Eternal Love and FLOWER POWER! The Tradition of The Wedding Bouquet And What The Flowers You Choose Say About You

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer NYCityWeddings)

No need to go dashing for your bell-bottoms, lava lamp and platform shoes just yet. Contrary to what you may be thinking this has NOTHING to do with the 1960’s. It actually goes a lot further back than that.

You may not know it, but choosing your bridal bouquet is one of the most “traditionally” important aspects of your budding affair. Besides setting the style, and theme for your special day from the type of bouquets your bridal party will carry, to the arrangements for your ceremony and reception….there’s lots of POWER behind these fragrant florals. So before you pick yours you may want to get the real “dirt” on the customs and meanings surrounding some of these common scents.

BUDDING TRADITIONS:

The origins of bridal bouquets stem from ancient myths surrounding some of these pungent plants, including garlic and chives, believed to protect the wedding party from bad luck, evil spirits and ill health.

The Romans later did what they “did best” They “Romanticized” this ancient ritual by adorning the bride and groom in floral garlands symbolizing new life and hope of fertility.

And the Greeks soon proved they were just as romantic. Together the Greeks and the Romans established the custom of scattering flowers before the couple to symbolize the essence of love.

What does that mean for you? Well for one thing, lots of choices that reach beyond simply the aesthetic. You can create a bouquet that is not only beautiful but has deep- seeded meaning (dating back to the Victorian era) and that reflects your unique personality and love.

LOVE IN BLOOM:

The 19th Century and the Victorian Era epitomized an enchanting time where modesty prevailed and the “art” of romantic symbolism took root.

Meaning was carefully planted in every detail, especially with regards to flowers as an expression of the bride’s sentimentality and romantic feelings about love and marriage.

The two most popular flowers of the time were the Orange Blossom and the Rose. Orange blossoms subtly signified chastity, purity and loveliness.

And, of course, the rose was seen as the universally excepted and time- honoured expression of love, a reputation that it maintains to this day. The Victorians however assigned different meanings or levels of meanings to the various types of roses. White roses conveyed pure, spiritual, and eternal love, while white rose buds suggested a young innocent love and a heart “ignorant” of love.
Besides orange blossoms, the bride’s choice of flower would represent her wedding theme, as an expression of her ideas and emotions regarding her marriage and wedding day. Her chosen flower would adorn her bouquet, all her decorations and the groom’s lapel. And, let’s hope and pray she was THRILLED with her selection because it would remain her flower “for life”; requiring that each year on her anniversary her groom present her with a gift centring around her wedding flower.

BUNCHES OF LOVE:

While we already know that the tradition of carrying flowers and herbs originated with the ancient intent to ward off evils and protect the bride and groom for the perils of this world, it is no surprise that all the pomp and grandiosity of the Victorian Era redefined the essence of the bridal bouquet. The style of bouquets changed and grew substantially bigger.

As a result, a new type of bouquet called a “chatelaine” blossomed in popularity. Traditionally, it was a larger style bouquet comprised of white roses and foliage. This elaborate arrangement consisted of a cluster of roses in the center, surrounded by single roses “spraying” out from the sides. Its opulence was further enhanced by additional embellishments of several ribbons and knots, each also having a specific and special significance. A minimum of three knots was required for good luck and they might be tied with a true lover’s knot, signifying eternity. And, by the end of the 19th Century, the bridal bouquet had grown large enough to include two-dozen flowers.

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS:

Little did we know how true this little advertising sentiment was when we first heard it? If a picture is said to paint a thousand words, it’s safe to say that flowers speak volumes. And did you ever really think that if you ever spoke to your plants and flowers (as experts suggest) they would speak back? Well, just like you and I flowers have specific personalities each one wanting to be heard and with lots to say. Hear what some of your favourites may be saying to your guests:

Blue Violet - Faithfulness

Camellia-Gratitude

Honeysuckle – Generosity

Lilac (white) - Youthful innocence

Orange Blossom - Purity and chastity

Rose (red) - Love
Rose (white) - Worthiness
Rose (other colours) - Love and beauty


Tulip- Love

Daisy-Innocence

Carnation – Depending on colour, these flowers can be used as messages to the recipient, or expression of whims. Think of these as the little Valentine hearts of the flower world.

Apple Blossoms – Good fortune.

Forget-Me-Nots – True love.

Gardenias – Joy, laughter together, and wonderful memories.

Ivy – Marital strength, fidelity, and commitment

White Lily – Purity, virginity and innocence

Calla Lilly – Magnificence, beauty, and stately glory

Tiger Lily – Wealth and pride

Myrtle – Love forever, and lasting marriage

Peony – Happy life and marriage

Lily of the Valley – Happiness and humility before God

Orchids – Beauty, exotic adventure together, and refinement

Freesia – Innocence

Baby’s breath – Fruitfulness and reward for a happy union

Daffodil – Modest regard

Remember when positioning your petals and building your bouquet, it’s a good idea to focus on a central theme. If you choose lily of the valley, for happiness and humility before God, you should choose other flowers with similar symbolism (violets or gardenias) or look for a flower, which emphasises another concept you want, represented on your wedding day (such as apple blossoms for luck). Unfortunately, some flowers are just not complimentary combinations, so even with the help of an experienced florist, it could be quite challenging to create a complex meaning.



COLORFUL ACCENTS:

Ribbons offer a simple and “traditional” way to spice up your bouquet giving it still more meaning. Use a ribbon in a significant colour to enhance a single flower stem, or to bind together a bouquet. Long trailing ribbons best suit a long trailing gown, but short or small ribbons can add just as much pizzazz and visual impact….so, go ahead, tie one on.

Red: blood, fire, courage, love and passion

Brown – Stability, the power of the earth, and the harvest or fall.

Orange – Joy, enthusiasm, refreshment and the invigoration of youth.

Gold – Prestige, wisdom and wealth.

Yellow – Sun, happiness, warmth, cheer and a simple life.

Green – Nature, growth, fertility, healing, hope and wealth.

Blue – Trust, wisdom, intelligence, faith, mental prowess, tranquillity, piety.

Purple – Royalty, power, nobility, extravagance, magic.

White – Innocence, purity, goodness, the feminine and faith.

Black – Power, elegance, mystery, the masculine, and prestige.


TO HAVE AND TO HOLD:

We all know that weddings and flowers go hand in hand, but did you know that according to experts, next to the reception, flowers are frequently the next most expensed wedding essential. The best way to avoid a prickly floral finance fiasco: getting a grip on not only what you want…but what’s available. Knowing what flowers grow local to your region and are in season during the time of your wedding can substantially reduce your cost. Savvy shoppers; ask your catering facility about including basic centrepieces as part of your wedding package (for no extra cost), or simply book with a facility that does. Any upgrades or specialty items are optional and an added “out of pocket” expense. And, before choosing YOUR bouquet, get a handle on one that petal for petal is perfect for you. Remember, it’s YOUR once in a lifetime wedding…if you have a dream follow it…that’s the first step toward happily ever after.