Junior Rasmussen
The bridal bouquet is a collection of flowers held by the bride as she walks down the aisle. It is believed to have originated with the Ancient Greeks and Romans, who carried fragrant herbs and spices to ward off bad luck and evil spirits during weddings. Brides in medieval Europe also carried bouquets to mask body odour, with strong-smelling herbs and spices that symbolised purity and innocence. The bouquet gained a new layer of meaning in the Victorian era, with each flower holding a unique sentiment, such as roses for love and lilies for purity. Today, the bridal bouquet is a symbol of love, hope, and the beginning of a new chapter, with brides paying close attention to the colours, fragrances, and shapes of their bouquets. Bridesmaids often carry flowers that complement the bride's bouquet and their dresses, although some brides opt for bouquet alternatives for their bridesmaids, such as books, baskets, or fans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ancient Rome and Greece |
| Purpose | Ward off evil spirits and bad luck, symbolise fertility, fidelity, and new beginnings |
| Fragrance | Conceal body odour and surrounding smell of death during the plague |
| Bouquet Toss | Distract frenzied mobs of young ladies trying to rip fabric from the bride's dress for good luck |
| Modern Expression | Symbol of love, hope, and the beginning of a new chapter |
What You'll Learn
To symbolise new beginnings, fertility, and fidelity
The tradition of carrying bouquets dates back to ancient times, when brides and bridesmaids would carry bunches of herbs, garlic, and grains to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the newlyweds. Over time, the bouquet evolved to include flowers, which
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To ward off bad luck and evil spirits
The tradition of brides and bridesmaids carrying bouquets is believed to have originated from ancient civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. The original purpose of the bouquet was to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, with ancient Greeks believing that certain types of garlic, herbs, and spices could serve as protection. As such, bridal bouquets were originally composed of aromatic herbs and spices, such as dill, rosemary, thyme, and garlic, rather than flowers. These herbs and spices were chosen for their strong scents and medicinal properties, as well as their symbolic meanings. For example, dill was considered an aphrodisiac, rosemary represented loyalty, and wheat symbolised fertility.
Over time, flowers were added to the bouquet to cover up the smell of the herbs and spices, eventually replacing them entirely. This evolution of the bridal bouquet can be attributed to the Elizabethan era, when bouquets began taking on a more decorative purpose. However, the belief in the protective power of certain plants persisted, and brides continued to carry bouquets to ward off bad luck and evil spirits.
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To mask body odour
One reason brides and bridesmaids carry bouquets is to mask body odour. In the past, people didn't bathe as frequently as they do today, and it was common for people to take their yearly baths in May, with June being the most popular month for weddings. By the time of their wedding, brides would have taken their bath a month ago and so fragrant flowers were used to conceal body odour.
In addition to masking body odour, the bouquets were also used to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Strong-smelling herbs and spices were added to the bouquet to banish evil spirits from the wedding. Brides also carried bouquets because of their medicinal properties.
The bouquet toss tradition also originated from the belief that it was lucky to obtain a piece of the bridal bouquet or the bride's dress. To prevent guests from tearing off pieces of the bride's dress, she would toss her bouquet to distract them and quickly leave with her husband.
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To complement the bride's bouquet and their dresses
Bridesmaids' bouquets are designed to complement the bridal bouquet and their dresses. While the bridesmaids' bouquets don't have to be identical to the bride's, they should be similar in style and slightly smaller in scale. This is to ensure that the bridal bouquet stands out and is not overshadowed by those of the bridesmaids.
The flowers chosen for the bridesmaids' bouquets should also complement the dresses. For example, a simple bouquet can be paired with a bright dress to let the outfit speak for itself. Alternatively, a bold bouquet can be used to make a statement against a darker dress.
The wrapping of the bouquet is another way to add depth to the overall floral look. For instance, including sweet strands of hand-dyed silk ribbon can be a great way to add a whimsical touch to the bridesmaids' bouquets without being too trendy for the bride herself.
In addition to complementing the bridal bouquet and dresses, the bridesmaids' bouquets should also be considered in relation to the overall vibe and colour palette of the wedding.
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To add colour and style to the wedding
Carrying a bouquet is an important part of the bridal look, with many brides considering their bouquet to be as essential as their wedding dress. The bouquet is an opportunity to add colour and style to the wedding, with the flowers often chosen to complement the colour scheme of the wedding and the season in which the wedding takes place.
The bridal bouquet is meant to be a complementary addition to the overall theme of the wedding and the style of the bride's dress. It is an accessory and a focal point, and one of the first things that guests will notice. The bouquet is also meant to tie all of the wedding's design and decor together.
The bouquet's design should echo the style and formality of the bride's outfit. For example, a large ballgown might be able to handle a larger, more elaborate bouquet, whereas a sleek, clean-lined gown might call for a more minimal bouquet. The bouquet should also be proportionate to the bride, so she isn't swallowed by a bouquet that is too large or lost by one that is too small.
The bridesmaids' bouquets should complement the bride's bouquet, and their dresses and the overall vibe of the day. Their bouquets can be an opportunity to bring in a broader range of colours to create an impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Carrying flowers is believed to have originated with the Ancient Greeks and Romans, who used fragrant herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Today, the bouquet is meant to complement the bridal look and tie the wedding's design and decor together.
The origin of the bridesmaids carrying flowers tradition is unknown, but it's thought to be for similar reasons to the bride. Bridesmaids often complement the bride's look, so having a similar bouquet isn't unusual.
The kinds of flowers chosen often come down to personal preference, the colour theme of the wedding, and the time of year.
There are no "wrong" bouquet styles. The bouquet should reflect the couple and be proportionate to the bride.
Some brides choose to preserve their bouquets after the wedding by drying, freezing, or pressing the flowers, or by having them preserved in resin.
