It has long been a tradition for a bride to carry a bouquet of flowers on her wedding day. Although many brides accept this tradition readily, the history of the tradition is often unknown. Contemporary brides continue to carry flowers on their wedding days for numerous reasons.

History

The original tradition of carrying flowers on the wedding day stems back to the 15th century, when women only took one bath per year. Although most brides set their wedding dates within just one month of their baths, it became common for brides to carry fresh flowers on their wedding days to cover any body odor that may be present.

Significance

Plants and flowers carried many spiritual connotations during the early centuries. In a time when demons were feared, brides carried elaborate garlands made of herbs and spices on their wedding days to ward off evil spirits.

Emotional Ties

As the tradition became more common, flowers began to assume a variety of emotional meanings as well. For example, roses stood for love, ivy symbolized never-ending love and orange blossoms represented happiness and fulfillment.

Current Tradition

Today, flowers symbolize fertility, love and romance. Brides carry flowers at their weddings to enhance their own beauty and to symbolize the ever-renewing love they feel for their spouses.

Benefits

Carrying a bouquet of flowers affords an extra opportunity for the bride to incorporate her color scheme and family traditions into the wedding. Brides often carry flowers in their wedding colors and sometimes loop special pieces of family jewelry around the stems.

Source:

Wedding Manor: Wedding Traditions

The Huffington Post: Common Scents: Why Brides Carry Bouquets

Our Marriage: Why Does the Bride Carry Flowers?