Flowers can express what words cannot. In Victorian times where people used symbols and gestures to communicate as much as words, the meaning of flowers played an important role. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules. Flowers are used in weddings to provide decor and express the couple's unique and individual style. Many people assign their own personal meanings - a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives. I think it's beautiful exploring the deeper meaning of flowers for your wedding. It brings more romance to such a special and momentous day. Maybe instead of looking at a bride's bouquet as just roses, orchids, and hydrangeas, we can look at it as the bride expressing unity, perseverence, and delicate beauty as she carries her bouquet down the aisle to her waitng groom. For those of us interested in all things vintage, here's a list compiled by the Societ of American Florist on the traditional meanings of flowers used during the Victorian Era:
| Alstroemeria | aspiring |
| Amaryllis | dramatic |
| Anemone | fragile |
| Apple Blossom | promis |
| Aster | contentment |
| Azalea | abundance |
| Baby's Breath | festivity |
| Bachelor Button | anticipation |
| Begonia | deep thoughts |
| Black-Eyed Susan | encouragement |
| Camellia | graciousness |
| Carnation | |
| pink | gratitude |
| red | flashy |
| striped | refusal |
| white | remembrance |
| yellow | cheerful |
| Chrysanthemum | |
| bronze | excitement |
| white | truth |
| red | sharing |
| yellow | secret admirer |
| Cosmos | peaceful |
| Crocus | foresight |
| Daffodil | chivalry |
| Delphinium | boldness |
| Daisy | innocence |
| Freesia | spirited |
| Forget-Me-Not | remember me forever |
| Gardenia | joy |
| Geranium | comfort |
| Ginger | proud |
| Gladiolus | strength of character |
| Heather | solitude |
| Hibiscus | delicate beauty |
| Holly | domestic happiness |
| Hyacinth | sincerity |
| Hydrangea | perseverance |
| Iris | inspiration |
| Ivy | fidelity |
| Jasmine | grace and elegance |
| Larkspur | beautiful spirit |
| Lavender | distrust |
| Lilac | first love |
| Lily | |
| Calla | regal |
| Casablanca | celebration |
| Day | enthusiasm |
| Stargazer | ambition |
| Lisianthus | calming |
| Magnolia | dignity |
| Marigold | desire for riches |
| Nasturtium | patriotism |
| Orange Blossom | fertility |
| Orchid | delicate beauty |
| Pansy | loving thoughts |
| Passion flower | passion |
| Peony | healing |
| Poppy | consolation |
| Queen Anne's Lace | delicate femininity |
| Ranunculus | radiant |
| Rhododendron | beware |
| Rose | |
| pink | friendship |
| red | passionate love |
| red & white | unity |
| white | purity |
| yellow | zealous |
| Snapdragon | presumptuous |
| Star of Bethlehem | hope |
| Stephanotis | good luck |
| Statice | success |
| Sunflower | adoration |
| Sweetpea | shyness |
| Tuberose | pleasure |
| Tulip | |
| pink | caring |
| purple | royalty |
| red | declaration of love |
| white | forgiveness |
| yellow | hopelessly in love |
| Violet | faithfulness |
| Wisteria | steadfast |
| Yarrow | good health |
| Zinnia | thoughts of friends |
