My girlfriend’s birthday is next thursday and she’s going to be 17. Should I get her 12 or 17 flowers? and should they all be the same color? and if not then what colors? like should I have the colors symbolic of something or what I don;t really know thats why I’m asking you guys.
I don’t have a clue if the colors have meaning, but I like the idea of buying her 17 flowers instead of 12 if you can afford it. Maybe buy 16 of one color and a 17th of another color.
You can never go wrong with a dozen (or two dozen, or three dozen…) red roses.
I am actually going to suggest that you build your own bouquet. While it is true that roses have that classic “I love you” symbolism (and by all means, use a rose or two for accent!), I have had much success in the past with the hand picked flowers. Shows that you put some effort in to it. How about something like this: Have the centerpiece of the arrangement be some sort of a lily (I would stay away from the Easter lily, though as they are very fragrant and a lot of folks don’t like that). Accent with Iris and a rose or two and perhaps some fern.
Now this is going to sound a little odd, but basically the best rule of thumb (IMHO) is to pick flowers that most closely resemble female genitals as the centerpiece (like the lily) and then contrast with more phallic flowers (like roses and irises when closed). Then just worry about picking colors that look good together.
Seventeen. It shows you listen.
I’d get sixteen roses of her favorite color (I like white ones) and one red (for love). 
Man, now I want flowers.
Seventeen is a sweet idea, but on the off chance you’re a cheapskate (hey, it’s an honorable semi-profession :)), here’s a workaround to get the same effect for not as much money.
Give her seven roses. Tell her it’s in honor of the age she’s turning.
Of course, she’ll count them, and be confused. When she gets that look on her face that says she’s about to tell you you’re ten short, hold up your hands and say, “Seven flowers, plus the ten fingers I used to hand them to you, and that I will now use to pull you close to me.”
Depending on her personality (and your delivery), either she’ll think it’s the sweetest thing anybody has ever said to her, or she’ll knock you down, step on your nuts, and barf in your mouth. Either way it’ll be an interesting evening.
Plus, if it works out, and you’re with her for the next birthday, you can make this a running theme. At 18, you could do 16 flowers “plus 2 arms to hold you,” 19 = 12 flowers “plus the 7 seas I want to travel with you,” and equally sappy stuff. Don’t ask me why, some chicks dig this shit. 
Oh, and don’t tell your guy friends you said that. They’ll make merciless fun of you (to your face; secretly they’ll be jealous and wish they had thought of it).
LOL. Who knows what kids are into these days… 
Did you find out already if she actually likes flowers or not? Some of us don’t, an admitted minority, but I hate having to do some obligatory ‘awww, how nice, thank you!’ act when someone gives me flowers.
17 types of chocolate bars, or 17 meaningful songs burned to a CD…there might be other more personal ways to honor her birthday that will thrill her with your thoughtfulness.
If she’s previously expressed appreciation for flowers, of course, ignore me and have fun.
When I turned 16, my boyfriend had a bouquet of a dozen red roses delivered to my favorite class. To this day, I don’t know how he found out exactly when I’d be in that classroom, let alone how he found out what the classroom number was (he went to a different school), or how he convinced the flower delivery guy to deliver them when he knew I’d be there. That got him about a million boyfriend points. It was one of the sweetest things anyone ever did for me.
Wow. I almost want to make this my sig. Almost.
Don’t ask me why you believe this. :rolleyes:
Actually, I’m willing to be a spoilsport to save you some dosh, whattheheck. Some girls don’t like roses because they’re bland or to be expected. I’ve received the obligatory dozen and have been appreciative, but I remember the more unique floral gifts–bouquets with tiger lilies, plants that wouldn’t die in a week’s time, and, once, a bouquet made of fresh fall leaves.
What kind of chick is she? Mainstream, traditional? Go for the roses. Quirky? Go for a DIY bouquet.
In either case, good on you for wanting to mark her birthday in a special way.