How to Select Wedding Flowers That Have Symbolic Meaning
Weddings are a beautiful fusion of love, traditions, and symbols, with every detail adding to the tapestry of the day. Among these details, flowers stand out, not just as decor but as meaningful symbols that enhance the essence of the ceremony. Our guide is here to help you choose wedding flowers that do more than just look good; they’ll carry a deeper significance that adds to your special day.
Understanding Flower Meanings
The practice of attributing meanings to flowers began in the Victorian era, a time when flowers were a secret language for expressing feelings. Every flower and its color carries a unique sentiment. For example, roses are all about love, while lilies symbolize purity and elegance. Getting to know what different flowers represent is your first step toward selecting flowers that embody the emotions and messages you want to share at your wedding.
Roses: A Spectrum of Love
Roses are a classic symbol of love and affection. Each color tells its own part of the love story:
- Red roses shout deep love, passion, and respect.
- White roses whisper innocence and purity.
- Yellow roses beam with joy and friendship.
- Pink roses nod to admiration and thanks.
- Orange roses burst with excitement and desire.
- Purple roses offer a hint of enchantment and grandeur.
- Green roses suggest growth and new beginnings.
- Black roses (which are actually very dark red or purple) talk of goodbyes or major endings, adding a unique twist to traditional themes.
- Blue roses (created through dyeing) allure with mystery and the allure of the unattainable.
An Eternity Rose is also worth considering as a keepsake of your special day. This is a real rose that has been carefully preserved to last forever, and will serve as a special reminder of the occasion.
Lilies: Elegance and Purity
Lilies, with their stately appearance and lovely scent, are favorites for weddings, symbolizing purity and beauty. The white lily, in particular, stands for innocence and virtue, making it a perfect pick for the classic wedding.
Peonies: Wishes of Happiness
Peonies, known for their plush, rounded blooms, are symbols of romance and prosperity. They’re often chosen to bless the newlyweds with a joyful and wealthy life together. Their rich pinks and reds bring an additional layer of passion and love to the floral decor.
Choosing your wedding flowers is more than picking what looks nice; it’s about finding those blooms that resonate with your personal story and the feelings you want to share on your big day. With this guide, you’re ready to select flowers that are not only beautiful but filled with meaning and symbolism.
Seasonal Flower Selections for Canadian Weddings
In Canada, aligning your wedding flowers with the season not only ensures they are at their peak beauty and affordability but also weaves the essence of the Canadian season into your celebration. Here's a guide to help you choose seasonal flowers for your wedding across the diverse Canadian landscape:
Spring
Spring in Canada is a time of renewal, making it perfect for flowers like tulips (representing love and happiness), peonies (symbolizing prosperity and romance), and lilacs (denoting first love and innocence).
Summer
Summer offers a bounty of options including lush hydrangeas (symbolizing heartfelt emotions), roses (the quintessential symbol of love and beauty), and daisies (representing purity and innocence).
Autumn
Autumn weddings can be adorned with vibrant sunflowers (for adoration and longevity), dahlias (representing commitment and an eternal bond), and chrysanthemums (the flower of joy and optimism).
Winter
Winter celebrations can be brightened with amaryllis (signifying splendid beauty), evergreens (representing eternal life), and holly (denoting domestic happiness and joy).
Choosing seasonal flowers for your Canadian wedding not only embraces the natural beauty and spirit of the season but also adds a layer of meaningful symbolism to your special day, reflecting the natural cycle of life and the beauty of your love story as it unfolds in Canada’s majestic seasons.
Picking Flowers That Mean Something Special
When it comes to selecting flowers for your wedding, sometimes the most meaningful choices are those that have a special place in your heart. Imagine using the very first flower you received from your significant other, a type of flower that blooms in your family's garden, or one that reminds you both of a cherished place. Adding these personal touches not only makes your wedding unique but also fills the day with symbols of your love story.
