Flowers are an integral part of weddings, enhancing the beauty of the ceremony and carrying significant meanings.
From love and passion to purity, friendship, and hope, different flowers have symbolic meanings that align with the values and emotions associated with marriage.
Below, we will cover the symbolism of various flowers commonly used in weddings, exploring their deeper meanings and how they contribute to the celebration of love.
Let’s get straight to the point
Flowers at weddings carry deep symbolic meanings, enhancing the beauty of the ceremony while representing values like love, trust, and joy.
Roses (love), tulips (passion), and peonies (prosperity) symbolise romance, while lilies, daffodils, and baby’s breath represent purity and new beginnings.
Flowers like freesia and iris embody friendship and trust, while sunflowers and Gerbera daisies reflect happiness and joy.
Elegant choices like orchids and calla lilies add sophistication, while flowers like magnolia and ferns represent hope for the future. Each flower adds unique meaning to the celebration of marriage.
Symbolism Of Love And Passion
Love and passion are at the core of any marriage, and many couples choose flowers that embody these emotions. Flowers such as roses, tulips, and peonies are particularly popular for this purpose, each offering unique interpretations of romantic love.
1. Roses
- Red Roses: Symbolise deep love, passion, and beauty. These are the classic flowers of romance, often chosen to reflect the intense connection between the couple. A single red rose presented at the wedding is a powerful symbol of undying love.
- White Roses: Represent purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They are commonly associated with the start of a couple’s journey together, symbolising a fresh chapter of their shared life.
- Pink Roses: Symbolise admiration, grace, and appreciation. Pink roses reflect the mutual respect in a relationship, representing both romantic love and gentleness.
The different shades of roses allow couples to express various aspects of their relationship, with bouquets of intertwined roses symbolising unity and the merging of two lives into one.
2. Tulips
Tulips are admired for their simplicity and elegance, and they carry the powerful symbolism of perfect love. Particularly:
- Red Tulips: Express true passion and are ideal for couples wishing to reflect deep, romantic emotions. Their sleek appearance also adds an element of understated elegance to wedding arrangements.
3. Peonies
Peonies have long been associated with romance, prosperity, and marital happiness.
- The red peony signifies modesty and shyness, while overall, this flower is viewed as a good luck charm for couples hoping for a prosperous, joyful marriage.
Symbolism Of Purity And New Beginnings
A wedding is not just a celebration of love but also marks the start of a new journey. Flowers like the Lily of the Valley, daffodils, and baby’s breath beautifully capture this symbolism of purity and new beginnings.
1. Lily Of The Valley
This delicate flower is a traditional choice for bridal bouquets, symbolising the return of happiness and purity. It signifies the joy and hope associated with the beginning of a new chapter, making it a meaningful addition to any wedding arrangement.
2. Daffodils
Daffodils are bright symbols of new beginnings, representing optimism and renewal. They are often used in wedding décor to reflect the couple’s bright future and the fresh start they are embarking upon.
3. Baby’s Breath
Also known as Gypsophila, this small, delicate flower symbolises innocence, purity, and fertility. It’s a popular choice for filler in bouquets, but its symbolism of hope for a growing family adds deeper meaning to its presence at weddings.
Symbolism Of Friendship And Trust
A successful marriage is built not just on love but also on friendship and trust. Flowers like freesia, iris, and Stephanotis represent these essential qualities, making them popular choices for weddings that emphasise strong foundations.
1. Freesia
Freesias symbolise friendship, trust, and honesty—three vital elements in a strong marriage. Adding freesias to bouquets or table arrangements sends the message that the couple’s relationship is based on mutual respect and a deep bond of friendship.
2. Iris
The iris represents faith, trust, and wisdom. With its bold purple and blue colours, it stands for loyalty and the faith the couple has in their journey together, making it a great choice for those wishing to highlight the importance of trust in their marriage.
3. Stephanotis
Known as the “wedding flower,” Stephanotis symbolises marital happiness and good fortune. Its white, trumpet-shaped blooms stand for fidelity and long-lasting happiness, a perfect reflection of the couple’s commitment to each other.
Symbolism Of Happiness And Joy
Weddings are a joyous occasion, and flowers like sunflowers, Gerbera daisies, and gardenias bring that sense of happiness to life through their bright, cheerful appearance and positive symbolism.
1. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are bright symbols of happiness, optimism, and loyalty. Their vibrant yellow petals reflect the positivity and joy that the couple brings to each other’s lives, making them an uplifting choice for wedding arrangements.
