The wedding bouquet, a seemingly simple collection of blooms, carries profound significance, especially in royal and celebrity weddings. Each flower is meticulously chosen, not just for its beauty but for the symbolism and personal meaning it imparts. Let’s explore some of the most iconic wedding bouquets and the stories they tell.
The Tradition of Myrtle in Royal Bouquets
Since Queen Victoria’s daughter included myrtle in her wedding bouquet in 1858, this delicate white flower has become a staple in royal weddings. Symbolising love, fertility, and innocence, myrtle adds a touch of tradition and continuity to the bridal arrangement.
Princess Eugenie’s Autumnal Elegance
In her October 2018 wedding to Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie carried a bouquet that mirrored the season’s richness. Designed by florist Rob van Helden, it featured lily of the valley, white spray roses, trailing iris, and ivy, alongside the traditional sprig of myrtle. The combination of these flowers not only reflected the autumnal setting but also added layers of symbolism, with ivy representing fidelity and lily of the valley symbolising the return of happiness.
Meghan Markle’s Personal Tributes
For her May 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s bouquet was rich with personal significance. Crafted by florist Philippa Craddock, it included scented sweet peas, lily of the valley, astilbe, jasmine, and astrantia. Notably, the bouquet featured forget-me-nots handpicked by Prince Harry from their private garden at Kensington Palace, honouring his late mother, Princess Diana, who favoured these blooms. This thoughtful inclusion added a poignant touch to the ceremony.
Kate Middleton’s Symbolic Selection
When Kate Middleton married Prince William in 2011, her bouquet was a study in understated elegance and symbolism. Designed by Shane Connolly, it combined the Middleton family’s and the royal family’s favourite stems. Each flower was chosen for its meaning: lilies for the return of happiness, hyacinths for steady love, ivy for fidelity and friendship, and, of course, myrtle for matrimony. This thoughtful selection created a bouquet rich in personal and traditional symbolism.
Princess Diana’s Cascading Bouquet
Princess Diana’s 1981 wedding bouquet set trends with its cascading design. Overflowing with gardenias, stephanotis, orchids, lily of the valley, and the traditional myrtle, the bouquet was as grand as the wedding itself. The inclusion of yellow roses added a touch of warmth and joy to the arrangement, symbolising friendship and optimism.
Grace Kelly’s Classic Simplicity
Grace Kelly’s 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco remains iconic, and her bouquet played a significant role in that timeless elegance. She carried a small Bible adorned with lily of the valley, symbolising humility and the return of happiness. This understated choice complemented her sophisticated gown and has inspired countless brides seeking classic elegance.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s Floral Extravaganza
In the realm of celebrity weddings, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s 2014 nuptials stood out for their lavish floral arrangements. Held in Florence, the event featured walls adorned with peonies, roses, and gardenias. Kim’s bouquet, while understated in comparison, consisted of pristine white roses, aligning with the wedding’s monochromatic theme and exuding timeless elegance.
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s Fusion of Cultures
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’s 2018 wedding was a blend of cultures, and their floral choices reflected this harmony. For their Christian ceremony, Priyanka carried a bouquet of tuberoses, a flower that blooms without sunlight, symbolising their love that thrives despite distance. The arrangement also included hyacinths and roses, adding layers of fragrance and meaning to the bouquet.
Amal Clooney’s Chic and Modern Choice
Amal Clooney’s 2014 wedding to George Clooney was the epitome of modern elegance. Her bouquet featured simple yet sophisticated white lilies, complementing her Oscar de la Renta gown. The choice of lilies, symbolising purity and commitment, added a classic touch to the contemporary ceremony.
Incorporating Floral Inspiration into Your Wedding
Drawing inspiration from these iconic bouquets can add depth and personal significance to your wedding:
- Choose Symbolic Blooms: Selecting flowers with meanings that resonate with your relationship can make your bouquet more personal. For instance, incorporating flowers that represent love, fidelity, or new beginnings can add layers of meaning.
- Reflect the Season: Aligning your floral choices with the season of your wedding can enhance the overall aesthetic. Autumnal flowers like those in Princess Eugenie’s bouquet can add warmth to a fall wedding, while spring blooms can bring freshness to a spring ceremony.
- Personal Tributes: Including flowers that hold personal significance, such as a loved one’s favourite bloom, can add a heartfelt touch to your bouquet.
- Balance and Proportion: Consider the size and shape of your bouquet in relation to your gown and overall wedding theme. A cascading bouquet like Princess Diana’s makes a dramatic statement, while a simple posy offers understated elegance.
- Consult a Professional Florist: Working with a skilled florist like B&M can help bring your vision to life. We can provide insights into seasonal availability, flower meanings, and design a bouquet that complements your style and theme.
By thoughtfully selecting the elements of your bouquet, you can create an arrangement that not only enhances your wedding’s aesthetic but also tells your unique love story.
Bespoke Wedding Flowers Tailored to You at B&M Florist
At B&M Florist, we create luxury, bespoke wedding flowers designed to make your special day unforgettable. With over 34 years of experience and over 4,000 Sydney weddings perfected, our expert team, led by Maria, brings your vision to life with fresh, premium blooms and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you dream of an elegant bouquet or breathtaking floral installations, we craft timeless floral experiences tailored just for you. Let’s make your wedding bloom beautifully—book a consultation today!
