The Meaning Behind Wedding Bouquets

Roses represent the bride's love.

Today, bridal bouquets range from lush rounds of roses to wispy sprays of wildflowers and, after her dress, are a bride's most personal choice. But wedding flowers used to be more practical symbols of protection for the newlyweds.

Ancients

Ancient Greek and Roman brides and grooms wore garlands of herbs to ward off evil spirits and to ensure loyalty and fertility.

Victorians

In the early 19th century, Queen Victoria, who also began the tradition of the white bridal gown, held flowers at her wedding, said to represent a woman in full bloom.

Varieties

Victorians also initiated the symbolism of flower varieties. Roses represent love and desire, daisies imply innocence, and lilies signify purity.

Colors

The color of a bride's bouquet represents her emotions---the brighter the bouquet, the more intense her love.

The Toss

When the bride tosses her bouquet, she is passing along her good fortune. This tradition replaced a 14th Century practice of tearing the bride's dress for a swatch of good luck.

References

• Martha Stewart Weddings: Bouquets with Meaning
• The Knot: Wedding Flowers: Customs and Traditions
• My Wedding Planning Tips: The History of Wedding Bouquets

Resources

• Wedding Themes: Flower Meaning