I’ll bet you know that red roses signified romantic love. But did you know that in French culture carnations signify rejection and disdain? In fact, they are a common flower at funerals instead of weddings!
Though many of their deeper meanings play less of a role in the floral choices of modern brides, flowers have always played an important role in wedding ceremonies as well as courtship rituals.
Despite their transient nature (or maybe because of it), I don’t know many girls who aren’t excited by a bouquet from their significant other. It makes perfect sense then that flowers would feature prominently in most weddings in the past and today.
This symbolism was especially important during the strict moral climate in the Victorian Era. At that time, flowers acted as a kind of secret code for lovers. A man could send a flower to his beloved, and she would immediately know his intentions.
However, what is the meaning of the flowers most commonly chosen for wedding bouquets and decorations today? I’ve laid out a few of the most popular choices and their historic symbolic meanings.
Popular Flowers and their Meanings
• Calla Lily: Magnificent Beauty
• Chrysanthemum-white: Truth
• Orchid: Love, Beauty and Magnificence
• Tulip: Love and Passion
• Rose, Red: Love and Desire
• Sunflowers: Pride
• Hibiscus: Delicate Beauty
• Crocus: Youthful gladness
• Gardenia: Purity and Sweet Love
• Baby's Breath: Innocence
• Lily-white: Sweetness
• Dahlia: Dignity and Elegance
• Iris: Faith, Wisdom, Valor and Promise
• Freesia: Innocence
• Begonia: A fanciful nature
• Daisy: Gentleness, Innocence, Loyalty and Romance
• Forget Me Not: Okay, I think you get the point by now!
Now I’m not saying that you have to pick a certain type of flower for you wedding. There are no wrong and right choices, only that which feels right to you.
However, it’s interesting to know the significance placed on flowers and the meanings held without our knowledge!
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