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Before choosing the flowers for your wedding, consider the meaning behind them first. Choosing flowers based on their symbolic meaning allows you yet another way to personalize and add more meaning to your ceremony and reception. Just like colors, flowers can set the tone of an event and either add or take away from the overall atmosphere. Choose the flower meaning that is closest to the message you are trying to convey at your wedding. Below you’ll find a list of common wedding flowers and their meanings to help you in your decision making process.

Carnations are one of the most popular flowers in the world. This flower comes in a variety of colors and is typically a symbol of fascination and love.

Chrysanthemums are associated with innocence, cheerfulness, truth and love. The name chrysanthemum comes from the Greek word chrysos (meaning gold) and anthos (meaning flower).

Ferns are found in many a bouquet—often as a filler to help round out the floral arrangement. However, the fern is a fine choice for any bridal arrangement since it stands for sincerity.

Gardenias are often chosen for their lovely fragrant smell as well as their beauty. These flowers are perfect for a wedding occasion as they stand for joy and happiness.

Gerbera Daisies come in a variety of vibrant, cheerful colors and are a popular choice for wedding flowers today. Traditionally, daisies represent beauty and innocence.

Hydrangeas are a favorite for wedding flowers. There is some confusion of their meaning-some say they stand for vanity and boastfulness while other say that this flower represents gratitude. If you love this flower and plan on using it in your wedding-go with gratitude.

Irises symbolize affection, faith, hope and wisdom and are used for a variety of occasions-including weddings.

Ivy, like the fern, often accompanies flowers in the bridal bouquet. Symbolically this is a great addition to wedding flowers since ivy stands for eternal fidelity.

Lilacs are a popular choice for spring weddings as they are one of the first signs of the season. Purple lilacs are said to symbolize you "first love" and white lilacs represent "youthful innocence."

Lilies come in many varieties, but the most popular are Peruvian, Calla, and Stargazer lilies. Peruvian lilies represent friendship and devotion while Calla Lilies symbolize magnificent beauty. If you’d like to infuse your wedding with a majestic quality, Stargazer Lilies are the flower for you.

Orchids are a popular tropical flower used in wedding and exhibit an exotic quality. True to their nature these flowers have come to symbolize rare and delicate beauty.

Roses are by far the most popular flowers used in weddings today and in years past. Roses are the ultimate symbol of love and appreciation. Beyond that, each color rose holds a different meaning:

• Red-love
• Pink - admiration, appreciation
• Yellow - friendship
• White - purity, new beginnings, honor
• Orange - passion, romance
• Lavender - enchantment, love

Stephanotis is also known as the Hawaiian wedding flower and stands for good luck & happiness in marriage.

Sunflowers bring a light, cheerful mood to any occasion. They have come to represent warmth, adoration as well as a sign of longevity.

Tulips is one of the world’s most cultivated flowers and is right up there with the rose as a favorite flower. Also like the rose, tulips symbolize love and have different specific meanings according to its color:

• Red - true love
• Purple - royalty
• Yellow - cheerfulness
• White - forgiveness
• Varigated - beauty