Let Your Flowers Do the Talking—Here’s What They Mean
The Language and Meaning of Flowers in New Orleans
New Orleans isn’t just known for jazz, Creole cuisine, and candlelit courtyards—it’s also a city where every celebration is layered with meaning. And when it comes to florals, there’s more than meets the eye. Beyond the beauty of a rose or the scent of fresh jasmine lies something deeper: a message, a feeling, a story.
If you’ve ever gifted—or received—flowers and wondered what they truly meant, welcome to the enchanting world of floral symbolism. Whether you’re planning a wedding at Race + Religious, designing a memorial tribute in Uptown, or styling a romantic dinner in the Marigny, knowing the meaning behind your flowers adds a poetic layer to your design.
Let’s explore the language of flowers—and how it can bring intention and emotional depth to your event, bouquet, or celebration.
When Every Bloom Has Something to Say
Where It All Began: A Quick Peek at the Floral Language
Petals, Poems, and Secret Messages
The idea that flowers carry meaning dates back centuries, with roots in Victorian England and even deeper traditions in Greek, Roman, and Eastern cultures. In times when words were too risky or reserved, blooms did the talking. Each flower held a message—some romantic, some defiant, some steeped in reverence.
Fast forward to today in New Orleans, and we’re still using florals to speak from the heart. Whether it’s a bride carrying gardenias down the aisle or a family honoring a loved one with lilies, every bloom carries a whisper of meaning.
Say What You Feel (Without Saying a Word)
Blooms That Speak Love, Gratitude, and Strength
You don’t need a dictionary to speak the language of flowers—just a little local insight and a florist who knows how to translate emotion into design. Here are a few favorites we love to use across New Orleans weddings, events, and arrangements:
- Roses – Classic red means love, but peach says gratitude, and white symbolizes reverence and new beginnings.
- Magnolias – Bold and Southern to the core, these represent strength and dignity—perfect for milestone moments in the Crescent City.
- Lavender – A gentle reminder of peace, grace, and calm—ideal for memorial florals or moments of reflection.
- Peonies – Rich with layers and meaning, they symbolize romance, prosperity, and beauty in full bloom.
- Calla Lilies – Elegant and sculptural, they evoke purity and sophistication—often used in wedding ceremonies and tributes alike.
Want something more unique? Protea, ranunculus, and even herbs like rosemary and thyme carry messages too. It’s all about what speaks to you.
Designing with Intention
How Meaning Enhances the Beauty
When you choose flowers not just for how they look, but for what they say, your design takes on a whole new dimension. Imagine walking into a Garden District reception and realizing the centerpieces aren’t just beautiful—they’re full of messages of joy, loyalty, or new beginnings.
Whether you’re crafting a bridal bouquet, a memorial tribute, or a statement arrangement for a gala in the French Quarter, working with a florist who understands floral meaning adds richness to the experience.
It’s not about being literal—it’s about layering beauty with story.
New Orleans Style, With Soul and Symbolism
Florals That Reflect You—and the City You Love
In New Orleans, we don’t do generic. Every event is a celebration of personality, culture, and soul. That’s why flower selection should feel as personal as the rest of your planning process.
Want to honor heritage? Use blooms native to Louisiana or symbolic in your family’s tradition. Want to make guests feel something the moment they walk into your venue? Build your palette around emotion. A romantic wedding in a French Quarter courtyard might lean into soft, meaningful pastels. A bold birthday bash at a historic mansion could feature fearless florals with fiery meanings.
At the end of the day, it’s your story. Let your flowers help tell it.
Let Your Flowers Speak for You
When you understand the language of flowers, every petal becomes poetry. Whether you’re celebrating love, marking a new chapter, or honoring a memory, choosing flowers with meaning brings beauty and soul to your event. And in a city like New Orleans—where every celebration is layered with culture, history, and heart—florals are more than decor. They’re part of the story.