WEDDING TRADITIONS: THE BRIDAL BOUQUET
When it comes to planning the perfect wedding, there are a few traditions we almost all agree are essential. Some of us couldn’t dream of walking down the aisle without “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue,” having a flower girl during the ceremony, or wearing anything other than a white dress. But where did all of these wedding traditions come from?
Today, we’re looking into the origin of the bridal bouquet.
ANCIENT SUPERSTITIONS
We don’t have a crystal clear picture of what ancient weddings were like, but we do know their traditional bouquets were filled with fragrant herbs and spices instead of white roses and purple posies.
It was common practice in ancient Roman, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations to outfit a bride with fragrant herbs and spices to ward off any bad luck and signify her new beginning. These brides of times past even incorporated fragrant garnishes in their wedding hairstyles and held a bouquet with herbs like rosemary (a traditional symbol of loyalty), dill (said to increase feelings of lust), and even stalks of wheat (for fertility).
Flowers didn’t become a common part of the bride’s arrangement until the Victorian era, when the young queen carried a bouquet of delicate snowdrop flowers during her influential wedding to Prince Albert.
THE BOUQUET TOSS
Because of this long history and cultural significance, a wedding just doesn’t feel quite right without a little greenery and plenty of fresh flowers these days. But the symbolism and good luck associated with a bouquet isn’t just about the bride!
The tradition of tossing the bouquet originated in England, but its influence quickly spread throughout other Western countries. Since fresh flowers used to be much harder to come by in the past, they were seen as a sign of wealth and prosperity, and the distinct blooms held by the bride were a blessing that guests sought after.
The bouquet was so coveted that some wedding guests would try to snatch it from her hands after the ceremony, occasionally tearing her dress or messing up her hair in the process. To make a quick and safe getaway, she would toss the bouquet into the crowd and dash off with her new groom. It was believed that whoever caught the bouquet was then granted the fortune of the bride and would be next in line to tie the knot.
If you’re planning a wedding of your own, will you incorporate your own lucky herbs or choose a flower with a special message for your bouquet? And will you spread the good fortune around with a classic bouquet toss at the reception?
Photos by Whitney Cadavid Photography. Florals by Forget Me Not Designs.
For more bouquet inspiration, check out some of our previous blogs!
