Roses have a long history as symbols of love and admiration. In Greek mythology, for example, Aphrodite gave a rose to the god of love, Eros. Even if you’re not a god of love, few things add more to the romance of a perfect proposal than a bouquet of beautiful flowers. Almost everyone knows that red roses are symbols of passion. Most people know to associate a black rose with death (which means you probably don’t want to propose to a black rose, right?). However, what about other roses? Before handing that special someone a handful of white rosebuds, you may want to double check the message you’re sending.
rosebud
Just as a rosebud has not reached full bloom, it also represents thoughts and emotions that have not yet matured. Although the exact meaning changes with the color of the rose, rosebuds in general are associated with beauty, youth, and a heart that has yet to experience love.
full bloom
If a rosebud signifies youth and innocence, a rose in full bloom does not mince words. Talk about a wish fulfilled or a promise fulfilled. It may be the desire for love, an expression of jealousy, or the promise of death, but it’s there for all it’s worth.
Red rose
Yes, the red rose is the rose of love. Therefore, it is the favorite color of lovers around the world. It also carries the meanings of desire, passion, courage, respect, and congratulations. Remember though… although red represents passion, a red rosebud means “pure and lovely” and can send the message that your love has yet to arrive!
White Rose
A white rose carries the message of innocence and purity, heavenly, secret, silence and charm. A white rosebud indicates childhood rather than femininity. Nice messages for your daughter, but maybe not for the woman you want to be your wife. However, if you want to wear a white rose, pair it with a red one. The two together represent unity, which will be a great transition to a marriage proposal!
pink rose
The pink rose is a good possibility when you ask the question, as it represents perfect happiness. It also sends the message of gentleness and grace. Dark pink expresses gratitude. Pink also says, “Please believe me.” You can determine for yourself if that message works for you!
yellow Rose
Unless yellow is your little girl’s favorite color, or you live in Texas, you may want to avoid this color. Yellow can represent joy, but it also speaks of friendship or jealousy. Or do you want to be “just friends”?
pink orange
If you want to say it with flowers, but not red flowers, orange is a surprisingly good choice. Along with the colors peach and coral, orange speaks of enthusiasm, desire, and fascination. However, be careful with the shade… pale peach represents modesty.
Black or dark crimson rose
As stated in the introduction, black roses symbolize death. Deep crimson roses, while not conveying the same sense of foreboding, are associated with mourning. So she keeps these flowers in case she says no. (Just kidding… that’s just creepy.)
Although we have mentioned some of the most common roses and their meanings, this is just the beginning. A thornless rose expresses love at first sight, a tea rose says you will always remember, and a moss rose is a confession of love. The number of roses and the way you combine them can say a lot before you even say a word.
When it comes down to it, flowers mean what we want them to mean. If your girlfriend loves white rosebuds, then that should be your choice, no matter what their supposed meaning is. Thought and attention are what count. If you take the time to spell out her message with flowers, she won’t fail to send that message straight to the heart of her future fiancé.