Bridal bouquet

From NarratingLandscapes

By User: Joanna

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I sing of brooks, of blossoms, birds and bowers,

Of April, May, of June and July-flowers;

I sing of May-poles, hock-carts, wassails, wakes,

Of bridegrooms, brides and of their bridal cakes;

I write of youth, of love, and have access

By these to sing of cleanly wantonness;

~Robert Herrick

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Different times and different countries used flowers in their wedding ceremonies for different reasons, but the use of flowers continues to be an important aspect to weddings. The wide selection of bridal bouquets now available has only been a relatively recent development.

Some examples of bouquets that have been popular is the past, and some which are making a present-day resurgence include:

The posy[1] is a round bouquet. The stems may be removed and wired or left as it is. Posy bouquets with stems kept are called the 'natural stem posy bouquet'. The posy’s peak of popularity was in Victorian times, when flowers also represented the secret messengers of lovers; each flower having its own meaning. For some examples of Victorian-era flower meanings take a look at flower meanings from The Language of Flowers by Kate Greenaway.

A posy variation, the Beidermeier[2] is carefully-arranged concentric circles of coloured flowers, each ring containing one type of flower. Originating in Switzerland in the late 1800's, this tightly-structured bouquet often had lemon and orange peels added for fragrance.

Arm sheafs[3] first became popular for brides in the early 1900’s under the name of ‘Bernhardt’ bouquets; inspired by the presentation bouquets given to the actress of the day, Sarah Bernhardt. This shape is held cradled in the arms, or upside-down against the skirt of your gown.

The nosegay[4], traditionally a small bunch of flowers and/or herbs, was resurrected temporarily in the 1980’s as a small, tight posy of small flowers, often backed with stiff tulle. It was extremely popular for flowergirls and bridesmaids.

The muff[5] is for the very individual bride and is far more popular in Europe, where it was borne centuries ago out of necessity.

Almost forgotten, the composite-flower bouquet[6] dates from the early 20th century. Unable to source the wide range of colours and year-round availability found in today’s hybrid roses, florists used this ingenious method of constructing huge ‘roses’ from the petals of gladioli. Then called ‘glameria’, these oversized blooms were worn by themselves on a hat or as a corsage, or several could be fashioned into a bouquet for the bride with an unlimited budget.

The prayerbook or Bible spray[7] is a sign of faith and spirit. A long-time favourite of devout brides, especially Catholics, a small spray of flowers is attached to her prayerbook’s cover.

A crescent[8] bouquet may be suitable for the bride who wants a small, unusual bouquet with more structure than a posy. It seems never to have enjoyed the popularity of other arrangements.

The fan[9] enjoyed a fleeting popularity in the late 1980`s. Lacy plastic fans were embellished with carnations, baby’s breath and tizzy ribbon. Around the same time, some brides chose to carry flower-filled baskets[10].

Shower[11] bouquets replaced posies as the bouquet of choice around 1910. By 1920 this style became quite exaggerated, with larger and larger bouquets. 'Lovers’ knots' were incorporated into the design; yards of ribbons streaming out of the bouquet featured knots along their length into which buds and foliage were inserted. After reaching their peak in the 1920’s and 1930’s, shower bouquets all but disappeared by WWII: their elaborate style at odds with the simple suits worn by war-time brides. Corsages were often worn instead of a hand-held bouquet during the war years. What used to be termed the shower, now became known as the multi-trail bouquet, subsequently renamed the princess in honour of the late Princess Diana and her impressive bridal bouquet[12].

For more information see: Wedding Plants/Flowers

Sources:

http://mag.weddingcentral.com.au/flowers/history/index.htm

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