What Do Purple Wedding Flowers Mean? Symbolism and Best Types for Your Big Day

When you see purple flowers at a wedding, it’s not just about beauty-it’s about meaning. Purple has long been tied to royalty, mystery, and deep emotion, and when it shows up in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, or aisle arrangements, it’s speaking louder than you might think. If you’re considering purple blooms for your big day, you’re not just picking a color-you’re choosing a statement.

Why Purple? The History Behind the Color

Purple wasn’t always a color you could just buy at the florist. In ancient times, making purple dye was a nightmare. The most famous kind, Tyrian purple, came from thousands of crushed sea snails found along the Mediterranean coast. It took over 10,000 snails to make just one gram of dye. That kind of effort meant only kings, emperors, and high priests could afford it. By the time weddings became big cultural events in Europe, purple was already locked in as the color of nobility and power.

Fast forward to today, and purple still carries that weight-but it’s softened. Modern brides aren’t trying to look like queens of England (unless they want to). Instead, they’re drawn to purple because it feels rich without being flashy, romantic without being cliche. It’s the color of twilight, of lavender fields at dusk, of quiet confidence.

What Purple Flowers Say About Your Wedding

Not all purple is the same. The shade you pick changes the message. Deep plum? That’s drama, elegance, maybe even a little rebellion. Soft lavender? That’s calm, grace, and spiritual connection. Lilac? That’s youthful joy and first love.

Here’s what different shades commonly mean in wedding contexts:

• Deep purple (eggplant, aubergine): Power, luxury, ambition. Great for winter or evening weddings. Pairs well with gold or black.
• Lavender: Serenity, devotion, and healing. A favorite for spring and outdoor weddings. Works with whites, creams, and soft pinks.
• Lilac: First love, innocence, and new beginnings. Perfect for romantic, whimsical themes.
• Blue-purple (violet): Spirituality, intuition, and deep emotional bonds. Often chosen by couples who value mindfulness or have a spiritual connection.

These meanings aren’t rules-they’re guides. But if you’re choosing purple because you want your wedding to feel intentional, not just pretty, these associations matter.

Best Purple Wedding Flowers to Use

Not every purple flower works for every wedding. Some are too stiff, some fade too fast, some cost a fortune. Here are the top five that brides actually use-and why they stick around.

• Lavender - Not just a scent, but a statement. It’s affordable, long-lasting, and smells amazing. Perfect for rustic, boho, or garden weddings. Often used in bouquets, wreaths, or even tied into chair sashes.
• Orchids (especially dendrobium or cattleya) - Sleek, exotic, and timeless. Orchids in deep plum or magenta add instant sophistication. They’re expensive, yes, but one stem goes a long way. Great for modern or luxury weddings.
• Hydrangeas - Big, fluffy, and dramatic. When dyed purple or naturally purple (like the ‘Bluebird’ variety), they fill out arrangements beautifully. They’re the go-to for full, lush bouquets.
• Irises - Sharp, sculptural, and elegant. Their shape is unique, and they come in rich violet tones. Often used in minimalist designs or as single-stem accents. They last well out of water, which makes them great for ceremony setups.
• Stock - Often overlooked, but a secret weapon. Stock flowers have dense spikes of tiny blooms with a sweet, spicy scent. They’re perfect for filling gaps in arrangements and add texture without stealing focus.

Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, skip the orchids and go for lavender and stock. They’re both easy to source, last longer, and still look expensive.

How to Pair Purple With Other Colors

Purple doesn’t play well with everything. It can look muddy next to the wrong shade. Here’s what works-and what doesn’t.

One of the most popular combinations right now is lavender with dusty rose and eucalyptus. It’s soft, romantic, and feels grown-up without being stiff. If you’re unsure, start there.

Real Wedding Examples

In 2024, a wedding in County Wicklow used deep plum hydrangeas and purple irises in a ceremony held under a canopy of hanging fairy lights. The bride wore a simple ivory gown, and the groom’s boutonniere was a single purple orchid. No one mentioned the color choice-until the photos came out. Then, guests kept saying, "It just felt... right."

Another couple in Galway chose lavender sprigs woven into their wooden arch and placed small jars of dried lavender as favors. They didn’t want flowers that would wilt by the reception. The scent lingered all night. One guest wrote in the guestbook: "I didn’t know purple could feel so peaceful."

These aren’t staged Pinterest moments. They’re real choices made by people who cared about how their wedding felt, not just how it looked.

When Not to Use Purple

Purple isn’t for every bride. If you’re going for a beach wedding with bright coral and turquoise, purple might feel out of place. Same if your theme is pure minimalism-white and green alone can say everything.

Also, avoid purple if you’re working with a tight budget and your florist doesn’t carry seasonal blooms. Forced purple roses in January? They’ll cost triple and look artificial. Always ask: "Is this purple flower in season?" If not, skip it or substitute with something similar.

And if your family has strong cultural views about color? Talk to them. In some cultures, purple is tied to mourning. In others, it’s sacred. Don’t assume. Ask.

Final Thought: It’s Not Just Color. It’s Feeling.

Choosing purple flowers isn’t about following trends. It’s about choosing a mood. It’s about wanting your wedding to feel like a quiet moment under a starlit sky-not a loud party. It’s about honoring depth, mystery, and quiet strength.

If you’ve been drawn to purple since you were a kid, if you’ve always loved lavender fields, if you’ve worn purple on your most meaningful days-then this isn’t just a flower choice. It’s a personal one.

And that’s what makes a wedding unforgettable-not the price tag, not the Instagram likes-but the quiet truths you let bloom.