Flowers are used to add beauty and fragrance to a wedding day.

When choosing wedding flowers, take into account the size, architecture, and color schemes at the ceremony and reception sites.

Flowers at the ceremony should establish a theme and direct the attention of the guests onto the Bride and Groom.

Traditionally, wedding bouquets were made of strong herbs (such as thyme and garlic) to frighten away evil spirits, and to overcome the scent from some people who did not bathe very often.

Today, flowers carried by the Bride and her Bridesmaids should continue the floral theme at the wedding ceremony.

Good taste and seasons play an important role in the actual floral selections.

The Meaning of Flowers

Folklore, traditions, and FTD have cultivated the following meanings for flowers:

Red Rose - Love

White Rose - Unity, or Purity & Humility

Yellow Rose - Joy

Orange Rose - Passion

Pink Rose - Secret Love, or Grace & Sweetness

Acacia - Friendship

Alstroemeria - Devotion

Aster - Elegance & Love

Baby's Breath - Innocence

Basil - Hate

Calla Lily - Magnificent Beauty

Camellia - Perfection & Loveliness

Carnation - Devoted Love

Chrysanthemum - Abundance & Wealth

Daffodils - Regard, Not Love

Dahlia - Dignity & Elegance

Daisy - Innocence & Romance

Dill - Lust

Forget-Me-Nots - My True Love Is Yours

Freesia - Innocence

Gardenia - Purity & Secret Love

Gladiola - Generosity

Heather - Admiration

Hyacinth - Playful Joy

Iris - Faith & Wisdom

Ivy - Fidelity, Marriage

Ivy with White/Red Flowers - Marry Me?

Lavender - Distrust

Lily (Yellow) -Gaiety

Lily (All Others) - Majesty & Honor

Lily Of The Valley - Happiness

Marigolds - Jealousy

Mint - Virtue

Morning Glory - Affection

Myrtle - Joy

Orange Blossoms - Happiness & Fertility

Orchid - Love & Beauty

Pansies - You Occupy My Thoughts

Ranunculus - Radiant, Charming

Rosemary - Remembrance

Sage - Wisdom, Great Respect

Speedwell - Female Fidelity

Stephanotis - Marital Happiness

Sweet Sultran - Felicity, Happiness

Tulips - Love & Passion

Violets - Faithfulness & Loyalty

Zinnia - Friendship & Affection