A wedding bouquet is the central accessory of the bride’s image and the overall style of the wedding, surrounded by many traditions, rules and pressing issues, the main one of which remains the personality of the person choosing the flowers. Of course, each couple solves this issue in their own way. Some people traditionally entrust this task to the groom, some to their parents or bridesmaid, while other young ladies want to control such an exciting moment on their own. Any of the options is acceptable, but has its own nuances.
What should a wedding bouquet be like?
It is believed that when composing a bouquet it is necessary to adhere to certain rules. The main thing is that the bunch should consist of fresh flowers, twigs, and spikelets. As for decorations, their color and other aspects, today the originality and organic appearance of a bouquet is more valued than its symbolism. But if the future wife believes in omens, then you need to pay attention to the following:
- it is better to choose a bouquet of red and white flowers - the first symbolize passion, the second - long-term relationships, affection, fidelity;
- thorns must be removed from the stems of roses, otherwise the spouses will often quarrel;
- yellow flowers cannot be used in a bouquet - they foretell an imminent separation;
- you cannot make a composition of 11 or 13 flowers - these numbers are unfavorable for family happiness;
- the stems must be the same length, otherwise the newlyweds will not find a common language, there will be scandals and squabbles in the family.
On a note! When choosing a composition, you need to pay attention to the fact that orchids and lilies have a strong aroma, to which allergies can occur. If the newlywed is sensitive to strong odors, it is better to choose other flowers.
How to preserve a bouquet for a long time
Many married couples feel sorry for throwing away this wedding symbol. You can extend the life of fresh flowers by drying them and using them in your home interior.
How to extend the life of fresh flowers
If for certain types of flowers you can find a specific approach for longer storage, then with a bouquet collected from different plants everything is much more complicated. Flowers with different life spans are collected in such compositions. However, there are ways to extend their life:
You need to pay attention to the varieties of flowers in the composition to provide them with individual care
You need to remove the leaves from tulips and roses. It is important to pour new water every day, adding flower fertilizers, and trim the stems as often as possible by placing them under running water. It is correct to place the vase away from heating radiators. If there are long stamens, they need to be cut off. The composition must be sprayed with water daily. You can make flowers live longer using a magic additive (an antimicrobial mixture in small bottles or bags) that is added to water
It can be found in any flower shop.
The advantage of this product is that it is suitable for both certain types of flowers and bouquets. But it cannot be used for mimosa. The drug has a disinfecting effect on other flowers. It contains useful substances that prolong the life of flowers.
The components can be used together or separately. The main condition is to change the water daily.
How to dry a wedding bouquet
There are several ways to make dry compositions with a caught bouquet at a wedding:
- In the fresh air. The composition needs to be disassembled, spoiled flowers and branches should be thrown away, rotten stems should be trimmed so that the length of each element is the same. Collect well-preserved branches into a bouquet and secure the assembled composition tightly with a rope. Then hang the buds down on a balcony or terrace where sunlight does not reach. After a month and a half, the bouquet should become dry and hard.
- Using sand or silica gel. Each element must be dried separately. Flowers should be placed in a container with sand or silica gel and removed after 7 days.
- In a vase. The easiest way to dry a wedding bouquet after the wedding at home is in a beautiful vase. You need to fill it with water, place flowers in it and wait for the liquid to evaporate. After a few weeks, the greens will dry out.
How to check readiness: if the petals begin to fall off after touching, the composition should dry for a few more days.
More details about drying are shown in the video:
How and how to treat flowers to preserve the bouquet
Initially, you need to completely cut off the leaves so that they do not rot in the water. Pruning must be done very carefully so as not to damage the stem. The lower part of the stem is also processed - cut obliquely to increase the area of water absorption. The cutting must be repeated daily.
The bottom of the bud can be treated with hairspray. This will fix the petals and block the release of moisture, which will stop wilting. Many reviews confirm that this method really works.
Natalya: “After the wedding, there was a bouquet left. It was a shame to throw it away. I found many ways to preserve flowers. I treated them with hairspray. The effect is amazing, it lasted another 2 weeks.”
Inna: “The hairspray method extended the life of the flowers by about a week. When the bouquet began to fade, I sprayed it with water, wrapped it in polyethylene film and placed it in cold water. This extended the life of the flowers by another week.”
