Flowers have always been a universal language for emotions, allowing people to express their love, sympathy, appreciation and more. Each flower carries a unique meaning, which helps to further communicate your intentions during your gifting occasion. Whether you are sending flowers in whatever form, choosing flowers that speaks from the heart adds depth and sincerity to your flower gift. In this guide, we will walk you through how to select flowers based on their meaning so that you can communicate your heart through sincerity.
Importance of Flower Meaning
For centuries, flowers have had deep symbolic meanings across many cultures. Even today, we continue to embrace the symbolic meaning. In Singapore, the symbolic meaning of flowers plays a significant role in our daily lives. For example, red roses continue to symbolise passionate love and are often gifted during anniversaries or Valentine’s Day. Whereas lilies and chrysanthemums are often represented during times of sympathy and remembrance. Also, flowers like orchids and peonies, which symbolises prosperity and food fortune, are often used during celebratory occasions like weddings and Chinese New Year.
Popular Flowers and Their Meaning
Understanding the symbolism of popular flowers used in flower arrangements in Singapore will help you pick the perfect flowers for any occasion. Here are some flowers and the emotions they represent:
Dried & Preserved Flowers
- Rose (Red): love, passion and romance
- Rose (Pink): admiration, joy, gratitude
- Rose (White): Purity, innocence, new beginnings
- Rose (Yellow): Friendship, happiness, cheerfulness
- Zinnia: Endurance, lasting affection and remembrance
- Cotton flower: Wealth, prosperity and resilience. Softness, protection and naturing
- Carnation (Red): Deep love, admiration and affection
- Carnation (Pink): Gratitude and motherly love
- Carnation (White): Purity, innocence, luck
- Carnation (Yellow): Rejection or disappointment
- Gerbera: Innocence, purity and new beginnings. Joy and positivity.
- Daisy: Innocence, purity and new beginnings. Loyalty and love.
- Austin Rose: Luxury, elegance and romance. Grace and beauty.
- Calla Lily (White): Magnificent beauty, purity and faith.
- Calla Lily (Purple): Royalty and passion
- Hydrangeas: Gratitude, grace and abundance
- Anemone: Anticipation and protection
- Baby’s Breath: Innocence, purity and everlasting love
- Limonium: Remembrance, long lasting memories
- Caspia: Calmness and peacefulness
- Statice: Remembrance, sympathy and success
Faux Flowers
- Orchid: strength, beauty, admiration and love
- Peony: prosperity, romance, honour and compassion. Seen as omen of good fortune and a happy marriage
- Dahlia: Elegance, dignity and commitment.
- Cosmos: Harmony, balance and tranquillity
- Tulip: Perfect love, elegance and grace
- Buttercup: childlike-ness, joy and playfulness
- Ranunculus: radiant charm, attractiveness, expressing admiration and attraction
- Lily of the Valley: Purity, humility and sweetness. Lucky charm in romance.
- Wisteria: Devotion, longevity, welcoming
- Poppy: Remembrance, peace and consolation
Choosing Flowers for Special Occasion
Selecting the right flowers becomes easier when you consider the event and the emotion you want to convey.
- Weddings: Romantic flowers like roses, ponies and lilies are traditional choices for weddings, symbolising love, unity and beauty.
- Anniversaries: Roses, tulips, orchids are ideal for expressing deep and long-lasting love.
- Sympathy and condolences: Lilies and chrysanthemum are often associated with sympathy and providing comfort.
- Thank you / Gratitude: Sunflowers, daisies, or carnations are bright, cheerful choices to express appreciation and joy.
Tips for Choosing the Right Flowers
When choosing flowers, do keep a few key points in mind:
- Consider the message: What is it that you want to say through your gifting?
- Use a mix of flowers: Combining flowers creates a more well-rounded message
- Be mindful of the colour: Colour plays an important role in the meaning of the flower too
Flower Meaning by Colours
Colours also carry as much meaning as the type of flower itself, allowing you to communicate emotions in a vivid and nuanced way.
- Red: love, passion, desire, suitable for romantic occasions
- White: purity, innocence and new beginnings, suitable for weddings or to express sympathy
- Yellow: friendship, happiness and positivity
- Pink: Admiration, joy and sweetness
- Purple: Royalty, luxury, admiration
- Orange: Enthusiasm, creativity, excitement
- Blue: Serenity, peace, trust
- Green: Renewal, resilience, encouragement, good fortune
- Black / Deep Purple: mystery, farewell, elegance
Personalising Your Flower Choice
The most meaningful gifts are often those that feel personal. If you know the recipient’s favourite flowers or colours, incorporate those elements into your selection. This adds a thoughtful touch that shows you’ve considered what they would love, making the gift even more special. You can customise your flower arrangement to reflect the recipient’s preference and personality, or depending on the nature of your relationship.
Sustainability and Flower Meaning
In today’s world, being mindful of sustainability can add another layer of meaning to your floral choices. Our dried and preserved flower arrangements, for example, are not only long lasting but also an eco-friendly option as gifts. Sustainability can be a statement in itself; a commitment to long lasting beauty, much like the sentiment behind the flowers you are choosing.
Flowers have the power to convey deep emotions in a simple yet beautiful way. By choosing blooms that carry specific meanings, you can express your heartfelt feelings more effectively, whether it’s love, gratitude or sympathy. When you put thought into your floral selection, the recipient will feel the personal touch and appreciate the message you’re sending.
Check out our collection of meaningful dried and preserved flowers to find the perfect flower bouquet or floral gift for your next special occasion! If you are unsure which flowers best represent our emotions, feel free to reach out! Share with us and our friendly florists will be able guide you for flowers that speak from your heart!