There’s something deeply romantic about flowers. They don’t just add beauty to your day—they tell a story. A story of who you are, how you love, and what you’re celebrating. When it comes to weddings, the flowers you choose for your bouquet, your centerpieces, or even your aisle are little symbols wrapped in petals.
At Blossom & Rhyme, we spend our days preserving bridal blooms from every kind of celebration, and no two bouquets are ever the same. That’s part of the magic. Each couple’s flower choices reflect their personal story, their taste, and the meanings behind each bloom. Whether you’re in the beginning stages of flower planning or just love the idea of adding depth to your bouquet, this post is your go-to guide for the most popular wedding flower types and the beautiful symbolism they hold.
So let’s dive into the language of flowers. Your wedding bouquet can say a lot without saying a word.
Roses: Classic Love, Reimagined
It’s impossible to talk about wedding flowers without starting with roses. They’re basically the Beyoncé of bridal blooms—timeless, versatile, and always making a statement.
Symbolism: Love, passion, romance, beauty.
Why we love them: They come in almost every color, from soft blush to moody burgundy, and work in everything from tight formal arrangements to wild, garden-style bouquets.
A red rose traditionally symbolizes passionate love, while white roses stand for purity and new beginnings. Blush and pink tones lean into grace, sweetness, and femininity. If you’re doing a romantic, classic look, or just want that one flower everyone recognizes, roses are it.
Peonies: Feminine, Lush & Full of Joy
Peonies are that flower everyone gasps over in early summer. They’re lush, romantic, and oh-so-satisfying when they bloom open into those dreamy ruffled petals.
Symbolism: Romance, prosperity, happy marriage, good fortune.
Why we love them: Besides being breathtaking, peonies have that soft, luxurious feel that elevates every bouquet. They're ideal for spring and early summer weddings, and they photograph like a dream.
If you’re planning a bouquet that feels both glamorous and timeless, a few big peony blooms will do the trick. And if you’re having your bouquet preserved, peonies also dry beautifully in both resin and pressed form.
Ranunculus: Delicate and Full of Meaning
Ranunculus might be one of the most photogenic flowers in a bouquet—layers upon layers of paper-thin petals give them such unique texture. They’re especially popular for modern, romantic weddings.
Symbolism: Charm, attraction, radiance.
Why we love them: They add elegance and softness to bouquets without stealing the show. They're ideal for layering in with larger blooms like roses or peonies and can be found in a range of shades.
Plus, they hold up well in preservation, making them a solid choice if you're planning to turn your bouquet into a keepsake.
Garden Roses: Romantic and Vintage-Inspired
Garden roses are the flirty cousins of standard roses. They're more textured, more fragrant, and a little less expected. Think “cottagecore” meets Bridgerton.
Symbolism: Passion, devotion, sweetness.
Why we love them: Garden roses have a full, almost peony-like shape and come in incredible shades like dusty rose, mauve, and buttercream. They're perfect for bouquets that feel soft and elegant without being overly formal.
They’re also a dream to preserve because of their layered petals and structured shape. A true favorite here at Blossom & Rhyme.
Anemones: Bold, Cool-Girl Energy
If you’ve ever seen a black-and-white anemone in a bridal bouquet, you know the power it holds. It’s like the flower version of winged eyeliner—classic, confident, and just a little edgy.
Symbolism: Anticipation, protection, luck.
Why we love them: Anemones add striking contrast to bouquets, especially with their dark centers and minimalist petals. They’re often used in winter or early spring weddings and pair beautifully with eucalyptus, ranunculus, and dusty pink roses.
They also preserve surprisingly well, especially when pressed, keeping that bold center intact in art pieces and frames.
Tulips: Understated Elegance
Tulips are having a major moment, and not just for Easter. More brides are leaning into the simplicity and clean lines of tulips, especially for modern or minimalist weddings.
Symbolism: Deep love, renewal, elegance.
Why we love them: Tulips are sleek and stylish, and their shape makes them perfect for elongated bouquets or petite handheld posies. They come in bold and soft shades alike, from bright yellow to soft peach.
They don’t always press well due to their high moisture content, but they can be preserved in resin with the right prep work.
Calla Lilies: Sculptural and Striking
Callas are known for their elegance and clean beauty. They’re ideal for the bride who wants something minimal, architectural, and fashion-forward.
Symbolism: Faith, purity, rebirth, devotion.
Why we love them: Their sleek trumpet shape is perfect for contemporary bouquets or artful, asymmetrical arrangements. They come in white, plum, blush, and even deep eggplant.
They’re a little trickier to preserve because of their water content, but in resin blocks, they can create stunning sculptural pieces.
Dahlias: Bold Blooms with Texture
Dahlias are like nature’s version of a firework. Their geometric patterns and rich color range make them standout focal flowers in any bouquet.
Symbolism: Strength, grace, commitment, inner power.
Why we love them: You can find them in nearly every color, and they’re a fall bride’s dream. They blend beautifully with jewel tones, greenery, and rustic accents like dried grasses or velvet ribbons.
They hold their shape well in both pressed and resin preservation styles, making them ideal for floral keepsakes.
Baby’s Breath: Soft and Symbolic
Once relegated to filler flower status, baby’s breath has made a major comeback. Today, it’s styled with intention—either as a soft accent or as the star of minimalistic arrangements.
Symbolism: Everlasting love, innocence, sincerity.
Why we love them: Baby’s breath adds softness and a dreamy, cloud-like texture to bouquets. It’s affordable, lightweight, and fits seamlessly into almost any floral style.
It also presses beautifully and looks especially delicate in resin jewelry like necklaces or ornaments.
Hydrangeas: Full and Timeless
Hydrangeas bring fullness, softness, and subtle elegance to any arrangement. They're often used in larger installations like arches or hanging florals, but they're equally stunning in bridal bouquets.
Symbolism: Gratitude, grace, understanding.
Why we love them: Hydrangeas blend well with almost every floral palette, from all-white to deep berry tones. Their pillowy clusters add volume and romance.
They’re more fragile when preserved, but when dried correctly, they can be used in custom art pieces or layered with other blooms for a multidimensional effect.
Choosing Your Flowers With Meaning in Mind
One of the most beautiful parts of planning your bouquet is infusing it with symbolism that reflects your relationship, your values, or your story. Maybe your grandmother grew peonies in her garden. Maybe your partner always brings home tulips. Or maybe you just love the way anemones make you feel.
Whatever flowers you choose, know this: they’ll become part of your story. And with floral preservation, they can become part of your legacy.
At Blossom & Rhyme, we specialize in transforming these meaningful blooms into lasting art—whether that’s through custom resin blocks, pressed floral frames, or delicate heirloom jewelry. Because your flowers deserve more than just one day. They deserve to be remembered, celebrated, and cherished.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Flowers Speak
As you design your wedding day and start choosing blooms, let your heart lead—but don’t be afraid to let the symbolism add another layer of meaning. Whether you go classic with roses or make a statement with ranunculus, these flowers are more than decoration. They’re reflections of love, joy, commitment, and the story you’re about to begin.
So choose what speaks to you. And when the day is over, we’ll be here to help you preserve them—so your flowers, like your love, are untouched by time.
Blossom & Rhyme is a 100% female-owned floral preservation studio, specializing in resin and pressed flower keepsakes. We help brides across the U.S. transform their wedding bouquets into lasting heirlooms. When you’re ready to preserve your flowers and the magic they hold, we’re here.