From ancient times to key 2024 trends, we are talking bridal bouquets for all our future brides-to-be!
The bridal bouquet carries deep symbolism and tradition dating back to ancient times. It’s a very important piece of the bride’s attire and foundational to the look and feel of the whole wedding day. Think about bridesmaids’ bouquets, groomsmen’s buttonholes, church flowers, flower arches, and table decor, and you can see how getting it right is key to all of these features.
Ancient Origins:
The tradition of brides carrying flowers dates back thousands of years, with roots in ancient civilisations such as Greece and Rome. In Greece, brides carried aromatic herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits and ensure fertility and prosperity for the new couple. Similarly, in ancient Rome, brides carried bouquets of herbs and flowers, symbolising new beginnings and the promise of a fruitful union.
Medieval times:
During the Middle Ages, there was a practical reason to carry a bouquet, when the opportunity to wash was not as available, the bride used a fragrant bouquet to mask any odour. However, during that time, the symbolism of bridal bouquets also evolved, incorporating Christian beliefs and superstitions. Flowers and herbs were chosen for their symbolic meanings, with each bloom representing virtues such as love, fidelity, and purity. Brides carried fragrant bouquets to ward off bad luck and protect against evil spirits, believing that the sweet scent would bring blessings and happiness to their marriage.
Victorian Romance:
The Victorian era saw the rise of elaborate floral arrangements and the popularisation of the language of flowers, or floriography. Brides carefully selected blooms based on their meanings, creating bouquets that conveyed sentiments and emotions. Roses symbolised love and passion, while lilies represented purity and innocence. The Victorian bride’s bouquet became a lavish display of sentiment and symbolism, reflecting the romantic ideals of the era.
Adding Beauty and Elegance:
A carefully crafted bouquet adds grace and sophistication to a bride’s ensemble, complementing her dress. And while it might be central to the bride’s ensemble it will be the founding focal point for the floral decor throughout the wedding, definitely setting the theme. Whether it’s a simple arrangement of roses or a lavish cascade of exotic blooms, the bridal bouquet is an important piece of the wedding puzzle. It certainly seems a shame to “toss it” at the end of the day.
With improved worldwide logistics there is more opportunity than ever before to personalise bridal bouquets according to your unique style and taste. From classic, round bouquets to bohemian, cascading arrangements, single stems to dried flowers, brides can choose something to reflect the theme of the wedding, their personality or the season. Whether you’re drawn to romantic roses, whimsical wildflowers, or exotic orchids, there’s a bouquet style to suit every bride’s vision.
The tradition of tossing the bouquet commenced in Victorian times when the bride wanted to share some of her luck in finding a husband with her unmarried female friends. The toss usually happens before the couple retire for the evening, and the bride tosses it over her shoulder to her group of waiting friends. It’s said that whoever catches the bouquet is deemed to be “next” to get married.
Keepsake:
Many brides choose not to toss their bridal bouquets instead choosing to have them as cherished keepsakes to treasure for years to come. Drying the flowers or having them professionally preserved and displayed in a frame can work really well.
So how do you go about choosing flowers for your wedding bouquet? It may start with a unique colour, or you might already have a particular flower that you love. You will want to ensure that whatever you choose fits in well with all the outfits in the bridal party. The cost will be a factor too, as the availability of particular blooms. A good wedding florist will be able to advise you on what will be in season on your wedding day.
Some key trends for 2024 include:
Shaded block colours
Where the bouquet is all in the same colour, with lighter and darker shades throughout to give depth, this style also lends itself to the next trend which is…
Texture
The texture becomes very important using different shapes and sizes of flowers to add depth and interest. This can also be applied to any neutral bouquets, e.g. all white.
Fruits
Where fruits are added to the bouquet, and to the table decor.
Ethically sourced
Using only blooms that have been sustainably harvested.
For more bouquet inspirations and flower decor ideas, make sure to check our blog with expert advice.
