Herb Wedding Bouquets: Diy Guide For Your Special Day

Herb wedding bouquets are a unique and affordable alternative to traditional flower bouquets. The use of herbs in wedding bouquets dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where brides carried aromatic bundles of garlic, herbs, and spices to symbolise fidelity and good luck. Today, herb bouquets are a modern way to add colour, scent, and beauty to your wedding without breaking the bank. Herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and sage can be used to create stunning and fragrant arrangements that are perfect for brides who want to bring a touch of Old World charm to their special day.

Choosing your herbs: Select herbs with symbolic meanings, such as rosemary for remembrance or lavender for love

When choosing herbs for your wedding bouquet, it's important to consider their symbolic meanings. Herbs have been used in wedding bouquets for centuries, with different herbs representing different sentiments and well-wishes for the happy couple.

For example, rosemary has long been associated with remembrance and fidelity, making it an excellent choice for a wedding bouquet. In ancient times, brides carried rosemary to ensure their spouses remained faithful, and in the Middle Ages, it was believed that sweet-smelling herbs would result in a sweet marriage.

Lavender is another herb with a rich history of use in weddings, symbolising love, protection, happiness, luck, and devotion. In ancient Greece and Rome, brides carried lavender for its aromatic properties, believing it brought good luck.

You could also consider including marjoram, which symbolises protection, love, and health, or lemon verbena, which stands for unity and purification. For a pop of colour, add some calendula, which represents health and joy.

If you're looking for something with a more pungent aroma, garlic was used in ancient times to ward off evil spirits, while mint is associated with strength and protection.

The right herbs for your bouquet will depend on the specific sentiments you wish to convey and the overall aesthetic you're aiming for.

Dried vs fresh: Decide if you want to use dried or fresh herbs. Dried herbs like lavender can dry beautifully and smell great

When it comes to herb wedding bouquets, you can choose between dried and fresh herbs. Both options have their advantages and will result in a stunning bouquet.

Dried herbs are a great choice if you're looking for a rustic or bohemian feel to your bouquet. They are also a long-lasting option that can be kept as a keepsake after your wedding. Dried bouquets can be customised with unusual or out-of-season flowers, adding texture and a natural feel. Lavender, for example, dries beautifully and smells great. Dried bouquets are also ideal for outdoor or hot weather weddings, as they are less prone to wilting.

On the other hand, fresh herbs offer natural fragrances and vibrant colours that add a touch of luxury. They can be customised to your desired colour scheme and flower type, and can easily be matched to your wedding decor and theme. However, fresh bouquets require more maintenance and are more likely to wilt in extreme temperatures.

Both dried and fresh herb bouquets are beautiful options, each with its own unique benefits. Consider the overall theme and location of your wedding, as well as your personal style and preference, when making your decision.

Herb combinations: Mix and match herbs with flowers or other herbs to create stunning effects and exceptional fragrances

Herb combinations can be a beautiful and fragrant way to create a unique and budget-friendly wedding bouquet. Here are some ideas for mixing and matching herbs with flowers or other herbs to create stunning effects and exceptional fragrances:

• Lavender and Roses: A bouquet solely comprised of sweet-smelling lavender exudes a romantic vibe, especially if you're channelling a wedding in Provence. You could also pair lavender with white roses for a royal purple and stunning white combination. In ancient times, lavender symbolised luck and devotion, and it also dries beautifully.
• Eucalyptus: You can create a lush, bohemian bouquet by combining creamy dahlias, King Protea, mint, eucalyptus, and ferns. The eucalyptus leaves will add wispy greenery to the arrangement.
• Sage and Lavender: This combination will result in a stunning fragrance. You can add in some rosemary for a rich, green bouquet. In ancient times, sage was said to symbolise wisdom and a long life.
• Rosemary and Thyme: These two herbs can be combined with ivory roses for a sweet-smelling, simple, and elegant bouquet, perfect for a boho bride. In ancient times, rosemary symbolised remembrance and fidelity.
• Olive Branches: Mix olive branches with peonies, anemones, poppies, and amaranthus for a colourful and herbal bouquet.
• Herbs and Wildflowers: Create a wild bouquet with sage, accented by pale pink and ivory flowers such as dahlias and garden roses. You could also add in some wildflowers like cosmos, autumn ferns, and French lavender.
• Herb Garden: For a true herbal bouquet, combine bay, dill, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and narcissus.

Herb shapes and sizes: Herbs come in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to use them in different ways, from plate garnishes to potted giveaways

Herbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used in many creative ways at weddings. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate herbs of different shapes and sizes into your wedding, from plate garnishes to potted giveaways:

• Bouquet Accents: Herbs with distinctive shapes and textures, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, can be used as accents in bridal and bridesmaids' bouquets. These herbs add visual interest, a subtle aroma, and a unique touch to the arrangements.
• Garnishes on Plates: Small, delicate herbs like parsley, chives, or basil can be used as garnishes on plates, adding a pop of colour and freshness to the table setting. They can be placed alongside the main course or even used to decorate desserts.
• Potted Centrepieces: For a natural and rustic touch, consider using potted herbs as centrepieces for your wedding tables. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil come in various sizes and can be potted individually or together to create a mini herb garden on each table.
• Place Setting Decorations: Tie a sprig of herb, such as rosemary or lavender, with a ribbon or twine, and place it on top of each guest's plate as a decoration and favour. It adds a fragrant and unique touch to the table setting.
• Herb Wreaths: Create wreaths or hoops using herbs of different shapes and sizes, such as bay leaves, sage, and rosemary. These can be used as decorations at the wedding venue or even as unique bridal bouquets for a boho-chic look.
• Potted Giveaways: Send your guests home with a memorable gift by offering potted herbs as wedding favours. Choose herbs that are easy to care for and provide a small care instruction card. This idea is perfect for a spring or summer wedding, with herbs like basil, mint, or thyme.

Bouquets: Create simple or extravagant herbal bridal bouquets, such as a DIY posy with baby roses, sage, and rosemary, or a luxurious arrangement with eucalyptus, peonies, fern, and lavender

DIY Posy with Baby Roses, Sage, and Rosemary

The posy is a classic hand-tied bouquet that is simple to make and looks contemporary. To create this bouquet, you will need baby roses, sage, rosemary, and some twine to tie the bouquet together.

First, gather your herbs and flowers, positioning the largest leaves at the same level. Cut a piece of twine that is about four times the length of your bundle. Make a simple knot at one end, tightening it around the stems, and bind the bundle together. With the long end of the twine, start wrapping the bundle tightly, moving upwards. Tuck in any stray sprigs as you go. Once you reach the top, continue wrapping, crisscrossing the twine as you move back down. Tie off the loose end with the original knot.

Luxurious Arrangement with Eucalyptus, Peonies, Fern, and Lavender

For a luxurious and fragrant bouquet, combine eucalyptus, peonies, fern, and lavender. You can also add in some olive branches, as seen in some Etsy bouquet listings, for a bohemian, woodland look. Etsy also offers dried flower bouquet options that require no assembly and can be used as bridal or bridesmaid bouquets.

If you want to create your own bouquet, you can follow the instructions for the DIY posy above, or try making smudge sticks by layering and wrapping the herbs and flowers with twine, and then letting them dry for about three weeks.

Frequently asked questions