Why do we have flowers at a wedding?

Since ancient times, Bridal flowers have been an essential part of the wedding. Different flowers had different meanings: lilies for virtue, tulips for love, irises for warmth and affection and a range of emotions and values for the many different colours of roses. 

Generally, wedding flowers are used because it is believed they help protect the bride from evil spirits that intend to snatch her from the groom! Nowadays brides choose their bouquets according to the wedding theme or their significance in the relationship.

Flower traditions throughout the world

In Sweden and Denmark, tiny pouches of strong-smelling herbs like chives, rosemary and garlic are sewn into grooms' clothes for good luck. 

In Thailand, mothers drape flower garlands (puang malai) on the bride and groom's shoulders to wish them a life of prosperity and good fortune.

In ancient times in Rome, brides held bouquets of strong smelling herbs & spices to scare and ward off evil spirits. The bride and groom also wore floral wreaths on their heads to represent new life and fertility.

Today in India, a brother of the Groom showers the couple with flower petals, to protect them from harm.

In ancient Greece bridal bouquets contained sprigs of ivy to symbolize fidelity and unending love. It was popular in Victorian times, for brides to plant the ivy from her bouquet after the wedding, so she could pass on its offshoots to her daughters and granddaughters for their own bridal bouquets. 

Tossing the Bouquet

Started in Victorian times the tradition of tossing the bouquet is still practised today. 

Originally, the bride would have tossed the bouquet to her friend when she left the festivities, to pass on the protection (from evil spirits) to that friend and to wish her luck. 

Today, the bride is more likely to keep her bouquet and either have it dried or pressed, or more commonly place it in remembrance on the grave of a close relative.

If she does decide to carryout the tossing tradition, it is more likely to be a substitute bouquet made from inexpensive flowers which is tossed backwards towards the guests. If a single woman catches it, she will be the next one to marry!