The Language of Flowers: Bridal Bouquets With Meaning

Did you know that the bridal bouquet traces its roots back to ancient times? The scent of the blooms was thought to protect the married couple by warding off evil spirits, bad luck and ill health. Centuries later, during the Victorian era, flowers began to take on additional significance. Due to strict rules of morality and propriety, lovers would send secret messages to each other using flowers, with each bloom carrying a specific, hidden meaning. Think of it as text messaging, but with plants. Naturally, these meanings were soon adopted for bridal bouquets. Today, a modern bride can easily continue this tradition by choosing meaningful flowers, symbolizing anything from love to prosperity, to add to her bouquet. Here are a few fresh, love-filled combos to carry on your big day.

Regal and majestic, the color purple symbolizes dignity, independence, creativity, mystery and magic. A purple bouquet with equally-elegant flowers is perfect for a bride seeking a classic style. The flowers in this bouquet are dendrobium orchid (refinement and beauty), purple hyacinth (please forgive me), anemone (anticipation and expectations) and waxflower (happiness in marriage).

Most of the meanings associated with herbs are attributed to their medicinal properties. Nonetheless, herbs make a wonderful rustic bouquet for a garden-themed wedding. This bouquet includes mint (virtue), sage (wisdom), rosemary (remembrance), marjoram (joy and happiness), chamomile (patience) and bay (glory).

The color pink is associated with sweetness and is considered playful, cute, romantic, charming, feminine and tender. This pretty pink bouquet is a mix of romance and balance: pink calla lilies (purity, holiness and faithfulness), white stephanotis (happiness in marriage and desire to travel), pale pink roses (modesty) and waxflower (happiness in marriage).