Harmonizing Flowers with Your Wedding Theme
It's essential that your floral selections blend beautifully with every aspect of your wedding, creating a cohesive look and feel. For a beach-themed wedding, consider vibrant tropical flowers like orchids, which stand for love and beauty, to set the right mood. On the other hand, a wedding set against the backdrop of the countryside calls for the natural charm of wildflowers, symbolizing joy and a free spirit.
Thoughtful Floral Choices Throughout Your Wedding
The Bride's Bouquet
This is more than just a collection of flowers; it's a reflection of the bride's personality and style. Incorporating flowers that hold personal meaning, such as those shared in special moments or family traditions, can make it even more significant. Classic options include roses (for love) and lilies (for purity), while peonies (signifying good luck) and hydrangeas (representing deep emotions) offer a contemporary flair.
Bridesmaids' Bouquets
These should echo the beauty of the bride's bouquet but also fit the wedding's theme. Whether it's a scaled-down version of the bride's bouquet or a single flower type that matches, like the gentle baby's breath for innocence or the soothing lavender for loyalty, the choice should enhance the overall aesthetic. This approach ensures the bridesmaids’ flowers enhance the bridal bouquet, contributing to a cohesive and elegant wedding aesthetic.
Groom and Groomsmen's Lapel Flowers
The boutonnieres should not only complement the bridal bouquets but also have their own standout appeal. A single flower from the bride's bouquet can symbolize the couple's unity for the groom's boutonniere, while groomsmen might wear something similar yet simpler.
Ceremony Décor
The choice of flowers can set the initial tone of your wedding. Elegant lilies and white roses are perfect for a traditional church setting, while incorporating local flowers into outdoor venues can beautifully tie your celebration to the surrounding landscape.
Reception and Table Décor
The reception allows for creativity with floral arrangements. Table centerpieces should encourage easy conversation, fitting into the overall decor. Playful mixes of chrysanthemums (for happiness) and sunflowers (signifying adoration) can create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere. Adding unique elements like Gold-Dipped Eternity Roses can introduce a symbol of everlasting love, serving as a lasting memento of your special day.
In essence, the flowers you choose for your wedding in Canada should resonate with your personal story and the ambiance you wish to create, making your celebration truly unforgettable.
Cultural Significance and Family Traditions
Choosing the right flowers for your wedding goes beyond just picking beautiful blooms; it's about weaving a tapestry of personal stories, seasonal beauty, and rich cultural or family traditions. When you select flowers that resonate with your heritage or family customs, you're doing more than just decorating a space—you're inviting a sense of history and ancestral blessings into one of the most significant days of your life.
Take, for instance, the tradition of using specific flowers in weddings across different cultures:
- In India, marigolds are not just chosen for their eye-catching color; they symbolize the sun, hinting at a luminous future for the couple.
- In Japan, the delicate sakura or cherry blossoms serve as a gentle reminder of life's fleeting nature, encouraging us to live in the moment.
- In Greece, olive branches and ivy are woven into ceremonies as emblems of peace, unity, and undying love.
Or maybe there's a bloom that's been a staple in your family's weddings for generations. Incorporating this flower is a beautiful nod to your roots, creating a link across time to your ancestors.
Seeking Expert Advice from a Florist
Once you've got a vision for your floral arrangements, it's time to bring a professional florist into the conversation. They're not just experts in making things look pretty; florists have a wealth of knowledge about what flowers will be in season, how to arrange them beautifully, and how to meaningfully integrate your chosen blooms into your wedding theme. They can also recommend additional flowers and greenery that complement your main choices, enhancing the aesthetic and symbolic value of your arrangements.
Wrapping It Up: The Significance of Your Floral Choices
Selecting flowers for your wedding is a unique opportunity to infuse your celebration with layers of meaning, tradition, and personal significance. By exploring the symbolism of different blooms, paying attention to what's in season, and honoring your personal and cultural backgrounds, you can craft floral designs that are not just visually stunning but also richly meaningful. Remember, the perfect flowers can turn your wedding into a beautiful narrative of your love story, one petal at a time.