The Tradition of Wedding Flowers

Carrying flowers by bride is not something new; it actually has its roots in ancient times. Strong smelling herbs and spices were used to keep away evil spirits during wedding celebration. Later, during Roman era, flowers were used to symbolize fertility. Eventually, flowers were given different meanings and used as a way of sending “love notes” in form of bouquets. Soon, tradition of meaning of each flower trickled down and was adopted for bride’s bouquet.

By tradition, groom wears a flower that appears in bridal bouquet in his buttonhole. This custom originates from Medieval tradition of a knight wearing his lady's colors as a declaration of love.

So it seems that a wedding without flowers is like, well, it’s like a garden without flowers!

So Many Choices

Have you ever considered how many different kinds of flowers there are? Hundreds of beautiful blooms are available to create romantic elegance your wedding deserves. You may even feel like author Phoebe Cary, who said, “I know not which I love most, Nor which comeliest shows, The timid, bashful violet Or royal-hearted rose: The pansy in purple dress, The pink with cheek of red, Or faint, fair heliotrope, who hangs, Like a bashful maid her head.” So, how do you choose?

One way is to consider different meanings of flowers and create a bouquet that is not only beautiful to eye, but also meaningful to heart. Another way is to consider time of year. Many flowers are more common during one season than another, so finding off-season flowers may be difficult!

Based on tradition, here are some of more popular wedding bouquet flowers and what they mean, along with when they are in season:

* Red Rose – Love, All Year

* White Rose - Unity, All Year

* Yellow Rose - Joy, All Year

* Orange Rose - Passion, All Year

* Pink Rose - Secret Love, or Grace & Sweetness, All Year

* Alstroemeria - Devotion, All Year

* Baby's Breath - Innocence, All Year

Consult, Consult, Consult!

Because parents-to-be may have more than one shower, it's a good idea to consult with mommy-to-be. Before you send out invitations, sit down with mom-to-be and ask her what she would like from this event. What is her idea of a fun shower and who she would like to attend? Most people shouldn't be expected to attend several showers for same parents, so find out what else is being planned. Let her know that you want her to feel comfortable and most of all, to have fun.

What if you are having a surprise shower? Don’t let that stop you from consulting! Talk to dad-to-be to get ideas of a guest list and an appropriate time. You might even want to consult with other friends to be sure that everything works out smoothly. Again, consider mom-to-be when having a shower. You want her to feel special, have fun, and be comfortable.

After consulting with mom-to-be, or others, it is time to plan!

The Theme of Day

This is fun part – deciding what you are going to do and how you are going to do it! This can also be overwhelming part if you have never planned a baby shower before or if you don’t feel that you are creative type. Luckily, you don’t’ have to have experience or creativity to throw a great baby shower.

Some showers are simply a gathering of family and friends chatting, mom-to-be opening her gifts, and eating yummy food. Other showers are more elaborate with special games. If you are thinking of being more elaborate and having a theme, here are some great ideas to get you started:

Consider inviting couples instead of just ladies. You can play fun games like who can diaper baby doll fastest and make it men against women. This shower is great for first-time-dads and helps them feel a part of things as ‘big day’ nears.

Does mom-to-be already have everything she needs for baby, but you still want to celebrate this special occasion? Why not throw a Mommy Shower? Instruct guests to bring gifts for mom herself (bath and beauty products, gift certificates, etc). You might also consider a “consumable shower” and have guests bring diapers, wipes, shampoo, and other items that run out!