Introduction
Roses are the most popular wedding flower worldwide — and for good reason. They are available year-round, come in hundreds of varieties and colors, and carry a timeless elegance that fits every wedding style from rustic to luxury.
This guide covers the best rose varieties for weddings, their costs, and how to style them for maximum impact.
Rose Varieties for Weddings
Standard Roses
The workhorses of wedding floristry:
- Available year-round from South American farms
- $2.50-4/stem wholesale
- Reliable, consistent quality
- Best for: bulk arrangements, aisle markers, reception décor
Garden Roses
The premium choice for bouquets and focal pieces:
- Larger, fuller blooms with more petals
- Beautiful fragrance (most standard roses have none)
- $5.50-9/stem wholesale
- Best for: bridal bouquets, close-up photography, luxury designs
Top garden rose varieties:
| Variety | Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Juliet (David Austin) | Peach | Most popular wedding garden rose |
| Patience (David Austin) | Ivory/white | Classic bridal choice |
| Keira (David Austin) | Blush pink | Soft romantic feel |
| Quicksand | Dusty beige/pink | Trending for modern weddings |
| Cappuccino | Warm brown/blush | Unique, earthy tone |
| Toffee | Caramel/amber | Perfect for fall palettes |
| Shimmer | Coral-peach | Bright and cheerful |
Spray Roses
Multiple small blooms per stem — excellent value:
- $3-5.50/stem with 3-5 blooms each
- Perfect for filling bouquets and centerpieces
- Available in wide color range
- Best for: bridesmaid bouquets, filler, budget designs
Rose Color Meanings
| Color | Meaning | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Passionate love | Bold, traditional weddings |
| White/Ivory | Purity, new beginnings | Classic, elegant ceremonies |
| Blush/Pink | Grace, admiration | Romantic, feminine designs |
| Peach | Gratitude, warmth | Garden, summer weddings |
| Yellow | Joy, friendship | Cheerful, casual celebrations |
| Lavender | Enchantment | Whimsical, garden parties |
| Burgundy | Deep devotion | Fall, moody palettes |
Popular Rose Color Combinations
- Blush + Ivory — Timeless romantic (Keira + Patience)
- Peach + Cream — Garden elegance (Juliet + Patience)
- Burgundy + Blush + Mauve — Moody romance
- All White — Classic, clean, works with any theme
- Dusty Rose + Sage — On-trend, modern (Quicksand + eucalyptus)
Rose Bouquet Pricing
| Bouquet Type | Standard Roses | Garden Roses | Mixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal (25-35 stems) | $150-225 | $300-450 | $200-350 |
| Bridesmaid (15-20 stems) | $85-125 | $175-275 | $125-200 |
| Toss bouquet | $40-65 | $75-110 | $50-85 |
Rose Care Tips for Florists
- Remove guard petals — Outer petals protect the bloom during shipping; remove them to reveal the beautiful inner petals
- Hydrate 24+ hours — Roses need deep conditioning before use
- Remove thorns carefully — Use a stem stripper, not a knife (knife creates larger wounds)
- Keep cool — 34-38°F until setup
- Watch for botrytis — Gray mold on petals indicates old or poorly stored roses
Design Ideas
All-Rose Bouquet
A single-variety rose bouquet (25-30 stems of one garden rose variety) is stunning, simple, and timeless. It photographs beautifully and eliminates the need for complex mixing.
Rose + Greenery
Pair garden roses with eucalyptus, ruscus, or dusty miller for a natural, romantic look that stretches the budget while maintaining elegance.
Mixed Rose Varieties
Combine 2-3 rose varieties in graduated tones (e.g., white Patience, blush Keira, peach Juliet) for a tonal bouquet with depth and visual interest.
Upload any rose bouquet inspiration to our free Flower Cost Calculator for instant pricing. Build beautiful rose-forward proposals with WPro.AI.
Conclusion
Roses are the foundation of wedding floristry for a reason — they are versatile, reliable, and beautiful at every price point. Know your varieties, price by type, and let roses do what they do best: make every wedding feel elegant.
Related: Wedding Bouquet Cost Breakdown | Wedding Flower Color Palettes 2026 | Flower Cost Calculator
