Photo credit: Photography by Faye Sommer
Flowers (or some type of flora, at least) have been a part of wedding celebrations for as long as we have recorded history. Many types were chosen due to their particular flower meanings and flower symbolism.
Early Greek and Roman brides carried garlic, herbs, or spices to ward against evil spirits. The bride and groom also wore garlands of fresh herbs or ivy in their hair or around their necks, to symbolize new life, hope and fertility for the couple. Celtic brides carried bouquets of ivy, thistle and heather.
No one is quite sure when garlands evolved into hand held bouquets, but by the time Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, fresh, and fragrant, flowers were carried instead of the smelly herbs and spices. Favorite flowers change over the years but over time, certain flowers have assumed a coded identity. In Victorian times (mid to late 1800s) flowers held messages for those who knew the “code”.
The different flower meanings can help you choose which flowers to use in your bouquet, centerpieces, and other florals. So, if you want to convey a message with your wedding flowers, here are some popular wedding flowers and their meanings:
Flower Meanings
Baby’s Breath
Means “Everlasting Love”
photo credit: Free to use texture/background via photopin cc
Calla Lily
Means “Magnificent Beauty”
photo credit: Calla (Zantedeschia aethiopica) via photopin cc
Carnation
Means “Devotion, Women’s Love (pink), Pure Love (white)”
photo credit: Carnation via via photopin cc
Daisy
Means “Innocence”
photo credit: Cape daisies via photopin cc
Forget-Me-Not
Means “Remember Me”
photo credit: unforgettable via photo pin
Gardenia
Means “Secret Love”
photo credit: Gardenia Blossom via photopin cc
Iris
Means “Passion”
photo credit: MAC_4216 via photopin cc
Lily of the Valley
Means “Happiness”
photo credit: Convallaria majalis (lily of the valley, cultivar) via photopin cc
Orchid
Means “Love and Beauty”
photo credit: Exposición de Orquídeas, Caracas 20Jul2014 via photopin cc
Peony
Means “Happy Marriage”
photo credit: IMG_0804 via via photopin cc
Red Rose
Means “Be Mine and I Love You”
photo credit: Christmas Rose via photopin cc
Yellow Rose
Means “Friendship and Caring”
photo credit: Roses are yellow II via photopin cc
Pink Rose
Means “Admiration, Joy, and Gratitude”
photo credit: Rose laser via photopin cc
Purple Rose
Means “Love at First Sight”
photo credit: Purple Rose via photopin cc
Oh, and the bridal bouquet at the top? It means Purity and Innocence (the White Roses), and Passion (the Orange Roses).
Do you know of any any other flower meanings that would be appropriate for a wedding? Let me know in the comments below!
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
For planning help and unique ideas for your wedding contact me at [email protected] or at 937-235-2586 or 937-581-3647!
I like that you pointed out that we might have different favorite flowers over the years, but flowers have a certain meaning now. With that in mind, I will make sure to choose the flowers for my bouquet that will match the story of my groom and me. It was love at first sight for both of us, so I hope to find flower arrangements out there that uses the flower that represents that.
Lavender roses mean “enchantment and love at first sight.” If you don’t want to do whole arrangements of lavender roses, you can have a few of them added to your bouquet and/or your groom’s boutonniere.