Something Old for the Month of September
Have you ever wondered about the origin of some popular wedding traditions? What about the bridal bouquet? It began in Roman times as a garland of fresh herbs worn in the brides hair, or around the bride and groom’s neck. In some cultures the groom would pick flowers from the field and offer them to his bride to carry while celebrating the happiest day of their lives. During Victorian times, herbs and spices were originally used, and later replaced with flowers, which were carefully chosen to convey a message to the groom, since each flower held a special meaning. For example, ivy symbolized fidelity, and hydrangeas often meant perseverance. The couple would be reminded of their happy occasion at the sight or smell of these same flowers.Today, the origins and meanings of the various flowers are rarely looked at when selecting a bouquet. Some things to be considered are color and shape of flowers, size and style of the bouquet, and also details such as ribbon or beads. The locations for the ceremony and reception and even your wedding gown may be a source of inspiration in choosing your flowers. Make sure to coordinate the colors and style with the rest of your floral arrangements and reception decorations. Whatever you choose, it is important that your bouquet reflects your personality.