The flowers you hold when you walk down the aisle are more than just a pretty bunch of blooms. The symbolism of flowers dates back centuries, and each holds it’s own special meaning. In fact, many brides will pay close attention to this when they are designing their bouquets and floral arrangements. After all, you don’t want flowers known for heartbreak walking you down the aisle! We’ve compiled some of the most popular wedding flowers found in a bridal bouquet, and their meanings, below. If there was ever a time to stop and smell the roses, this is it!
Popular Wedding Flowers and Their Meaning
Calla Lily
Symbolizes: Purity, Faithfulness, Innocence
Named for the Greek word for “beautiful,” calla lilies are one of the most popular wedding flowers. They come in a variety of shades, but white is the most common, making them the perfect match for a bride!
Peony
Symbolizes: Romance, Prosperity, A Happy Marriage, Compassion
These lush and fragrant blooms ooze fairy tale romance. And given that they represent a long and happy marriage it’s no surprise that they are a bridal favorite.
Baby’s Breath
Symbolizes: Unity, Innocence, Spirituality, Long Lasting Love
There’s a reason these tiny white flowers are tucked in almost every wedding bouquet you see. They are the poster child for a long and happy romance, and they’re sweet enough to hold on their own or as an accent.
Queen Anne’s Lace
Symbolizes: Sanctuary, Delicate Femininity
Actually the top of wild carrot, Queen Anne’s Lace is one of the few wedding flowers you could eat after the ceremony! The delicate lace-like pattern of this flower make it a popular filler in a wide variety of bouquets.
Hyacinth
Symbolizes: Playfulness, Sincerity, Sorrow (purple varieties)
Color is also an important factor to consider when creating your bouquet. While the hyacinth is a beautiful and durable flower, the deep purple hued varieties are a common symbol of sadness. So it’s best to keep it to whites and pinks if you’re including it in your wedding flowers.
Carnation
Symbolizes: Motherly Love, Distinction, Fascination
Carnations are a popular flower to dye yourself, so if you can’t find a shade you love it’s easy to create one! Because of their symbol of motherly love they are also a popular flower for the bride’s mom to wear as a corsage.
Sunflower
Symbolizes: Loyalty, Longevity, Intelligence, Happiness
Sunflowers are easily one of the happiest flowers, just look at them! Their bright blooms are the perfect accessory to your late summer or early fall nuptials.
Lavender
Symbolizes: Refinement, Elegance, Grace
These sweet smelling buds add the most delicate touch to any bouquet. Plus you’ll be holding an aromatherapy bundle to help melt away any pre-ceremony stress.
Protea
Symbolizes: Strength, Diversity, Courage, Hope
A popular choice for tropical weddings, this Protea is almost an entire bouquet all by itself!
Dahlia
Symbolizes: Dignity, Elegance, Everlasting Bond
With big feathery petals Dahlia’s exude fairy tale romance. And their symbol of a strong, everlasting bond makes them a perfect choice for your wedding.
Lilac
Symbolizes: First Love, Tranquility, Confidence, Passion
The quintessential sign of spring is a lilac bush in full bloom. Carry these ultra fragrant blooms for a comforting sense of calm and confidence.
Muscari
Symbolizes: Constancy, Sincerity
More commonly known as Grape Hyacinth, these sweet little purple flowers add the most delightful texture to any bouquet.
Daffodil
Symbolizes: Rebirth, New Beginnings, Hope
Celebrate your own new beginning with these happy yellow blossoms and you’ll always have a marriage full of hope and promise.
Ranunculus
Symbolizes: Charm, Attraction
It’s no wonder these pretty ombre spirals are a symbol of attraction. They look like a sunset in flower form!
Chrysanthemum
Symbolizes: Optimism, Joy, Longevity
Carrying a bouquet of chrysanthemums is like carrying a bundle of fireworks down the aisle. And they come in a wide range of colors so they’re great for any time of the year!
Sweet Pea
Symbolizes: Bliss, Pleasure, Happy Goodbye
Goodbyes don’t have to be sad! This delicate bloom is a symbol of wedded bliss as you bid your old life farewell to make space for the new.
Anthurium
Symbolizes: Hospitality, Abundance, Welcome
Popular for tropical and domestic destinations alike. This sweet symbol of hospitality is often found in hotel suites as a gesture of welcome. Create your own bouquet or leave them for your guests and you’re sure to have a home that is always ready for visitors.
Hydrangea
Symbolizes: Gratitude, Understanding, Abundance
If a compassionate marriage is what you’re after consider adding a few bunches of hydrangea to your bouquet. Bonus points if they double as your something blue!
Zinnia
Symbolizes: Affection, Goodness, Endurance
For long lasting affection a bunch of zinnias are the perfect choice to accompany you down the aisle.
Poppy
Symbolizes: Sleep, Peace, Fertility, Death (red varieties)
Poppies have a wide variety of meanings, but as long as you avoid vibrant crimson colored ones they make a great addition to any bouquet. (Especially if you want to add to your family with little ones right away!)
Daisy
Symbolizes: Motherhood, Innocence, Friendship, New Beginnings
It is often said that daisies are the friendliest flower, making them a popular choice for your bridal party bouquets!
Magnolia
Symbolizes: Nobility, Dignity, Pride
A favorite at southern weddings, magnolias are a truly elegant accompaniment.
Snapdragon
Symbolizes: Charm, Graciousness, Strength
For the bride who lights up every room with her quick wit and grace, snapdragons add texture you just can’t get from any other flower.
Freesia
Symbolizes: Innocence, Trust, Friendship
If you consider your partner to also be your best friend, then freesias are the flower for you!
Tulip
Symbolizes: True Love
Tulips, like roses have different meanings for each color. But at the core they are a symbol of true, everlasting love so you really can’t go wrong.
Gardenia
Symbolizes: Purity, Love, Refinement
White blooms for a white dress! Gardenia’s are a flower of taste and refinement, perfect for an elegant cathedral wedding.
Lily
Symbolizes: Humility and Devotion
Hopelessly devoted to your betrothed? Consider a cascading combination of tiger and calla lilies to carry down the aisle.
Orchid
Symbolizes: Love, Luxury, Beauty
There is something so elegant and timeless about a bouquet of orchids. Any bride who carries them will radiate love and beauty.
Stephanotis
Symbolizes: Happy Marriage, Desire to Travel
These sweet little white flowers should be on every bride’s shortlist. Because who doesn’t want a happy marriage full of grand adventures?
Rose
Symbolizes: Enduring Passion, Enthusiasm, Desire, Friendship, Joy
Of course we couldn’t create this list without mentioning the powerhouse wedding flower. With so many varieties and colors to choose from it’s no surprise that roses remain the most popular bouquet. Perfect on their own or tucked in among a whole garden of blooms, you really can’t go wrong with these sweet smelling beauties.
Really, there’s not a bad bloom in the bunch. So pick the wedding flowers that speak to your own goals for your marriage and have some fun with different textures. And share your beautiful bouquets with us on Instagram using #marrygrams! We love to see all of the little details from your big day!
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