By: Maria Williams

When it comes to expressing emotions, few gestures are as universal and powerful as gifting someone with a bouquet of roses. Many may not realize, however, that the color of the rose you choose can convey a deeply personal message, making the selection process all the more important for any occasion. 

Roses come in over 100 varieties, making them a versatile choice for almost any type of event—be it a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or even a memorial service. You’ll find these blooms in nearly every flower shop you visit, and each color offers a unique message and sentiment. 

During a recent discussion on the art of choosing the right rose with Doniz Pauillac, COO of The Million Roses, he provided some invaluable insights into this delicate decision-making process. Here’s how to master the art of choosing the right rose for every occasion.

1. Understand the Language of Colors

“Each rose color tells its own story, with a unique language and symbolism that’s evolved over the years. This development has linked specific roses to different occasions, really enriching the way we express our feelings with these flowers,” explains Pauillac. 

Traditionally, red roses symbolize love and passion, making them a viable choice for romantic occasions. They are the classic choice for expressing deep love, particularly on Valentine’s Day or an anniversary. 

Pink roses, on the other hand, convey gratitude and appreciation. They are ideal for expressing thanks in a heartfelt way, and they are fantastic for a neighbor who has assisted you or an officemate who has gone above and beyond. 

Yellow roses represent friendship and joy, making them a suitable pick to cheer someone up or celebrate a joyous occasion like a birthday or a promotion. For more formal events or expressions of sympathy, white roses are appropriate due to their associations with purity and respect.

2. Consider the Occasion

“The key to choosing the right rose color is to match it with the significance of the event,” Pauillac advises. While red is the go-to for love-related events, pink roses can express admiration and sweetness, making them great picks for Mother’s Day or graduation. 

It’s crucial to avoid sending mixed messages with your choice of roses — like presenting sympathy roses at a birthday celebration or congratulatory roses at a funeral. “When in doubt, consider the message you want to get across and let it guide your choice,” he adds.

3. Mix and Match with Purpose

Combining different colored roses in a single bouquet can create a nuanced and layered message. “A blend of white and yellow roses, symbolizing harmony and happiness, is perfect for weddings or business events,” explains Pauillac. 

However, he stresses the importance of understanding the specific meanings associated with each rose color before creating such combinations. If you’re not careful, you could send mixed or unintended messages.

For instance, orange roses signify enthusiasm and passion. Still, if you mix them with lavender roses, which are all about enchantment and love at first sight, it might create confusion if the occasion isn’t meant for romantic gestures. 

To avoid such misunderstandings, conduct thorough research or talk with a florist who can help you choose the right flowers for the occasion and the emotions you wish to express. Taking this extra step ensures your bouquet is beautiful, sends the right message, and meets the recipient’s expectations. 

4. Personalize to the Recipient’s Style Preferences

While the traditional meanings are an excellent guide, Pauillac emphasizes the importance of personalizing your choice. “Knowing the recipient’s favorite color or personal taste can make the bouquet feel more thoughtful and personal,” he notes. “This kind of customization can turn a simple bouquet into a more meaningful gesture.” 

If the recipient appreciates nature, incorporating greenery or earth-toned accents might resonate well. On the other hand, for a minimalist, a sleek arrangement with bold, monochromatic roses might be exactly their style. 

Pauillac points out that such thoughtful customization does more than just make the gift more visually stunning — it increases its emotional value. It shows that the giver has considered the recipient’s tastes, making the bouquet a greater expression of appreciation. 

5. Stay Seasonal

The season may also affect your choice of roses.

In summer, go for brighter, more vibrant colors like orange and bright pink. Richer tones like deep red and burgundy are generally more popular in the winter. This decision complements the natural scenery and ensures that the roses are in their freshest and most beautiful state. 

Thoughtfully Choose Your Roses

Throughout our conversation, Pauillac reiterated the importance of choosing roses thoughtfully. “Roses are more than just flowers. They are messengers. Our job is to ensure that the message is clear and appropriate for the moment,” he concludes.

Today, the wide range of rose varieties and colors available offers endless possibilities for their use. Roses can express gratitude, congratulations, love, or sincerity. Choosing the appropriate roses can sometimes be daunting with such a wide selection. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that a bouquet of roses is often valued for its love and thoughtfulness, regardless of the specific type of rose chosen.

With these expert tips from Pauillac, you can select a bouquet that communicates precisely what you intend, with all the beauty and subtlety roses have to offer.

Published by: Nelly Chavez