The Importance of Flowers in Sorority Life and Traditions | Representing Sisterhood

The Importance of Sorority Flowers

Flowers have always been an important part of sisterhood and sorority life. From bid day bouquets to arrangements for formals and dances, flowers help sorority sisters celebrate special occasions and show their pride. Choosing the perfect flowers for your sorority helps represent your organization's values and traditions.

Bid Day Bouquets

One of the most exciting times for any potential new member is bid day when they find out if they've been accepted into their top choice sorority. Bid day bouquets are a long-standing tradition for sororities. Large, beautiful arrangements stuffed with sorority flowers in the organization's colors congratulate new members on their acceptance.

Bid day bouquets are usually ordered by the sorority for new members and feature symbols from the sorority such as letters, mascots, founding year, and motto ribbons. Popular sorority flower choices for bid day bouquets include roses, carnations, sunflowers, and lilies in colors that match the sorority's official palette.

Forms and Formals

Forms and formals are important social events on the sorority calendar. From invites to boutonnieres and corsages to centerpieces, flowers help set the theme and create ambiance.

For more casual form events like picnics, sunflower and daisy arrangements in mason jars make great centerpieces. For more formal affairs like winter formals, elegant calla lily or orchid centerpieces complement the sophisticated style.

Corsages featuring sorority flowers are the perfect date accessory and allow sisters to show their Greek pride. Sorority members can also order boutonnieres featuring flowers in their organization's colors for their dates.

Sisterhood Events

From new member retreats to senior send-offs, sisterhood events help sorority members bond throughout the year. Flowers are a thoughtful way to celebrate these special occasions.

For new member retreats, simple wildflower bouquets represent welcoming new sisters to the sorority. For senior send-off events, roses symbolize appreciation for graduating members' contributions to the sisterhood.

Sororities can also use flower arrangements to commemorate important historical milestones. For example, for Founder's Day, sisters can exchange bouquets featuring flowers historically significant to the sorority's founding.

Philanthropy Events

Most sororities champion a philanthropy cause they actively support through fundraising and awareness events. Fresh flower arrangements can help sororities decorate for their philanthropy events like parties, dinners, or tournaments.

Sororities can use flower colors and types related to the cause, such as pink carnations for breast cancer awareness or sunflowers for children's charities. Simple mixed bouquets in vases make great table centerpieces and room accents.

Sororities can also give flower arrangements or potted plants as raffle prizes or gifts for volunteers. This shows appreciation while staying on theme with beautiful blooms.

Popular Sorority Flower Types and Colors

While any flowers in a sorority's chosen colors work well, some flower types and blooms hold special meaning in the Greek community.

Roses

Roses are one of the most popular sorority flower choices. Their elegance and beauty reflect sisterhood bonds. Different rose colors also symbolize different sentiments:

• Red roses convey love and romance.
• White roses symbolize innocence and purity.
• Pink roses mean gratitude and appreciation.
• Yellow roses represent friendship.

Carnations

Carnations are another top sorority flower. Their ruffled, full blooms come in a wide variety of colors perfect for matching official sorority colors and designs. Common meanings include:

• Pink carnations symbolize love for sisters.
• Red carnations represent pride and admiration.
• White carnations mean innocence and pure intentions.

Lilies

Lilies make popular choices for more formal bouquets and centerpieces. They convey elegance and grace. Different lily variety and color meanings include:

• Calla lilies mean magnificent beauty.
• Tiger lilies symbolize pride and confidence.
• Day lilies represent enthusiasm and hard work.

Irises

Irises bloom in a diverse range of sorority colors like purple, blue, yellow, pink, orange, and white. Their stately ruffled shape adds interest and texture to arrangements. Irises symbolize:

• Faith
• Cherished friendship
• Valor and wisdom

Sunflowers

Sunflowers convey joy and happiness through their bright, cheery faces. Their universal yellow color complements all sorority color palettes. Sunflowers represent:

• Pure thoughts
• Adoration
• Dedication

Tips for Ordering Sorority Flowers

Here are some top tips for choosing the perfect sorority flowers and arrangements:

Match the Sorority Colors

Flowers in the sorority's official colors instantly connect the arrangement to the organization. Most florists can customize bouquets to match color schemes.

Incorporate Meaningful Symbols

Add special touches like ribbons with mottoes, charms with Greek letters, or floral picks featuring mascots. These details personalize arrangements to the sorority.

Consider Flower Meanings

Choose blooms like roses, carnations, or irises that symbolize sisterhood, love, gratitude, wisdom, pride, or strength.

Discuss the Occasion and Venue

Let florists know the event type, date, location, and any size restrictions so they can suggest appropriate flowers and designs.

Shop Seasonally

Pick flowers naturally in season for better pricing and availability. Discuss options with the florist for specific event dates.

Set a Budget

Decide on a flower budget beforehand so the florist can make recommendations within your target pricing.

Order Early

Give florists at least 2 weeks' notice for special event or large orders. For holidays and popular event dates, order 1-2 months in advance.

The Perfect Way to Show Sisterhood

Flowers let sorority sisters celebrate sisterhood milestones, events, values, and achievements. With meanings steeped in tradition, sorority flowers represent the bonds of friendship that last from college into lifelong membership.

Choosing arrangements featuring meaningful blooms and colors allows each sorority to represent their unique story and connect current sisters to past and future generations of their Greek organization.

FAQs

What are some popular sorority flower choices?

Roses, carnations, lilies, irises, and sunflowers are very popular. They come in a wide range of colors to match sorority colors and have meanings related to sisterhood.

What do different rose colors represent?

Red roses mean love, white roses symbolize purity, pink roses represent gratitude, and yellow roses mean friendship.

When should I order flowers for a sorority event?

Order at least 2 weeks in advance for regular events. For major events like formals or holidays, order 1-2 months early.

How can I personalize floral arrangements?

Add custom ribbons, charms with Greek letters, picks featuring the sorority mascot or creed, and flowers in the organization's colors.

What is a typical bid day bouquet?

They are large, colorful arrangements stuffed with sorority flowers like roses, carnations, and lilies in the organization's colors. They often feature custom motifs.