Ever since Victorian England, the language of flowers is important for brides choosing blooms for their bouquets and centrepieces. Flowers were used to pass on secret messages between lovers, but while some of them have positive meanings, others are associated with negative emotions and should therefore be avoided in bridal bouquets. Roses are the most popular flowers at weddings, and each colour has a different meaning. Whites, pinks and reds are great for bouquets and centrepieces as they mean purity, happiness and love, but avoid yellow ones even if they fit your colour palette because they symbolise jealousy and decrease of love. Peony has different meanings as it stands for love, happy marriage and prosperity, but can also mean bashfulness.
The language of flowers became especially important for royal brides who care about tradition and symbolism the most, so why not use their bouquets as inspiration! While Queen Elizabeth II opted for lavish orchids which symbolise love and beauty, Grace Kelly accessorised her iconic princess-style gown with a simple posy made from lily-of-the-valley blooms which stand for a trustworthy wife and happiness. The big cascading bouquet Lady Diana selected for her wedding day also included lily-of-the-valley, but also gardenias (purity and joy), stephanotis (marital happiness), freesias white roses (innocence), Ivy and Veronica (fidelity) and Myrtle (love, joy and happy marriage). Our personal favourite is Kate Middleton’s bouquet which had locally-sourced lily-of-the-valley, myrtle and ivy with the addition of hyacinth (fidelity) and Sweet William which means gallantry, but she picked it because of its name.
Mini Dictionary Of Wedding Flowers
Baby’s Breath – innocence
Calla Lily – majestic beauty
Carnation – red carnations symbolise love, white mean endearment, while pink are sending a message: I will never forget you
Freesia – innocence
Gardenia – joy and purity
Iris – wisdom
Ivy –fidelity
Lilac – first love
Lily-of-the-valley – sweetness, happiness
Myrtle – love, joy, happy marriage
Orchid – love, beauty, refinement
Peony – love, happy marriage, prosperity, bashfulness
Rose – pink ones stand for happiness, red ones mean love, white ones symbolise purity and innocence, while yellow ones are associated with jealousy and decrease of love
Stephanotis – marital happiness
Sweet Pea – pleasure
Tulip – true love, passion
Violet – innocence and modesty
Zinnia – lasting affection and remembrance
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