Wedding Flowers

Weeding flowers serve a purpose beyond a decoration during receptions. Around the world, most flowers and their colours hold significant meaning behind them. Especially in the context of the wedding ceremony. It’s worth noting that while some traditions are still unique to some countries, most of them also embrace international flower trends. Influenced by Western culture and customs. Among them are bridal bouquets, floral centrepieces, and other decorative floral arrangements commonly featured in weddings around the globe. Floral bouquets have been used in wedding ceremonies for centuries, with evidence of flower garlands and arrangements dating back to ancient civilizations.

A bit of historical context of Wedding Flowers

In ancient Rome, brides often carried or wore flower wreaths as a symbol of fertility and new beginnings. On the other hand, in Medieval Europe, popular were bouquets made of herbs and spices. Their purpose was to ward off evil spirits and ensure a fruitful union. It was during the Victorian era in the 19th century that the modern bridal bouquet as we know it today began to take shape. The Victorians placed great importance on the language of flowers. Bouquets were carefully arranged to convey specific messages and sentiments.

While the specific concept of the bridal bouquet may lack a precise date, the tradition of incorporating flowers into wedding ceremonies has a long and rich history that spans cultures and eras. Throughout time, the bridal bouquet has evolved into a beautiful and symbolic accessory. It represents the bride’s personal style. Moreover, it adds a touch of natural beauty to the wedding celebration.

Bridal Bouquets Around the World

The bridal bouquet is a cherished and widely recognized tradition in weddings worldwide. However it’s important to acknowledge that certain regions have different customs. Notably, countries like India, Nigeria, and some Middle Eastern nations have unique practices. In Saudi Arabia and Qatar, for instance, brides typically forgo bouquets in favour of wearing floral crowns or incorporating flowers into their attire.

For example in China brides traditionally don’t carry bouquets. Instead, they decorate their hair with natural flowers or themed jewellery. Often using orchids (Lan) for their delicate beauty. Orchids symbolize refinement, elegance, love, fertility, and long-lasting relationships in Chinese weddings.

Another example is Crete, Greece. The customary practice also doesn’t involve carrying a bouquet. Instead, brides wear a Stefana Crown, also known as a wedding crown. This highly symbolic accessory consists of two intertwining crowns connected by ribbons. In the ceremony, the officiant places crowns on the heads of the couple. It represents the unity and bond between the pair. It is often made of flowers, olive branches, and even fresh herbs. Crete is known for its abundant olive groves, and olive branches hold great significance in Cretan culture. It is common to incorporate olive branches into wedding floral arrangements, symbolizing peace, fertility, and prosperity for the newlyweds.

It’s worth noting that while the bridal bouquet is an international tradition, modern brides have the freedom to incorporate it into the wedding. Of course, as long as they align with their personal preferences or the overall aesthetic of the celebration. Exploring these unique customs and variations in different regions adds to the fascination of wedding traditions globally.

Ceremony and Venue Decor Influences

Globally, couples often choose specific flowers, such as peonies, for their June weddings, highlighting their popularity as wedding flowers. Peonies have become cherished wedding blooms, originating from various cultures and evolving over time as a beloved tradition.

Peonies have been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years and hold great cultural significance. In ancient China, peonies were associated with prosperity, honour, and happy marriage. They were often considered the “king of flowers” and were highly revered. The peony’s lush, fragrant blooms and vibrant colours made it a popular choice for wedding decorations. On the other hand, in Greek mythology, Peon, the physician of the gods, used peonies to heal the wounded during the Trojan War. This association with healing and medicinal properties might have contributed to the belief that peonies bring good fortune and a prosperous marriage. The association with Peon’s healing abilities could have translated into the use of peonies in weddings as a symbol of a healthy and harmonious union.

Exploring further, Mexican wedding flowers often embrace a vibrant colour palette in floral arrangements. Bold and vivid flowers such as marigolds, dahlias, roses, and sunflowers are commonly used to create eye-catching bouquets and decorations. These vibrant colours reflect the festive and lively spirit of Mexican culture. One distinctive tradition in Mexican weddings is the Lazo ceremony. During this ritual, a large and decorative looped rope or floral garland, known as “el lazo,” is placed around the couple’s shoulders in the shape of figure eight. This symbolizes the everlasting union and unity of the couple.

