Short answer: White roses stand for new beginnings, purity and respect, which is why they lead at weddings. Red roses mean romantic love, pink roses mean gratitude and admiration, and blue roses are a modern choice for something unusual or a “something blue” wedding detail. Mixed colours combine the meanings, such as red and white for unity.
Rose colours carry traditional meanings that many people still recognize. You do not have to follow them strictly, but knowing them helps you avoid sending a message you did not mean, such as a large red bouquet to a colleague. Here is what each colour usually says, and which of our designs fit.
White and ivory roses: new beginnings and respect
White roses are linked with new beginnings, purity and respect. That is why they are the classic bridal flower, and why they also suit quiet thank-you gifts and remembrance. Ivory roses carry the same meaning with a warmer tone that sits well beside ivory dresses.
- Ivory Grandeur: 36 ivory roses, a full white rose bridal bouquet
- Pearl Kiss Bridal Bouquet: White roses with pearl details
- Classic White Rose Corsage: A white rose to wear on the wrist
White roses suit weddings, engagements, christenings, new homes and gestures of respect. For gifts, they read as thoughtful and calm rather than romantic.
Red roses: romantic love
Red is the traditional colour of romantic love and passion. It suits anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and proposals. Read our guide to what a dozen red roses means for counts and occasions.
- Classic 20 Red Roses: Twenty red roses, the classic romantic gift
- Endless Love Rose Bouquet: Red roses in 40, 60 or 80 stems
Pink roses: gratitude, admiration and joy
Pink roses express appreciation and gentleness. Blush shades feel tender; deeper pink says thank you. They are the safe choice for mothers, friends and colleagues, and a softer romantic option. The Blush Romance Rose Bouquet comes in 20, 40 or 60 roses.
Blue roses: something different
Blue roses do not grow naturally in that colour, so they are often read as unique or even mysterious. At weddings they cover the “something blue” tradition. See the Blue Whisper Bridal Bouquet and matching bridesmaid bouquet.
Mixed colours
- Red and white: unity, popular for engagements and anniversaries, as in Forever Together.
- Red and ivory: bold yet soft, as in the Crimson Vows bridal bouquet.
- Blue and ivory: fresh and clear, as in Azure Ivory.
Choosing by meaning, then by person
- Name the message. Love, thanks, celebration or a new start.
- Pick the colour that carries it.
- Check the person’s taste. Their favourite colour can matter more than tradition, and a card can explain the rest.
White roses by occasion
- Weddings and engagements: the classic bridal rose.
- New beginnings: a new home, a new job or a graduation.
- Thank-you gifts: calm and sincere.
- Remembrance: a quiet gesture of respect.
Ivory or white?
White roses are crisp and bright; ivory roses are warmer and softer. For weddings, match the dress: ivory flowers suit ivory and champagne gowns. For gifts, ivory feels gentle and white feels clean and modern.
White roses with other colours
White makes other colours look brighter. Around red, it reads as unity and celebration; around pink, it adds softness; with blue, it looks fresh. A white border, like the one in Forever Together, frames the main colour.
- Forever Together Rose Bouquet: Red roses framed by white roses
- Azure Ivory: Ivory with blue for a fresh look
- Pearl Ivory: Ivory roses with pearl accents
Rose colours by price
- White and ivory: Pearl Kiss Bridal Bouquet, $129 to $189, and Ivory Grandeur, $299.
- Red: Classic 20 Red Roses, $149 to $164, and Endless Love, $269 to $469.
- Pink: Blush Romance Rose Bouquet, $149 to $349.
- Blue: Blue Whisper Bridal Bouquet, $129 to $209.
Choosing a colour for a gift
- For a partner: red, or red with white for unity.
- For a mother, friend or colleague: pink, which says thank you without being romantic.
- For a bride or a new beginning: white or ivory.
- For something different: blue, or a blue and ivory mix.
Rose colours and varieties are subject to seasonal availability, and we contact you before making any substitution.
Rose colour meaning FAQ
What do white roses mean?
New beginnings, purity and respect. They are the classic wedding rose and suit thank-you and remembrance gifts.
What do pink roses mean?
Gratitude, admiration and gentleness. Lighter pinks feel tender and deeper pinks say thank you.
What do red and white roses mean together?
Red and white together is often read as unity, which makes the pairing popular for engagements and anniversaries.
Are blue roses real?
Roses do not grow naturally in a true blue, so blue roses are coloured. They are a popular modern choice for a “something blue” wedding detail.
Are white roses good for a birthday?
Yes, especially for someone with classic, minimal taste. Add a card so the message is clear.
Do white roses mean sympathy?
They can express respect and remembrance, which is why they are used in sympathy flowers, but they are equally common at weddings.
What colour of roses should I send a friend?
Pink roses are the usual choice for friends and colleagues because they express gratitude and admiration without a romantic message.
How much do white roses cost?
Our white and ivory rose designs start at $129 for the Pearl Kiss Bridal Bouquet and go up to $299 for Ivory Grandeur.
Can I choose the colour of my roses?
Tell us your preference. Colours depend on seasonal availability, and we contact you before making a substitution.
Related guides
- What Does a Dozen Red Roses Mean?
- Red or Pink Roses? Choosing a Gift That Feels Personal
- Pink and White Flower Bouquets: Soft Gift Ideas
Find roses in your colour
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