While the language of flowers can contribute to a message to be conveyed about the couple, the shapes are a personal preference. Brides typically choose the shape of their bouquets according to popular trends at the time of their wedding however, some choose bouquets which evoke another time period. There are many different bridal bouquet styles from which to select. This practice may be related to the Golden Apple of Discord myth. After the wedding the bride will toss it over her shoulder, and it is believed that whoever catches the bouquet is the next in line to be married. Traditionally the bride will hold the bouquet, and the maid of honor will hold it during the ceremony. Small nosegay or 'tussie mussie' bouquets might include chamomile flowers, which a woman might send to a romantic interest to tell him 'Patience' goldenrod represented indecision. By the Victorian era, almost every flower had a specific meaning attached to it. The language of flowers was introduced to England in the early 18th century by Mary Wortley, Lady Montague, whose husband was Ambassador to Turkey. This was often reflected in artwork, for example the use of bamboo in Chinese art to represent longevity and eternity. Nosegay įlower symbolism originated in Asia and the Middle East, where certain flowers, such as the lotus, were considered sacred, or at least to be associated with spiritual themes. In China, certain flowers symbolize seasons: white plum blossoms represent winter, peach and cherry blossoms represent spring, lotus represents summer, and chrysanthemums the fall. In Europe, flower arranging as a formal art was first documented among the Dutch, who 'in particular, painted wonderful informal arrangements of flowers In the 18th century, arrangements were used to decorate the houses of the wealthy families and the aristocracy.' įlower symbolism is common in many cultures, and can be complex. Flowers were a traditional ritual offering among Buddhists, however, and remain so. In ancient China, flower-arranging developed into a highly refined art form, based on the principle that life is sacred, including the life of plants, therefore cut flowers were used sparingly in carefully planned arrangements. įlower-arranging as an art form was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks, who learned it while in China. Simplicity and linear form are core features of ikebana, which has had a great influence on Western flower arranging since the late 19th century. The oldest known book on flower-arranging is Japanese and dates from 1445. In some cultures, ancient practises still survive today, for example in ikebana, the art of flower-arranging that comes from Japan. The sacred lotus was often used, as were herbs, palms, irises, anemones, and narcissus. The oldest evidence of formal arranging of bouquets in vases comes from ancient Egypt, and depictions of flower arrangements date to the Old Kingdom (~2500 BCE). The arrangement of flowers for home or building decor has a long history throughout the world. A Japanese ikebana flower bouquet in a vase. History Fresh flowers are arranged in front of houses to celebrate Onam, a major celebration in Kerala, India. Symbolism may be attached to the types of flowers used, according to the culture. Bouquets arranged in vases or planters for home decor can be arranged in either traditional or modern styles.

They are also used extensively in weddings as well as Olympics Medal Ceremonies. Flower bouquets are often given for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or funerals. Handheld bouquets are classified by several different popular shapes and styles, including nosegay, crescent, and cascading bouquets. Flower bouquets can be arranged for the decor of homes or public buildings, or may be handheld. Collection of flowers in a creative arrangementĪ flower bouquet is a collection of flowers in a creative arrangement.

Flower bokeh