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.

Photo by Freed Photography

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.

Photo by Steve Canning

Photo by Love Life Images

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.

Photo by Korie Lynn Herold

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!