Travelling south-east of Mexico, Colombia is known for its rich biodiversity. It’s a leading exporter of flowers worldwide. Colombian weddings often feature an abundance of exotic flowers, such as orchids, roses, proteas, and birds of paradise. These vibrant and unique blooms add a colourful and luxurious touch to wedding decorations. In some regions of Colombia, particularly in Medellín, the Silletas Parade is a traditional flower festival that has become associated with weddings. During this event, colourful and elaborate floral arrangements called “silletas” are carried on the backs of participants, creating a vibrant and lively procession. Couples may incorporate elements of this tradition into their wedding celebrations by including silleta-inspired floral displays.

Last, but not least, universally beloved, roses symbolize love and beauty across cultures. They have a rich historical significance in ancient Greece, associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In many countries, red roses represent passion, while white roses symbolize purity. Roses are wildly used as wedding flowers, for venue decorations, around the world.

Fusion and Incorporation of International Flower Wedding Traditions

Bouquet toss became a very popular wedding tradition in various countries like United States, Australia, Poland, and many others. Towards the end of the reception, the bride tosses her bouquet into a group of unmarried women, with the belief that the one who catches it will be the next to get married. This tradition adds a fun and lighthearted element to the celebration. But where does it come from?

The tradition of the bouquet toss is believed to have originated in France, although it has become a popular custom in weddings across various countries and cultures. In France, it was customary for the bride to toss her bouquet to the unmarried women in attendance, symbolizing good luck and fortune in finding a partner. While the bouquet toss tradition may vary in its specific details and significance across cultures, it has become a popular and anticipated part of many weddings globally, adding an element of excitement among the guests.

Another wedding tradition related to flowers that became internationally popular is the boutonnière worn by a groom. The tradition of wearing a boutonnière, a small floral decoration worn on the lapel of a suit or tuxedo, has its roots in various cultural and historical practices.

The exact origin of the boutonnière tradition is difficult to pinpoint, as it has evolved and been influenced by various cultural practices throughout history. Regardless of its specific origins, the boutonnière remains a timeless and stylish accessory.

In medieval Europe, knights going into battle would often wear a flower or small bouquet, typically a lady’s favour, on their armour or tunic. This served as a symbol of luck and protection. Over time, this tradition evolved into wearing a boutonnière on formal occasions, symbolizing chivalry and elegance.

During the reign of Louis XIV in France, boutonnières became fashionable among the aristocracy. Men would adorn their clothing with small boutonnières made of fragrant flowers, herbs, or small bouquets, often reflecting their personal style or conveying messages through the language of flowers.

In the Victorian era, wearing a boutonnière became more common for men attending formal events, particularly weddings, and funerals. Boutonnières were often coordinated with the bridal bouquet or used as a symbol of mourning. They were seen as a sign of respect, sophistication, and attention to detail.

The tradition of wearing boutonnières continued into the 20th century, although it became less prevalent in everyday fashion. However, they are still commonly worn at special occasions such as weddings, proms, and formal events, adding a touch of elegance to men’s attire.

Diversity Of Wedding flowers

As we can see the influence of international traditions on wedding flowers and the richness they bring to wedding celebrations is very wide. We have only mentioned the most common customs that originated in some cultures and became global wedding flowers or symbols. Each couple that is planning the wedding celebration can embrace and explore global wedding trends when designing their own floral arrangements.

Maybe when you plan your wedding you can decide to scatter lotus petals on tables or in water, floating as a symbolic gesture. Or maybe you can choose to have only white and yellow flowers at your wedding as they do in Myanmar. White and yellow are considered symbolic colours in Myanmar culture. White represents purity, innocence, and new beginnings, while yellow symbolizes prosperity, good luck, and blessings. Choosing these colours for wedding flowers is believed to bring positive energy and fortune to the couple’s new life together.

The beauty and significance of incorporating diverse cultural elements into wedding flowers can lead to a truly memorable and unique celebration.

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