Here Are the Best Flowers to Bring to Any Occasion, from Birthdays to Weddings
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Floriography, or the language of flowers, reached the height of popularity in the Victorian era. During this age of propriety, correspondents communicated their true feelings in florals. Each bloom stood for a secret symbol, conveying a coded message from sender to recipient.
While we may not live in a time that forces the flora to do the speaking for us, we still assign playful symbols to special posies. Bountiful bouquets are generous gifts for any occasion, but they’re all the more special when there’s meaning behind them. Here’s a guide to selecting flowers based on their significance.
Peonies for Birthdays
The plush peony represents prosperity, making it a perfect pick to wish a loved one well on their birthday. Their pleasing petals bloom in many shades from the blushing to the bold, and each holds its own special meaning. Choose the uplifting yellow for someone who is dreading turning another year older, select pink for pure joy on their special day, or share feelings of romance with red.
Bonus Blooms: Select the flower that represents the recipient’s birth month for a personalized touch.
Hydrangeas for Gratitude
If you’re looking for a way to say “thank you” in florals, look no further than the hydrangea. These giant pom poms come in an array of colors–from deep purple to pure white–each representing gratitude. Ideal for “Appreciation” holidays (think Teacher's Day, Employee Appreciation Day, Nurses Day), these beaming beauties also send a grateful message in response to a generous favor or act of kindness.
Bonus Blooms: Need to express *a lot* of gratitude? Add camellias and begonias to your arrangement, as they symbolize thankfulness as well.
Dahlias for Encouragement
Sometimes we all need a little encouragement. Maybe a family member is sick or recovering from surgery, or a friend just got laid off or went through a difficult breakup. Whether it’s a “get well soon,” “good luck,” or “you’ll get through this” message, let them know you’re thinking of them and sending support with a display of dahlias. These unique florets signify inner strength, change, devotion, and dignity–all valuable qualities in the face of hardship. Not to mention, just beholding the splendid sight of these stunning stems is sure to bring a boost.
Bonus Blooms: Chamomile, lavender, and echinacea express feelings of comfort and strength, relaxation and restoration. Coneflowers and goldenrod also represent encouragement.
Forget-Me-Nots for Sympathy
The right words can be impossible to find when someone has lost a loved one. Even if you’re not sure what to say, you can express your condolences in a meaningful way with a flourish of forget-me-nots. As their name suggests, these soft blossoms symbolize remembrance and honor the life that’s been lost. Bestow a bouquet on the occasion of a funeral or memorial service, or on the anniversary of a death to let the bereaved know you share in their grief.
Bonus Blooms: The poppy is another appropriate flower representing remembrance, so much so that the red poppy has become a symbol to memorialize veterans.
Daffodils for New Beginnings
A fresh start calls for fresh flowers. What better way to acknowledge someone’s new life than with an arrangement representing rebirth? One of the earliest bloomers to welcome the start of spring, daffodils are synonymous with new beginnings. On the occasion of a housewarming, graduation, new job, bridal shower, or birth of a baby, congratulate them on their next chapter with a sunny spray of delightful daffodils.
Bonus Blooms: Add gladiolus to a congratulatory bouquet. Named in honor of gladiators, they signify the qualities of integrity, strength, and victory.
Roses for Holidays
Flowers are traditional gifts to bestow at holidays, so it’s only right to go with a classic. Roses represent love of all kinds, making them the superior selection for a celebration. For Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day to Thanksgiving and Christmas, roses are the best blooms for any occasion at any time of year. For additional significance, choose a color based on its meaning–red for romance, yellow for friendship, orange for happiness, pink for appreciation, and white for loyalty.
Bonus Blooms: No matter what the occasion, a cluster of morning glories is a colorful contender signifying affection. Alternatively, you could select from seasonal flora to salute a particular holiday.
Sweet Peas for Weddings
Bouquets abound on wedding days, but there’s no such thing as too many flowers–especially if they hold special significance. In France, it is customary to send sweet peas to a bride on her wedding day. That’s because these delicate blossoms send the message of best wishes for a long, happy union. Embrace French tradition and send sweet peas to the two sweethearts before they say “I do.”
Bonus Blooms: Complement your choice with a peony, which can symbolize wedded bliss–or a zinnia, signifying long-lasting love.
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