Roses have always been one of the most powerful ways to express emotion. Their colours carry meaning, their fragrance evokes nostalgia, and the number of roses in a bouquet? That speaks volumes.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, expressing unwavering love, or making a statement that can’t be missed, the number of roses you choose can dramatically influence the message you’re sending. While a single rose is heartfelt and simple, bouquets of 40, 50, 60, 80, or 100 roses offer grandeur, extravagance, and emotional weight.
Let’s explore the deeper meaning and symbolic value of each of these luxurious bouquet sizes.
40 Roses – “My love for you is real.”
Giving a bouquet of 40 roses is a bold and sincere gesture. In the symbolic language of flowers, 40 roses often represent a genuine, unwavering love. This number is not as commonly gifted as 12 or 24 roses, which means it feels more personal and deliberate.
It’s the kind of bouquet that says, “I’ve thought about this, and I want to show you just how much you mean to me.” Perfect for celebrating important relationship milestones, wedding anniversaries, or even a proposal, a bouquet of 40 roses offers both elegance and emotional impact.
Why it works as a gift:
A 40-rose bouquet stands out from the ordinary. It’s the sweet spot between extravagance and intimacy—big enough to impress, personal enough to touch the heart.
50 Roses – Unconditional Love
Fifty roses are traditionally known to symbolise unconditional love with no regrets or reservations. It’s a strong and heartfelt declaration, used to say, “I love you just the way you are,” or “There is nothing I would change about you.”
This is an ideal bouquet size for deep, long-standing relationships. Whether it’s your golden wedding anniversary, a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, or a grand Valentine’s Day gesture, 50 roses show a love that is all in—no holding back.
Why it works as a gift:
It represents completeness and commitment. The round number adds symmetry to the gesture, making it visually stunning and emotionally profound.
60 Roses – A Testament to Timeless Love
Sixty roses symbolise a love that has endured and grown stronger over time. It can also be interpreted as a commitment to a shared future. It’s ideal for celebrating life milestones, such as a 60th birthday or retirement, or to mark six decades of love, loyalty, and friendship.
Whether you’re gifting a spouse, a parent, or even a lifelong friend, 60 roses honour the recipient’s presence in your life while recognising the depth and longevity of your relationship.
Why it works as a gift:
This bouquet says “You’ve always been there for me, and I treasure every moment.” It’s perfect for commemorating a full life and enduring bond.
80 Roses – A Grand Romantic Gesture
If you’re going for wow-factor, 80 roses are your floral mic drop. This number doesn’t carry a traditional floriographic definition like others, but it has become associated with lavish admiration and overwhelming love. It says, “I adore everything about you,” and then some.
Often gifted to mark spectacular occasions—like a milestone birthday, a public anniversary celebration, or as part of a proposal—80 roses are about making an unforgettable impression.
Why it works as a gift:
This bouquet is for when you want to do something truly extraordinary. It’s indulgent, luxurious, and sure to leave the recipient speechless.
100 Roses – A Century of Devotion
A bouquet of 100 roses is one of the most powerful floral statements you can make. It symbolises total devotion, eternal love, and lasting commitment. This isn’t just a gift—it’s a love story told in petals.
100 roses are perfect for engagements, anniversaries, or to celebrate major life achievements like a 100th birthday, or to simply say, “I will love you forever.” It’s also ideal for moments when you want to express the magnitude of your feelings without saying a single word.
Why it works as a gift:
A 100-rose bouquet is visually breathtaking and emotionally overwhelming—in the best way. It creates a lasting memory and leaves no doubt about the sincerity and strength of your feelings.
The Role of Rose Colours
While the number of roses carries specific meanings, the colour of the roses can further enhance the message:
- Red Roses: symbolise deep love and passion.
- White Roses: Represent purity, innocence, and new beginnings.
- Yellow Roses: Convey friendship and joy.
- Pink Roses: Express admiration, gratitude, and appreciation.
- Orange Roses: Indicate enthusiasm and desire.
- Lavender Roses: Signify enchantment and love at first sight.
Combining different numbers and colours can create a personalised bouquet that conveys a multifaceted message.
Custom Bouquets
While traditional rose numbers carry strong symbolic meanings, there’s something incredibly special about creating a custom bouquet. In today’s modern approach to gifting, more and more people are moving beyond convention to design arrangements that reflect their unique relationships, stories, and sentiments.
A custom rose bouquet allows the giver to choose a number that holds personal significance—be it the number of years you’ve known someone, the day of a memorable event, or simply a spontaneous number that feels right. For example, 19 roses might mark the day you met, or 33 could represent a lucky number or shared inside joke. It’s no longer just about following floral “rules”—it’s about capturing emotion in a way that feels authentic.
The beauty of a custom bouquet lies in its freedom and emotional expression. You can pair any number of roses with a thoughtful note, a favourite colour combination, or even present them in a unique arrangement style, such as a hatbox, heart shape box, or part of a larger gift hamper. These choices give you creative control, allowing you to turn a bouquet into something that’s both deeply personal and visually unforgettable.
Conclusion
Understanding the symbolism behind the number and colour of roses can add depth and meaning to your floral gifts. Whether you’re expressing love, gratitude, or seeking forgiveness, the right combination can convey your sentiments perfectly. At Eros Florist, we are here to help you craft the ideal bouquet that speaks from the heart.
FAQs
How many roses should be in a bouquet?
The number of roses in a bouquet depends entirely on the occasion and the message you want to convey. Traditional choices include 1 rose for love at first sight, 3 roses for “I love you,” 12 roses for a classic romantic gesture, and 50 or more for grand declarations of love or celebration. While there’s no fixed rule, odd numbers like 3, 5, 7, or 9 are often preferred for informal gifts, while even numbers are typically used for formal or luxury bouquets.
What is the perfect number of roses?
The “perfect” number of roses is subjective and depends on the sentiment behind your gift. However, 12 roses is widely regarded as the most universally recognised bouquet size, symbolising completeness and enduring love. It’s elegant, balanced, and ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day. For larger, more impactful statements, 24, 50, or 100 roses make a powerful impression.
What is the 3:5–8 rule in floristry?
The 3:5–8 rule in floristry is a traditional design principle used to create visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangements. It refers to the ideal height ratio between the vase and the floral arrangement. While this has historically been the rule, modern floristry has evolved to include other ratios, allowing them to create more diverse and dynamic displays.
How many flowers are in a full bouquet?
There is no standard number of flowers for a “full bouquet” as bouquets are customisable. This allows you to adjust the number of flowers depending on budget, or sentimental factors such as the number of years a couple has been together.
