What are the Significances of Wedding Flowers?

From Erik Michaels and June Hoffman of Megasound

For instance, why does the groom wear a boutonniere? Why do the bride and her bridesmaids carry bouquets?

Historically, flowers represent fertility, purity, new life, and never-ending love. Therefore, they are perfect for a wedding! Originally, bouquets included herbs and spices along with the flowers. These additions helped cover up offensive body odors and also were used to ward off evil spirits, bad luck, and ill health. Strong spices and herbs were believed to scare these bad spirits and other problems away and in many instances, the spices and herbs were eaten afterwards to promote fertility and desire. Dill weed, garlic, chives, and orange blossoms were most frequently used, but which flowers, spices, and herbs were used had to do with local traditions. During Roman times, both the Bride and Groom wore garlands of flowers, much like the Hawaiian lei in today's world. A Groom’s boutonnière also reflects a more chivalrous time when a knight would wear his lady’s colors into battle.



During Victorian times, flowers took on specific meanings between lovers or two people who could not otherwise express their communication in words or written letters or notes. These meanings came to be used for the Bride's flowers, as their meaning could be easily seen by all attending the wedding. Most everyone is familiar with the meanings of roses with red meaning true love or romantic love, yellow meaning friendship, and white meaning purity, reverence, and virtue. However, many of the meanings of flowers have been lost with time. The language of flowers, called “floriography”, has a fairly large online presence. I also found it interesting that there were even differences of meanings and slight nuances between colors and types of flowers.

While the Bride's flowers were generally white, nowadays flowers can be almost any color to augment the colors of her wedding. Megasound has worked with many florists over the years and we will be happy to recommend qualified professional florists who will be happy to help you pick the right flowers for YOUR wedding. We also take the time at the rehearsal to go over placement of flowers and bouquets for the best logistics and photo options. Should you like to know more, just give us a call at 260.484.2460.