What do wedding flower symbolize?

Floral symbolism in weddings

Planning a wedding requires attention to a lot of little details. And while it may seem monotonous at times, there are definitely some details that are more meaningful than others. One issue to think about differently than you thought is the choice of flowers. Whether it’s in the bouquet, table decorations, the ceremony arch or the groom’s boutonniere, you can choose flowers that have special meaning to you personally. Since most wedding flowers symbolize something, it’s easy to create a bouquet that has special meaning to you after some processing. Read below to find out what these popular flowers symbolize to create the perfect wedding arrangements.

Flowers, plants and herbs have been used as symbols since ancient times. But it was the Victorians who truly spoke the language of flowers fluently after Charlotte de Latour’s book Le Langage des Fleurs was published in France in 1819.

Courting couples at the time used flowers to declare their affection, even when strict etiquette forbade them to speak openly-a method of communication that became almost an art form. An ill-advised choice of flowers could lead to the groom’s love intent being misunderstood, whereas the right flower needed no explanation. If a lady, for example, was presented with a bouquet of red tulips, she knew that her visiting gentleman was smitten. If the ardor returns, she might send him a fresh bouquet of lilacs. But if she decided to respond with a bouquet of ivy, he would know that the affair probably would not blossom. Even the way the flowers were given to the recipient mattered. To show the sincerity of the message, the flowers were held vertically. But if they were presented upside down, the exact opposite meaning was meant.

If you’re planning a wedding with lots of personal touches. You’re wearing your mom’s veil. Serving a cocktail, you had the night he proposed. Consider also decorating your flowers. But instead of basing your choice solely on color and style, let the historical significance of the flowers also influence your decision.

The “language” of flowers has been around for centuries. For example, in the Victorian era, flowers were used to express emotion when words and gestures failed. Today, many couples follow this romantic practice and create bouquets and centerpieces of flowers that have meaning to them. While flowers associated with love, such as roses and carnations, are popular, there are many other important traits such as new beginnings (daffodil), faith (iris) and perseverance (hydrangea).

While most flowers have good vibes and positive emotions, you should steer clear of those whose meanings have a negative association: begonia symbolizes “beware” and tansy symbolizes “hostile thoughts.” Color also plays an important role in the meaning of the flower. Everyone’s favorite wedding flower, the rose, has different meanings depending on the shade. Red rose symbolizes passion, white rose means purity, and pink rose means joy and admiration. It’s the same with hyacinths: the white variety means beauty, the blue means constancy.

Once upon a time, brides carried flowers because of their magical effect – to protect themselves from illness and misfortune. It was believed that the intense aromas of various plants would haunt evil spirits. During the Romanesque period, the bride and groom wore garlands of flowers around their necks to symbolize new life, hope and faith. This tradition continues today on some tropical islands.

The bridal bouquet is believed to bring happiness and satisfaction in marriage, and the ribbon with which it is tied symbolizes communication. The tradition of wearing jewelry (usually from the same flowers) on the lapel of the groom first appeared in the Middle Ages. Back then, knights wore the colors of their ladies in armor during tournaments. During the wedding ceremony in the Victorian era, the bride and groom exchanged flowers that had special meaning to them.

This is not the case today. Brides carry a bouquet as an accessory, but many pay attentions to the types of flowers and choose those whose symbolic meaning will match their character.

What is the language of flowers?

Although finding symbolism in nature has been a part of human culture for centuries, it was the Victorians who first began creating an emotional language from flowers, expressing feelings through the giving of bouquets when words and gestures were not helpful.

The popularity of floristy, or flower language, in the late 1800s led to the publication of floral dictionaries and a trend toward sending secret messages to lovers through floral gifts.

Tulips: Love, Hope, Kingdom

Tulips, like roses, have a different meaning for each color. But at their core, they are a symbol of true, eternal love, so you really can’t go wrong.

Available in many shades and especially popular with spring brides, tulips become the perfect wedding flower not only because of their aesthetics, but also because of their meaning. They are named from the French word tulips, which comes from the Persian word dullard, which means “turban.” Tulips were so named because of their peculiar shape. They symbolize true love, hope and royalty.

Hyacinth

Color is also an important factor to consider when creating a bouquet. While the hyacinth is a beautiful and sturdy flower, its dark purple varieties are a common symbol of sadness. So it’s best to use white and pink if you’re adding it to your wedding flowers.

Roses: love and passion

The classic wedding flower rose has different meanings when used in a composition, depending on the color you choose. White roses, a popular bouquet, represent purity, innocence and youth, while red roses represent love, passion and beauty. Light or dusty pink petals signify admiration, tenderness and grace, and peach-colored flowers signify sincerity and gratitude.

