A Comprehensive Guide to Comparing Different Types of Roses

Planning your wedding flowers is one of the most exciting parts of the big day! And when it comes to classic romance, nothing beats a beautiful rose. But did you know there are tons of different types of roses, each with its own special look and feel? It can be a little overwhelming, but don't worry—we're here to help you find the perfect rose for your dream wedding.

This guide will walk you through some of the most popular rose varieties for weddings. We'll explore what makes each one unique so you can feel confident choosing the flowers that best tell your love story. Let’s get started and find your perfect match!

The Main Types of Wedding Roses

First, let’s get to know the stars of the show. While there are tons of specific rose varieties, most fall into a few main categories. Understanding these groups will make it so much easier to decide what you want for your bouquets and centerpieces.

Garden Roses

If you're dreaming of a lush, romantic, and slightly wild-looking bouquet, garden roses are for you! These are not the typical single-bud roses we often see. Garden roses are known for their incredibly high petal count, which gives them a full, ruffled, and absolutely gorgeous appearance. They often have a strong, sweet fragrance that can fill a room. With their soft, layered petals, they bring a touch of effortless charm and luxury to any arrangement.

• Best for: Romantic, vintage, or bohemian-style weddings.
• Pairs well with: Peonies, ranunculus, and delicate greenery like eucalyptus.
• Petal Count: Very high, often 100+ petals per bloom.

Standard Roses

When you picture a classic rose, you're probably thinking of a standard rose. These are the timeless beauties you see on Valentine’s Day, with their iconic high-centered bud and sturdy, long stem. They are incredibly versatile and come in nearly every color imaginable, from the purest whites to the deepest reds. Standard roses are reliable, always beautiful, and a true symbol of love and romance. You simply can’t go wrong with this wedding flower staple.

• Best for: Classic, traditional, or modern wedding themes.
• Pairs well with: Almost anything! From baby’s breath for a classic look to bold tropical leaves for a modern twist.
• Petal Count: Moderate, typically 25-50 petals per bloom.

Spray Roses

Think of spray roses as the fun-loving little sister to the classic rose. Instead of one large bloom per stem, spray roses have multiple smaller flowers. This makes them fantastic for adding texture and fullness to bouquets and centerpieces without overwhelming the arrangement. They’re a super versatile and budget-friendly choice, perfect for DIY brides looking to make their floral arrangements look fuller without a huge cost.

• Best for: Adding volume to bouquets, boutonnieres, and flower crowns.
• Pairs well with: Larger focal flowers like standard roses or hydrangeas.
• Petal Count: Lower per individual bloom, but many blooms per stem.

Sweetheart Roses

Sweetheart roses are a smaller, more delicate version of standard roses. They have the same classic shape but in a petite size, which makes them incredibly sweet and charming. Their smaller scale is perfect for more intricate floral work, like boutonnieres and corsages, or for adding delicate detail to larger arrangements. They offer the classic beauty of a rose in a smaller package, adding a touch of sweetness to your floral designs.

• Best for: Boutonnieres, corsages, flower girl bouquets, and adding fine detail to centerpieces.
• Pairs well with: Other small, delicate flowers like wax flowers or lisianthus.
• Petal Count: Similar to standard roses, but on a smaller scale.

All Roses Aren’t Created Equal

Here’s a little secret from the floral world: even within the same category, different rose varieties can have very different looks. The name on the box matters! A "white standard rose" isn’t just one thing; there are dozens of varieties, and they vary in size, shade, and how they open.

For example, let’s compare two popular white standard roses:

• White Eskimo Rose: A beautiful, crisp white rose, but it’s on the smaller side for a standard rose. Its bloom size is more petite.
• Playa Blanca Rose: Also a white standard rose, but its head is much larger and can open up so wide and full that it almost looks like a garden rose!

We see the same thing with red roses:

• Freedom Rose: A classic, vibrant red with a traditional cup shape and an average-sized bloom. It’s a workhorse in the floral industry.
• Red Paris Rose: A deeper, more velvety red hue with a larger head size and a higher petal count, giving it a more luxurious feel.

Understanding these subtle differences is key to bringing your vision to life. If you’re designing your own arrangements, knowing whether to ask for a smaller, tighter bud or a large, pillowy bloom will make all the difference. Not sure which variety is right for your designs? It can be helpful to book a consultation with a floral expert to ensure you’re getting the right size and look for your arrangements.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Rose?

Choosing your wedding roses is a wonderful way to express your personal style and create the atmosphere you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you fall for the lush romance of garden roses, the timeless elegance of standard roses, or a unique mix of different types, the right flowers will help make your day unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to mix and match varieties to create a look that’s uniquely you.

Feeling inspired to get started? Explore our full collection of beautiful roses and start planning the floral arrangements of your dreams. Your perfect day deserves the perfect flowers.