IFJane,

As sad as it is, you experienced a classic florist scam. If you order flowers to be wired, they will assume you will not see the flowers and will use the least expensive arrangement and pocket the difference. Many florists will do this unless you specifically tell them you will be there to see the flowers. I had this happen to me when I ordered a funeral spray for my grandmother, who lived out of state. I came to her funeral and my $55 spray was 3 flowers in a tabletop vase.

I'm sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon.