You’ve been given a beautiful white rose and you want to know its meaning? Do you want to learn how to present it or how to preserve it?
You’ve come to the right place.
As a florist, I work most often with roses. When we think of this flower, the one that usually comes to mind is the red rose, a symbol of passion. However, there’s another contender that closely follows it in popularity: the white rose.
Today, I’m going to share everything I know about this flower so that you have all the answers to your questions.
The pure white color of the white rose symbolizes purity and innocence, as well as the eternity of feelings. This is why it is often chosen by couples to decorate their wedding. It also makes a beautiful gift to express to a loved one the happiness and well-being you feel in their presence. In the context of mourning, this flower is frequently used to pay tribute to the deceased, as it represents both the infinite affection felt for them and support for their loved ones. The white rose pairs particularly well with other roses, babysbreath, or eucalyptus. To preserve it for years, don’t hesitate to choose a preserved rose.
Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out:
- The hidden meaning of this remarkable flower and its special place in history
- When and how to give it as a gift
- Pro tips for decorating your wedding with white roses
- Care tips to enjoy them for as long as possible
What Does a White Rose Mean?
Delicate and refined, the white rose is cherished for its simple yet majestic beauty.
In this introduction, I invite you to explore the meaning attributed to this flower in the language of flowers, along with some interesting anecdotes about it.
The Hidden Meaning of the White Rose 💬
Essential in floral art, this flower symbolizes innocence, charm, and purity. This is especially why it frequently plays a central role in the floral decoration of weddings and baptisms.
With its pristine color, this rose symbolizes eternity and infinity. It’s perfect for expressing the depth of your feelings.
Do you want to give a white rose to someone you love? It’s definitely possible and it will symbolize the joy you feel being by their side.
In contrast to the red rose, which symbolizes passion and desire, the white rose represents the calmness and well-being experienced when you are with someone you love. In this way, it can also be given to a family member or a friend as a gift.
A Bit of History… 📜
The White Rose has notably made its mark in history. In the realm of heraldry, which pertains to the meaning of medieval coats of arms, the White Rose is associated with love and faith.
In the 20th century, non-violent students from the University of Munich formed a group called “The White Rose” (“Die Weiße Rose” in German) to oppose the Nazi regime. They chose this name in connection with the values of purity and peace represented by this flower and its color.
The White Rose in Art 🖼️
With its majestic beauty and delicate features, this flower has inspired countless artists. It is an exciting subject to study when you want to learn how to paint 🎨 flowers. If this project interests you, here’s a tutorial video that provides you with the basics to successfully capture this stunning rose:
Additionally, there are also music 🎵 pieces that have been composed about her: notably a very famous song titled “The White Roses,” written by Charles-Louis Pothier, which was first performed in 1926 by the singer Berthe Sylva. It expresses a Parisian child’s love for their sick mother.
More recently, the band Mickey 3D released a song titled “The White Rose,” where this flower stands as a barrier against human foolishness, becoming a symbol of peace and freedom.
When can you give this flower?
Because it has multiple meanings, the white rose is suitable for many occasions. To help you navigate through this, I’ve prepared a short list of events for which it is particularly fitting.
The White Rose: A Traditional Flower for Wedding Ceremonies 👰
Often selected as the main flower by brides for their decoration, it symbolizes faithfulness between the soon-to-be spouses and the pure, sincere, and eternal love they have for one another.
In this context, they are used not only for decorating spaces (such as centerpieces, decorative arrangements, etc.) but also for the bride’s bouquet.
You can also find them on the accessories of the couple and their witnesses, such as boutonnieres for the gentlemen or flower crowns and floral hair combs for the ladies.
Because its color symbolizes the purity of faith, it is also commonly used to adorn the Church during a traditional Catholic wedding or a baptism.
White petals can be safely scattered on the altar without the worry of staining the fabrics used in the ceremonies. Additionally, white roses placed at the ends of the church pews enhance the space and create a beautiful setting for the arrival of the soon-to-be spouses.
A Thoughtful Gift for Someone You Care About
Whether it’s a gesture of love for Valentine’s Day, a birthday gift for a friend, or a surprise for a family member, white roses make an ideal gift, greatly appreciated by most people.
👉 For a birthday, feel free to give as many roses as the person is years old. It’s a thoughtful gesture that will surely make them very happy!
To Remember a Loved One and Show Support to Their Grieving Family
Finally, the white rose holds a significant place when it comes to honoring a deceased loved one.
In this context, it symbolizes the everlasting thoughts we may have for the deceased, as well as the purity of the loving feelings we hold for them.
There are specific floral arrangements for mourning: cushions, bouquets, hearts, wreaths, and more. All of these can be made with white roses. Don’t hesitate to ask your florist for advice to find the right arrangement.
One white rose also has a strong symbolic meaning, expressing your compassion for the family of the deceased and your heartfelt thoughts in their memory.
What Plants and Accessories Can You Pair with This Flower?
While it’s beautiful on its own, the white rose can also be enhanced by other plants or small decorations. Here are some options you can consider…
With Flowers 🌼
You can highlight it by combining it with:
- Yellow roses to symbolize harmony
- Red roses to express your affection
- Pink roses for a sweet and romantic gift
- Baby’s breath, especially for a wedding, to add volume and lightness
- White lilies for an elegant gift
- Gerbera daisies, ranunculus, anemones, tulips, and more for a refreshing and colorful present
- Flowers in pastel colors for a trendy bohemian bouquet
With Foliage 🌼
Some plants pair particularly well with the White Rose. These include:
- Ivy, for a romantic atmosphere at a wedding, for example
- Eucalyptus, for a trendy and graphic bouquet
- Beargrass, to enhance your roses with simplicity and elegance
- Mastic/pistachio, to add volume to your bouquet
With Decorative Accessories 💎
Finally, especially in the context of event decoration, the White Rose pairs beautifully with:
- Pearl accents
- White feathers
- Twisted natural branches
- White lace
How to Maintain and Store It?
Did you receive a white rose and want to make it last as long as possible? In this final section, you’ll find some professional tips and tricks to help you enjoy your floral gift for as long as you can.
When you receive flowers, the first thing to do is to remove the packaging and place them in a suitably sized vase with fresh water, but not ice-cold.
Then, every 48 hours, change the water, and if the ends of the stems have darkened or softened, trim them at an angle.
👉 If your bouquet is in a water supply, you can add water directly to the packaging, making sure not to wet the flowers. After a few days, if you want to keep it for a longer period, feel free to take it out of the packaging and place it in a vase.
White roses have the unique characteristic of drying poorly in the air, even when hung upside down. Their white color quickly turns to brown. Therefore, if you want to preserve your white roses for years, I recommend treating yourself or asking for eternal white roses.
These natural preserved roses 🌹 can last for years with no maintenance needed from you. Very trendy, especially on social media, they symbolize eternity, just like the white color of roses. Check them out at our online store! Take advantage of it, as shipping is free worldwide. 😉
If you want to cover a large area with white flowers, such as for decorating a wedding, you can also choose our flower walls. Feel free to combine them to create large, unique patterns!
I hope this article has answered all your questions about white roses 🤍… Curious to learn about the meanings of other rose colors? Check out our other articles on our blog!