THE MEANING OF FLOWERS

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1 THE MEANING OF FLOWERS Root Photography

2 Who knew that incredible arrangement had something to say? By Colin Cowie Gorgeous flowers can go a long way in a wedding. They can transform a simple room into an aweinspiring ceremony location or elevate a table from functional to fantastic. And of course, a bouquet is one of the things that turns a beaming woman in a white dress into a bride. But there s so much more to flowers than just looking and smelling pretty. In the Victorian era, people started communicating with more than words. The Language of Flowers, popularized by Queen Victoria s love of blooms, was a way for women and men to send messages, particularly as part of their courtship. In a time when verbally expressing feelings of love and affection was taboo, a nosegay comprised of specific blossoms was a way to say what you felt without actually saying it.

3 So how can you bring this 19 th century fad into the modern day and, more importantly, into your wedding? Read on for the meanings of some of the most popular wedding flowers, then head to the florist to turn the feelings you want to convey into breathtaking bouquets and arrangements. CALLA LILIES Calla lilies symbolize purity, which is why the white Calla lily is so often used in weddings. They do, however, come in a nearly endless range of colors. CHRYSANTHEMUMS Chrysanthemums symbolize optimism, compassion, loveliness, joy, fidelity and long life. It s said that a single petal of this flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will result in a long & healthy life. Red: I love you, the beginning of a new relationship. White: Truth, honesty, loyal love.

4 DAHLIAS Dahlias symbolize commitment and the eternal bond between two people. They re used to express personal, intimate sentiments and denote elegance and dignity. DELPHINIUMS Delphiniums are a symbol of an open heart and ardent attachment. They also symbolize fun and playfulness. GARDENIAS Gardenias signify joy and sweet love. They can also mean good luck. White: Purity GERBERA DAISIES The meaning of Gerbera daisies comes from the basic attributes of the daisy family innocence, purity and

5 a classic symbol of beauty. Because of the Gerbera daisy s bright hues, it is also a symbol of cheerfulness. Red: Passion, fullness of love. Yellow: Warmth and sunshine, friendliness. White: Truth, purity, innocence. Pink: Appreciation, compassion. HYDRANGEAS Hydrangeas are often used as an expression of gratitude, particularly in exchange for the giver being understood by the receiver. Hydrangeas are often gifted for a couple s fourth wedding anniversary, possessing enduring grace and beauty. LILACS Lilacs are the harbinger of spring, symbolizing the transition from adolescence into adulthood. They symbolize youth and innocence as well as confidence. They are both whimsical and

6 sophisticated. White: Youthful innocence. Purple: First love, protection. LILY OF THE VALLEY These tiny, fragrant blooms are said to bring luck in love, symbolizing chastity, purity of heart and sweetness. They are one of the most traditional wedding flowers. ORCHIDS The meaning of orchids has changed over the centuries, symbolizing fertility in Ancient Greece, then representing luxury and wealth in the Victorian era. Today, they are a symbol of rare and delicate beauty. White Phalaenopsis: Beauty. Cymbidium: Elegance, romance. Dendrobium: Love, affection, luxury, strength.

7 PEONIES Peonies symbolize compassion, and are known as the flower of riches and honor. They are symbols of good fortune, a happy marriage, good health and prosperity. RANUNCULUS These flowers are celebrated for their bright beauty, and consequently symbolize radiant charm. They are used to express attraction and appreciation of another s charms. ROSES Roses are a well-known symbol of love and passion, but the wide variety of colors means that every rose has a unique story to tell. Red: Enduring passion, true love, affection. White: Humility, innocence, youthfullness, serenity. Yellow: Joy, friendship.

8 Dark Pink: Appreciation, admiration. Light Pink: Grace, elegance. Orange: Enthusiasm, desire, excitement for the future. Purple: Enchantment, love at first sight, royalty, majesty. STEPHANOTIS A traditional wedding flower, the stephanotis symbolizes marital happiness. TULIPS Tulips symbolize consuming love and passion. The dark center is supposed to represent a lover s heart, darkened by the heat of passion and affection. They also symbolize happy years. Red: Perfect love, a declaration of love. Yellow: Cheerful thoughts of joy. White: Worthiness. Pink: Happiness, confidence, affection.