The Meaning of Bridal Bouquets
- Alejandra Vallesillas
- Nov 19
- 7 min read
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Flowers are one of the most important accessories in any bride’s attire, and they express much more than we might imagine.
The meaning of bridal bouquets is important for brides. Flowers convey beauty, purity, and passion. Some examples of commonly used flowers are roses, orchids, and sunflowers. Carrying a bouquet is an ancient tradition that symbolizes hopes for the future. The groom’s bouquet, known as the boutonniere, also carries its own meaning. Brides carry bouquets as part of history and spirituality. Learn more in this extensive article on the topic.
Meaning of Flowers for the Bridal Bouquet
History and Tradition of Carrying Bridal Bouquets
Just as wedding flowers hold symbolic meaning, the bouquet also has its own particular history.
The tradition of carrying floral bouquets in weddings dates back to ancient times, when flowers were considered a presentation card for the bride and her wishes for the future. Over the centuries, the meanings of flowers were used as secret messages between couples. In addition, in terms of spirituality, brides used to include aromatic herbs in their bouquets as protection against evil spirits and to bless their marriage.
In ancient Rome and Greece, for example, couples wore a garland made of spices or aromatic ivies that symbolized fertility and hope. Ivy, a symbol of lasting union, or orange blossom bouquets, a symbol of purity, were the preferred plants for weddings in ancient Mediterranean cultures. Like other traditions, the bridal bouquet is one of the most deeply rooted ones, with orange blossom—valued for its unique scent—becoming the most commonly used flower to replace the aromatic herbs that brides once carried.
Queen Victoria, an avid follower of the language of flowers—which she helped popularize in her time—saw in myrtle the perfect meaning for a wedding. If lily of the valley means “trust,” the blossom of the myrtle implies “love and hope.” It was, after all, the flower historically consecrated by the Greeks and Romans, as can be seen in some of the paintings by Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli. According to Jérôme Carcopino, author of Daily Life in Ancient Rome at the Height of the Empire, during the time of Emperor Augustus, brides in ancient Rome also used myrtle along with orange blossoms (the same ones Queen Victoria used in her hair on her wedding day) in a braided crown that complemented the veil, which at that time was orange.
Meanings of the Most Common Flowers
The flowers used in the bridal bouquet carry special meaning, expressing emotions and symbolism on such an important day. Each flower has its own message, representing beauty, purity, passion, and friendship. Below, we explore the meanings of the most commonly used flowers in bridal bouquets and their connection to the feelings they are meant to express.
Roses: Roses are a popular choice for bridal bouquets—they are the romantic flower by nature, and each color has its own meaning.
Red roses symbolize passion and passionate love.
White roses represent purity and innocence.
Yellow roses convey friendship and joy.
Orchids: These exquisite flowers represent beauty and elegance, especially the white ones. Their delicate shape and vibrant colors add a sophisticated touch to the bride’s bouquet, and they often symbolize pure and eternal love.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers symbolize admiration and joy. Their vibrant yellow color and unique shape bring positive energy and happiness.
Calla Lily: Known for its elegance, the calla lily is synonymous with beauty, purity, and compassion. It adds sophistication and grace to the bride’s bouquet. It is said to be the most elegant wedding flower, thanks to its slender stem and its white, refined blossom.
Hydrangeas: These flowers represent femininity and delicacy. Their round, abundant clusters add a romantic and soft touch to the bridal bouquet.
Lisianthus: Lovely and delicate flowers with a soft and tender nature. Their meaning is charm, trust, and gratitude.
Peonies: They are associated with love, happiness, and beauty, among other qualities. They are one of brides’ favorite flowers.
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Reasons Brides Carry Bridal Bouquets
The bridal bouquet is an essential element of wedding tradition, and brides choose it for several meaningful reasons. Below are the main reasons why brides carry bouquets:
Symbolism: The bridal bouquet is considered a symbol of love, happiness, and fertility. By carrying it, the bride expresses her joy and optimism toward marriage.
Complementary beauty: The bouquet adds an extra touch of beauty to the bride’s ensemble. The chosen flowers complement the dress and enhance the bride’s appearance on her special day.
Tradition and custom: Since ancient times, carrying a bridal bouquet has been part of marriage traditions. Over the years, this custom has remained, and brides continue to carry bouquets as a symbol of good luck and fortune for their new life as a couple.
Personalization: The bridal bouquet allows the bride to express her style and personality. She can choose the flowers and colors that best represent her tastes and preferences, creating a unique and special bouquet for her big day.
