Ask the florist! Why do brides carry a bouquet?

Ask the florist! Why do brides carry a bouquet?

Dear Petal’s Edge,

I’m curious. Why do brides carry bouquets down the aisle? What is the origin of the bridal bouquet?

– Vicky L.

Dear Vicky,

That’s a fun question!  There are actually a number of different thoughts about the origin of the custom of the bride carrying flowers.  For one, flowers (being the sex organs of a plant) are symbols of fertility in many cultures.  For the ancient Romans, flowers were thought to signify hope for fertility in the marriage. In medieval times strong smelling flowers and herbs were thought to ward off evil spirits, so bouquets of things like garlic, chives and other strongly scented herbs, flowers or plants were popular for this reason. Additionally, since the concept of bathing daily (or even weekly or monthly) is a relatively modern invention, these strongly scented bouquets had the added benefit of masking body odor. As times changed, so did the symbolism of the bouquet; for example, for the Victorians believed that each type of flower had a different meaning and so would use the flowers to communicate messages. Because of this, the exchange of flowers came to be associated with romantic love and hence the association with weddings. And lest we leave the guys out here, it seems that the tradition of the groom wearing a flower in his lapel (the boutonniere) is thought to come from the act of medieval knights wearing his lady’s “colors” as he went into a battle or competition.

However, in modern times, the reasons are much more practical. Since most of us regularly shower these days, a bouquet is carried primarily because flowers are beautiful and an easy way to add decor to the wedding. It’s tradition, and a bouquet is the perfect accessory. But the biggest, most practical reason that we here at Petal’s Edge have seen to carry flowers (or really anything at all!) is so that you have something to do with your hands as you walk up that long aisle. This is particularly true for your bridesmaids, who typically have to walk alone. So don’t skimp on the size of their bouquets – if they are walking alone down the aisle, they need a bouquet large enough to hold with two hands or it will be out of proportion.

Do you have a question about flowers or wedding planning?  Send us your question in the comment field or by email (to info@petalsedge.com, subject line “Ask the Florist”), and we’ll include it in a future round of Ask the Florist!

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Amanda & Jack’s Woodend wedding drew its inspiration from a William Morris print - lush, romantic, and rooted in nature. The florals carried that spirit through every detail: moss runners lined the tables, dotted with petite brown bottles of chamomile, blush spray roses, and wisps of greenery that felt as if they had grown there overnight. Cloche domes held tiny blooms like keepsakes. Brass animals cradled florals as though part of the garden itself, a perfect nod to the nature sanctuary venue. (Which ones can you find?) Even the greenery-lined staircase framing the cake echoed the same story. Every bloom was chosen for texture and movement, bringing that painterly, botanical world to life in three dimensions. 

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We call it the creep…

Everyone talks about the rising cost of flowers, but there’s another story behind the numbers: time. Over the years, wedding timelines have stretched. First looks, detail shots, getting-ready portraits, ceremony and reception setups starting hours earlier than before, and more complex with event breakdowns. Florists are often still paid by the piece, not by the hour, yet the hours have multiplied.

What was once a 2 to 4 hour delivery day has quietly turned into a 12 to 16 hour production days with setup, standby, and late-night breakdowns. And flowers are still perishable, so they cannot sit out waiting for the photography timeline to catch up.

When couples ask why flowers cost more now, this is part of the answer. It is not just about stems or supply chains. It is the labor, the logistics, and the reality that perfection takes time, often a lot more than it used to. 

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Did you know that baby’s breath can be a showstopper all on its own? 🌟 

At Meaghan & David’s Willard Hotel wedding, we used this delicate bloom to create everything from airy, elevated centerpieces to rings of the tiny flowers to circle candles and lush runners on the head table. The result? A look that’s both ethereal and elegant, proving that baby’s breath can be more than just a filler flower. It’s a versatile, often budget-friendly option that brings a soft, romantic vibe to any wedding. Who’s ready to fall in love with this understated beauty? 😍

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