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What Flowers Should You Give a Woman for a Marriage Proposal?
Par Nicolas, The Paris Proposal Expert | April 28, 2024
If you browse women's forums, you'll notice that when they discuss men giving flowers, women find it endearing and even "downright sexy." Try this experiment: dress in your finest, buy a bouquet of flowers, and stand on a train station platform. You'll quickly see many women smiling at you. Some will likely even initiate a conversation to compliment you! It's clear: giving flowers is an unparalleled strategy to win a woman's heart. Perfect when words fall short, flowers can transform an ordinary day into an unforgettable memory. Each time she gazes at the bouquet, she'll recognize the special attention you've shown her, sending her thoughts adrift. How many other men have given her flowers? The vivid colors and enchanting scents of flowers stir positive emotions. Carefully selecting a bouquet demonstrates that you have considered her personality and the situation, showcasing your care and affection. A bouquet of flowers is the ideal gift to declare your love. Regardless of how it's presented, choosing flowers is always the right move.
For men uncertain about which type of flower to give, here are some tips to help you make the perfect choice. You're about to learn everything!
And for more ideas on how to make your declaration of love even more unforgettable, explore our blog dedicated to original marriage proposal ideas.
The tradition of giving flowers: a millennia-old practice
Giving flowers to a woman is an age-old tradition, deeply rooted in human history since ancient times. This symbolic and emotionally charged gesture has evolved through the centuries yet has continuously retained its power to express profound sentiments, particularly love.
From ancient times, declarations of love and marriage proposals traditionally included flowers. The Greeks and Romans notably linked the rose to Aphrodite and Venus, the goddesses of love. Mythology credits Aphrodite with starting the tradition of presenting bouquets. There are two legends about the transformation of white roses to red, symbolizing passion: in one, Aphrodite pricks herself on a thorn of a white rose, turning its petals red; in another, Cupid accidentally spills his wine on a white rose.
In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra used rose petals to adorn the baths of her lover, Marc Antony, as a reminder of her affection. This gesture was not only seductive but also a display of lavishness, perfectly demonstrating how flowers could be used to express and intensify deep emotions.
In the Middle Ages, the Church imposed restrictions on public displays of affection. Lovers, therefore, used flowers as a discreet way to communicate their feelings. The rose, emblematic of the sincerity of knightly love, often acted as a silent envoy. A single flower worn by a lady could be enough to capture a knight’s attention, subtly indicating her interest.
By the 18th century, the language of flowers as we know it began to formalize, thanks to the collaborative efforts of botanists and writers. It was an era when flowers communicated complex emotions through a structured floral language, particularly in the East. In the harems of Ottoman sultans, women utilized this language to send messages to their secret lovers, securely hidden from discovery.
However, it was during the Victorian era that the language of flowers truly flourished. Characterized by its stringent puritanism, Victorian England embraced this floral language as a nuanced and indirect way to convey emotions. The English, typically reticent to display their feelings openly, found flowers a refined medium of expression. Numerous flower language dictionaries were published, enabling the creation of bouquets that communicated specific messages. During this time, lovers could have complete conversations solely through the exchange of flowers. Also, it was in this period that the legend of red roses firmly embedded itself in popular culture, perpetuating the myth that these flowers, originally white, only turned red after Adam and Eve's fateful act in the Garden of Eden.
The Rose: the universal symbol of love
The rose, emblematic of delicacy and perfection, is often celebrated as the queen of flowers. Each shade carries a unique significance, yet all share a singular power: seduction. Indeed, since ancient times, roses have been pivotal in expressing carnal love and passionate declarations. They embody both passion and desire, making them a quintessential choice for winning the heart of a loved one.
Among the most cultivated and purchased flowers globally, the rose we recognize today has evolved over millennia from wild roses. Traditionally characterized by five petals and conspicuous stamens, the rose is also renowned for its heart-shaped petals, symbolizing love, while its thorns serve as a reminder that love can sometimes bring pain.
Choosing a rose to declare your love is foolproof, guaranteeing a conversation rich in history and emotion!
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Let us explore what each rose color conveys about the sentiments they aim to express.
