Complete Colour Palette Guide for Flower Arrangements
Understanding Color Theory for Floral Design
Basic Color Principles
Monochromatic: Various shades and tints of a single color
Analogous: Colors adjacent on the color wheel (e.g., red, orange, yellow)
Complementary: Colors opposite on the color wheel (e.g., purple and yellow)
Triadic: Three colors equally spaced on the color wheel
Split-complementary: One color plus the two colors adjacent to its complement
Color Psychology in Flowers
Different colors evoke specific emotions and meanings:
Red: Passion, love, energy, strength
Pink: Romance, gratitude, admiration, gentleness
White: Purity, innocence, peace, new beginnings
Yellow: Joy, friendship, optimism, warmth
Orange: Enthusiasm, creativity, warmth, celebration
Purple: Luxury, mystery, spirituality, dignity
Blue: Tranquility, trust, stability, serenity
Green: Nature, growth, harmony, freshness
Romantic Occasions
Weddings
Classic Bridal Palette
Primary: White, ivory, cream
Accents: Blush pink, sage green, champagne
Flowers: Roses, peonies, baby's breath, eucalyptus
Garden Romance
Primary: Soft pink, lavender, white
Accents: Dusty miller (silver-green), deep purple
Flowers: Sweet peas, roses, lavender, hydrangeas
Bold Modern Wedding
Primary: Deep burgundy, navy blue
Accents: Gold, ivory, eucalyptus green
Flowers: Dahlias, roses, thistle, eucalyptus
Anniversary Celebrations
Traditional Anniversary
Primary: Deep red, white
Accents: Gold, dark green
Flowers: Red roses, white lilies, golden solidago
Modern Anniversary
Primary: Coral, peach, cream
Accents: Dusty rose, sage green
Flowers: Garden roses, ranunculus, dusty miller
Valentine's Day
Classic Romance
Primary: Deep red, white
Accents: Pink, burgundy
Flowers: Red roses, white roses, baby's breath
Contemporary Valentine's
Primary: Hot pink, purple
Accents: Fuchsia, silver
Flowers: Tulips, roses, purple stock
Celebratory Occasions
Birthday Arrangements
Cheerful & Bright
Primary: Yellow, orange, pink
Accents: Lime green, coral
Flowers: Gerbera daisies, sunflowers, alstroemeria
Elegant Birthday
Primary: Purple, white, silver
Accents: Lavender, pale yellow
Flowers: Orchids, roses, lisianthus
Child's Birthday
Primary: Rainbow mix (all bright colors)
Include: Red, yellow, blue, pink, orange, purple
Flowers: Gerberas, carnations, daisies
Graduation
School Colors Theme
Use the graduate's school colors as primary palette
Add white or cream as neutral balance
Include gold or silver accents for achievement
Success & Achievement
Primary: Yellow, white, purple
Accents: Gold, deep green
Flowers: Sunflowers, white roses, purple statice
New Baby
Baby Girl
Primary: Soft pink, white, cream
Accents: Peach, lavender, pale yellow
Flowers: Pink roses, white hydrangeas, baby's breath
Baby Boy
Primary: Soft blue, white, cream
Accents: Pale green, silver
Flowers: Blue hydrangeas, white roses, eucalyptus
Gender Neutral
Primary: Yellow, white, green
Accents: Cream, pale orange
Flowers: Yellow roses, white daisies, greenery
Sympathy & Memorial
Traditional Sympathy
Classic Comfort
Primary: White, cream, pale pink
Accents: Soft green, pale yellow
Flowers: White lilies, roses, chrysanthemums, baby's breath
Peaceful Remembrance
Primary: Soft blue, white, lavender
Accents: Silver-green, pale purple
Flowers: Delphiniums, white roses, eucalyptus
Celebration of Life
Vibrant Memorial
Use the deceased's favorite colors
Often includes: Bright yellows, oranges, pinks
Focus on joyful, uplifting combinations
Garden Memorial
Primary: Mixed pastels (pink, yellow, lavender, peach)
Accents: Abundant greenery
Flowers: Mixed garden-style blooms
Seasonal Celebrations
Spring Arrangements
Easter & Spring Festivals
Primary: Pastel pink, yellow, lavender
Accents: Fresh green, white
Flowers: Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, pussy willows
