By Flowers by Anya – Luxury Wedding Florist
Throughout the centuries, weddings have been steeped in ritual and symbolism — a delicate tapestry of love, beauty, and tradition.
At Flowers by Anya, we have long believed that flowers tell a story — of devotion, of celebration, and of heritage. Much like the blooms that grace the aisle, the roles within a bridal party carry meanings rooted deep in history.
Today, we explore the origins and enduring elegance of the Maid of Honour, Bridesmaids, and Flower Girls — those who walk beside the bride, past and present, each a reflection of grace, loyalty, and love in full bloom.
The Ancient Beginnings: Rituals, Protection & Symbolism
The idea of a bridal party began long before white dresses and bouquets. In ancient Roman times, ten witnesses were required at a marriage ceremony to ensure its legality. These attendants — both men and women — often dressed identically to the bride and groom, a gesture thought to confuse evil spirits or ill-wishers who might seek to disrupt the union.
Similarly, in some Egyptian and medieval European traditions, bridesmaids acted as protectors on the bride’s journey to the ceremony, ensuring she reached her groom safely. What began as guardianship slowly evolved into a more symbolic act of friendship and honour — a circle of women standing in unity with the bride as she began her new chapter.
The Maid of Honour: From Royal Service to Modern Sisterhood
The title Maid of Honour originates from the courts of European royalty, where ladies-in-waiting — often of noble birth — attended to queens and princesses. These women were chosen not only for their social standing, but for their grace, intelligence, and loyalty.
As the centuries passed, the role found its way into weddings, where the Maid of Honour became the bride’s most trusted confidante — the one who offers both steadiness and joy amid the flurry of the day. Today, she remains the heart of the bridal party, embodying both elegance and deep emotional connection.
The Bridesmaids: Companions of Grace and Beauty
From their early function as protectors, bridesmaids evolved into cherished companions — women chosen to share in the beauty and symbolism of the day.
In Victorian England, their presence began to take on aesthetic significance, reflecting the refinement and social grace of the bride’s circle.
The tradition of bridesmaids wearing coordinated colours and carrying matching bouquets mirrors the notion of harmony — a visual and emotional symmetry that speaks to the unity of friendship and love.
At Flowers by Anya, we echo this harmony through bespoke bridesmaid bouquets — designed to complement the bridal flowers while allowing each attendant’s individual beauty to shine.
Each bouquet, each stem, tells its own quiet story — together forming a floral symphony that celebrates sisterhood.
The Flower Girl: Innocence, Hope & New Beginnings
Few sights are as enchanting as the flower girl, scattering petals ahead of the bride’s steps. Her tradition is among the oldest — rooted in ancient fertility rituals, where young girls would carry wheat and herbs to bless the couple with prosperity and happiness.
In time, those humble grains were replaced by fresh blossoms, transforming the ritual into a symbol of purity, beauty, and new beginnings.
Her basket of petals is not merely decorative — it is a floral blessing, a soft promise of joy and abundance to come.
A Heritage in Every Bloom
The stories behind the Maid of Honour, Bridesmaids, and Flower Girls remind us that every wedding is more than a moment — it is a continuation of a tradition centuries in the making.
At Flowers by Anya Luxury Wedding Florist, we honour that heritage with every bouquet we design. From the regal poise of the Maid of Honour to the innocent wonder of the Flower Girl, our floral creations are inspired by these timeless roles and the symbolism they represent.
Because in every wedding — and in every bloom — there lies a story of love, loyalty, and legacy.
About Flowers by Anya
At Flowers by Anya Luxury Wedding Florist, we specialise in creating artfully composed, bespoke floral designs that tell your love story through the language of flowers.
Rooted in tradition yet styled for the modern romantic, our arrangements blend heritage craftsmanship with natural beauty — transforming your wedding into a work of floral artistry.
Every petal is chosen with intention. Every bouquet tells a story.
Because your wedding deserves nothing less than timeless elegance — in full bloom.
Love Anya x
Photography Credits – Amy Sampson Photography, James & Kerrie Photography,
Kelly Weech Photography & Cindy Rossiter Photography.
Venue Credits – Hamswell House, Hamswell, Bath, Somerset. Crowcombe Court, Crowcombe, Somerset, Quantock Lakes, Nether Stowey, Somerset & Combe House Hotel, Holford, Somerset,
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