Most brides today carry flowers because they are beautiful and it gives the nervous bride something to do with her hands. However, the carrying of flowers goes back as far as the beginning of marriage.  Rooted in superstition, it was thought bridal bouquets consisting of odoriferous herbs and garlands worn or carried would ward off demons and evil spirits. Variations of this superstition are found in many cultures throughout the world.

In India the bride and groom are sprinkled with flower petals to ward of evil. It is said that a Roman bride carried herbs such as rosemary in her veil to ward off evil spirits. In fact, the modern tradition of carrying flowers and herbs in the bridal bouquet stems from this Roman practice. With many cultures sharing their wedding traditions over the centuries, the primitive superstition of smelly garlands went by the wayside. Brides began to use flowers as a way to symbolize emotion, virtue of love and marriage transforming the tradition.

Flowers such as roses became symbols of love for western weddings. Herbs and flowers were mixed together as a symbolic gesture. Over the years, wedding traditions have been manipulated blending old tradition with contemporary ideals. Old Greek wedding traditions used ivy and ribbons; weaving them into crowns for the bride and groom to symbolize unity. This tradition of greenery and ribbons has been incorporated in many modern wedding bouquets. In fact, it is commonplace to see bridal bouquets with greenery and ribbons intertwined in the flowers.

Although wedding flowers are a long standing tradition, the use flowers has become more of a tradition of elegance than one of warding off demons. Thankfully the tradition changed and flowers are now used to decorate the wedding. The bride can now carry a bouquet for beauty and not as protection from evil spirits.

The Guide to Wedding Flowers by Season

Planning your wedding day is like baking a great chocolate cake. You want to use a tried-and-true recipe, the best ingredients for the most flavor, and all the right tools for a glorious, rich dessert that looks and tastes like a million bucks-but without breaking the bank.

One of the most important decisions you will make about your wedding day is what flowers you will use for your wedding bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, wedding centerpieces, boutonnieres, flower girl flowers and pew flowers. Nothing sets the mood for a wedding like flowers.

As the second most expensive item you'll choose (next to the wedding gown), it's important to choose wisely so that you get the most for your money and the atmosphere you desire. Just as in preparing a delicious meal, buying seasonal and local ingredients gives you the best results, both in expense and flavor. The same is true for flowers. Most flowers are distinctive to the seasons, so if you can take advantage of their ready availability, you will not only save money, but also have the best seasonal "ingredients" for your wedding day.

Keep in mind that it's not necessary to use all the same flowers for all your wedding needs. Using a variety of flowers, colors and designs is the trend for today's weddings. According to leading floral expert, Rebecca Cole, "Wedding flowers follow fashion trends, and today, individuality, rather than convention is in style."

While most flowers bloom in a particular season, there are several that bloom year-round. Roses, anthuriums, orchids, tropical flowers, lilies and gerbera daisies are available anytime of the year. Read the rest of Seasonal Wedding Flower Guide »

Keeping Your Wedding Flower Memories Alive With Bouquet Preservation

Cherishing your bridal bouquet as a precious wedding keepsake? Many brides even enjoy using their bridal bouquet as an intricate part of an anniversary party centerpiece.

From showing off the fun colors of every flower to describing the detail of the how the beautiful bridal bouquet looked in your hands, each intricate detail becomes part of a story that bonds you to those you love the most. For the precious stories that you'll love to tell for years, flower preservationists will help keep your special wedding flowers and bridal bouquet as beautiful as the day that you said, "I do." Keep your wedding flowers vibrant down to the most intimate details with flower preservation.

Passing Along Your Wedding Gown To Beloved Daughters Thanks To Gown Preservation

Many mothers dream of passing down their wedding gown from mother to daughter, grandmother to granddaughter, and so on. Almost as special as wearing a special family member's wedding jewelry is allowing that wonderful person the opportunity to relive their happy day by watching you walk down the aisle at your wedding ceremony in their precious wedding gown. What a wonderful, delightful treasure to be able to place a respected woman in this position of honor. Passing your wedding gown on to your babies and grandbabies is a treat that should be cherished. Wedding gown preservation makes it possible.