Why Do Brides Carry Flowers? The Origins of a Wedding Day Essential

Flowers and weddings go hand in hand — but have you ever wondered why brides carry bouquets in the first place? It’s a tradition so deeply woven into the wedding day that we often don’t stop to ask how it started or what it means.

As it turns out, the story of bridal flowers is layered with symbolism, superstition, and (believe it or not) some pretty pungent history.

From Fragrance to Folklore

In ancient times, brides didn’t always carry flowers — they carried herbs, spices, and strong-smelling greenery like garlic and dill. Why? To ward off evil spirits and mask body odor (this was pre-perfume and pre-deodorant, after all).

Over time, the herbs gave way to blooms, but the idea of protection and blessing remained. Flowers became symbolic: each one carrying its own meaning, from love and luck to fertility and fidelity.

The Language of Flowers

By the Victorian era, flowers weren’t just pretty — they spoke. Couples often used floriography, or the "language of flowers," to send hidden messages through their bouquets. Orange blossoms meant purity. Roses meant love. Ivy stood for loyalty.

A bride’s bouquet became her quiet love letter — a poetic expression of her feelings and hopes for the future.

Beauty, Mood, and Meaning

Today, brides choose flowers for many reasons — color, fragrance, seasonality, personal significance. Whether it’s your favorite bloom from childhood, a flower your grandmother loved, or something you saw in a dream, bouquets now reflect the bride’s personality and aesthetic just as much as tradition.

So, Why Do Brides Carry Flowers?

Because they want to. Because they’ve always done it. Because flowers say things words sometimes can’t. Whether it’s luck, love, or just beauty — a bouquet is one of the most expressive parts of the wedding day.

And we’re here to help you make it deeply personal.

From timeless romantic blooms to rare, symbolic stems, we’ll help you craft a bouquet that tells your story — beautifully and authentically.

🌸 Let’s create your dream bouquet. Schedule your bridal consultation here.