8 Best Flowers for Engagement

There’s nothing quite like the magic of an engagement – whether you’re the one planning the big proposal or a close friend ready to celebrate the happy couple. It’s a moment bursting with excitement, love, and the promise of forever. And what better way to mark such a special occasion than with the perfect bouquet of flowers?

If you’re the one about to pop the question, the right flowers can add that extra touch of romance, making the moment even more unforgettable. Or maybe you’re the one sending your heartfelt congratulations – choosing a thoughtful bouquet is a beautiful way to show just how excited you are for the couple’s new chapter.

But with so many flowers to choose from, which ones will capture the magic of this moment? Whether you’re planning the proposal or simply congratulating the happy couple, picking the best flowers for engagement can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore our top picks for blooms that say “I love you” and “I’m so happy for you,” all in one beautiful arrangement.

What Color Should Engagement Flowers Be?

Choosing the right color palette for engagement flowers can set the tone for the entire celebration. Flowers are a visual symbol of the joy and excitement of an engagement, and their colors play a big role in expressing those emotions. Here are two popular options when selecting colors for engagement bouquets:

Bright-Colored Flower Arrangements

Bright-colored flowers are perfect for capturing the energy and excitement of an engagement. Think bold reds, vibrant oranges, sunny yellows, and lively pinks. These colors represent joy, passion, and the beginning of a new chapter. They’re also a great choice if the couple loves to embrace life’s vibrancy and wants their flowers to reflect that same energy.

  • When to choose bright colors: If the engagement party is casual, fun, or outdoors, or if the couple loves bold, cheerful vibes.
  • Examples of flowers: Roses, tulips, and lilies in shades of red, pink, and yellow.

Pastel Floral Arrangements

For a softer, more romantic touch, pastel flowers are a beautiful choice. Soft pinks, lavenders, creams, and light blues bring a sense of elegance and timeless beauty to the arrangement. These colors exude calmness, warmth, and love – making them ideal for engagement celebrations that are more intimate or formal.

  • When to choose pastel colors: If the couple has a classic, romantic style or if the engagement celebration is more formal or indoors.
  • Examples of flowers: Peonies, roses, and hydrangeas in blush pinks, soft whites, and light purples.

Now that we’ve covered the importance of color, let’s dive into the flowers themselves. From timeless classics to more modern picks, these are our top choices for the best flowers for engagement – each one bringing its own unique beauty and meaning to the celebration.

1. Roses

It’s no surprise that roses take the top spot for engagement flowers – we have a rose in our name, after all! A little favoritism? Maybe. But roses have earned their place as the ultimate symbol of love and romance, and there’s no better time to let them shine than during an engagement.

While red roses are the classic choice for passion, don’t forget the charm of soft pinks for a sweet, romantic touch or creamy whites for purity and new beginnings. Each color tells its own love story, making roses incredibly versatile for any couple’s style.

And let’s be honest: with their perfectly shaped petals and long, elegant stems, roses have a way of turning any bouquet into a statement. Whether you’re proposing or congratulating, roses do the talking for you – effortlessly.

So, if you’re looking to capture all the beauty and emotion of an engagement, roses are the timeless choice that never disappoints.

2. Peonies

If roses are the classic symbol of love, then peonies are their soft-hearted, romantic counterpart. With their lush, full blooms and layers of delicate petals, peonies bring a dreamy, almost fairytale-like vibe to any engagement. They feel like the floral version of a warm embrace – perfect for capturing the excitement and tenderness that comes with saying “yes.”

Peonies also carry meaningful symbolism, representing romance, prosperity, and a happy marriage. It’s no wonder they’ve become a popular choice for engagements. Their soft blush pinks, creamy whites, and even bolder hues like coral make them versatile enough to fit any couple’s style. And let’s not forget how peonies have a luxurious presence without feeling too formal or over the top – they strike that perfect balance between elegance and charm.

For couples who want to add a touch of romance with a hint of whimsy, peonies are the ideal choice. They don’t just look beautiful – they tell a love story all on their own, making them a perfect flower to celebrate the journey ahead.

3. Tulips

Tulips have this incredible ability to be both simple and elegant, fresh and timeless all at once. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant reds, soft pastels, or a playful mix of colors, tulips bring an effortless beauty that’s perfect for celebrating an engagement. They have a certain grace to them, but with a touch of playfulness that feels refreshing and full of life.

One of the things that makes tulips so perfect for engagements is their symbolism – love, new beginnings, and hope. What better message to send when two people are about to start the rest of their lives together? Their sleek, modern look pairs well with almost any setting, making tulips a versatile flower that can feel chic in a simple vase or part of a grander arrangement.

For couples who want a bouquet that’s graceful yet full of personality, tulips offer the perfect balance. They’re the kind of flower that feels thoughtful and meaningful, without being overdone – just like love should be.

4. Mixed Arrangements

There’s something magical about a well-crafted mixed arrangement. It’s like the best of all worlds – combining different flowers, colors, and textures to create a bouquet that feels playful, creative, and full of personality. For engagements, mixed arrangements capture the joy and excitement of the occasion, offering a vibrant reflection of love in all its forms.

