When creating a memorable bridal appearance, many brides consider their bouquet equally as significant as their wedding gown. Learn why ladies wear flowers at weddings in this post.
Depending on your style, you may want a showy, free-flowing floral arrangement or a more stylish, subtle design, but the adaptability of your wedding flowers cannot be stressed. This is why we collaborate closely with each bride to design wedding flowers that precisely fit their taste.
However, the wedding bouquet has a rich history and meaning in addition to its beauty. We look at the different reasons why flowers are brought down the aisle and how the practice originated.
What Does a Bouquet Represent, and Why Do Brides Carry Them?
Flowers have been an essential aspect of bridal fashion since the ancient Romans began carrying and wearing floral garlands to their weddings as a sign of fertility, faithfulness, and fresh beginnings. On the other hand, brides of the Middle Ages took a less positive approach to the tradition, accessorising their wedding gowns with a mix of aromatic herbs and spices to ward off unfortunate evil spirits. Dill was especially popular since it was considered to not only drive away negative energy but was also known as the lust plant – its use was expected to boost sexual desire as the newlyweds prepared to consummate their marriage.
The bridal bouquet as we know it originated in the nineteenth century when Queen Victoria carried a modest clutch of flowers to her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. This also resulted in the emergence of wedding flower symbolism, as women began to select blooms based on the meanings associated with the flowers. Roses, for example, indicate love, while peonies represent pleasure and aspiration. As a result, bouquets have become synonymous with romantic romance, making them the ideal wedding accessory.
The bouquet has since become essential in modern bridal aesthetics, and it is one of the most crucial selections brides-to-be must make. Choosing the greatest colours, perfumes, and forms is just as essential as picking flowers expressing affection for their relationship and future dreams. Bridal bouquets have become so beautiful and meaningful due to carefully mixing these components.
What is the Purpose of the Wedding Bouquet Toss?
The bouquet throw is an ancient ritual many brides still follow today, though many are unaware of its origins. It began in mediaeval Europe when women would rip cloth from the bride’s bridal gown for good luck. To keep guests from ripping her gown to bits, brides began to toss their bouquets as a distraction, allowing her to flee with her garment intact. In addition, taking the flowers was considered a lucky deed because the item represented fertility from a married woman.
The tradition nowadays says that if a single lady catches the wedding bouquet, she will be the next to marry. So the bouquet throw is now held in the second half of the reception after the cake has been cut and the speeches have been given when the celebration is in full swing, and all the ladies are on the dance floor, ready to catch the flowers.
After a Wedding, what Happens to the Bridal Bouquet?
Some brides may choose to forego the bouquet throw to preserve their arrangement for themselves. It has become usual among newlyweds to preserve wedding flowers after the ceremony, employing procedures such as drying, freezing, or pressing. Brides can then opt to frame or change their bouquets into paperweights, offering an additional remembrance of their special day that they can enjoy forever.