We all can agree that flowers are a beautiful and classic decoration for brides and weddings in general.  But did you know that brides have not always carried bouquets of flowers at their weddings?  History tells us that brides in ancient Egypt carried bouquets of sweet-smelling herbs at weddings, as this was believed to ward off evil spirits on such an important day.  Romans carried on this tradition for much the same reasons.  Many brides in ancient Rome carried handfuls of the herb rosemary that symbolized fidelity and fertility, two very highly-prized things.  Orange blossoms were also chosen, to symbolize happiness and fulfillment for the newlyweds.  

It was Queen Victoria (and then, of course, Victorian-era brides) who first selected roses for wedding bouquets, and even today roses are chosen by the majority of brides for their bouquets.  Why roses? Well, the Victorians felt that the rose symbolized deep and true love, so what better flower for a bride’s bouquet than a rose? Wedding flowers are scattered by a small girl preceding the English bride and her wedding party, who walk together to the wedding chapel or the wedding site. The flowered path and symbolic walk express hope for the bride’s path through life to be happy and lovely.

In terms of wedding etiquette and flowers, matters are really very simple.  A bride can select the flowers that she desires and stay on the good side of etiquette as long as she keeps her groom in mind as well as her wedding party.  Remember, etiquette has the groom paying for the bride’s wedding bouquet!