long-Term Retention

Every date you collect = an annual opportunity.
💡 Build segments like:
  • Birthday buyers
  • Valentine’s Day buyers
  • Anniversary customers
  • Multi-event customers (VIPs)
Send special offers before their dates come around again. Over time, you’ll have a calendar full of auto-generating sales.

Why This Works

  • It feels thoughtful and personalized
  • It saves the customer from forgetting (and the panic that comes with it)
  • It builds habit — your shop becomes their go-to for life’s big moments
And most importantly…
You stop chasing, and start receiving.

Recap: Your 5-Step Reminder System

  1. Collect important dates through all customer touchpoints
  2. Set up automations via email + SMS
  3. Write friendly, human reminders with strong CTAs
  4. Link to fast-checkout bundles or saved product pages
  5. Use the data to create repeat segments year after year

Want Help Setting It All Up?

If your flower shop isn’t sending automated birthday and anniversary reminders yet, you’re leaving easy money on the table.
We help florists set up flows that bring customers back—without sounding robotic or salesy.
Let’s make sure your clients never forget to send flowers again. Ready?