A Global Guide to Wedding Flower Customs

Flowers have adorned weddings across cultures for centuries, each bloom carrying deep symbolic meaning and tradition. Here’s a journey through the diverse floral customs that make weddings beautiful worldwide.

Europe

United Kingdom The British bride traditionally carries a bouquet featuring myrtle, a symbol of love and marriage. This tradition dates back to Queen Victoria’s era, and royal brides often include a sprig from a myrtle bush grown from Queen Victoria’s own wedding bouquet. Orange blossoms have also been popular, representing purity and fertility.

France French weddings favor elegant, understated arrangements. Lily of the valley holds special significance, symbolizing happiness and the return of joy. Lavender, deeply rooted in Provence’s landscape, frequently appears in both bouquets and decorations, representing devotion and luck.

Germany German couples often incorporate wildflowers and herbs into their arrangements. Rosemary features prominently, symbolizing remembrance and fidelity. Brides may also carry daisies, which represent innocence and loyal love in German tradition.

Greece Ivy and herbs like oregano and thyme are woven into Greek bridal bouquets and crowns (stefana), representing the intertwining of two lives. These evergreens symbolize eternal love and the couple’s growing bond.

Asia

China Red dominates Chinese wedding florals, as it represents luck, joy, and prosperity. Peonies are the most coveted bloom, symbolizing honor, wealth, and a happy marriage. Orchids represent a refined couple, while lotus flowers signify purity and spiritual enlightenment.

India Marigolds are essential to Indian weddings, adorning venues in brilliant orange and yellow garlands called “torans.” These flowers represent the sun’s brightness and are believed to bring positive energy. Jasmine is woven into the bride’s hair, symbolizing purity and beauty. Rose petals are scattered during ceremonies for blessings and romance.

Japan Japanese weddings often feature chrysanthemums, the imperial flower representing longevity and rejuvenation. Cherry blossoms, though delicate and seasonal, symbolize the beauty and fleeting nature of life. Modern Japanese weddings may also incorporate white lilies for purity.

Philippines Sampaguita, the national flower, is strung into garlands for Filipino weddings. These fragrant white jasmine flowers represent purity, simplicity, and humility. Couples may also exchange garlands during the ceremony.

Middle East

Morocco Orange blossoms are central to Moroccan wedding traditions, scattered along the bride’s path and woven into her attire. Rose petals, particularly from the famous Damascene roses, are used liberally in decorations and sometimes floated in fountains.

Lebanon Lebanese weddings feature abundant roses, particularly white ones symbolizing new beginnings. Stephanotis and tuberose add fragrance to bridal bouquets, while olive branches may be incorporated to represent peace and fertility.

Africa

Nigeria Nigerian weddings vary by region, but many incorporate bold tropical flowers. Hibiscus represents delicate beauty, while birds of paradise symbolize joyfulness and anticipation. Colorful arrangements match the vibrant traditional attire.

South Africa The protea, South Africa’s national flower, increasingly appears in modern weddings, representing change, hope, and diversity. King proteas make dramatic statements in bouquets, while local fynbos creates uniquely South African arrangements.

The Americas

Mexico Cempasúchil (marigolds) aren’t just for Día de los Muertos—they also bring vibrant color and cultural significance to Mexican weddings. Dahlias, Mexico’s national flower, symbolize commitment and bond between two people. Calla lilies represent magnificent beauty.

Brazil Tropical blooms dominate Brazilian weddings. Orchids, abundant in Brazil’s rainforests, symbolize love, luxury, and beauty. Anthuriums represent hospitality and happiness, while colorful bromeliads add exotic flair.

United States American wedding flowers blend traditions from around the world, though roses remain the most popular choice. “Something borrowed” often includes flowers from a family member’s garden. Regional variations include Hawaiian lei exchanges and Southern magnolia arrangements.

The Pacific

Hawaii Lei exchanges are central to Hawaiian wedding ceremonies. Pikake (jasmine) leis are most traditional for brides, named after Princess Kaiulani’s beloved peacocks. Maile leis, made from fragrant vine leaves, are given to grooms and represent respect and honor.

Polynesia Tiaré flowers (Tahitian gardenia) are woven into crowns and leis for Polynesian weddings. These fragrant white blooms symbolize love and are worn behind the right ear for singles and the left ear for those who are taken.

Universal Symbolism

Despite cultural differences, certain flowers carry meaning across many traditions:

• Roses universally represent love and passion
• Lilies commonly symbolize purity and commitment
• Orchids often represent rare beauty and strength
• Baby’s breath represents everlasting love in many cultures

Modern Trends

Contemporary couples increasingly blend traditions, incorporating flowers from their heritage alongside modern preferences. Sustainable choices like locally-sourced blooms and potted plants that guests can take home are growing in popularity worldwide.

Whether it’s the lucky red peonies of China, the fragrant sampaguita of the Philippines, or the classic rose of Western traditions, wedding flowers remain a universal language of love, hope, and new beginnings.