Red Rose: Reigning as the queen of romantic blooms, the red rose signifies wild and unconditional love, reflecting the depth of the giver's emotions. It delivers a clear, unequivocal message of attraction. Presenting a woman with a bouquet of red roses declares your fervent love! Lighter red hues suggest pure affection and feminine beauty, whereas darker shades hint at deeper sensuality. To moderate the intensity of the message, mixing red roses with white and pink ones adds a touch of softness to the passionate arrangement.
Pink Rose: The pink rose, a flower of seduction, plays a role in romantic conquests where the admirer seeks to charm their beloved. It symbolizes a love imbued with tenderness. Offering a bouquet of pink roses is a secure choice for delicately declaring your affection. Pink roses, elegant and refined, speak of emerging love. The more intense the pink, the stronger the suggestion of admiration and sensuality.
White Rose: White, denoting innocence and purity, also stands for respect and elegance. A bouquet of white roses is ideal for a first romantic date or as a subtle gesture towards a young woman.
Orange Rose: The orange rose, vibrant with vitality and enthusiasm, expresses carnal desire and longing. Therefore, it should be given not to declare new love but to affirm an existing intimate connection.
Yellow Rose: Refrain from giving yellow roses to a loved one, as they are commonly associated with jealousy, betrayal, infidelity, or fading feelings. However, in friendships, yellow roses represent amicable sentiments.
Presentation matters greatly when it comes to roses. Choosing a long-stemmed bouquet is advisable for expressing romantic feelings. The bloom stage of the roses also matters: buds suggest a nascent, perhaps timid love, whereas fully bloomed roses convey a message of passionate commitment, indicating readiness to give one's all. Lastly, for a marriage proposal, the roses should be slightly bent. Be cautious with stemless roses, cut just below the bud, as they might suggest a desire to end the relationship.
How many roses should you give a woman? And how many for a marriage proposal?
There's a rule to observe: if you're giving a bouquet with fewer than twelve flowers, you should opt for an odd number. There’s a belief that roses should be gifted in odd numbers to make the bouquet indivisible, symbolizing it is intended for only one person. The primary reason, however, is aesthetic; bouquets with fewer than twelve flowers are visually more pleasing when arranged with an odd number of blooms. Try it yourself: a bouquet of four flowers often feels too symmetrical and orderly, whereas arrangements of three or five flowers achieve a more appealing balance. An odd number of flowers introduces a natural asymmetry to the arrangement. Even in nature, it is rare to find flowers growing in pairs or in even numbers! When more than twelve flowers are used, since the bouquet is fuller, choosing an even number is perfectly fine.
It’s crucial to remember that the number of roses doesn’t necessarily reflect the intensity of your emotions. Giving roses is foremost a symbolic gesture. Imagine the stunning impact of a room filled with red roses: such a gesture can truly enchant the person you love. Yet, the simplicity of a single rose can sometimes carry a more profound and personal message. Therefore, it's important not to focus solely on the quantity. Consider what the number of roses represents and choose the number that best suits your message.
Beyond fifteen roses, it’s unlikely that your beloved will count the exact number. Thus, there's no need to get caught up in the myriad interpretations, often whimsical, found across online articles. Instead, we will focus on the established and universally recognized meanings of these numbers:
1 rose (TOP!): A single rose symbolizes love at first sight. It’s also traditionally given on a first date or a first Valentine’s Day. As a potent symbol, giving a single rose shows the unique place your beloved holds in your heart. It’s a simple gesture but speaks volumes about your feelings. To discover everything about love at first sight, we invite you to read the comprehensive article we've dedicated to this captivating subject.
2 roses (CAUTION!): Typically, two roses are given to tenderly seek forgiveness and express regret. It represents a gesture of reconciliation.
3 roses (TOP!): This stands as a straightforward, heartfelt declaration of love. Three roses send a clear and affectionate message: "I love you," with each rose representing one word in this sweet declaration.
5 roses: Giving five roses conveys respect and admiration. It’s an ideal number for a first date, offering a subtle yet meaningful token of attention without seeming too forward early in a relationship.
7 roses (TOP!): A bouquet of seven flowers is a sign of deep passion and fervor. Presenting seven roses emphatically states, "I am crazy about you!"
9 roses: A bouquet of nine roses symbolizes a commitment, a promise. It's the floral arrangement most commonly recommended by florists, signifying a desire to stay together forever.
