Wedding flowers are an integral part of every wedding for the purpose of accenting a color scheme and décor, the statement they make, and the impression that lingers. From table centerpieces and adorning the altar to the bouquets and walkways, wedding flowers have purpose and deep importance for every wedding ceremony. This guide to wedding flowers makes selecting the proper floral arrangements for your special day an effortless task.
The Language of Wedding Flowers
Wedding flowers have meaning. In ancient Greek and Roman ceremonies, the brides and grooms were adorned with garlands to represent fertility, hope and the new life they were beginning together. During the Victorian era, the meaning behind each flower was so powerful that it became a means for sending cryptic and unspoken messages.
Flowers might have always been known as a secret language of love; however, a cryptic language, referred to as Floriography, applies a symbolic meaning for each flower. This language of flowers gives every unique species, color and shade a meaning that when placed in a specific combination creates a complete intelligible thought. Over time we have chosen our wedding flowers for reason other than just communicating a message, but the meaning behind them is absolutely timeless.
Bouquets
The bride’s bouquet makes a powerful statement, and is likely to be the most important floral arrangement you choose. It should always carry proper meaning, match theme, color scheme, and season. The bridesmaids' bouquets and the boutonnieres should always be less extravagant pieces that accent the bride’s bouquet and color scheme.
Wedding Flowers of the Season
While there isn’t a rule set in stone about the flowers you choose, if you are using real flowers, you might need to embrace the season and make a selection of wedding flowers that are in bloom. Finding wedding flowers that are out of season is not impossible, but can be slightly difficult and more costly.
Inspiration and Theme
Aside from a deeper meaning, wedding flowers provide decoration, fragrance, and intensify a dramatic effect. Your wedding flowers will shape the tone and feel of your moment. The color and type of flower chosen should match the theme and color scheme of the wedding. Developing a theme and color scheme begins with a little inspiration. Gain inspiration and ideas at an all-inclusive wedding venue with a design team that specializes in the language of wedding flowers.
Meaning of Flowers
Azalea
Take care of yourself for Me; temperance; fragile passion
Bells of Ireland
Good luck
Bittersweet
Truth
Bluebell
Humility
Camellia (Pink)
Longing for you
Camellia (Red)
You're a flame in my heart
Camellia (White)
You're adorable
Carnation (Pink)
I'll never forget you
Carnation (Red)
My heart aches for you; admiration
Carnation (Purple)
Capriciousness
Carnation (Solid Color)
Yes
Carnation (White)
Sweet and lovely; innocence; pure love
Chrysanthemum (Red)
I love you
Chrysanthemum (White)
Truth
Daisy
Innocence; loyal love; purity
Dandelion
Happiness
Fern (Maidenhair)
Bond of love
Forget-Me-Not
True love
Gardenia
You're lovely; secret love
Heather (Lavender)
Admiration
Heather (White)
Protection; wishes come true
Iris
Faith; hope; wisdom; valor
Ivy
Wedded love; fidelity; affection
Magnolia
Nobility
Rose (Bridal)
Happy love
Rose (Hibiscus)
Delicate beauty
Rose (Pink)
Perfect happiness
Rose (Red)
Love; I love you
Rose (Tea)
I'll remember always
Rose (Thornless)
Love at first sight
Rose (White)
Innocence and purity
Rosebud
Innocent love
Rosebud (Red)
Pure love
Tulip (General)
Perfect lover
Tulip (Red)
Declaration of love
Violet (Blue)
Faithfulness; I'll always be there
