Flowers can have a variety of symbolic meanings. They commonly represent love, affection, commemoration, resurrection, life and innocence. To gaze upon a beautiful, brightly coloured fresh flower arrangement is to experience pure emotion. Depending on the colour of the arrangement or bouquet, the emotion one feels will be slightly different. From the deep passionate red of a rose to the elegant white of a calla lily, to the exuberance concentrated in a bouquet of golden tulips, the colour of flowers sends an emotional message. Over the centuries, these messages have been written down and exchanged as the symbolic meaning flowers express. When it is time to pick your beautiful flowers for your wedding, this list may help you with your choice.
ACORN – Nordic Symbol of Life and Immortality
ARBUTUS –Thee Only Do I Love
BLUEBELL – Humility
CAMELLIA, Red – You're a Flame in My Heart
CAMELLIA, White – You're Adorable
CARNATION, Pink – I'll never forget you
CARNATION, White – Sweet and Lovely; Innocence; Pure Love; Woman’s Good Luck Gift
CATTAIL – Peace; Prosperity
CHRYSANTHEMUM, General – You're A Wonderful Friend; Cheerfulness and Rest
CHRYSANTHEMUM, Red – I Love
CROCUS – Cheerfulness
DAFFODIL – Regard; Unrequited Love; You're the Only One; the Sun is Always Shining When I'm With You
DAISY – Innocence; Loyal Love; I'll Never Tell; Purity
DANDELION – Faithfulness; Happiness
FERN – Magic; Fascination; Confidence and Shelter
FERN, Maidenhair – Secret Bond of Love
FORGET–ME–NOT – True Love; Memories
FORSYTHIA – Anticipation
GARDENIA – You're Lovely; Secret Love
GLADIOLUS – Give Me a Break; I’m Really Sincere; Flower of the Gladiators
GLOXINIA – Love at First Sight
HEATHER, White – Protection; Wishes Will Come True
HYACINTH, Purple – I am Sorry; Please Forgive Me; Sorrow
HYACINTH, White – Loveliness; I'll Pray for You
HYDRANGEA – Thank You for Understanding; Frigidity; Heartlessness
IRIS – Fleur–de–Lis, Emblem of France; Your Friendship Means So Much to Me; Faith; Hope; Wisdom and Valor; My Compliments
IVY – Wedded Love; Fidelity; Friendship; Affection IVY
LILY, Calla – Beauty
LILY, White – Virginity; Purity; Majesty; It’s Heavenly to Be with You
LILY–OF–THE–VALLEY – Sweetness; Tears of the Virgin Mary; Return to Happiness; Humility; You've Made My Life Complete
MISTLETOE – Kiss me; Affection; To Surmount Difficulties; Sacred Plant of India; Magic Plant of the Druids
ORANGE BLOSSOM – Innocence; Eternal Love; Marriage and Fruitfulness
ORCHID – Love; Beauty; Refinement; Beautiful Lady; Chinese Symbol for Many Children
PEONY – Shame; Gay Life; Happy Marriage
POPPY, Red – Pleasure
POPPY, White – Consolation
POPPY, Yellow – Wealth; Success
Roses
ROSE, Bridal– Happy Love
ROSE, Coral – Desire
ROSE, Dark Crimson –Mourning
ROSE, Dark Pink –Thankfulness
ROSE, Orange – Fascination
ROSE, Pale Peach – Modesty
ROSE, Pale Pink – Grace, Joy
ROSE, Red – Love. Respect
ROSE, Single Full Bloom – I Love you; I Still Love
ROSE, Thornless – Love at First Sight
ROSE, White – Innocence and Secrecy
ROSE, Yellow – Joy, Friendship
ROSEBUD – Beauty and Youth
ROSEBUD, Red – Pure and Lovely
ROSEBUD, White – Girlhood
ROSES, Bouquet of Full Bloom – Gratitude
SNAPDRAGON – Deception; Gracious Lady
STEPHANOTIS – Happiness in Marriage
TULIP, Yellow – There's Sunshine in Your Smile
VIOLET, Blue – Watchfulness; Faithfulness; I'll Always Be True
VIOLET, White – Let's take a Chance on Happiness
ZINNIA, Magenta – Lasting Affection