Roses also have complex symbolism, depending on how they are presented. The gift of an unusual red rose on your wedding day, according to Victorian tradition, is a representation of devotion, and two intertwined roses can be interpreted as a floral illustration of marriage. Be careful if your future partner comes home with a bouquet of thirteen roses – it is said to be a gift from a secret admirer! Roses are probably one of the most popular wedding flowers – and with good reason! Their beauty is hard to beat. However, most brides who choose to decorate their big day with this flower are unaware of the symbolism that the rose offers.

No wonder roses are considered the most beloved wedding flowers – they are a symbol of romance, love and beauty, surprisingly affordable and available year-round. Yes, their popularity makes sense.

Sunflowers: adoration, loyalty, longevity

Many summer and fall brides, known for their vibrant colors, choose these beautiful flowers. Sunflowers are named after their tendency to turn to face the sun during blooming. They symbolize adoration, fidelity and longevity, which is the perfect meaning to include on your wedding day.

Callas

Named from the Greek word for “beautiful,” calla lilies are among the most popular wedding flowers. They come in many shades, but white is the most common, making them the perfect choice for the bride!

Orchids: fertility and elegance

Surprisingly, orchids can be the perfect wedding choice for a couple hoping to start a family soon. The name of these flowers comes from the Greek word meaning “testicle” because of the shape of the roots of this flower. It symbolizes fertility as well as elegance and luxury.

Sweet pea (Lathyrus).

The homemade sweet pea, with its rich fragrance and many shades to match any wedding color scheme, is a perennial favorite of bouquets, inspiring thoughts of rustic weddings and delicate maidenhood. According to George Rutledge and Sons’ 1888 Dictionary of the Artistic Language of Flowers, this two-petaled flower symbolizes the initial enjoyment of subtle pleasures appropriate for a bridal bouquet.

The lily of the valley (Convallaria).

According to the Artistic Language of Flowers, the lily of the valley symbolizes the return of happiness. This beautiful little plant was also chosen by Kate Middleton for her wedding bouquet because of its secondary meaning of reliability.

Freesia

If you consider your partner your best friend, freesias are the flower for you!

Named by botanist Christian P. Eklon after his friend Friedrich Friese, these fragrant flowers represent friendship, trust and honesty. They are the perfect addition to any wedding ceremony, demonstrating the intimate trust in each other on special occasions and the importance of friendship in marriage.

Freesias have a fresh, fruity scent and, like baby’s breath, represent “innocence.” Pro-tip: Although they’re perfect for bouquets, the fragrance can interfere with your dinner menu, so don’t use them as centerpieces.

Lion’s serpentine.

For the bride who lights up every room with her wit and grace, the lion’s serpentine adds texture you can’t get from any other flower.

Peonies: prosperity and honor.

In many parts of the country, these flowers don’t last a long season, making them a coveted flower for many brides. They are named after the Greek god Peony, who was the god of medicine and healing. These beautiful flowers symbolize prosperity, good fortune, wealth and honor, making them perfect for the bride who will be carried to the wedding.

Peonies can have different meanings, depending on their color, and both meanings come from ancient Greek mythology.

The first legend says that Peon, the Greek physician to the gods, was a disciple of Aesculapius, the god of medicine. When Peon successfully used the peony root to heal Pluto, Aesculapius was jealous of his disciple’s talents and tried to kill him. To save the doctor, Pluto turned a Peon into a peony, enshrining one meaning of the beautiful flower: compassion.

In a darker myth, however, the peony is associated with a nymph named Peonia. The beautiful and attractive creature caught Apollo’s eye. When Peonia realized that the Greek god Aphrodite was watching them, she became self-conscious and blushed. In anger and jealousy, Aphrodite turned the nymph into a red peony. Today, the red peony symbolizes shyness and timidity.

Buttercup

The artistic language of flowers suggests that buttercups symbolize the recipient, “radiant with charms” and “rich with attractions.” These ruffled, bold flowers come in a variety of colors from elegant whites and pinks to bright reds and golds.

Stephanotis

These pretty little white flowers should be on every bride’s short list. Because who doesn’t want a happy marriage full of grand adventures?

Delicate white Stephanotis flowers can look strikingly stunning in a simple bouquet. The elegant trumpet flowers of this Madagascar plant are said to symbolize family happiness, making them the perfect addition to any floral arrangement on your special day.

Gardenia

In the old days, gardenias were used as a fabric dye, food coloring and medicine, but today its intoxicating fragrance and bright voluptuous flowers have made it popular for table decorations at weddings.