Who should buy a bouquet
According to the superstition, the bouquet should be chosen and purchased by a man. It's best if it's the groom. It has been noted that couples in which the future husband personally gives the chosen one a wedding bouquet live amicably, in joy and prosperity. But if for some reason the groom cannot do this, the bride’s father, brother or other close relative of the bride is allowed to buy the bouquet. The main thing is that he does it from the heart, with pure thoughts and sincere wishes for a happy life for the couple.
Today, wedding fashion requires that the floral arrangement be combined with the color of the dress, so brides often choose it themselves. But if the future wife wants to maintain traditions, then all her participation should be expressed only in voicing which option she would like to receive. But the choice in any case remains with the future husband or male relative.
Who should buy for a wedding?
Now there is no strict tradition of who buys a bouquet for the bride , so you can choose the best option for yourself.
Most often a bouquet is purchased by:
- groom;
- bride;
- bridesmaid;
- parents.
Of course, any solution has its pros and cons.
Groom
Thus, the accessory purchased by the groom is undoubtedly the most romantic and traditional , besides, any girl is interested in what flowers her loved one associates with and whether he knows her floral preferences.
But if the chosen one is not very good at design and floristry, then you risk getting an inappropriate composition that will stand out loudly in the photographs and spoil the mood. In addition, men tend to choose functional rather than aesthetic items, which is not always appropriate for a wedding.
A compromise option is that the groom buys the bouquet, but the bride chooses for him several photographs with compositions she likes , and also talks about her wishes for the color palette and specific plants.
Important! Even if the bride chooses the flowers herself, the groom should still pay for the bouquet and give it directly on the day of the celebration. Don't deny yourself this sweet tradition.
Bride
If you are used to controlling things that are important to you, then choosing a bouquet yourself would be a reasonable option. Indeed, who better than the bride understands what one of the central accessories of the image should be? In addition, in this case, you will be able to carefully select the composition for the dress, makeup, and accents in the decoration of the celebration. Sometimes the appetite comes while eating, and you can understand that this particular branch should crown your bouquet in the florist salon itself.
Girlfriends
Bridesmaids often help the hero of the occasion choose the perfect dress, makeup, and room decoration, so it’s logical to entrust them with this important mission. It is best if you choose flowers from a friend whose taste you admire. It is not forbidden to talk in detail about your wishes, or, on the contrary, allow yourself a small surprise.
Parents
As for parents, entrusting them with the purchase of a wedding bouquet is a controversial decision. On the one hand, this will show your boundless trust in your loved ones and once again emphasize that this is your common family holiday. If the mother buys the bouquet, then this is an excellent occasion to express her daughter’s gratitude and love, if the mother-in-law, it is to establish good relations.
On the other hand, it is important to understand that for parents, their children’s wedding day is an extremely exciting event, sometimes even more so than for the young people themselves. This is why you should treat your mother or mother-in-law’s feelings very correctly, and under no circumstances criticize the chosen bouquet, even if it turns out not to be very suitable in the end .
Signs regarding the purchase
There are certain signs associated with purchasing a bouquet. It is believed that you need to buy it not the day before, but only on the wedding day. Having left the threshold of the house, the man must walk to the store in silence, without talking to anyone. Otherwise, there will be a lot of gossip about the family.
In order to always have money in the house, you need to pay for flowers with such bills that the seller will have to give change. One of the received coins or bills should be hidden and never spent. You need to return from the store by a different route - this will help throw off the scent and confuse the dark forces that are always jealous of the happiness of the newlyweds and want to harm them.
Read also Is it possible to keep a syngonium flower at home according to signs?
Who's buying?
There are not many options for answering this question:
- groom;
- the bride herself;
- girlfriends of the newlywed;
- parents.
Groom
Of course, the first one who comes to mind will be the groom. According to tradition, it is he who must take care of buying flowers and bring them to his beloved on the wedding day. In the old days, accepting a bouquet by the bride also had a secret meaning: it meant the girl’s consent to marriage.
Choosing a wedding bouquet is not an easy task for a man. In this situation, knowledge about what flowers your chosen one prefers is clearly not enough.
What else needs to be taken into account when deciding on the filling of a flower arrangement?
- The image of the bride . It is clear that no one will show the wedding dress to the groom in advance, but at least finding out its color is not forbidden. The girl’s external characteristics (features of her figure, shade of hair and eyes) will help the florist understand the shape and color saturation of the bouquet.
- If the wedding is planned in some specific colors , for example, red or blue, then the color scheme of the bouquet should match them. A “blue” bouquet will look ridiculous at a holiday decorated in red tones.
- The groom's bouquet and boutonniere must match in style and color, so it is better to order them at the same time. These wedding accessories look harmonious if they are made up of identical flowers.
- Smell . Try to choose flowers without a strong smell. They can give the bride a headache.
- Quality . Flowers must be fresh, because they will spend the whole day with you.
Attention! If you want to follow traditions and, at the same time, completely please your beloved, then before buying a bridal bouquet, you can ask the girl to select photographs of the options that she likes best. An experienced florist will recreate the desired wedding composition from a photo.
When to buy flowers for a wedding?
You should consider options and order flowers in advance. It is better to do this about a month before the celebration . When can I pick up the finished bouquet? Don't rush and make a purchase on the eve of the wedding.
Important! Under improper storage conditions, buds and decorative greenery may lose their appearance even overnight. Order delivery in the morning on the day of the holiday.
When to give?
Usually, the groom presents flowers to his beloved at the moment of their first meeting on the wedding day . This can happen when he takes his future wife from his father’s house and leads him down the aisle. If a young man needs to ransom the bride, then the bouquet is given when all the tests have been passed and the groom has reached his chosen one.
If the groom sees the bride only at the altar or wedding arch, then according to European tradition, in the morning the newlyweds stand with their backs to each other, exchange words of love, the man gives flowers and then they meet only at the ceremony.
Bride
Oddly enough, this option is the most optimal solution. According to customs, the groom should not see his betrothed before the wedding, which means he has no idea what her dress, hairstyle, or overall image will look like. But ideally, a wedding bouquet should be in harmony with the girl’s outfit.
This is why some brides prefer to choose their own floral arrangement. In this case, there will be no surprise, but you can be sure that the flowers, their design and color scheme will match the image of the bride and the style of the wedding. Such harmony is especially valuable for a newlyweds photo shoot .
Reference! The bride has the right to choose the bouquet herself, but it is still the groom who gives it, so the issues of payment and receipt one way or another will still fall on the man’s shoulders.
Girlfriends
This option is also quite acceptable. Most often, a girl chooses a wedding dress and accessories together with her friends. She also consults with them about hairstyles, makeup and other paraphernalia. Having information about the bride’s appearance, a friend can order flowers for her.
Of course, it is better to discuss the image, floral content and shape of the bouquet in advance with the newlywed, and not choose according to your own taste. The decision to entrust the purchase of a bouquet to a friend is convenient in two respects: the bride will get what she wants and will not burden the groom with searching for the ideal option.
Parents
If there is absolutely no one to buy flowers for the bride , turn to your parents for help. They will not refuse your request. However, it should be taken into account that the general bustle and worries of preparing for the celebration will overshadow the issue of purchasing flowers. For them, they will seem like an insignificant detail in comparison with the celebration as a whole.
Be prepared to gratefully accept the option your parents choose. Nitpicking and whims will be inappropriate.
Making a bouquet
If the newlyweds believe in omens, then the wedding bouquet should be ordered taking into account some nuances. The main one is that the number of stems should be equal to the years of the bride. If the number is even, you need to add one more flower.
Another important belief is that there should be no sharp objects in the bouquet. This applies to ribbons fastened with safety pins, decorative stones with sharp edges, various hairpins, etc. According to the sign, if a girl hurts her hand, the couple will often quarrel.
Signs about the bouquet
According to tradition, the groom must buy the bouquet himself. Moreover, each bud in it has its own meaning, and the chosen decor should reflect the couple’s love story. By accepting the gift, the beloved once again confirms her intention to marry this particular person.
Variety selection
It is very important to choose all the components correctly, so take into account the meaning of wedding signs about the bride’s bouquet
- Roses speak of a very strong and mutual feeling between a couple. However, a lot depends on what color they are. According to signs, red roses symbolize a bright and strong feeling, an all-consuming passion. White and pink convey a tender and reverent attitude towards your beloved. Yellow roses mean that for a man you are not only his beloved woman, but also his closest friend. But tea shops predict a short life for the couple.
- Do you have a bouquet of orchids? This means that a man does not hide his feelings and intentions. He definitely decided that he wants to spend his whole life with you. This is a symbol of tenderness and great affection.
- Chrysanthemums speak of sincere feelings. The man is intoxicated by you, just as the smell of these beautiful buds is intoxicating and intoxicating.
- Did the young man give you lilies? This means that he is completely ready for family life. In marriage, such a man will be a reliable and caring husband.
You should not include carnations, gladioli and ferns in the composition, since these plants have quite heavy energy, which can ruin the mood for the entire holiday.
Appearance
How many buds, according to popular belief, should there be in a bouquet? Firstly, it must, of course, be an odd number. Please note that you need to avoid combinations such as 11 and 13. Secondly, the best option would be a number associated either with the girl’s date of birth or with a date that is memorable for future spouses.
The appearance of the bouquet also plays a role
The color scheme should match the bride's outfit and the overall style of the ceremony. On the other hand, it is better to choose light and delicate colors with small bright accents. Of course, you should not include black plants in your decor. According to signs, the shape of the composition should be spherical
It is important that all buds are aligned in height. This means that the spouses will always coincide in their views and aspirations
Can someone hold the bride's bouquet in their hands?
There are many superstitions associated with the bride's bouquet. The most famous thing is that you cannot give the composition into the hands of another woman. The sign says: if you gave away a bouquet, you gave away your happiness. The exception is the mother of the newlywed. However, if she is opposed to the wedding, she should not be given flowers either. The future husband or an older male relative of the bride can hold the composition for a while.
In former times, the girl’s relatives tried to be especially strict to ensure that the flower bunch presented by the groom did not fall into the wrong hands. The fact is that sometimes the boy’s mother managed to intercept the fragrant gift for a moment.
If she liked her future daughter-in-law, the woman would read a spell for peace and harmony in the family:
“My son’s wife, now my daughter, go, keep quarrels away from my children!”
But if a girl didn’t like her mother-in-law in some way, the slander was different:
“You are not my son’s wife, you are not my daughter, go away, snake (bride’s name), from our family!”
Important Tips
- If the wedding is themed, then it is enough to explain the general style to the florist - and half the job is done. Vintage, rustic, loft and other fashion trends have recognizable details that, when used in a bouquet, will immediately make the accessory part of the overall picture;
- It is worth considering the appearance of the bride. It is still not customary to see a wedding dress before the celebration, but the bride can take a photo of a piece of fabric so that professionals can decide on suitable and conflicting shades. You can describe the outfit in general terms - flowing or lush, open or modest;
- Height and weight are also important in determining the shape and volume of the bouquet. Tall girls look great with cascading compositions or a scepter. Round and hemispherical bouquets are more suitable for short and plump people;
- It is better to avoid flowers with a strong smell , such as lilies, since the bride will have to hold the bouquet in her hands for the whole day, and the strong aroma can cause headaches or even allergies. If a girl still insists on such plants, consult a florist. Often the problem is solved by removing the stamens or after treating the buds with a special solution.
Important! The weight of the composition also matters - an armful of flowers is undoubtedly incredibly romantic, but by the end of the evening the bride’s hands will not thank you for it.
- The boutonniere should be purchased at the same time as the bouquet , since these two accessories must overlap in order to turn the couple into a single whole;
- It is best to order flowers directly from a florist salon and about a month in advance. This way, specialists will definitely have time to select all the necessary elements, because some plants may have to be delivered from afar.
Schedule the delivery of the bouquet on the morning of the wedding day. This way you don’t have to worry about the safety of the buds, because plants often require quite complex manipulations, which is not very appropriate in the pre-wedding bustle.
Signs about a bridal bouquet made of artificial flowers
Modern artificial bridal bouquets look no worse, and sometimes even better than their living counterparts. But an artificial bridal bouquet, according to legend, does not bring anything good to the newlyweds. It is believed that such flowers predict falsehood in relationships, betrayal, and an imminent separation.
However, this sign does not apply to jewelry and packaging. It is recommended to ask the florist to fasten the stem with satin or silk ribbons and intertwine the stems with pearl threads. Silk is considered a symbol of prosperity, and pearls are the key to a strong marriage.
According to the superstition, you should not make a bridal bouquet using dried flowers. According to superstitions (and many eastern teachings agree with them), they attract bad luck, are vampires, take away people’s energy, and cause illness.
Choice of colors
Specific plants can be chosen both based on the bride’s taste and based on their meaning. The most common guest at weddings are roses, a symbol of multifaceted love, always with cut thorns:
- white roses mean innocence, purity;
- pink - romance;
- red - boiling passion.
Combinations of several shades look interesting; such a composition is imbued with perfect harmony.
In addition, the bride’s bouquet often includes:
- fragile graceful lilies, both regal white and multi-colored . This flower speaks of admiration and fidelity;
- a more miniature and natural version - alstroemeria , reminiscent of small lilies with predatory pretty spots;
- for lovers of the exotic, sensual two-color orchids will be an excellent solution;
- chrysanthemums, callas, eustoma - many less common, but absolutely charming buds will also fit wonderfully into a wedding composition;
- In spring and summer it is good to use seasonal flowers - daffodils, tulips, peonies, gerberas. Sometimes decor from dried flowers, flowering twigs, and berries is also appropriate.
At a Hawaiian, fairytale or other themed wedding, it is acceptable to use very exotic flowers , such as a giant protea. You can create a bouquet not from plant elements, but from fabric, beads, brooches.
How did the tradition of throwing a bouquet come about?
There are several versions of how traditions and signs regarding throwing a bunch of flowers at the end of the holiday appeared. They depend on the country.
Europe
In European countries, it all started with a sign about a wedding dress. It was believed that if an unmarried girl managed to get a piece of fabric, jewelry or even a thread from the bride’s outfit, she would soon meet her betrothed. For a family woman, a piece of the outfit promised happiness in marriage, fidelity and love of her husband. Therefore, it happened that by the end of the celebration the beautiful white dress was hopelessly ruined.
Over time, brides began to decorate their wedding dresses with small boutonnieres, which anyone could take for themselves. Then this tradition was transformed into throwing a bouquet.
America
In America there was a different custom. The newlywed, knowing that her friend also wanted to get married, simply gave her her bouquet with wishes for a quick marriage. But usually there were several unmarried girlfriends. In order not to offend anyone, brides began throwing a bunch of flowers.
Read also: What does a veil symbolize?
Rus
In ancient Rus', cut flowers were not given as gifts - they were considered dead. However, in the villages there was a special ritual. A guy about to get married collected fragrant herbs, ears of corn, and wildflowers and brought them to his mother or another older female relative. She knitted a wreath from them, which the young man presented to his chosen one. If the gift was accepted, it means the feelings are mutual and matchmakers can be sent.
After the girl was wooed, the wreath had to be given away. The girl who would take it for herself was determined in a round dance. Before the wedding, the future husband gave the chosen one another wreath. She kept it for herself and kept it all her life as a talisman of family well-being. In the 17th century, wreaths began to be replaced with ordinary bouquets.
Ancient traditions
Initially, instead of wedding bouquets, bunches of various plants were used. They were worn around the neck and head, and woven into the hair. This made it possible to protect the bride from all evil spirits.
In the Middle Ages in Europe, compositions made from onions and garlic were used. In Spain, their place was taken by branches of an orange tree, which promised the newlyweds a long life without problems. In Rus', ears of wheat, reeds and daisies were held in high esteem.
The wedding bouquet in its modern form appeared only in the 19th century thanks to Queen Victoria. It was this owner of blue blood who first walked under the altar with pansies, forget-me-nots and a myrtle sprig in her hands. If you like this option, choose a blue wedding bouquet. You will learn about what this color means, what such a composition can be made from and how to do it beautifully from another article.
Dumping girlfriends
This funny ritual contradicts what the signs dictate, but not a single wedding can do without it. Unmarried female guests take part in this entertainment; those who have a boyfriend or live in a civil marriage are also allowed.
They throw the bouquet closer to the end of the holiday, the best option is after the groom’s friends receive the bride’s garter. Here we talk about why it is needed, how to put it on and take it off correctly. This article also includes a video of the garter being thrown to the groomsmen. It is advisable that by this time the newlyweds have already performed the wedding dance.
, the girl who catches the flowers should get married or meet her betrothed in the coming year.
The throwing scenario may look like this: the girls line up in a row, the bride stands with her back to them at a distance of about 3-5 meters. Next, she throws the bouquet up and points it back.
There is another, more original way, it looks like this: the newlywed’s girlfriends dance in a circle, the hero of the occasion, with her eyes closed, hands flowers to the chosen girl. By the way, this particular option is originally Russian.
Watch how the bride throws the bouquet to her bridesmaids:
https://youtu.be/MbB9bE8ToBk
The girl who caught the bouquet is recommended to dry it and sew it into a pillow. They say that in this way unmarried people can strengthen the feelings of their boyfriend and receive a marriage proposal. According to superstitions, the bride can also dry flowers, supposedly this strengthens the marriage bond.
Throwing a wedding bouquet
Signs and superstitions say that the bride’s bouquet should only be with the newlywed, and should not be given to other hands. However, many people want to follow the tradition and throw a wedding accessory to their bridesmaids. The way out of the situation is a duplicate bouquet.
Once upon a time it was a composition that completely repeated the main bouquet or simply repeated its colors. However, today this condition is not mandatory. The accessory can be made of textiles, paper, silk ribbons or even soft toys. Such an item looks beautiful, does not symbolize anything bad and can be stored for a very long time.
You can throw a bunch not only in the traditional way, but also in a more original way. For example, organize a round dance according to ancient Russian custom, arrange a ribbon ritual, or simply pass it on to your best friend. Another option is to give each girl a flower or toy from the bouquet.
Marathon
You can carry the theme of the bouquet as a red thread throughout the entire wedding program and organize elimination competitions for girlfriends during the evening. By the time the bouquet is handed over, there should be 2 or 3 applicants left. The outcome of the marathon can be determined by the traditional bouquet toss or some final competition.
This option is good if there are not a lot of young people at the wedding, who usually participate more actively in competitions - this way the host will receive a stable audience for holding competitions. Or, conversely, the bride has too many unmarried girlfriends.
You can believe in the bouquet sign, you can treat it simply as a beautiful wedding tradition, but in any case, we advise you to draw a bouquet in one way or another. This happy omen, although it does not guarantee immediate marriage, will certainly bring joy and a lot of positive emotions.
What do the signs promise for the one who catches the wedding attribute?
According to the sign, catching a bride’s bouquet at a wedding means great happiness, an early meeting with your soulmate, and good luck in love. The main thing is that the girl who caught the accessory should keep it until it dries completely (if it is made of fresh flowers). After this, they need to be burned or placed in running water.
The artificial ligament can be stored indefinitely. If the girl gets married, she can use this bouquet as a backup. It is believed that this way it will be even more charged with positive energy and will bring fulfillment of desires, happiness and joy to the new owner. A few more beliefs about the wedding accessory:
- according to the sign, if the bride’s bouquet fell on the floor without falling into anyone’s hands, we should expect the wedding of one of the close relatives of the girl next to whom the flowers were;
- those who catch the accessory must not fight for it, push each other, or snatch it from each other’s hands, otherwise the magic of the ritual will be lost;
- the bride threw the bouquet unsuccessfully (for example, it fell into the salad on the table) - to frequent family scandals;
- According to the sign, if the newlywed gave the bride's bouquet to her husband's sister, family life will not work out and she will have to cry a lot.
How to buy correctly
There are also a lot of superstitions associated with purchasing flowers. In order for a wedding accessory to bring good luck, you must follow the following signs with your wedding bouquet.
- If the groom cannot buy flowers himself, he should entrust the visit to the florist to his father. Another blood relative can replace the father. Apart from the bride, no woman should touch the accessory before the wedding ceremony. The ban even applies to close relatives - mother, sister or grandmother.
- They buy before lunch. Registration may be scheduled for the evening. In this case, flowers are purchased in the afternoon so that they do not have time to lose their freshness. Doing this is not recommended.
- When going shopping, you need to leave the house on your right foot. They don't engage in conversation along the way.
- They pay so much money for a bouquet that the seller is forced to give change. Together with flowers, the groom receives financial well-being for his family life.
- You need to return home by a different route. Conversations on the way back are acceptable. People cross the threshold of their house with their left foot. It is advisable that the groom be met by his mother. The future mother-in-law should mentally wish for sensitive, trusting relationships in the new family.
Interesting!
Accessory color
The sign says: the color of the bride’s bouquet can predict what awaits the newlyweds in their life together. Therefore, when choosing a range, you need to be attentive to the meaning of the shades:
- pink – mutual love, lightness, joy;
- white – honesty, sincerity, loyalty;
- red (burgundy) – passionate love;
- blue – wealth;
- orange – health, happiness, longevity.
All shades of yellow are ambiguous. Some experts claim that they promise a quick divorce, while others are sure that this is a symbol of home comfort.
Double bridal bouquet - is it needed?!
Every girl, preparing for her own wedding, tries to make it the most beautiful and unique. The image of the bride and all the attributes she needs requires special attention. The set is standard - dress, veil, accessories, flowers, etc. But sometimes new details appear in wedding traditions. Recently, more and more people are buying duplicate bridal bouquets. What it is? Why is it needed? What are they? Isn't this just a waste of money?
What do the flowers symbolize in the bride's bouquet?
Another important point is the floral content, because each plant has a certain meaning. Most popular values:
- roses - love in all its manifestations;
- anemones - reciprocity, sincerity, joy;
- peonies - good luck, happy marriage;
- dahlias - dedication, nobility;
- hydrangeas - agreement, mutual understanding;
- chrysanthemums - friendship, loyalty;
- irises - wisdom, inspiration;
- lilies - tenderness, anticipation of happiness, purity;
- lavender - devotion, eternal love;
- tulips - affection, trust;
- orchids - femininity, fertility, dazzling beauty.
Read also Why eyelashes fall out according to signs
It is not recommended to add asters to the composition - they are considered a symbol of farewell, long separation. Daffodils are not the best choice either, since in the language of flowers they mean narcissism and unwillingness to compromise. If you plan to include carnations in a bunch, then it is better to choose white ones, since red ones are usually placed at monuments or monuments to heroes of revolutions and wars.
On a note! You can add a few ears of rye or wheat. These plants are considered a symbol of strong and healthy offspring.
What flowers are suitable for newlyweds?
Previously, they tried to give young people expensive status flowers - roses, lilies and gerberas, and exotic species - callas, orchids, strelitzia, eustoma, brassia and alstroemeria. The fashion for the vegetative style of bouquet arrangement has brought seasonal flowers into the trend. In autumn, bouquets with chrysanthemums and gypsophila are popular.
The latest hit has been peonies and peony-shaped roses in powdery shades, as well as unusual combinations of classic flowers with succulents and exotics - Aechmea, Protea, Gloriosa and Heliconia. Gastronomic bouquets with wedding symbols - seductive ruddy apples and cut pomegranates - are popular among young people.
In England and France, guests bring wildflowers as a gift to the newlyweds, but here you need to take into account the situation. Simple daisies, bells, cornflowers, lilies of the valley, forget-me-nots, daisies and pansies emphasize the sincerity and spontaneity of feelings, but such sincerity is hardly appropriate at a glamorous wedding in the spirit of “The Great Gatsby”. But at a country-style outdoor ceremony, a bouquet of daisies will be received with a bang!
If you are afraid of seeming like a poor relative, choose factory flowers that look like wildflowers. Bells can be replaced with matthiola or delphinium, and cornflower and some varieties of bush chrysanthemums are almost indistinguishable from daisies.
As you can see, the choice of colors is quite wide. It’s easier to list which flowers should not be given to newlyweds at a wedding: as a rule, these are plants that evoke gloomy associations. Thus, scarlet poppies symbolize death and oblivion, camellias are a sign of sadness, carnations are often placed on graves, and gladioli and other tall flowers with long, pointed leaves resembling swords hint at future quarrels.
White Kenyan roses speak of a high, bright feeling Ecuadorian roses in pastel colors are an excellent choice for a gift for newlyweds
A flower basket with hyacinths, tulips and eucalyptus will fill the banquet hall with a spring aroma
Soft pink peonies in a wicker basket - lush and light, like an air kiss. An irresistible temptation in a hat box: a fruit bouquet with apples, grapes and cotton.
Quantity
The number of flowers in the composition depends on the location of the celebration. For example, in European countries, a bouquet must consist of an even number of plants, since paired buds symbolize the bride and groom. In Russia, the number of flowers was equal to the age of the bride, plus one if it was an even number.
But numerologists consider the best combination for a wedding to be 5,7 or 9 pieces. In their opinion, these numbers have a beneficial effect on the health and love of newlyweds.
Size and shape
If you settled on large buds, for example, lilies, then it is better not to have too many of them. Moderation looks much more elegant. Miniature inflorescences look good when there are a lot of them.