10 roses: The number ten signifies wholeness and completion. Thus, a bouquet of ten roses symbolizes perfect, unblemished love, highlighting the joy you experience with your beloved.
11 roses (CAUTION!): Giving eleven roses traditionally signifies that someone is dearly held; it is a sign of deep attachment, indicating a desire to stay by her side through thick and thin. However, this message can sometimes come across as overbearing.
12 roses (TOP!): A bouquet of twelve roses is traditionally given during a marriage proposal, making it the quintessential romantic gesture. It's a serious declaration, symbolizing a lifelong commitment. If you're ready to propose to your beloved, this is the way to do it!
13 roses (CAUTION!): The number thirteen is often avoided due to its association with superstitions. In romantic contexts, it is better suited to signify friendship rather than love.
15 roses (CAUTION!): Fifteen roses are typically given to express regret and apologize after misunderstandings or disputes, attempting to mend a strained relationship. By offering fifteen roses, you are seeking forgiveness.
24 roses: Mirroring the twenty-four hours in a day, a bouquet of twenty-four roses sends a straightforward message: you are in my thoughts every moment, day and night.
36 roses (TOP!): A bouquet of thirty-six roses stands as a testament to intense love. You adore her deeply, utterly captivated. Offering such a bouquet is a passionate declaration of your feelings.
101 roses: Your love for her is boundless, an endless obsession. She is your soulmate, and your feelings will endure forever, even beyond death.
1000 roses (TOP!): We have reached the pinnacle of romantic gestures! We have also crafted a specific scenario for this occasion, involving a thousand roses, to provide you with an unforgettable marriage proposal in Paris: envision yourself on a dinner cruise along the Seine on a private yacht. As you kneel to propose, a thousand red roses suddenly cascade from the sky, blanketing the wooden deck of the boat in a sea of blooms.
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The Tulip: the perfect choice for passionate love!
Although tulips lack fragrance, they radiate a powerful aura. Their delicate beauty makes them an excellent alternative for those looking to deviate from the traditional rose bouquet. With their straight lines and impressive stature, tulips inspire pure love and can even hint at eroticism.
Tulips are both magnificent and sophisticated. It's often said that the tulip's velvety black center evokes the heart of a lover, darkened by the heat of passion. The message is clear: "My love for you is complete!" The blood-red tulip conveys love with increased intensity as the color deepens, whereas the pink tulip more gently symbolizes affection and the blossoming of a new romance.
If your relationship is in its early stages, or if grand declarations aren't your style, tulips offer a perfect solution. Presenting a bouquet of tulips can make for an intense, fiery declaration of love.
Even when it comes to a marriage proposal, the tulip stands out as the flower that best reveals the depth of your feelings, symbolizing genuine love.
Should you wish to explore beyond roses or tulips, there are a few other flowers that ensure your gesture remains flawless:
The Peony: Unlike roses, available year-round, peonies only bloom for two months in the spring. Their buds open into large, fragrant blossoms, allowing you to express profound tenderness and respect for your beloved. Symbolizing sincerity and fidelity, peonies are ideal for a reserved yet heartfelt declaration of love.
The Lily: Often linked with honesty and pure affection, lilies convey noble and respectful sentiments. A symbol of royalty for centuries, this dignified and fragrant flower represents purity and chaste love, suggesting profound, unexpressed, or unattainable feelings. The lily's regal appearance makes it suitable for grand, romantic gestures akin to a love song.
We can also recommend the bird of paradise, a stunning flower that embodies joy and inspires dreams, and the gladiolus, which, strong and stately, offers a bold and clear way to express your intentions.
Lastly, when declaring your love, steer clear of preserved roses under glass, dried flowers, and exotic arrangements with chocolates. If opting for a multicolored bouquet, choose harmonious colors without stark contrasts. Also, it's best to limit the palette to no more than three colors to avoid a cluttered appearance.
Finally, consider the profound emotional impact you can create by presenting flowers, especially on such a special occasion as a marriage proposal in a restaurant in Paris. Picture this scene: you’re both in an elegant restaurant near Notre-Dame Cathedral, surrounded by an intimate and romantic atmosphere. At the pivotal moment, the waiter brings forth a stunning bouquet of red roses for your beloved. Nestled among these vibrant blooms is a heart-shaped metal box. When she opens it, she discovers your heartfelt message—a beautiful invitation to share her life with you.