Well, when it comes to picking flower colors it mostly depends on the intention behind the choice. There’s nothing wrong with choosing to get flowers of a certain color simply because it is the recipient’s favorite; however, each color does have a specific meaning, sometimes even several.
For example, many people choose red flowers, specifically roses, when they are intended for a romantic interest/partner. Red roses have been advertised as the flower of romance, beauty, and love; and while that is true, the color has other meanings as well. It also represents respect, passion, and courage; which is why it is a popular color to give someone who is performing in front of an audience, receiving an award, or finishing a milestone.
Lavender, though, is a color that expresses true romance. Lavender flowers represent love at first sight and enchantment. When paired with red flowers, the contrasting colors make for a stunning arrangement that conveys how deep the sender’s love is. That is why this combination of colors is so popular for holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Sweetest Day. Other complimentary colors would be pink (admiration and sweetness), peach (getting together), yellow (joy, delight, new beginnings), and orange/coral which represents desire, fascination, and enthusiasm. The ultimate grand romantic gesture would be a bouquet that includes all of these colors. Not only does it send a message, but it is extremely pleasing to the eye, similarly to a sunset. This combination of colors would be appropriate for a proposal or anniversary.
Some of these colors have alternative meanings though, and can be used for many different occasions. Yellow not only represents joy, delight, and new beginnings, but also friendship and welcome back. It’s a great color to use in a bouquet you’d give to someone returning home. Pink doesn’t just mean admiration and sweetness, it also can convey grace, and joy; whereas hot/dark pink represents appreciation and gratitude. These colors combined with white (purity, innocence) are great for weddings, baby showers, Mother’s Day gifts, or birthday gifts for women.
White flowers also represent silence and heavenly attributes, whereas light pink also represents sympathy, which is why those colors are popular for female funerals. Blue is also a good choice for sympathy as it represents peace and serenity. Blue and white flowers are a classic combination for sympathy arrangements. Typically traditional services will have mostly white flowers with perhaps a few soft/pastel colors incorporated, while more modern services include bright, colorful, cheerful colors to help liven up the somber occasion into a celebration of life.
Trust and loyalty, rarity and mystery are alternative meanings of blue flowers. Blue flowers are rare and not many blue flowers exist naturally in nature. Many blue flowers have to be dyed, especially if they are a deep blue color. This color often can represent the pursuit of the unattainable. However, its rarity and its familiar shade to the sky and sea is also why it is the color of inspiration. It’s a calming color that helps with creativity and even meditation. When accompanied by green flowers (harmony and balance) you create an arrangement that contributes positivity to the atmosphere and creates an ambiance of that uplifts. Flowers in these colors would be a great gift for someone who is in need of some creativity and inspiration.
The color green is also closely associated with wealth and luck, which is why green and yellow/gold are the colors for St. Patrick’s Day. So, sending someone green flowers or even a green plant for that holiday not only brings the recipient good luck, but is supposed to bring good fortune to the sender as well. Green flowers also can represent renewal, rebirth, and health. They are great flowers to include in Get Well bouquets. Green is often a color that increases productivity and energy as it’s mostly associated with nature. This color combined with red and white signifies togetherness, unity, good health, and blessings in the coming new year, which is why they are popularly used during the winter holidays such as Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Years, while white (peace, purity, and light) is used for Hanukkah alongside blue (faith and wisdom).
So, while there are many different meanings behind each color, and although the colors you choose to include in an arrangement should be considered with your own intentions in mind, it is perfectly acceptable to include a specific color simply because the recipient enjoys it. Because the most important thing to remember when selecting an arrangement is whether or not it will make the recipient happy and bring a smile to their face.
