The bridal bouquet has a long and storied past. A quick Internet search will show that no one knows exactly where and when the tradition started, but many stories have a similar beginning. Regardless it’s a tradition that has stood the test of time and is beloved by brides all over the world no matter their budget or style. Researchers say that wedding bouquets were originally made of herbs and spices and were used to keep away evil spirits that could plague the future, but others suggest that the bouquets were a way to show love to the couples’ friends and family. As time went on the bridal couple began to share flowers with their guests, which may reveal the history of the bridesmaid bouquet and groomsmens’ boutonnieres. The first record of wedding flowers dates to the ancient Greeks, who used fresh flowers to make a crown and garland, which represented new life and fertility for the bride and groom.

The story goes that when Queen Victoria married Prince Albert the traditional herbs and spices were replaced with fresh flowers (but often edible flowers, especially marigolds.) Throughout the Victorian age specific flowers took on specific meanings, and in the 19th Century floriography - the study of flower meanings - was established. Roses, for example mean love; freesia means trust; ivy means fidelity; violets mean hope; and ferns mean sincerity. Dill was often included, and later eaten by the bridal couple, because it was said to increase lust. In modern times, of course, flowers are chosen mostly because of style and color and are used to complement the bride’s choice of bridesmaid gowns and decor.

Tips for choosing a bridal bouquet:

* A bridal bouquet should not be so large that it competes with the details of the bridal gown.

* Weight of the bouquet should be considered because some brides like to hold their bouquet throughout the evening.

* If the bride has allergies you may want to discuss flower smells with the florist.

* The price and availability of flowers depends on season (unless, of course, the budget has no limits.) If your bride has her heart set on a bouquet of certain flowers it would be wise to discuss her wedding date first!

* Some photographers suggest avoiding blue flowers in winter because the season’s dull light will also dull the color of the flowers in photographs.

* Brides are often choosing silk flowers for their bouquets because they are obviously long-lasting. Another good suggestion is to make a silk bouquet for bridal portraits, which the bride can keep, and use fresh flowers for the wedding so the bride has a bouquet she won’t mind throwing at the end of the reception.

Wedding and event planners have to do a lot of research to stay on top of trends, especially in the wedding industry. Bouquets made of buttons and brooches are popular because they’re not only unique keepsakes, but they’re also “green” choices. What trends are you seeing in bouquets? What are some of the favorite choices you’ve run across as you’ve worked with brides?

Tags: bouquets, brides, flowers, wedding, wedding trends

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