The intoxicating scent of this velvet-soft flower can sometimes be overpowering, so if you’re displaying them on your wedding day, it’s best to include a couple in every arrangement.

Originating in Asia, in Japanese and Chinese cultures, these flowers symbolize peace and tranquility.

Chrysanthemums

Carrying a bouquet of chrysanthemums is like carrying a bunch of fireworks down the aisle. And they come in a variety of colors, so they’re suitable for any time of year!

Hydrangeas: gratitude, honesty, understanding

These flowers are gathered in large, lavish bouquets and are a great choice for weddings, especially summer celebrations. The name of these flowers comes from the Greek word for “water” and the Greek word for “jug” or vessel “. It is so named because of the shape of its seed capsules. Hydrangeas symbolize gratitude, honesty and deep understanding – all important in marriage.

The robust hydrangea lost popularity as a wedding flower for a long time, but as in every other fashion, its bulbous splashes of tightly packed flowers are beginning a resurgence among Melbourne wedding florists.

Although Victorians had a negative view of the plant’s sturdy blossoms, which associated them with coldness and bravado, in their native Japan they symbolize gratitude. Legend has it that the emperor allegedly gave hydrangeas to the woman he loved as an apology for neglecting her when his duties as ruler caught his attention.

Daisies

Daisies are often said to be the friendliest flower, making them a popular choice for wedding bouquets!

Lavender: Purity, Serenity, Grace.

These sweet-smelling buds add a delicate touch to any bouquet. In addition, you’ll be holding an aromatherapy set to help relieve any stress before the ceremony.

Adding not only color but also a wonderful fragrance to any wedding bouquet, lavender has a meaning that is good for weddings. The scientific name lavandula, named in French and Latin with the word meaning “to wash,” refers to the fact that lavender is commonly used in laundry. Lavender symbolizes purity, silence, serenity and grace – many attributes that a bride possesses.

Jasmine: eternal love, good luck, positivity

For a beautiful white flower to complement the bride’s dress, jasmine is usually used in wedding compositions. The flower’s name comes from the Persian word Yasmin, which means “gift from God,” making it an ideal choice for a religious couple. The meaning of jasmine is unconditional and eternal love, good luck and positive energy.

Carnations: love, admiration, good luck

Carnations are a popular flower for arrangements and are a great addition to any wedding bouquet or arrangement. The exact formation of the name of this flower is not exactly known, but many believe it came from “coronation,” as carnations were often used to make Greek ceremonial crowns. Carnations symbolize love, admiration and good fortune.

Wedding flowers to avoid

Some flowers may be beautiful but have negative meanings that you may not want to associate with your wedding. In some cases, only certain colors of one particular flower have an unfavorable meaning. Of course, if one of these colors is your favorite flower, you can ignore the superstition and just choose it anyway.

Try to avoid dovetail, which signifies infidelity, and pale purple, which signifies mistrust, as these are definitely not the emotions you want to associate with your wedding. You can also rule out foxglove and yellow lilies, which signify insincerity and falsity, respectively. Christmas roses suggest scandal and marigolds suggest grief, so those are probably best avoided, too.

If you have a yellow theme, proceed with caution, as yellow carnations show contempt, yellow chrysanthemums mean disregard for love, and yellow roses mean jealousy. Also be careful with the red color scheme, as the meaning of red carnations is “alas, my poor heart,” and red poppies symbolize comfort.

Some flowers evoke negative associations, so it’s best to stay away from them on your big day so as not to tempt fate.

Delicate begonia flowers clearly have a darker meaning than you think: they are said to symbolize a warning to be careful. And be careful who you give them to! Victorians often gave begonias to symbolize gloomy, whimsical thoughts about the receiver.

Hyacinths can be beautiful, but you’re more likely to see them at a funeral than at a wedding. These statuesque flowers were associated with the tragic myth of Hyacinth in Greek mythology. According to legend, Hyacinth was the lover of the god Apollo, but he was also admired by Zephyr, the god of wind. The friendship between Apollo and Hyacinth infuriated Zephyrus, who used the wind to throw a disc Hyacinthus, who went astray, struck the mortal and killed him. A hyacinth flower grew from the spilled blood. Now the plant symbolizes sincerity (in the name of Hycinthus), but also jealousy and recklessness.

No matter how amazing wedding flowers you choose for your wedding, it’s always good to know what’s behind them. Your wedding bouquets and wedding decorations can be so much more than just beautiful, they can also convey a powerful message about the love you and your partner share for each other, as well as the hopes and dreams you have for your new life together.