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 love god, few things add to the romance of a perfect proposal more than a bouquet of beautiful flowers. Almost everyone knows that red roses are symbols of passion. Most people know how to associate a black rose with death (which means you probably don’t want to propose with a black rose, right?). However, what about other roses? Before you hand that special someone a handful of white rosebuds, you might want to 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 not yet experienced love.

full bloom

If a rosebud signifies youth and innocence, a rose in full bloom doesn’t mince words. It speaks of a fulfilled desire or a fulfilled promise. It may be the desire for love, an expression of jealousy, or the promise of death, but it is there for all it is 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, secrecy, silence, and enchantment. A white rosebud indicates girlhood 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 use a white rose, combine it with a red one. The two together represent unity, which will be a great transition into 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 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 us 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 peach and coral colors, orange speaks of enthusiasm, desire and fascination. Be careful with the shade though… pale peach represents modesty.

Black rose or dark crimson

As stated in the introduction, black roses symbolize death. Dark crimson roses, while not conveying the same sense of foreboding, are associated with mourning. So she saves 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 only 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 tell 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 rose buds, then that should be your choice, no matter what meaning they are supposed to have. Thought and attention are what count. If she takes 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.