The Surprising History Behind Wedding Flowers and Veils
Author: Jonathon Taylor
- By Jonathon Taylor
The fascinating history behind your wedding flowers
Why do brides carry flowers?
It’s a tradition as ancient as the ceremony itself. Brides in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt clutched herbs like dill and garlic. Not exactly bridal chic, but these aromatic bundles symbolised fertility, new beginnings, and even protected against evil spirits (and maybe a meddling mother-in-law or two!).
The ‘fresh’ truth about June weddings
June has long been the most popular month to tie the knot. Why? Because it followed the annual “May bath”—yes, an annual tradition—when everyone was freshly scrubbed. Bouquets packed with fragrant blooms helped keep things smelling sweet, even as that freshness faded.
From garlic to garden roses
As bathing became more frequent and tastes evolved, herbs gave way to flowers with softer looks and sweeter meanings. Then the Victorian era arrived and “language of flowers” (also known as floriography) transformed bouquets into coded love letters. Think roses for romance, lilies for purity, and ivy for loyalty.
Your bouquet, your story
Today’s bouquets are a blend of beauty, tradition, and personal flair. Whether it’s a dreamy cascade of orchids or a bunch of wildflowers, your flowers speak volumes and now serve as a personal reflection.
So, when you walk down the aisle, know this: that bouquet in your hands is more than just pretty… it’s a piece of history, a good luck charm, and a love letter all in one.
Veil tales
Floaty, flirty, and utterly iconic – the wedding veil is the ultimate bridal accessory. But beneath all that gossamer glam lies a backstory filled with ancient secrets, superstitions, and serious symbolism.
Spirits, spells and secret glances
Back in Roman times, brides weren’t just walking down the aisle – they were dodging jealous spirits! Enter the veil: a protective shield meant to ward off bad vibes and envious eyes. In ancient Greece and the Middle East, veils added layers of modesty, mystery, and meaning.
Virtue and drama
Fast forward to medieval Europe and the age of knights and castles, and veils took on new meaning. They were all about virtue, reverence, and the awaited reveal. In arranged marriages, the veil stayed put until the “I do’s” were done – no sneak peeks allowed.
Today’s interpretation
The veil today is totally optional. From sweeping cathedral veils worthy of royal romance to sassy birdcage styles with vintage edge, the veil is now a personal style moment. It’s tradition with your own twist.
While trends may come and go, the veil is that floaty little thread connecting generations of brides.
Photographer: Mickey Ross
@micimageweddings
Couple: Ruby and James
The fascinating history behind your wedding flowers
Why do brides carry flowers?
It’s a tradition as ancient as the ceremony itself. Brides in ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt clutched herbs like dill and garlic. Not exactly bridal chic, but these aromatic bundles symbolised fertility, new beginnings, and even protected against evil spirits (and maybe a meddling mother-in-law or two!).
The ‘fresh’ truth about June weddings
June has long been the most popular month to tie the knot. Why? Because it followed the annual “May bath”—yes, an annual tradition—when everyone was freshly scrubbed. Bouquets packed with fragrant blooms helped keep things smelling sweet, even as that freshness faded.
From garlic to garden roses
As bathing became more frequent and tastes evolved, herbs gave way to flowers with softer looks and sweeter meanings. Then the Victorian era arrived and “language of flowers” (also known as floriography) transformed bouquets into coded love letters. Think roses for romance, lilies for purity, and ivy for loyalty.
Your bouquet, your story
Today’s bouquets are a blend of beauty, tradition, and personal flair. Whether it’s a dreamy cascade of orchids or a bunch of wildflowers, your flowers speak volumes and now serve as a personal reflection.
So, when you walk down the aisle, know this: that bouquet in your hands is more than just pretty… it’s a piece of history, a good luck charm, and a love letter all in one.
Veil tales
Floaty, flirty, and utterly iconic – the wedding veil is the ultimate bridal accessory. But beneath all that gossamer glam lies a backstory filled with ancient secrets, superstitions, and serious symbolism.
Spirits, spells and secret glances
Back in Roman times, brides weren’t just walking down the aisle – they were dodging jealous spirits! Enter the veil: a protective shield meant to ward off bad vibes and envious eyes. In ancient Greece and the Middle East, veils added layers of modesty, mystery, and meaning.
Virtue and drama
Fast forward to medieval Europe and the age of knights and castles, and veils took on new meaning. They were all about virtue, reverence, and the awaited reveal. In arranged marriages, the veil stayed put until the “I do’s” were done – no sneak peeks allowed.
Today’s interpretation
The veil today is totally optional. From sweeping cathedral veils worthy of royal romance to sassy birdcage styles with vintage edge, the veil is now a personal style moment. It’s tradition with your own twist.
While trends may come and go, the veil is that floaty little thread connecting generations of brides.
Photographer: Mickey Ross
@micimageweddings
Couple: Ruby and James
August 28, 2025
