The Melbourne Cup is more than just “the race that stops the nation” – it’s a celebration of fashion, food, and florals. Each year, flowers play an important role in setting the tone for Melbourne Cup events, both at Flemington and at venues across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. For 2025, one flower stands tall as the icon of the day – the yellow rose.

THE FLOWER THAT REPRESENTS MELBOURNE CUP

The official flower of Melbourne Cup Day is the yellow rose, chosen for its brightness, elegance, and symbolism of friendship and celebration. These vibrant blooms are often used in buttonholes for attendees, racecourse decorations, and statement centrepieces at Cup luncheons and parties.

At Stem Design, we recommend pairing yellow roses with lush greenery or contrasting blooms like orchids and delphiniums to add texture and depth. For those hosting corporate functions or private luncheons, yellow roses can be styled in bold clusters or minimal modern arrangements to set the perfect tone.

CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE WITH FLOWERS

Flowers do more than decorate – they shape the mood. For Melbourne Cup events in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, bold floral installations featuring yellow roses create an atmosphere of energy and excitement. Table arrangements with bright seasonal blooms reflect the glamour of the Cup, while entryway florals set the stage for a day of racing and celebration.

THE ORIGIN OF THE MELBOURNE CUP

The Melbourne Cup first ran in 1861 and quickly became Australia’s most iconic horse race. Known as the richest two-mile handicap in the world, it attracts international horses and trainers each November. Over the decades, it has grown into a cultural event, blending sport, high fashion, and entertainment.

PAST WINNERS THAT MADE HISTORY

Some past winners of the Melbourne Cup include:

• Phar Lap (1930) – Australia’s most beloved racehorse.
• Makybe Diva (2003–2005) – the only horse to win the Cup three times.
• Subzero (1992) – famous for his post-racing career as an ambassador horse.

These moments in racing history continue to fuel the prestige of Cup Day.

MELBOURNE CUP VENUES IN BRISBANE AND THE GOLD COAST

If you’re not heading to Flemington, there are plenty of venues hosting glamorous Melbourne Cup events in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Popular venues include:

• Howard Smith Wharves (Brisbane) – riverside dining and Cup-day parties with flair.
• Eagle Farm Racecourse (Brisbane) – live racing paired with Cup celebrations.
• The Star Gold Coast – luxury Cup Day lunches and entertainment.
• Sofitel Brisbane & Gold Coast hotels – renowned for elegant Cup Day luncheons.

MELBOURNE CUP VENUES IN BRISBANE AND THE GOLD COAST

If you’re not heading to Flemington, there are plenty of venues hosting glamorous Melbourne Cup events in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Popular venues include:

• Howard Smith Wharves (Brisbane) – riverside dining and Cup-day parties with flair.
• Eagle Farm Racecourse (Brisbane) – live racing paired with Cup celebrations.
• The Star Gold Coast – luxury Cup Day lunches and entertainment.
• Sofitel Brisbane & Gold Coast hotels – renowned for elegant Cup Day luncheons.

Each of these venues benefits from stunning floral styling, and that’s where Stem Design steps in. As a leading event florist Brisbane and wedding florist Brisbane, we create bespoke event flowers that bring Cup Day celebrations to life with creativity and detail.

Whether you’re hosting a private luncheon, a corporate function, or a large-scale Cup Day event. Stem Design can design Melbourne Cup 2025 flowers that capture the excitement and glamour of the day. Contact Us Today!