What's the history behind the Bridal Bouquet?

The history of the bridal bouquet is a fascinating journey that transforms a bundle of pungent herbs into the beautiful, custom floral arrangements we see walking down the aisle today. Far from just a pretty accessory to match your wedding color palette, the bridal bouquet originally served as a powerful symbol of protection, fertility, and secret romance.

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Ancient Times: Warding Off Evil Spirits

In ancient Greece and Rome, brides didn’t carry fresh roses or peonies. Instead, they carried bundles of garlic, herbs, and pungent spices like dill and rosemary.

• The Purpose: The strong scents were believed to ward off evil spirits, bad luck, and misfortune.

• The Bonus: Herbs like dill were also eaten during the reception to help spark desire and promote fertility.

The Middle Ages: Chasing Away the Plague

During the medieval period, the practice evolved to include highly aromatic flowers alongside the herbs. Chives, garlic, and heavy spices remained popular for a practical reason: masking body odor. In an era where bathing was infrequent and diseases like the plague were a constant threat, carrying a bundle of strong-smelling botanicals helped brides create a personal bubble of fresh air.

The Victorian Era: The Language of Flowers

We owe the modern, romantic bridal bouquet to Queen Victoria. When she married Prince Albert in 1840, she traded the traditional herbs for a fresh bouquet of snowdrops and myrtle (which symbolizes love and marriage).

This sparked a massive trend throughout the Victorian era, heavily influenced by floriography, the secret language of flowers. Because open displays of affection were discouraged, couples used specific flowers to send coded messages to one another:

• Roses symbolized romantic love.

• Ivy represented fidelity.

• Apple blossoms meant good fortune.

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The Modern Bouquet: Expressing Your Style

Today, bouquets are a reflection of a bride's personal style, aesthetic, and unique love story. While the ancient fear of evil spirits has faded, the tradition of passing on good fortune remains alive and well through the tossing of the bouquet at the end of the night!

Planning your own dream wedding? Whether you want a Victorian-inspired romantic arrangement or a bold, modern installation, let's bring your floral vision to life.