The Wedding Bouquet: A Timeless Tradition
Floral Experience Dallas
The bridal bouquet is much more than just for show—it’s a vibrant, symbolic floral expression that completes the wedding look and adds heartfelt meaning to the moment. But before garden roses and wild peonies stole the show, these fragrant clusters had a surprisingly practical and spiritual past. That’s why when I create a bridal bouquet, it’s important to me to engage the bride into the process. I want to understand how she and her groom want their flowers to represent them and their love.
Ancient Aromas & Intentions
Long before Pinterest boards inspired color palettes, brides in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt walked down the aisle holding herbs—not flowers! Think garlic, dill, and ivy—chosen for their spiritual vibes and powers to chase off evil spirits and bad energy. Bouquets were believed to attract fertility, loyalty, and prosperity. A handheld bundle of enchantment, if you will.
Middle Ages: Smells, Spells & Superstitions
Fast forward to the Middle Ages and, as historical account suggests, things got...funky. Hygiene wasn’t exactly a priority, and body odor from men and women began to be a real concern. Brides believed by clutching strong-smelling herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage would help mask unpleasant body odors and fend off illnesses at the same time. I’m not sure how effective they were masking body odors, but bouquets doubled as fragrant force fields—fashionable and functional.
Victorian Era: Where Flowers Found Their Voice
In the mid 1800’s, it is believed that Queen Victoria, redefined bridal elegance with a bouquet of snowdrops, myrtle, and orange blossoms. Suddenly, florals became the statement. The Victorians were all about “floriography”—every flower carried a meaning:
Roses = Love
Lily of the valley = Purity
Myrtle = Fidelity
Florals weren’t just pretty—they had a purpose and told a story. And so, the modern bouquet was born.
Bouquet Toss: Catching Luck & Letting Go
Ever wonder why the bride tosses her bouquet?
In medieval England, any single woman fortunate enough to catch the bridal bouquet would be next in line for marital bliss. Tossing it became a fun tradition that still brings ruckus laughter (and maybe a little competition).
As a part of the floral bridal experience, bridal bouquets bloom with personality and intention. Whether it’s soft ranunculus, bold peonies, textured eucalyptus, or classic roses, each stem adds style and sentiment. It’s a tradition with a twist. No two bouquets are exactly alike. Afterall, we are working with nature. Still, you and I will collaborate, and I will design a bouquet that uniquely represents your bridal vision - one that speaks to your love story, stem by blooming, fragrant stem.
