Why Does a Bride Carry a Bouquet?
The tradition of a bride carrying a bouquet dates back to ancient times when she would carry a bunch of herbs. The purpose of the bouquet has changed from a superstition to a symbol of happiness and passed prosperity from the bride.Early BouquetsThe first bouquets were pungent collections of garlic, herbs and spices designed to keep evil spirits away from the ceremony.Grecian and Roman BouquetsIn Grecian and Roman ceremonies, the bride and groom wore the strong smelling herbs as garlands around the neck.Celtic BouquetsCeltic bouquets contained ivy, lavender and thistle. Specific herbs began to have meaning. Carrying dill meant lust, and sage invoked wisdom.Victorian BouquetsQueen Victoria popularized the inclusion of flowers in the bouquet. Flower language became important in Victorian times, with each flower having its own meaning.Modern BouquetsOften modern brides have two bouquets, one for the ceremony and one for the bouquet toss.