Photography and keepsake: The bridal bouquet also plays an important role in wedding photographs. It is a meaningful accessory that is captured in images to remember that special moment for a lifetime.
Details to Consider When Choosing the Bouquet
The bride’s bouquet is one of the most striking details on the wedding day—it will attract everyone’s attention and become the main accessory in all the photos and videos in which it appears. One thing to keep in mind is that the bridal bouquet will remain in front of the bride’s dress for almost the entire ceremony. Every wedding and every bride is different, which means each one will require a different bouquet.
The bridal bouquet is a very personal accessory, and each bride needs a different arrangement; the types and sizes of flowers, as well as the shape of the bouquet, will define her bridal style and image alongside her wedding dress. The bouquet is one of the essential accessories that will shape her look on her wedding day.
Something else to consider is the time of year when the wedding will take place, as this determines which flowers will be available and which ones may be harder to find. It is also important to consider the chosen wedding style.
The Bridal Bouquet According to the Bride’s Personality
Each bouquet has its own distinct qualities—the type of flowers chosen, the size, and every detail added. This will help each bride feel more natural and comfortable with one bouquet or another. Below are some examples of bouquets according to personality.
A shy bride might prefer a small bouquet or posies.
A bride with a cheerful, bold, elegant, and carefree style should opt for colorful, lively bouquets.
A traditional, formal, and sophisticated bride will require classic, long bouquets and arrangements.
Combining the Bridal Bouquet with the Wedding Dress
The wedding dress and the flower bouquet must match the type of celebration. Therefore, it’s essential to consider whether it will be a traditional, contemporary, or themed wedding, among other trends, when selecting the bridal bouquet.
The color and volume of the dress will also determine the predominant color and volume of the bouquet.
If the gown is classic, with a long train and veil, a cascading bouquet will be necessary to keep the overall look visually balanced.
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The Bridal Bouquet According to the Bride’s Physical Characteristics
The bride’s physical characteristics are also essential when choosing the bouquet. For example, the bride’s height and build will influence, among other things, the size of the flowers that should be used; brides of shorter stature require smaller flowers.
Skin tone and hair color will also determine which type of flower will combine best.
Brunette brides can carry bouquets with vibrant colors.
Blonde brides should opt for pastel tones.
Brides with red hair can easily choose intense shades, such as orange tones.
Examples of Different Types of Flowers for the Bridal Bouquet
When it comes to choosing flowers for the bridal bouquet, there is a wide variety of options to consider. As mentioned earlier, each flower has its own meaning and can convey different emotions on this very special day. Below are some examples of popular flowers commonly used in bridal bouquets:
Roses: Roses are a classic and elegant choice for the bridal bouquet. Red roses symbolize passion, white roses represent purity, and pink roses convey love and gratitude.
Lilies: Lilies are known for their beauty and elegance. White lilies symbolize purity and innocence, while yellow lilies represent happiness and joy.
Tulips: Tulips are delicate and beautiful flowers that come in a wide range of colors. Red tulips symbolize true love, white tulips represent purity, and yellow tulips convey joy and optimism.
Peonies: Peonies are lush, romantic flowers that represent love and happiness in marriage. They come in a variety of colors, such as pink, white, and red.
Orchids: Orchids are exotic and elegant flowers that represent beauty and femininity. They are a popular choice for brides seeking a sophisticated and unique bouquet.
These are just a few examples of the many beautiful flowers that can be used in bridal bouquets. Each flower has its own charm and can add a special touch to the bride’s overall appearance. When choosing flowers for the bouquet, it’s important to consider the meanings and emotions you wish to convey on this very special day.
The Groom’s Bouquet, Known as the Boutonniere
In addition to the bride’s bouquet, there is a tradition known as the boutonniere, where a flower or small cluster of flowers is placed on the groom’s lapel. This practice, which used to be common, is now reserved for special occasions such as weddings. The boutonniere is a small detail that complements the groom’s look and is chosen with the wedding theme and the colors of the bride’s bouquet in mind.
Finally, the Bouquet Toss
The bouquet toss is one of the most anticipated traditions at weddings. This symbolic act represents the passing of the bride’s good luck to the next person who will get married. Excitement and anticipation build as the single female guests line up, waiting for the chance to catch the coveted bouquet. This moment adds a burst of fun and excitement to the celebration, creating lasting memories for everyone present.
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