A Complete Guide to White Roses

One of the purest, freshest and most romantic flowers around, it’s no surprise that white roses are also among the most popular. Their neutral palette means white roses work fantastically as part of a mixed bouquet or minimalist single flower bouquet.

Learn more about what white roses symbolise and the best ways to use them in floral arrangements in this guide.

What Do White Roses Symbolise?

White roses symbolise loyalty, purity, innocence, and reverence. They can also signify new beginnings and everlasting love, which is why they often feature prominently in bridal bouquets.

Brides will often choose to have white roses in their bouquets to symbolise eternal love, purity, and innocence. These stunning flowers complement a white dress wonderfully, and in a varied bouquet can help tie the colour palette together with neutral tones. White roses and rosebuds have an intoxicating scent and beautiful petal formation, which can look captivating as part of a bridal hairpiece. They’re also often included in smaller bridesmaid bouquets to complement the bride’s.

White roses are also commonly used to celebrate the birth or christening of a new baby due to their symbolism of innocence and new beginnings. They can also be used to signify remembrance, love and respect for a departed person as part of sympathy arrangements at funerals.

The History of the White Rose

The white rose has been associated with the house of York since the Middle Ages, most notably around the Wars of the Roses. During the wars, those flying the white rose went to battle with those carrying the red rose of the House of Lancaster over claims to the English throne.

The conflict lasted for approximately 30 years, finally ending when Henry Tudor (Henry VII – father to Henry VIII), whose mother was of House of Lancaster, married Elizabeth of York. The Tudor rose with red and white petals represents the unification of the two houses.

During the Wars of the Roses, much of England declared for one house or the other. However, it’s unlikely that the red and white roses were used as symbolism at the time. It’s believed that the conflict gained its name from Shakespeare’s play Henry VI, where the warring families choose different coloured roses from a garden.

The legacy of houses York and Lancaster lives on in the counties with their namesakes. Even today, you’ll find the flag of a white rose on a blue sea flying proudly across Yorkshire, while the red rose on a yellow field is often seen flying in Lancashire.

Using White Roses to Decorate

White roses can be used to decorate for events and special occasions in a range of styles.

Standalone Single Roses

Using stand-alone white roses, create a minimalist and understated look with impact. This can work well in contemporary wedding venues.

Table Centrepieces

Make a statement with your table centrepieces by including white roses. White roses are well suited for weddings in any season and can look just as beautiful in a spring bouquet as in winter. Their neutral tones work well with any colour scheme, whether you’re going for bold, bright colours or delicate pastels.

Crafting a White Rose Bouquet

White roses are incredibly versatile and can work in almost any floral bouquet style.

White roses make a beautiful and timeless addition to any bouquet or floral arrangement. Find out more about roses, or browse our range of wedding flowers, baby flowers and congratulations flowers.