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!

We're on Instagram!
Some weddings are magic. ✨ 

This one just took a cart, a loading dock, stairs, ramps, 250 feet of hallway, and a very determined florist team.

Here’s what you don’t see in the final gallery: the cardio, the zip ties, the setup hustle. But would we do it all again for this dreamy blue-and-white moment we created for Jenni & Aaron at the Omni Shoreham? Absolutely.

📍 @omnishorehamhotel 
📷 @genevieveleiperphotography 
💐 @petalaedgedc
Some weddings are sweet.

This one? Smart, stylish, and just a little unexpected.

At Eaton DC, where there’s a record player in the lobby and intention in every detail, we brought florals that nodded to tradition. White and blush, gold compotes, lush greenery - and then we slipped in a few surprises (hello, orchids). From a ceremony full of movement to tall reception designs that played with height and shape, this wedding proved modern love doesn’t have to be minimal.

📍 @eatonhotel.dc 
📷 @jessicanazarovaphotography 
💐 @petalsedgedc
We're Pinteresting!
  • The Army and Navy Club's dark wood lined ballroom was the perfect complement to the classic white and blush color scheme of the spring wedding's floral palette including peonies, ranunculus, and campanula. Petal's Edge is the Washington DC area's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company, specializing in unique wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations & tablescapes for weddings in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland.
  • A vintage Palm Springs theme for The Scout Guide launch party at Hotel AKA. Petal's Edge is Washington, DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, Maryland.
  • Classic luxury for Hay Adams wedding. White roses. Phalaenopsis orchids. Crystal candelabra. Petal's Edge is Washington DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, MD.
  • Gallery O on H Street with its indoor and outdoor event spaces and a multi-level tent courtyard was the perfect setting for an urban garden vibe with a bold floral palette in shades of coral and peach, bright yellows, and lush greens. Petal's Edge is the Washington DC area's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company, specializing in unique wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations & tablescapes for weddings in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland.
  • Not everyone gets a do-over, but Caitlin & Sean'a small 2020 fete was followed by a summer celebration at River Farm, a fabulous floral arch, whimsical flowers skirting the cocktail tables, centerpieces to accompany the metro theme. Petal's Edge is the Washington DC area's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company, specializing in unique wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations & tablescapes for weddings in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland.
  • Modern black & white wedding, St. Francis Hall DC, light curtain, white flowers, speakeasy lounge. Petal's Edge is Washington DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, Maryland.
  • Summer hotel wedding with pops of color. Olive tall centerpieces. Cascade bouquet. Smilax installation. Petal's Edge is Washington DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, Maryland.
  • Rustic spring wedding at St. Francis Hall featured soft neutral hues and lush greenery. Smilax and candle strewn aisle. Spirea accented elevated arrangements. Peonies. Garden roses. Petal's Edge is the Washington DC area's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company, specializing in unique wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations & tablescapes for weddings in DC, Northern Virginia & Maryland.
  • White Lotus Mediterranean wedding theme. Citrus accents. Flower color blocking. Aisle flowers. Arch. Petal's Edge is Washington DC's best wedding florist & corporate event floral design company. Specializes in wedding flowers, event design, decor, bridal bouquets, floral installations, floral walls, backdrops, arches, Chuppahs, boutonnieres, floral centerpieces, tablescapes & more for weddings receptions & wedding ceremonies in Washington, DC, N. Virginia, Alexandria, Arlington, VA, Maryland.
Join Our Mailing List!
Categories

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *