When a bride steps into view, all eyes are drawn not only to her gown but also to the bouquet she carries a delicate arrangement that whispers her story in petals, fragrance, and symbolism. At Flowers by Anya, we believe a bouquet is far more than a floral accessory; it is a bridge between centuries of tradition and the unique love story of today.
But where did this cherished tradition begin, and how has it blossomed into the elegant bouquets we know today?
Ancient Origins: Fragrance, Faith, and Protection
Long before bouquets became romantic expressions, brides carried herbs and blooms for protection and symbolism. In ancient Greece and Rome, bouquets were made of strong-scented herbs like rosemary and garlic to ward off evil spirits. They weren’t chosen for beauty but for strength, luck, and fertility.
Carrying fragrant plants also had a practical side in times before perfumes, bouquets offered a sweet aroma to accompany the bride on her way to the altar.
Medieval Meaning: Love, Fidelity, and Health
During the Middle Ages, herbs continued to dominate wedding traditions. Sprigs of thyme symbolised courage, dill promised lust and vitality, and rosemary stood for remembrance and faithfulness. These small posies carried wishes for the couple’s married life — part charm, part blessing, and part health remedy.
The Victorian Romance: The Language of Flowers
It wasn’t until the Victorian era that flowers themselves took center stage. Queen Victoria, ever the tastemaker, carried a bouquet of myrtle when she wed Prince Albert in 1840. From that moment, myrtle became a timeless emblem of marriage and devotion.
The very sprig of myrtle she carried was later replanted at Osborne House, her beloved holiday retreat. That same plant still thrives today, and for over a century its descendants have been included in royal bridal bouquets — a living thread of tradition passed lovingly from bride to bride.
This royal connection to flowers deepened in the 20th century. In 1923, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother began another heartfelt tradition when she placed her wedding bouquet on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey. It was a quiet tribute to her brother Fergus, who had been killed in the First World War. Since then, every royal bride has followed her example, leaving her bouquet at the tomb as a gesture of remembrance and respect.
Victorians and royals alike adored the “language of flowers,” where every bloom spoke a secret meaning:
- Roses for love
- Lilies for purity
- Ivy for fidelity
- Peonies for prosperity
Bouquets became not just decorations but coded messages — poetic, elegant, and deeply personal.
A Modern Tradition with Personal Touch
Today, the bridal bouquet has evolved into a canvas for self-expression. While superstition has faded, brides still choose blooms that speak to their hearts. Some honour family traditions by including heirloom flowers or herbs; others choose seasonal luxury blooms to complement the mood and aesthetic of their wedding.
At Flowers by Anya, we encourage brides to think of their bouquet as the essence of their love story captured in flowers. From romantic cascades of orchids to timeless clusters of roses, every bouquet tells a tale.
Tips for Brides Choosing Their Bouquet
If you’re dreaming of your perfect bouquet, here are a few elegant considerations:
- Tell Your Story Through Flowers: Incorporate blooms with personal or cultural meaning, much like the royals carry myrtle as a living legacy or honor loved ones with meaningful gestures.
- Honor Tradition with a Modern Twist: Consider herbs or symbolic flowers alongside luxury blooms to blend history with elegance.
- Seasonal Elegance: Opt for flowers that are in season for the freshest, most vibrant arrangements.
- Balance with Your Dress & Venue: Your bouquet should harmonise with your gown’s silhouette and your wedding’s atmosphere.
- Think Beyond the Day: Choose flowers that can be pressed, preserved, or replanted, creating your own heirloom tradition.
Final Thought:
From ancient charms to royal elegance, the bridal bouquet has always been more than just flowers. It is tradition, symbolism, and beauty entwined. And in your hands, it becomes the finishing touch to the most unforgettable moment of your love story.
At Flowers by Anya, we are honoured to create bouquets that carry history, meaning, and artistry into the modern bride’s hands — a luxury crafted not just for your wedding day, but for the story you’ll tell for years to come.
Create Your Own Timeless Bouquet That Tells Your Story
Every bridal bouquet carries a story — from ancient traditions to royal elegance, and most importantly, your personal love story. At Flowers by Anya, we design luxury bouquets that blend timeless elegance, history, artistry, and symbolism, ensuring your wedding flowers are unforgettable and with personal meaning.
Start your journey with us, book a consultation today and let us craft the bouquet that tells your story.
[Book a Consultation] – https://flowersbyanya.com/
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Anya x
Photography Credits – Studio Enso, Amy Sampson Photography, Cindy Rossiter Photography, Jamie Trounce London, James & Kerrie Photography & Kelly Weech Photography.
Venue Credits – Polhawn Fort Cornwall, Hamswell House Bath Somerset, Combe House Hotel Holford Somerset, Castle Hill Filleigh Devon, The Luttrell Arms Dunster Somerset, Crowcombe Court Crowcombe Somerset & Quantock Lakes Nether Stowey Somerset.
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