With the Summer Flower Show season well and truly in full swing and on the eve of Hampton Court Flower Show I thought it would be nice to take a look behind the meaning of the truly wonderful flowers that adorn our weddings each and every day.
The “Language of Flowers”, popularized by Queen Victoria’s love of blooms, was a way for women and men to send messages, particularly as part of their courtship, something that possibly today has been overlooked.
CALLA LILIES
Calla lilies symbolize purity, which is why the white Calla lily is so often used in weddings. They do, however, come in a nearly endless range of colors.
CHRYSANTHEMUMS
Chrysanthemums symbolize optimism, compassion, loveliness, joy, fidelity and long life. It’s said that a single petal of this flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will result in a long & healthy life.
DAHLIAS
Dahlias symbolize commitment and the eternal bond between two people. They’re used to express personal, intimate sentiments and denote elegance and dignity.
HYDRANGEAS
Hydrangeas are often used as an expression of gratitude. Hydrangeas are often gifted for a couple’s fourth wedding anniversary, possessing enduring grace and beauty.
LILY OF THE VALLEY
These tiny, fragrant blooms are said to bring luck in love, symbolising chastity, purity of heart and sweetness. They are one of the most traditional wedding flowers.
ORCHIDS
The meaning of orchids has changed over the centuries, symbolizing fertility in Ancient Greece, then representing luxury and wealth in the Victorian era. Today, they are a symbol of rare and delicate beauty.
PEONIES
Peonies symbolise compassion, and are known as the flower of riches and honour. They are symbols of good fortune, a happy marriage, good health and prosperity.
ROSES
Roses are a well-known symbol of love and passion, but the wide variety of colours means that every rose has a unique story to tell.
Red: enduring passion, true love and affection.
White: humility, innocence, youthfullness and serenity.
Yellow: Joy and friendship.
I do hope that this little list of meanings may help you come to a decision when choosing your wedding flowers.
Alyson at St Audries Park
