Weddings are unimaginable without flower bouquets. But did you know that these flowers have a mythical story attached to them of love, heartbreak and agony. Brides around the world carry a bouquet and garlands as they walk down the aisle. From ancient greek to the modern advanced world, let’s see how your dream bouquet came this far!

Since ancient times, flower bouquets have been used to express love, affection, tribute, or devotion. Their origins may be traced to Greek mythology when they were used to worship the gods but modern brides frequently choose flower bouquets for their weddings to convey the ceremony’s elegance and romance. Flower bouquet design and arrangement have changed over time, with hand-tied, cascading, and posy bouquets among the contemporary alternatives. 

But how did Flower bouquets come into existence? The Goddess of Beauty and Love, Aphrodite, is said to have emerged from the sea with a flower bouquet, and the perfume and beauty of the blooms mirrored the goddess’ own characteristics. Flowers have traditionally been associated with the Olympians in Greek mythology. Greek gods were enamoured with gorgeous flowers that showcased their elegance and purity, from the dramatic birth of lilies to the heartbreaking tragedy of red roses. But that’s just mythology!

The key question is: Does a bouquet represent more than just a bride’s accessory? Yes, it does contain something unique. It may be traced back to ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt, where the bride used to arrive with small ponies instead of a huge bouquet made out of aromatic herbs like rosemary to disguise any unpleasant odour and spice plants like thyme to ward off bad luck for the newlyweds. 

But with middle age, flower bouquets became more popular. The tradition of tossing it became so evidently popular that it was considered a good luck charm for others. However, the Victorian age demonstrated these flowers’ ultimate potential. As they walked down the aisle, brides everywhere began holding the wackiest bouquets. Designers began experimenting with adding flowers to bridal gowns, and the bouquet custom spread over the globe. The phrase “Say it with flowers” gained popularity in Victorian culture and refers to the symbolic connotations that various flowers have been given. Wedding bouquets were then a special and significant method to communicate your feelings to your groom.

Fun Fact: Queen Victoria spawned the trend of wearing orange blossoms in the mid-1800s among the brides in Europe as she dawned a single wreath of orange blossoms on her head on her wedding day. (Sourced)

But does flower bouquets have any role in Indian Marraige?

As for Indian culture, flowers hold a significant meaning to it. Since the early times, garlands have been an integral part of Indian weddings and religious practices. The practice of garland exchange, popularly known as Varmala, represents the undying bond between the bride and groom for eternity. Moreover, wrapping the flowers in a wreath to form the garland represents oneness and unity. While the southern part of India believes in wearing Jasmine, because of its imparting freshness which denotes purity and passion in the relationship.

Today, carrying a bouquet on your wedding day has come to represent love and dedication. The flowers are arranged in a lovely and meaningful way, and the bouquet is carefully selected to match the bride’s personality and sense of style.  Flower bouquets are now considered to be a distinct art form. Beautiful arrangements, from traditional and elegant to wild and unconventional, are made by florists and designers. Using various flowers, colours, and textures can produce an ambience or mood that is particular to each wedding. Bouquets can be used to highlight the beauty of the bride or to set a beautiful scene for the event. They can be little and delicate or big and dramatic. Flowers have evolved into a symbol of love and respect that unites people from various backgrounds and cultures thanks to the growth of online florists and the simplicity of ordering flowers from anywhere in the world.

The vast and varied history of flowers reflects the evolving cultural and social values of various civilizations throughout history. Flowers have long been a significant part of human expression, from religious and cultural emblems in ancient Greece and Rome to popular gifts for special events in the 20th century. Since their legendary origin, flower bouquets have advanced significantly. They have always been present in human festivities and ceremonies, serving as a protection against evil spirits as well as a sign of love and devotion. The bouquet is a crucial component of every wedding, and it will continue to be a source of beauty and inspiration for centuries to come whether you favour traditional elegance or wild eccentricity. As we in FreshKnots appreciate the beauty of flower bouquets, it’s important to remember their rich history and the significance they hold for human connection and expression.