Dahlia Flower Meaning
The Dahlia comes into season in the late summer to early Autumn. These showy blooms come in a wide range of colours, forms and sizes which makes designing for wedding and events a must have on the flower list for the season. We just love them!
Originally native to Mexico the modern day dahlias were first introduced to Europe in the Nineteenth century. They became a huge favourite for Victorian weddings for which the beauty and the dignity of the Dahlia flower came to symbolised devotion and lasting love. The dahlia flower meaning through history, is mostly positive with some modern day symbolism being that of diversity, strength and creativity.
Florists, gardeners, enthusiasts or new found fans alike can all agree that the graceful forms and spectrum of colours makes them a standout for any occasion.
What do Dahlias signify?
Dahlias are an amazing flower to design and work with, and there is always an option to provide the perfect colour palette.
Whether that be a beautiful blush pink for your wedding day, (think ‘Cafe au Lait’) or for a more impactful look with a selection of bold playful colours like pinks, oranges, yellows or purples.
The general positive symbolism of Dahlia flowers, like many other flowers, can vary depending on their colour.
Red Dahlia
Symbolises: The power to overcome, strength, deep passion and love.
How we like to see them used: An autumnal dark and moody palette of burgundy and rich dark velvety red (almost black centred) dahlias mixed with flowers in berry, peach, pink and forest green tones. Arranged in a loose and organic style for top table wedding flower designs for intimate settings for the bride and groom, with a canopy of flowers above for an immersive experience.
Pink Dahlia
Symbolises: Feminine beauty, kindness and gracefulness.
How we like to see them used: Running down the middle of a dining table in a low table design of pink in shades of magenta down to the palest of pinks. Perfect for a wedding reception or girly baby shower lunch.
Yellow Dahlia
Symbolises: Upbeat, cheerful joy spreader
How we like to see them used: Placed in simple bud vases either grouped on round tables or running down trestle tables. The perfect colour pairing would be mixed lemon, yellow and peach dahlias complimented with pink tones. The overall design would be great for dinner parties, weddings and baby showers.
White Dahlia
Symbolises: New beginnings, purity, innocence and focus.
How we like to see them used: White Dahlias provide a playful addition to the classic white wedding,. Their versatility allows them to feature across multiple floral designs. We like to see white dahlias used in bold grouping and contrasted with silver/ grey toned foliages and complementary white blooms like blousy roses, hydrangeas and other late summer/early autumn flowers, like Japanese anemones.
Orange Dahlia
Symbolises: Warmth, enthusiasm and joy.
How we like to see them used: A warm autumn palette of burnt oranges, terracotta, dark blue and peach toned flowers, work wonderfully in wedding venues with warm, natural and rustic features.
A custom installation in bold groupings and interesting foliages can serve as a multifunction design that can be a backdrop for photos or set behind the top table for added drama for the reception meal.
Purple Dahlia
Symbolises: Regal, tradition, success and admiration.
How we like to see them used: Mixed shades of purples, lilac and aubergine dahlias arranged on mass in simple glass vases, perfect to create drama and interest for a birthday celebration or corporate event.