As a general trend, most brides chose from among their favorite flowers when it comes to compiling their bridal bouquet and choosing the flowers for the centerpieces and decorations. However, the language of flowers and plants had deep significance in the Victorian times. The meanings assigned to flowers and plants can be used in a wedding to enrich the day and convey significant messages about the bride and her hopes and dreams about her married life through the plants and flower she chooses for her bouquet and wedding décor. The trend has gained tremendous significance since the choices made by Kate Middleton for her fairytale wedding were explored and discussed so minutely in the media and you too can employ flowers that impart a certain meaning to make your bridal bouquet and wedding décor even more special and unique.
Anemone
The Anemone blooms as a single or double blossom flower that makes it a great option for a fuller yet not an overcrowded bridal bouquet. The flower is also great for lightweight floral arrangements.
Symbolic meaning:
Anemones symbolize “Expectation” and are among one of the most popular flower choices amongst first time brides.
Seasonal availability:
The Japanese Anemone is easily available right from the beginning of fall with the De Caen Anemone and Wood Anemone being available closer to spring.
How affordable:
The Anemone is moderately priced depending on the florist.
Chrysanthemum
With no overpowering scent of its own, the Chrysanthemum is the perfect bridal bouquet flower for an outdoor wedding during spring since the flowers do not compete against the natural fragrance of the location. Also great for centerpieces, the Chrysanthemum literally means golden flower and can be used to add a dash of bright color to an all white wedding. The Chrysanthemum is available in a variety of colors depending on their size.
Symbolic meaning:
The Chrysanthemum symbolizes truth, wealth and abundance and is more frequently used by younger couples that are just a few years into a proper career.
Seasonal availability:
Varieties of Chrysanthemum are available year-round.
How affordable:
Unless you insist on having your chrysanthemums flown halfway across the world, they are one of the more inexpensive flowers to use in bridal bouquets and wedding decor.
Daisy
Another great unscented floral option for a bridal bouquet and wedding décor is the daisy which has a big visual impact yet is surprisingly personal as a choice and longer stemmed daisies can be used to make a flowing and bigger bouquet.
Symbolic meaning:
The daisy symbolizes a sharing of feelings which fits in perfectly with the ambiance of a wedding.
Seasonal availability:
Daisies are available the year-round almost everywhere in the world.
How affordable:
When in season, daisies are quite inexpensive.
Hydrangea
For the bride who doesn’t want to have to worry about her delicate bouquet disintegrating at the most inopportune moment, a hydrangea based bouquet can be a fair choice. The flower is available in a range of striking colors and can work amazingly well for both centerpieces as well as bouquets.
Symbolic meaning:
Hydrangeas symbolize understanding between two people.
Seasonal availability:
The best varieties of hydrangeas as generally available in spring and autumn though the flowers can be ordered from overseas markets when they are not in season in a particular region.
How affordable:
In comparison to most regular bridal flowers, hydrangea are expensive.
Lilac
Because of its greenery, lilacs are often used as fillers in most floral arrangements and are a staple in most bridal bouquets as well. The French varieties of lilacs can be used in bridal bouquets since they are more flowers like though one would have to keep their strong fragrance in mind when using them in wedding décor.
Symbolic meaning:
Lilacs symbolize love’s first emotions though they can just as easily be used in a wedding to stand for the renewal of love for the couple.
Seasonal availability:
French lilacs are generally available throughout the year though most local breeds are in bloom during spring only.
How affordable:
Local lilacs are moderately priced and the French variety will set you back a few good bucks for sure.
Stephanotis
Stephanotises stand for happiness in a marriage which makes it the quintessential bridal bouquet flower as well as a staple in very traditional wedding decors. The very fragrant flower also goes great with weddings held in enclosed spaces.
Symbolic meaning:
Stephanotis symbolizes marital happiness
Seasonal availability:
The flower is available year round.
How affordable:
Stephanotises are generally moderately priced.
