When it comes to planning a wedding, there are many aspects to consider, from the venue and food to the attire and accessories. One of the most important is the bridal bouquet, a collection of flowers that the bride will hold as she walks down the aisle. This accessory is more than just a beautiful addition to the dress; it’s also a symbolic expression of love and a way to set the tone for the ceremony.
Bridal is a common word in the world of weddings, but did you know it has several meanings? It can refer to a female member of the wedding party, the flowers used in the bridal bouquet, or even a pre-wedding event called a shower.
A bridal shower is a celebration of the bride-to-be. It is usually held before the wedding and often involves gifts for the soon-to-be Mrs. Showers are typically all-female events, but some allow male friends and relatives to attend as well. Guests will typically bring gifts that are intended for the bride, such as beauty products or lingerie. Occasionally, some of the shower attendees will bring a gift for the groom as well.
The concept of a bridal shower has roots in 16th century Holland. During this time, the custom of bridal showers emerged as a substitute for earlier dowry practices. This tradition was especially helpful for women who didn’t have the means to provide a dowry or whose fathers did not approve of their marriages. During these times, friends and family would gather to give the bride gifts that she could take into her marriage as an ex gratia payment.
Flowers are a popular symbol of love and romance, and have been used in bridal bouquets for centuries. The rose has long been considered the most romantic flower, but other colors and types can be just as meaningful. A bouquet comprised of peonies, for example, symbolizes honor, wealth, happiness, and romance. Daisies, a childhood favorite, are said to represent purity and innocence. Peonies are a popular choice for royal brides, such as Meghan Markle, who included them in her stunning wedding bouquet.
In addition to the bride’s floral arrangement, it is also common for the bride to have flowers for the members of her wedding party, such as the maid of honor and the bridesmaids; a bouquet or basket of petals or nosegay for flower girls and other attendants; wrist corsages or clutch clips for female family members like mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts; and boutonnieres for groomsmen, ring bearers, ushers and other male family members.
While the bridal gown is traditionally white, the bridal bouquet can be any color or style the bride chooses. It is important for the florist to understand the bride’s preferences and to use colors and styles that complement the overall theme of the wedding. The bridal bouquet is one of the first things that guests see as they enter the ceremony, and should reflect the style and spirit of the day.