Birthday
HydrangeasA bridal bouquet is the most photographed bouquet of a lifetime. Some brides choose flowers purely for colour and shape; others want the arrangement to carry meaning. Here is where the “language of flowers” came from, what wedding flowers traditionally mean and how to make sure the bouquet looks good in photos.
Wedding flowers delivered: bridal bouquets and flowers for newlyweds.
Where flower language came from
The fashion for “speaking” with flowers flourished in 19th-century Europe, especially in Victorian England, where whole dictionaries assigned a meaning to each plant. Bear in mind that these dictionaries often contradicted one another, so there is no single “correct” meaning. The language of flowers is a lovely tradition, not a strict code.
What wedding flowers mean
- Rose. In Victorian tradition white roses stood for purity and red for passionate love. It is the most versatile wedding flower.
- Peony. In Chinese culture the peony is the “king of flowers” and a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Its lush blooms make it a favourite for summer weddings.
- Lily of the valley. In flower language it means “return of happiness”. It featured in Catherine Middleton’s bouquet in 2011.
- Myrtle. By tradition, British royal brides carry a sprig of myrtle from the garden at Osborne House, grown from Queen Victoria’s bouquet.
- Orange blossom. It symbolised purity and fertility; Queen Victoria wore a wreath of orange blossom at her wedding in 1840.
- Periwinkle. In Ukrainian tradition, evergreen periwinkle was woven into the bridal wreath as a symbol of eternal love and fidelity.
Getting the bouquet right in photos
- Hold the bouquet at waist height, tilted slightly forward, so it does not hide the dress or look like a shield.
- Take separate detail shots of the bouquet in soft daylight, near a window or in the shade.
- Put the bouquet in water between shoots so the flowers stay fresh.
- Make the groom’s buttonhole from the same flowers as the bouquet so group shots look coherent.
Flowers on the wedding table
The bridal flowers can carry through to the venue and tables. For centrepiece heights and pairing with tableware, see wedding table flowers. For unusual greenery, try a succulent arrangement.
FAQ
Do I have to choose flowers by meaning?
Not at all. What matters is that the bride loves the bouquet and it suits her look. Meanings are a pleasant extra layer.
Which flowers last longest out of water?
Roses, orchids, carnations, chrysanthemums and succulents are relatively hardy. Delicate hydrangeas and garden flowers wilt faster without water.
When should I order a wedding bouquet?
Usually a few weeks ahead so the florist can source seasonal flowers.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