Tulip
Even though tulips are super fragile, they remain one of the most preferred flower choices in weddings owing to their stately and sweet shape. Best suited to fixed arrangements and steadily packed bouquets, tulips in various colors can be used to add color to an all-white bridal ensemble.
Symbolic meaning:
Tulips stand for the two most essential elements in a marriage-love and passion.
Seasonal availability:
Tulips are available in the latter half of spring.
How affordable:
Because they are so delicate and often exported from Europe; Tulips are a relatively expensive choice of flowers for bigger weddings.
Rose
Even though most couples tend to pass roses by in wedding décor since they are already so heavily used during courtship and Valentine’s season, the flower remains one of the most popular bridal flora. White and red roses are the most popular choices for wedding arrangements, boutonnieres, corsages and bouquets.
Symbolic meaning:
Roses stand for love, beauty and joy.
Seasonal availability:
Thanks to their yearlong demand, roses are available the year round.
How affordable:
Roses generally range from moderately priced to quite expensive depending on the variety.
Orchid
Available in a variety of colors and sizes, the delicate looking orchids can help brighten up a bridal ensemble with very little effort. The flower has no fragrance of its own; this is why, you can use them along with other flowers in a composite bouquet with great success.
Symbolic meaning:
Orchids stand for love and beauty
Seasonal availability:
Unless you live around a place that has orchid farms down the road; chances are your florist will import them since they are available the year round.
How affordable:
Although they are one of the best choices for a wedding; orchids are expensive because people import them
Lily of the Valley
Ever since Kate Middleton walked down the aisle with a Lily of the Valley dominated bouquet, the traditional marriage flowers have made a grand comeback. The bell-shaped flowers are small and fragile and despite a light fragrance, can be used in combination with other flowers in bouquets and arrangements.
Symbolic meaning:
Lily of the Valley stands for happiness.
Seasonal availability:
Lily of the Valley blooms during spring and is available through the season till the end of summer.
How affordable:
The delicate flowers are a tad expensive and must be used with discretion when large floral arrangements are being used.
Gardenia
A very fragrant flower, the gardenia is available in a number of shades and makes a great standalone flower for a bouquet though it works well with most other flowers as well.
Symbolic meaning:
Gardenias symbolize purity of heart and mind as well as joy.
Seasonal availability:
The flowers are available all year.
How affordable:
Despite being available year round, gardenias are relatively expensive.
Freesia
People generally use the very fragrant freesia in bouquets; and not so much in floral arrangements and centerpieces.
Symbolic meaning:
All white freesias stand for innocence
Seasonal availability:
Freesias generally bloom in spring and continue to be available through the summer.
How affordable:
When they are in season, freesias are inexpensive.
Stock
Generally used to fill out arrangements; You can find Stock in many colors. Moreover; they are super fragrant flower makes great filler for larger bouquets as well.
Symbolic meaning:
Stock stands for “Lasting beauty” which may appear vain at first but the underlying spiritual significance of the phrase in terms of marriage makes it an appropriate flower for a wedding.
Seasonal availability:
The flower is available through the year.
How affordable:
Stocks are inexpensive.
Calla Lily
The lightly fragrant Calla Lily is very popular in weddings. You can use the large tropical flower in both arrangements as well as bouquets.
Symbolic meaning:
Call Lily stands for “magnificent beauty” which has definite spiritual undertones to it.
Seasonal availability:
Call Lily is available in spring and summer
How affordable:
Calla Lilies are expensive however people do use them in weddings frequently.
Lily
Even though lilies are seen more a flower of mourning; people also use them extensively in wedding décor and bridal bouquets. The very fragrant flower is generally used in flowing bouquets.
Symbolic meaning:
Lilies stand for honor, truth and majesty.
Seasonal availability:
Lilies are available in summer and are imported at other times.
How affordable:
Lilies start retailing at moderate prices though can be quite expensive depending on the variety and season.
