Most brides carry a colorful bridal bouquet as they walk down the aisle. It can range from elegant lilies, bright red roses or a beautiful combination of seasonal flowers to suit their wedding theme. Flowers always add a beautiful touch to a wedding and if you have always wondered the significance of the bridal bouquet, learn the history behind this colourful tradition.
History Of The Wedding Bouquet
The bridal bouquet has been around since ancient times when flowers and herbs were used for well wishes and to ward off evil spirits. Women then carried aromatic bunches of herbs such as garlic (!) to keep away evil on their wedding day. In ancient Greece and Rome, garlands of these herbs were often worn around the necks of the bride and groom to symbolise new life, fertility and hope. Some of these herbs in the bouquet then included dill so the bride will only lust for her husband, sage for wisdom and garlic for goodness. In some traditions, the dill was actually eaten by the wedded couple so they will have a lustful wedding night!
Read more interesting facts below!
Flowers In A Wedding Bouquet
Flowers were introduced as a bouquet only when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in the form of marigolds. The significance of the bouquet then changed slightly to symbolise a beautiful bride in full bloom, just like the flowers, as she weds. The fragrance of flowers was to also remind the couple of their happy day if they were to come across the smell again. Aren’t you glad they replaced those herbs with flowers?! 
Bridal Bouquets In Weddings Today
Flowers today continue to feature in both traditional and modern weddings today. In India, the bride does not carry a bouquet but flower petals are often sprinkled over the couple to ward off evil. In Sweden, traditional weddings will feature bridesmaids carrying little bouquets of aromatic herbs and the groom with thyme in his pockets to keep trolls at bay!
In modern weddings, flowers are used liberally in wedding bouquets, bridesmaids posies and flowergirls flower basket. The couple would often choose flowers which suit their wedding theme or the bride’s favourite flower to add a special touch to their special day. So, when you walk down the aisle with your bridal bouquet, remember the powerful significance of flowers in your wedding day!
Photo credits: The Knot
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