Flowers are both the subject and experts in the art of subtle communication (something that doesn’t get as much attention nowadays). This practice, of sending messages using flowers, is rooted in floriography, also known as “the language of flowers,” and was a popular method of covert communication during the Victorian era.
Nowadays, celebrities and public figures have other ways of communication. Still, many know and practice the delicate art of using blooms to send out a message to the right type of people. Let’s see who does that and, most importantly, how.
The Language of Flowers in Hollywood
When you’re trying to understand celebrities, you can’t skip Hollywood, the location that gave us so many amazing stories and storytellers over the years. Here, stars know every aspect of their outfit will be analyzed and interpreted, so they love to include blooms that send a strong message.
Let’s take the 2024 Met Gala as an example. Here, floral symbolism took center stage. As Vogue puts it, the stars used blooms like peonies, lilies, and roses to symbolize everything from happiness to cultural pride.
We got to admire Shakira in a gown laced with red roses, representing passion and cultural pride, and Demi Moore in peonies, often tied to themes of bashfulness and prosperity. Rapper Jack Harlow pinned a small lily-of-the-valley brooch, sending a message of renewed happiness, while Sarah Jessica Parker used roses to express love and silence.
Each flower added another layer of meaning to their public persona, blending tradition with modern celebrity expression.
Why Do Celebrities Choose a Certain Flower?
Let’s be clear: No public person, especially celebrities, will choose an accessory at random. This applies whether we’re talking diamonds or flowers.
Every stem and shade is part of a curated message that ties into their public persona. Here are a few examples of how our beloved stars used blooms to make us swoon even harder:
- Kate Middleton’s bouquet: Her 2011 wedding bouquet featured lily of the valley, symbolizing trust, and myrtle, a traditional royal symbol of marriage and love.
- Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement: The floral arrangement for their engagement announcement featured flowers with specific meanings related to their relationship, including roses for romance and hydrangeas for new beginnings.
- Grace Kelly’s bouquet: Her classic bouquet of lily of the valley symbolized humility and the return of happiness, a perfect fit for her transition from Hollywood star to Monégasque royalty.
- Beyoncé’s album launch: After the release of the Cowboy Carter album, she sent flowers to several artists, including Jack White, SZA, and K. Michelle. This was widely interpreted as a show of appreciation, a gesture of solidarity, and a subtle signal of her artistic direction toward the country and rock genres.
Of course, regular people can use this language of flowers as well. And if you don’t know what’s best for the message you want to send, look for a flower delivery service like BloomsyBox. Their team can provide tips and guidance in putting together a bouquet or flower arrangement that conveys your feelings.
Flower Etiquette Tips
You don’t need to be a celebrity to get flower etiquette right. Whether you’re sending an apology bouquet, congratulating a friend, or simply brightening someone’s day, a little thoughtfulness can make all the difference.
But if you live in fear that you might send out mixed signals, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Timing Matters
If you’re using flowers as an apology, you must act swiftly. The sooner, the better. If your apology bouquet arrives several days after the blunder, the person receiving it may not feel too generous with their forgiveness, regardless of the beauty of the blooms. For celebrations, the timeline is a bit more relaxed. You can still send flowers within 24 hours after the event, and you won’t seem inattentive.
Color is Important
The wrong hue can send the wrong message. White blooms are perfect for sincerity or sympathy, yellow conveys friendship and cheer, while red speaks directly to passion and romance.
Keep the Card Simple
A heartfelt phrase often works better than long notes. There’s a reason celebrities opt for a single line, or even leave cards unsigned. For everyday situations, something short, personal, and genuine lands the best.
The Takeaway
Flowers are never “just flowers.” They’re symbols that carry weight depending on timing, shade, and sentiment. By matching the bloom to the moment, anyone can communicate with the same subtlety stars use on the red carpet.