In Part 1, we talked about the choice and the hows and wheres of incorporating  wedding flowers into your Perth wedding day. Here’s some more info to help you with choosing the right size bouquet for you and some of the history and symbolism behind the choice of wedding flowers.

Beyond flowers being nice to look at, a fabulous accessory and a great backdrop for wedding photos, there are some traditions and symbolism behind the choice of flowers for a wedding day.

Symbolism

If symbolism is important to you it’s worth investigating the meaning behind the flowers you intend using on your wedding day. Some flowers will have  a long history to them, or you may decide to simply choose a flower that has special significance to you and your partner.

• Baby’s breath. Baby’s breath symbolizes innocence as do the heavily scented Freesias. Baby’s breath is used as a filler for bouquets and it’s also used in the hair of brides and bridesmaids. It can be worn year round and is considered a great choice that also has the benefit of being inexpensive.
• Carnations. The pink carnation stands for boldness, red are for love, and white is known for talents. Carnations are inexpensive and can add a great burst of colour to your floral decorations. Their relative low cost will perhaps allow you to add extras to the arrangements.
• Chrysanthemum. The chrysanthemum symbolises wealth. It is available year round and a relatively inexpensive flower.
• Orchids. Orchids symbolise love and beauty and is a Chinese symbol for many children. These flowers tend to be more expensive.
• Roses. Various coloured roses have different symbolic meanings, – the white rose represents purity; the pink rose – grace, gratitude and gentleness; the yellow rose symbolises joy, while the coral rose is known as the rose of desire!
• Peony. Peonies represent happy life, happy marriage and are a beautiful generous looking flower to incorporate into a bridal bouquet.
• Lily. The white lily symbolises purity, while the tiger lily represents wealth and pride. Lilies are a popular inclusion in wedding bouquets.
• Tuberose. The heavenly scented tuberose is a symbol for forbidden pleasure!
• Gerbera-daisy. The sweet and fresh looking Gerbera-daisy is a symbol of friendship.

The Wedding Bouquet of the Year!

The “wedding bouquet of the year” is of course that carried by Kate Middleton, now Duchess of Cambridge. The flowers in her bouquet were chosen according to their symbolic meaning. Her bouquet contained Sweet William flowers, the fragrant Hyacinth – a symbol of constancy and lily of the valley – a symbol of happiness. A sprig of Myrtle was also added to the Duchess’ bouquet. It is said that the sprig comes from a tree that grew from a cutting from that was in Queen Victoria’s own bouquet. A sprig of Myrtle has been included in every royal bouquet since Queen Victoria’s wedding. Myrtle symbolises love.

Kate’s bouquet was on the small side. Many people thought it was nice that it seemed so humble but others thought it could’ve been grander. The size and proportion of your wedding bouquet is a consideration for many brides. That bouquet will be featured in your wedding photographs and is a large part of the bride’s outfit. How do you choose the right style and size of bouquet? Ask your dress designer and your florist, they are sure to have an opinion on the shape and size that will suit you and your gown. Always keep in mind whatever you choose has to feel right for you.

Choose something with a shape that compliments your dress. Many with a very full dress will choose a very full bouquet. Those with a slim dress may opt for something more elongated.  Some brides like a teardrop shape, others prefer a ball. Choices for bouquet shapes are numerous and include: loose, crescent, pageant, cascade, oval, and heart.  Don’t be afraid to test out and consider different shapes and do some homework by browsing wedding photographs and wedding magazines to see the impact of the floral choice on wedding photographs.