Mother's Day
Primary: Pink, white, peach
Accents: Coral, sage green
Flowers: Roses, peonies, sweet peas
Summer Celebrations
Summer Parties
Primary: Bright yellow, orange, hot pink
Accents: Lime green, coral, fuchsia
Flowers: Sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, dahlias
Beach/Tropical Theme
Primary: Coral, turquoise, white
Accents: Bright pink, lime green
Flowers: Bird of paradise, protea, orchids
Autumn Occasions
Thanksgiving & Harvest
Primary: Orange, burgundy, golden yellow
Accents: Deep red, brown, bronze
Flowers: Chrysanthemums, marigolds, sunflowers, wheat
Halloween
Primary: Orange, purple, black
Accents: Deep red, bronze
Flowers: Orange roses, purple asters, dark dahlias
Winter Holidays
Christmas
Traditional: Red, green, white
Modern: Silver, white, burgundy
Contemporary: Gold, cream, deep green
Flowers: Poinsettias, roses, holly, pine, amaryllis
New Year's
Primary: Gold, silver, white
Accents: Champagne, deep purple, black
Flowers: White roses, gold chrysanthemums, silver branches
Hanukkah
Primary: Blue, silver, white
Accents: Gold (optional)
Flowers: Blue hydrangeas, white roses, silver branches
Professional & Corporate Events
Business Occasions
Corporate Events
Primary: White, green, blue
Accents: Silver, navy
Focus on clean, sophisticated lines
Grand Openings
Primary: Company brand colors
Add white for balance and sophistication
Include congratulatory yellows or golds
Hospitality Settings
Hotel Lobbies
Primary: Neutral tones (cream, beige, soft green)
Accents: Seasonal colors that complement décor
Focus on longevity and classic appeal
Restaurant Arrangements
Warm, inviting colors that complement cuisine style
Avoid overpowering fragrances
Consider the dining atmosphere
Color Combinations to Avoid
Problematic Pairings
Red and pink together: Can clash and appear unrefined
Too many bright colors: Creates visual chaos
Orange and purple: Can be jarring unless carefully balanced
All dark colors: May appear somber for celebratory events
Cultural Considerations
White in some Asian cultures: Associated with mourning
Yellow in some cultures: Can symbolize jealousy or betrayal
Red in some contexts: May be inappropriate for sympathy arrangements
Always consider the recipient's cultural background
Pro Tips for Success
Creating Depth and Interest
Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% primary color, 30% secondary, 10% accent
Include varying flower sizes and textures
Add foliage and greenery as neutral anchors
Consider the container color as part of your palette
Seasonal Color Guidelines
Spring: Fresh, light colors that reflect new growth
Summer: Bold, vibrant colors that celebrate sunshine
Fall: Warm, rich colors that echo changing leaves
Winter: Either bright colors to combat gloom or elegant metallics
Final Considerations
Always consider the lighting where the arrangement will be displayed
Account for the recipient's personal color preferences
Think about the longevity of your color choices
Remember that white and green are universal neutrals that work with any palette
Flower Color Reference
Common Flowers by Color
Red: Roses, tulips, carnations, geraniums, amaryllis
Pink: Roses, peonies, carnations, sweet peas, azaleas
White: Roses, lilies, baby's breath, hydrangeas, orchids
Yellow: Sunflowers, daffodils, roses, chrysanthemums, tulips
Orange: Marigolds, tulips, roses, lilies, gerberas
Purple: Lavender, irises, orchids, lisianthus, statice
Blue: Hydrangeas, delphiniums, cornflowers, irises
Green: Bells of Ireland, green hydrangeas, chrysanthemums
Remember: The most important aspect of any floral arrangement is that it brings joy to both the giver and receiver. Use this guide as a starting point, but don't be afraid to trust your instincts and create something uniquely beautiful.
