Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue… weddings are full of traditions passed down through the generations. Wedding traditions do vary by culture and religious persuasion, but most couples choose to incorporate a few key traditional elements. From choosing the perfect engagement ring to throwing the bouquet once they’ve said ‘I do’, some traditions continue to stand the test of time.
One of the most iconic and expected things to see at any wedding are flowers. As symbols of romance, joy and serenity, flowers are incredibly versatile and bring beauty to any room, backdrop or table. Here we take a look at three traditional ways in which flowers are used at weddings, and their different meanings.
Bouquets
The idea of a bride carrying flowers dates back to ancient Egyptian and Roman times, where women would wear garlands of wheat, herbs and flowers to represent fertility and new beginnings. Throughout the middle ages, women would add herbs to their floral accessories to ward off evil spirits. But it was Queen Victoria, at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840, who held a small bunch of flowers that started the tradition of carrying a bouquet as we now know it.
Helping your brides choose the right flowers for their bouquet is an exciting and important part of being a florist. Many brides choose flowers based on their symbolism, and many of these associations have roots in age old traditions. For example, in Greek mythology, roses are said to have grown wherever Aphrodite walked, as she was so beautiful. As a result, roses became the perfect choice for romantic gestures, a tradition that has lasted for centuries.
Some brides like to keep a floral memento of their big day, so it’s worth asking if they do plan to preserve any flowers by pressing them or in resin. As the florist, you can help them pick out the flowers that are best suited for this. If you’re a floral designer helping set up their decor on the day, you may want to select a few of the most perfect blooms for the bride to keep before the reception gets underway.
Buttonholes
Floral buttonholes, or boutonnière, are a vital part of the groomsmens’ wedding attire. With similar origins to that of the bouquet, men in ancient times wore a small collection of flowers over their hearts to ward away bad spirits. Throughout the French Renaissance period, men would wear flowers of specific colours on their lapels to signify their political allegiance.
As the years passed, the tradition evolved towards wearing flowers from the bride’s bouquet to symbolise his love and loyalty to her. Prince Albert is even said to have taken a flower from Queen Victoria’s bouquet to wear on his suit at their wedding. Advising your client to choose buttonholes of the same flowers as the bride’s bouquet ensures a timeless, classic feel.
Centrepieces
It’s quite incredible how much the look and feel of a space can be elevated by adding some flowers – which is why the job of a florist is so important. At a wedding, the centrepieces set the tone, colour palette and aesthetic of the entire theme.
In ancient times, meals were served in the centre of the table, and guests would all share and pick from the same platter. In the 18th century, when the idea of serving individual meals began to catch on, high-ranking officials would display towers of food in the centre of their tables to boast their wealth and abundance. Eventually, this led to the idea of using the centrespace for decoration. As far as weddings are concerned, the beauty and romantic symbolism of flowers are a natural choice for stunning table decor.
The flowers your clients choose are just as important as whether they opt for real, silk or dried. If they are looking to plan a more sustainable wedding, they may consider silk or artificial flowers. For a bohemian theme, they may want dried or wildflowers, or for classic elegance, you can’t go wrong with roses or peonies.
Creating an impact
Whatever flowers your clients choose, they’re sure to play a big part in their wedding, as well as the photos. Make sure that you take the time to advise them on the best options for their budget and theme so that they come away happy and ready to advise your services to others.