The shape of the bouquet should be chosen based on the appearance of the bride and the theme of the celebration:
- the cascade is suitable for tall girls in flowing Greek robes;
- a round bouquet for short princesses in lush ball gowns;
- For Thumbelina in straight-cut dresses, it is better to choose a more textured Biedermeier.
An interesting bouquet option is glamelia, an artificial flower consisting of many petals or inflorescences. No less intriguing is the pomander - a sphere of buds without a stem, which is attached to a satin ribbon and worn on the wrist like a bracelet.
Recently, asymmetrical bouquets of non-standard shapes have become increasingly popular - they allow you to express the uniqueness of each specific bride, her inner world.
Interesting! It is believed that the bouquet should contain as many flowers as the bride’s age; if it is an even number, then one more.
What to do with the bride's bouquet after the wedding
According to legend, after the wedding, the bride’s bouquet should be kept in the newlyweds’ house until the first anniversary of their marriage. A few fallen leaves and petals can be sewn into the spouses’ pillows for good luck. The remaining elements must be burned after a year. The sign says that you cannot keep a bride’s bouquet at home for longer than 12 months, otherwise dried plants will bring failure, grief, and poverty into the family. If the composition was supplemented with precious stones, hairpins, brooches, then they can be worn or simply put in a box.
Purpose of a duplicate bouquet
The idea to create an additional bouquet appeared due to the popularity of two wedding traditions:
- Western - the bride throws her wedding flowers to her unmarried bridesmaids. The one who catches it will be the next to marry;
- Slavic - to take care of dried flowers given to the girl by the groom.
It will not be possible to implement both of these traditions with just one bouquet. What if the bride is ready to give up one of them or is not going to keep dried flowers in the house? Is a double needed then and why?
1. The design features of the original do not allow it to be thrown. This applies to:
- compositions of complex shapes, for example, fans, handbags or flowers in a basket, which are as difficult to throw as to catch;
- loosely folded (fixed) bouquets, which can simply fly apart during the flight.
2. The bouquet poses a “traumatic risk” to the bridesmaids. For example, a microphone-portable bouquet is too heavy, or the composition contains decorative metal parts, etc. After being “hit” on the head with such a bouquet, you hardly want to think about the “predicted” marriage.
3. Flowers or their pollen can leave difficult-to-remove stains on the clothes of unmarried friends. Although the “rite” is carried out at the end of the wedding day, this does not mean that you do not need to worry about the appearance of the guests.
A fake bridal bouquet can come in handy:
- when holding a wedding in the cold season, if there is no confidence that the flowers will withstand sudden changes in temperature;
- if the composition consists of very delicate or “capricious” flowers, which will lose their original appearance within a day;
- when the newlyweds plan to celebrate for two days.
You can purchase a duplicate bouquet for a wedding “just in case.” The bride does not have to carry it with her or hide it somewhere. It is enough to “entrust” it to the witness - this way it will always be at hand and will become an additional element of the wedding.
Suitable flowers for a wedding
A prerequisite for choosing a wedding bouquet is the selection of its color palette. White, pink or cream inflorescences are considered the best choice.
- It is these colors that are most often associated with the celebration of the holiday, purity and purity.
- You should not opt for compositions of yellow flowers - for most people, yellow shades are associated with separation or parting.
- It is also not recommended to present bouquets in deep blue or lilac colors - these shades symbolize grief and sadness.
For a festive flower arrangement, you should use only a warm range of shades, for example, pink, peach (apricot), soft orange, terracotta.
Other recommendations for choosing a bouquet
What other nuances are important to know when choosing and presenting wedding flowers:
- Choosing the age of the newlyweds. A young girl can be presented with a soft and touching bouquet consisting of daisies or lilies of the valley, but for a lady over 30 it is more appropriate to choose roses or lilies;
- If the wedding ceremony will take place outdoors and will not be formal, then the bouquet can be simpler, without flashy accents. For a classic wedding, it is better to choose strict and laconic flowers;
- It is better to order a flower gift in advance - the store may not have the plants you need;
- Before presenting the bouquet, you must remove the packaging from it. If the packaging is used as a decorative element, it does not need to be removed;
If a wedding bouquet is given by a couple, then the man must present it.
Presenting a bouquet to newlyweds is not at all difficult, but it can be done beautifully and correctly only with a little effort.