Starting a business is something worth celebrating! And what better way to mark this monumental milestone than with a special inaugural ceremony adorned with some beautiful flowers?

As a florist, I understand how hard it is to choose the perfect flowers to celebrate your dream business. I mean, even I struggled when it came to my own flower shop’s inaugural ceremony. 

But after providing flowers to several inaugural ceremonies, I’ve cracked the code on choosing the ideal inaugural flowers. So here are some tips to help you pick the right ones, along with some popular choices among business owners!

Tips When Choosing Inaugural Flowers

Set your budget early on

Determine how much of your total budget for the inaugural ceremony you are planning to allocate to the flowers. This will make it easier for you to eliminate flower options that will make you go over your budget.

Having a set budget will also make negotiating with florists and vendors easier. If you communicate your budget upfront, the florist will be able to easily recommend arrangements and flowers that fit that budget.

Pick flowers that match the theme of the event

Flowers play a huge role in setting the event’s mood, ambiance, and overall theme. If you don’t choose the right flowers, you might end up with an event with an entirely different theme from the one you wanted in the beginning.

For example, formal inauguration ceremonies need elegant and sophisticated floral arrangements. These are typically minimalist arrangements that use flowers with softer and more muted tones.

If you choose vibrant flowers and playful arrangements, the inauguration ceremony might end up being a bit more casual than intended.

Consider the seasonal availability of flowers

In-season flowers are more readily available and reliable than out-of-season ones. By choosing them, you reduce the risk of last-minute substitution and the possibility of the arrangements not being ready by the event day.

Additionally, in-season flowers are typically fresher and of higher quality. Choosing them guarantees that the flowers you’ll use for your inaugural ceremony will be fresh and high-quality.

Know the hidden meanings behind flowers

We sometimes focus too much on the aesthetics of flowers and forget that they also carry certain symbolisms. You have to consider the flowers’ meanings to ensure they suit your inaugural ceremony.

For example, black roses symbolize death and aren’t suitable for a celebratory event even if they’d look good in a black-themed event. Marigolds are flowers of the dead in Mexico, so you wouldn’t want to use them if you’re opening a business there.

Popular Choices for Inaugural Flowers

Roses

Roses (except for black) generally have positive symbolisms, making them suitable flower choices for celebratory events. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors, so they can suit just about any theme and color scheme.

White roses typically symbolize new beginnings and purity, making them perfect for more formal inaugural ceremonies. Red roses are often associated with love, but they can also represent your passion for your business.

If you want a more casual and cheerful celebration, yellow roses can brighten up your space. They also symbolize happiness!

Lilies

Lilies are the epitome of elegance and sophistication in the flower world. They are your best choice if you’re preparing for a big and formal inaugural ceremony.

They symbolize elegance, rebirth, renewal, and even new beginnings. They come in various colors, from vibrant to muted ones, so they accommodate a wide range of color schemes.

Many lily varieties are also renowned for their fragrance. If you decorate a room with them, you’re not only treating the eyes of your guests but also their noses.

Orchids

Similar to lilies, orchids are well-loved for their luxurious and sophisticated appearance. They’re also known to have been among the favorite flowers of noblemen and aristocrats in the past, making them even more suitable for formal ceremonies.

The flowers are often associated with prosperity, perfect for those starting a business. They’re also used to symbolize growth and new beginnings, which aligns perfectly with the themes of an inauguration.

Orchids are a bit more expensive than other flowers, so make sure you have enough budget if you’re planning to choose them for your inaugural event.

Gerberas

Considered the fifth most popular flower in the world, gerberas aren’t just used for gifting lovers. These vibrant blooms are another popular choice for inaugural ceremonies.

Gerberas’ bright colors make them perfect for celebratory occasions like inaugurations. Plus, they aren’t rare and are often readily available in most floral shops, so you can choose them when in a rush.

Don’t worry about their symbolism; they generally carry positive meanings like happiness, love, and celebration.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are stunning flowers that can elevate your inaugural ceremony. With vibrant colors and large blooms, they can fill space effectively and make excellent centerpieces and decorations.

The best thing about hydrangeas is that they’re versatile flowers that can be used for various themes. Florists can easily incorporate them into formal arrangements as well as more modern and playful ones.

Hydrangeas are also sometimes used to express gratitude and heartfelt emotions. Just avoid the white ones because while they can be interpreted as symbols of grace, they can also be seen as symbols of vanity and arrogance.

Delphiniums

Delphiniums are known for their tall, graceful spikes of flowers, which give them a stately and elegant appearance. They’re also associated with nobility, making them an ideal choice for events requiring sophistication and grandeur. 

That said, delphiniums aren’t limited to formal inaugural ceremonies. Since they’re quite unique-looking, they can also easily be used to make dramatic and playful arrangements for less formal inaugurations.