2. Gerbera Daisies
With their bold, cheerful colours, Gerbera daisies symbolise happiness and liveliness. They are perfect for couples who want to incorporate a sense of fun and vibrancy into their wedding décor, highlighting the joyful celebration of their union.
3. Gardenias
Gardenias symbolise tranquillity and joy, while their sweet fragrance adds an air of romance to the wedding atmosphere. Native to Asia, gardenias are also symbols of peace, believed to bring harmony and joy to a marriage.
Symbolism Of Elegance And Grace
Many weddings are formal affairs, and the flowers chosen often reflect the elegance and grace of the occasion. Flowers like calla lilies, orchids, and hydrangeas add sophistication to the ceremony and are ideal for couples seeking an air of refinement.
1. Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are known for their sleek and elegant appearance, symbolising beauty and refinement. These flowers are often chosen for modern wedding bouquets, providing a sense of sophistication through their simple yet stunning form.
2. Orchids
Orchids symbolise luxury, elegance, and strength. Their exotic beauty adds a touch of opulence to wedding arrangements while also representing the delicate beauty and resilience of a loving relationship.
3. Hydrangeas
Once seen as symbols of boastfulness, hydrangeas now represent gratitude and grace. Their large, billowy blooms add volume and a sense of elegance to wedding décor, making them a stunning choice for couples seeking a classic yet eye-catching floral arrangement.
Symbolism Of Hope And Optimism
Marriage is a commitment built on hope for the future, and many couples choose flowers that reflect their optimism for the journey ahead. Flowers like magnolia, ranunculus, and ferns are ideal for expressing these sentiments.
1. Magnolia
The magnolia flower is a symbol of strength, dignity, and hope. Its large, graceful blooms reflect the couple’s commitment to growing together and overcoming challenges, making it a powerful representation of their shared future.
2. Ranunculus
Ranunculus flowers represent charm and radiance, expressing the idea of being enchanted by love. Their bright, layered petals add a romantic touch to wedding arrangements, symbolising the bright future the couple envisions together.
3. Ferns
Ferns represent sincerity and shelter, making them a thoughtful addition to wedding arrangements. These lush green plants symbolise the couple’s hope for a nurturing home, reflecting their commitment to building a life of protection and comfort together.
Conclusion
The language of flowers is deeply intertwined with the emotions and values celebrated in weddings.
By carefully selecting flowers that symbolise love, trust, hope, and joy, couples can enrich their wedding ceremony with layers of meaning.
Whether it’s the passion of red roses, the purity of lilies, or the happiness of sunflowers, each flower contributes its unique essence to the celebration of marriage, helping to tell the couple’s love story in a deeply symbolic way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reasonable price for wedding flowers?
In Australia, the average cost of wedding flowers is around $1,600 but this varies with each state. Budgeting 10-15% of your wedding’s total cost for flowers is recommended.
But if you have your heart set on those lavish wedding flower designs you’ve seen online, I’d suggest spending at least 20-25% of the whole wedding budget.
What is the best bridal bouquet?
Colourful Wedding Bouquets
- Bougainvillea, Nerine and Protea Bouquet.
- Red Bridal Bouquet Duo.
- Colourful Lilac, Peony and Rose Bouquet.
- Colourful Bouquet With Oranges and Vines.
- Bouquet With Varied Shades of Pink.
- Pink Bouquet Packed With Garden Roses.
- Purple Anemone, Dahlia and Orchid Bouquet.
Is it worth it to DIY wedding flowers?
DIY Flowers Are Budget-Friendly. You Can Save on the Labor Costs of Hiring a Florist! One of the major draws of DIY wedding flowers is the cost-effectiveness.
It definitely saves money on a wedding florist when you end up designing your own floral arrangements!
What is the average cost of flowers for a small wedding?
Depending on the size of your bridal party, it could account for buttonholes and corsages for a few additional family members.
If you’re having an intimate wedding with no bridal party, a wedding flower budget of under $1000 could account for:
- your wedding bouquet,
- the groom’s buttonhole, as well as
- a small feature installation at the ceremony or reception.
How do you pick wedding flowers?
- Try to choose your wedding dress before your flowers.
- Consider the shape and size of your bouquet carefully.
- Find out what flowers are in season on your wedding day.
- Consider the exact colour of your wedding dress.
- Make it personal.
