Flowers That Mean Love That Aren’t Just Classic Roses

When people think of love, they usually picture red roses. And yes, roses are timeless. But love is not one dimensional, and your flowers don’t have to be either. The flowers that convey your love for someone are often the ones that feel personal to you. Different flowers carry different historical meanings, and while red roses are beautiful, they are not the only way to symbolize romance, devotion, or commitment.

At Ivory & Beau, we love helping brides choose blooms that reflect their relationship in a way that feels intentional and meaningful. If you want something beyond the expected, here are flowers with historically rooted symbolism that beautifully represent love.

Photos By Stephanie Velez

Orchids

Orchids have long been associated with love, beauty, and strength. In ancient Greece, orchids were connected to fertility, and during the Victorian era they symbolized refined beauty and rare devotion.

Because orchids are known for their longevity and structured elegance, they are often chosen to represent enduring love and deep admiration. They feel intentional. Elevated. A little unexpected in the best way.

Photos By Abby Giles Photography

Peonies

Peonies are widely connected to romance and a happy marriage. While Victorian flower language associated them with bashfulness, modern Western wedding traditions have embraced peonies as a symbol of romance and prosperity.

In Chinese culture, peonies represent honor, wealth, and good fortune, which is why they are often seen in celebratory settings. Their lush, full petals create that soft, romantic look so many brides gravitate toward. They feel abundant and joyful.

Photos by Alex Converse Photography

Garden Roses

Garden roses carry the same traditional symbolism as classic roses, which is love, passion, and romance. The difference is in their appearance.

Garden roses are cultivated varieties known for their layered petals and strong fragrance. They offer that timeless romantic meaning, but with more texture and dimension. If you love tradition but want something a little more elevated, this is your flower.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers traditionally symbolize adoration and loyalty. Young sunflowers naturally turn toward the sun, a behavior that has led to their connection with faithfulness and devotion.

While they are not historically tied to romantic love in the same way roses are, they represent warmth, steadfastness, and joy. They are perfect for couples whose love feels bright and full of life.

Red Tulips

In Victorian flower language, red tulips symbolized a declaration of love. They became associated with true love and deep affection.

Tulips also appear in Persian poetry as symbols of passionate love. Their clean shape and bold color make them feel modern, yet their meaning is rooted in centuries of romantic symbolism.

Lilies

Lilies have long symbolized purity and devotion. In Christian symbolism, white lilies in particular represent commitment and virtue.

Different varieties carry slightly different meanings, but overall lilies speak to sincerity and lasting devotion. They are graceful and timeless without feeling predictable.

Your Bouquet Should Mean Something

Floral symbolism has evolved across cultures and centuries, but these blooms all carry historically recognized meanings tied to love, devotion, admiration, or romance.

Whether your love feels rare and refined, soft and abundant, joyful and bright, or steady and devoted, there is a flower that reflects it.

At Ivory & Beau, we love helping you choose flowers  that feel personal, meaningful, and entirely you. Because your love story deserves to feel special.