Imagine soft pink roses nestled alongside delicate peonies, with pops of cheerful tulips and greenery adding texture and depth. Or picture a blend of classic white flowers accented by splashes of bold color, bringing an unexpected yet harmonious twist to the arrangement. The beauty of mixed bouquets lies in their versatility – they can be as soft and romantic or as bright and bold as the couple’s love story.

At Ode à la Rose, our mixed arrangements allow each flower to shine in its own way while coming together to create something truly special. They’re perfect for couples who love variety and want a bouquet that feels dynamic, layered, and just a little bit unexpected. After all, what could be better for an engagement than a bouquet that’s as unique and joyful as the moment itself?

5. Hydrangeas

If you’re looking for a flower that’s all about volume and texture, hydrangeas are the way to go. Their large, rounded clusters of blooms bring a sense of fullness and abundance to any arrangement, making them ideal for celebratory occasions like engagements. Plus, they come in a range of colors, from soft blues and pinks to crisp whites and deep purples.

Why they’re perfect for engagement:
Hydrangeas symbolize gratitude, grace, and heartfelt emotions – beautiful sentiments to express during an engagement. Their large, clustered blooms add a lush, romantic feel to bouquets, and they pair wonderfully with other flowers or stand beautifully on their own. Whether used as a focal point or to complement other flowers, hydrangeas bring that extra touch of elegance to an engagement arrangement.

6. Orchids

For couples who love a bit of modern, exotic flair, orchids are the ultimate choice. These stunning flowers bring a sense of elegance and sophistication, while also representing love, luxury, and strength – ideal for celebrating the start of a lifelong journey together. Their unique shapes and vibrant colors make them stand out in any bouquet.


Orchids are not only visually striking but also deeply symbolic. They represent beauty, love, and strength – perfect for a couple about to embark on a new chapter. Whether used in a minimalist arrangement or paired with other blooms for a more dramatic look, orchids always add a touch of sophistication that feels truly special for an engagement.

7. Ranunculus

Ranunculus are often seen as the hidden gems of the floral world. Their layered petals create beautifully intricate blooms that resemble tiny roses but with a bit more playfulness. With their soft, romantic vibe, they’re a lovely choice for celebrating the love and excitement that comes with an engagement.

Why they’re perfect for engagement:
Ranunculus symbolizes charm and attraction, making them a natural fit for a celebration of love. Their delicate, layered petals bring an air of romance to any bouquet, and they pair wonderfully with other flowers like roses or peonies. Their versatility in both color and style means you can create a bouquet that’s as unique as the couple you’re celebrating.

8. Lilies

Lilies are the kind of flowers that instantly elevate any occasion. With their graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms and long, elegant stems, they bring a natural sense of sophistication to an engagement celebration. But beyond their beauty, lilies are full of meaning – they symbolize purity, commitment, and devotion, making them a perfect reflection of the love that’s being celebrated.

Lilies are versatile, too. For a classic, timeless look, white lilies exude elegance. If you’re after something with a bit more flair, pink or orange lilies add a vibrant, modern twist to the bouquet. And let’s not forget their light, sweet fragrance that adds just the right touch of romance to the moment.

Whether you’re sending your best wishes or popping the question, lilies bring a blend of beauty and sentiment that makes them an ideal choice for this special occasion.

What Should You Write in a ‘Congratulations on Your Engagement’ Card?

Now that you’ve picked the perfect bouquet, it’s time to add a heartfelt message to make your gift even more personal. The right words can mean the world to the couple and show just how happy you are for them. But let’s be honest – finding the perfect message can sometimes feel like a bit of pressure. What do you say to capture all the excitement and joy of this special moment?

First off, don’t overthink it. A few genuine, sincere words are often all that’s needed to make the couple feel truly loved and celebrated. Whether you want to keep it short and sweet or add a more personal touch, the most important thing is that your message reflects the happiness you feel for their exciting journey ahead.

Here are a few ideas to get you started, ranging from traditional to lighthearted:

  • “Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations on your engagement!”
  • “May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations!”
  • “Here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness together. So happy for you both!”
  • “May your engagement be the beginning of a long, beautiful journey. Congratulations!”
  • “Cheers to your engagement! Wishing you both all the happiness in the world.”

If you’re close with the couple, don’t hesitate to personalize your message. Maybe include a special memory, an inside joke, or words of wisdom for the new chapter in their lives. Whatever you choose, your thoughtful message will surely be appreciated and remembered for years to come.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, picking the best flowers for engagement is all about capturing the joy, love, and excitement of the moment. Whether you’re opting for timeless roses, lush peonies, playful tulips, or a vibrant mixed arrangement, there’s no wrong choice – just the one that feels right for you (and maybe a little favoritism toward roses, but can you blame us?). Flowers have a way of speaking louder than words, so let them do the talking.

Remember, it’s not just about what looks good in a vase – it’s about creating something that reflects the magic of the couple’s love story. So have fun with it, get creative, and choose a bouquet that’s as unique and special as the engagement it’s celebrating. After all, love should always come with a little bit of flair!