As this wedding season is quickly approaching, I talk with my brides about flowers almost everyday. These months for us, wedding planners, are so hectic, but I really wanted to dedicate a bit of time to my blog today. So I though to create a blog post about the meaning of my favorite flowers, a selection of the ones I’m getting inspiration from and that all my floral designer partners are actually thinking of for many of the weddings I’m planning at the moment. Let me know which one you’d love to have in your bouquet or at your wedding in general, I’m very curious!
ANEMONE
A charming and elegant flower, with light and delicate petals, a shy bloom. Its name comes from the Greek word for “windflower” because in greek “anemos” means wind. It symbolizes anticipation and excitement for something in the future. A perfect flower for you, thinking to your wedding day!
Photo via Style Me Pretty – Photographer Jacqui Cole
BLUSHING BRIDE
It recently became super popular for its delicate, romantic hue and fluffy properties which add texture to any arrangement, the bloom also represents bashfulness. It is said that men who are about to propose to their girlfriends in the past, would wear this flower in their lapels to propose, and everyone would know. Apart from the obvious inference of the flowers color, also derives from the embarrassment of his bride to be. The deeper the pink color, the more serious the intentions of the fiance. How sweet for a modern proposal too!
Photo via Once Wed IG – Photographer Ashley Kelemen
SUCCULENTS
Although succulents have become very popular in wedding decors, mostly since last year, the flower meaning of the succulent is, in my opinion, quite understated: it express enduring harmony and timeless love. Why? The color green supports balance, harmony, love, nature and acceptance. Symmetry is another manifestation of the balance, something very important in a love relationship. As a wedding flower, succulents have beautiful meanings for being associated with enduring and timeless love, how can you not incorporate them in your wedding arrangements?
Photo via Wedding Chicks – Photographer Elyse Hall
DAHLIA
The Victorians used the Dahlia to signify a lasting bond and commitment between two people, but modern flower lovers can also use them for the same reason. It also means “staying kind despite being tested by certain life events” which is something very positive, which gives strength to the couple. It’s the national flower of Mexico because that it’s native habitat. Some cultures use it to represent diversity since each petal fits seamlessly into the whole head. Perfect for mixed religion ceremonies!
Photo via Brides – Photographer Erica Nicole
GARDENIA
Bright white with sweet fragrance, Gardenias are often chosen for wedding bouquets. These flowers are associated with several meanings including purity, love and refinement, which makes them an appropriate choice for any wedding occasions. It actually says “You are lovely” and it is even a symbol of a secret love. It is an elegant flower that was actually named after Dr Alexander Garden who was a Scottish-born naturalist. It also means love renewal, so it would be perfect for a vows renewal celebration. This is a great gift for those of us that are true romantics and the perfect flower for your wedding.
Photo via Bridal Guide
HYDRANGEA (HORTENSIA)
The hydrangea is an exceptionally versatile flower that is used from everything from bouquets and exquisite flower arrangements to a beautiful garden flower. However, there are some unusual connotations attached to the flower – so beware of how you use it! It can be used to say “thank you” and it relates to developing a deeper understanding between two people but the other meaning of the flower itself implies rigidity, because of the thick stem which support the bloom. But still, it’s such a beautiful flower! In Asia, pink hydrangeas have come to mean “You are the beat of my heart” probably due to the size and color of the flower somewhat resembling a heart.
Photo via Pinterest
LAVENDER
Lavender has been valued for centuries for its physical beauty, soothing fragrance, healing properties and multitude of uses. Because of its botanical characteristics, these romantic flowers mean serenity, grace, calmness, devotion. The color? With its blue/violet, Lavender is femininity all around. It represents refinement, grace, and elegance. Lavender holds a sacred place in nature and with its tiny flowers is often considered the most delicate and precious.
Photo via Whimsical Weddings – Photographer Campbell Photography
LILY OF THE VALLEY
The lily of the valley is a great one that a lot of people really like, this is a flower that people really enjoy to get and really enjoy to see. Shall we also mention the amazing scent that leaves around? The lily of the valley flower is not only absolutely beautiful but it also has a lot of great meanings that people will really appreciate. This flower actually suggests to people that they are incomplete without the person that is being handed the flower. Simple but elegant, perfect for your hair too. Shall we also mention that even Kate Middleton chose the Lily of the valley for her royal bouquet?
Photo via Brides – Photographer Dark Roux
MAGNOLIA
A flower that has been around for centuries. There are currently over 200 species but new species and varieties are being developed all of the time. Each variety is stunningly beautiful with large, fragrant petals. This flower is great, it looks amazing and it is something that brides really enjoy. White magnolias are commonly seen in bridal bouquets because the flowers are thought to reflect and emphasize the bride’s purity and nobility. As they grow on trees is often said that magnolias reflect stability and grace through the ever changing time.
Photo via 100 Layer Cake – Photographer M.K. Sadler
ORCHID
The orchid is an extremely large family of flowering plants. There are actually more species of the orchid than there are mammals on earth today, and the thought of that is just crazy. The floral meaning of the orchid, it is all about love. Love, beauty, fertility, thoughtfulness and charm. Definitely a flower to keep in mind for your wedding day! Especially for a cascade wedding bouquet, as the one chosen by my lovely Isabel last year. Follow the link below
Photo via Ema Giangreco Weddings – Photo Gianluca Adovasio
PEONY
As an enduring symbol of honor and wealth in Eastern culture, it’s no wonder this flower has been cultivated and bred in China and Japan for hundreds of years. Nowadays is one of the most popular choices at weddings for its ethereal beauty and elegant structure. White flowers signify a happy marriage and a happy life, while Pink is in my opinion the most romantic form of Peony, making it the ideal color for wedding bouquets and table arrangements. What about mixing white and pink?
Photo via My Wedding – Photographer Peaches & Mint
PROTEA
And I would like to finish with Protea, a flower I recently fell in love with. Named after the Greek God Poseidon’s son, Proteus, who had a propensity for assuming new shapes, Protea stands for change and transformation, it signifies daring and resourcefulness and so it is symbolic of diversity and courage. One thing is for sure, these striking flowers aren’t likely to be forgotten. To make a lasting impression, try adding protea flowers to floral displays and arrangements and I’m sure your guest will always remember our details.
Photo via Wedding Chicks – Photographer Tana Photography
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