You marry for love, why shouldn’t your flowers do the same?
Let Griffin’s Floral Design explain. Flowers have their own language. They’ve long been associated with various traits, qualities and values, and in Victorian times were even used to slyly communicate feelings of love. When decorum dictated restraint, flowers stepped in to deliver the message. Hand-wrapped bouquets were more than just pretty gifts, they were entire declarations of feeling, unique and specific to the two people involved. If you wanted to tell someone they had bewitched you with their wit and charm, for example, you simply had to blend the right flowers together. Your beloved might have reached for her flower dictionary to decipher the encoded meaning. Floriography, the study of the language of flowers, produced an entire symbolic lexicon. The Victorians had the reference books to prove it.
Today, we still build meaningful flowers into our bridal bouquets. In fact, some of the most popular wedding blooms are also the most symbolic. Refer to our modern-day floral dictionary to find out what yours are saying.
The Peony
This newly popular flower is not only the favorite of Meghan Markle (and featured prominently in the royal wedding), but also symbolizes romance, a happy life and a blissful marriage. Add a blushing pink peony to the mix to connote bashfulness.
The Rose
Most of us already know what the red, red rose stands for: ardor, passion, undying love. But each color has its own meaning, with yellow roses symbolizing friendship and white ones hope. Red roses are magnificent in a fall or winter bouquet, and are actually called the “lovers rose.”
The Orchid
Weave one of these exotic beauties into your bouquet and you’re suggesting refinement, love, luxury, beauty and strength. The orchid is also the Chinese symbol for many children.
The Daffodil
With a blossom as graceful and lighthearted as this one, its meaning may come as a surprise. Daffodils symbolize unparalleled love, as well as chivalry, good luck and new beginnings. This is the 10th wedding anniversary flower.
The Violet
This exquisite stunner is emblematic of faithfulness as well as faith, affection, intuition and love. If you add a violet or two to your bouquet, you are conveying your trustworthiness or acknowledging your partner’s.
Lavender
Along with making your bouquet smell enchanting, these slim stalks with their tiny purple buds stand for devotion.
Myrtle
The little white buds that bloom from this shrub look like stars. Myrtle symbolizes love, which is why it so often appears in bridal bouquets across the pond.
Bells of Ireland
Add both a hint of green and a dose of good luck by tucking charming Bells of Ireland into your bouquet.