Bridal Bouquet Customs Around the World

Bridal bouquets carry deep symbolic meaning across cultures, representing everything from fertility and new beginnings to protection from evil spirits. While the tradition varies significantly from country to country, flowers remain a universal language of love, hope, and celebration in wedding ceremonies worldwide.

European Traditions

England

The modern bridal bouquet tradition largely originated in Victorian England, where the language of flowers (floriography) was at its peak. English brides traditionally carry bouquets featuring white flowers symbolizing purity, with roses, lilies of the valley, and sweet peas being popular choices. The iconic bouquet toss tradition also began here, symbolizing the passing of good fortune from bride to unmarried women.

Ireland

Irish brides often incorporate native wildflowers and herbs into their bouquets, particularly shamrocks for luck and heather for protection. Traditional Celtic bouquets also feature ivy for fidelity and rosemary for remembrance. Many Irish brides create a separate small bouquet to leave at a statue of the Virgin Mary as a blessing for their marriage.

Germany

German brides traditionally carry bouquets of myrtle, symbolizing love and marriage. The myrtle is often grown from a cutting taken from the bride's mother's wedding bouquet, creating a beautiful generational connection. After the ceremony, the bride plants a sprig from her bouquet to grow into a bush for future generations.

France

French bouquets tend to be more elaborate and artistic, often incorporating herbs like lavender, rosemary, and thyme alongside flowers. The tradition of carrying orange blossoms, symbolizing fertility and eternal love, originated in France and spread throughout Europe. French brides also sometimes include wheat stalks for prosperity.

Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Denmark)

Scandinavian brides traditionally carry simple, natural bouquets featuring local flowers and herbs. In Norway, brides often include sprigs of myrtle and lily of the valley. Swedish brides may carry bouquets with small silver or gold coins tucked between the flowers for prosperity. Danish traditions emphasize seasonal flowers, with winter brides often carrying evergreen bouquets.

Mediterranean Traditions

Greece

Greek bridal bouquets are rich with symbolism and often include orange blossoms, ivy, and olive branches representing peace, fertility, and fidelity. Bay leaves are sometimes added for honor and glory. The bouquet is typically blessed by the priest during the ceremony, and afterwards, unmarried women try to catch a flower (rather than the entire bouquet) for good luck.

Italy

Italian brides traditionally carry bouquets featuring herbs and flowers with strong fragrances, believed to ward off evil spirits. Common choices include rosemary, lavender, and garlic flowers. In some regions, brides include a small piece of iron in their bouquet for protection. The groom often wears a boutonniere that matches the bride's bouquet, symbolizing their unity.

Spain

Spanish brides often carry bouquets of orange blossoms, a tradition dating back centuries. These fragrant flowers symbolize fertility, purity, and eternal love. In some regions, brides also include jasmine and roses. The Spanish tradition includes the groom presenting the bride with 13 coins (las arras), which are sometimes incorporated into the bouquet design.

Asian Traditions

Japan

Traditional Japanese weddings feature highly stylized floral arrangements rather than handheld bouquets. When Western-style bouquets are used, they often incorporate chrysanthemums (the national flower), cherry blossoms for the beauty and fragility of life, and peonies for honor and wealth. Colors are carefully chosen, with red symbolizing luck and white representing purity.

China

Chinese bridal bouquets traditionally feature red and gold colors for luck and prosperity. Peonies are extremely popular, symbolizing honor, wealth, and feminine beauty. Lotus flowers represent purity and perfection, while orchids symbolize love and beauty. Modern Chinese brides often blend traditional elements with Western-style bouquets.

India

Indian brides typically don't carry bouquets in the Western sense, instead wearing elaborate floral garlands and having flowers woven into their hair. However, when bouquets are used, they often feature marigolds for auspiciousness, roses for love, and jasmine for purity. The flowers are usually in vibrant colors that complement the bride's ornate sari.

Korea

Korean traditional weddings (hanbok weddings) don't typically include bouquets, but modern Korean weddings often feature them. When used, bouquets commonly include chrysanthemums, peonies, and roses. The colors are often chosen to complement the traditional hanbok colors or may follow Western white and pastel traditions.

Middle Eastern Traditions

Jewish Traditions

Jewish brides often carry bouquets that include herbs mentioned in religious texts, such as myrtle (hadas) which is one of the four species used during Sukkot. Rosemary for remembrance and rue for purification are also common. The bouquet may be designed to complement the chuppah (wedding canopy) decorations.

Persian/Iranian Traditions

Persian brides traditionally carry bouquets featuring roses, particularly red ones symbolizing passionate love. Herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro are often included for their fragrant properties and symbolic meanings. The Sofreh Aghd (wedding spread) often includes flowers that mirror those in the bride's bouquet.

African Traditions

Morocco

Moroccan brides often carry bouquets featuring orange blossoms and roses, with the addition of traditional herbs like mint and verbena. The flowers are usually white or pale colors, symbolizing purity and new beginnings. Henna ceremonies may also include small floral elements that complement the wedding day bouquet.

Nigeria

Nigerian weddings vary greatly among different ethnic groups, but when bouquets are used, they often feature local flowers and bright, vibrant colors. Some traditions include incorporating cowrie shells or beads into the floral arrangements for protection and prosperity.

Latin American Traditions

Mexico

Mexican brides often carry bouquets featuring bright, colorful flowers that reflect the vibrant culture. Marigolds, roses, and baby's breath are popular choices. Some bouquets include religious medals or rosary beads woven through the flowers. The tradition of las arras (13 gold coins) may also influence bouquet design.

Brazil

Brazilian brides typically carry bouquets with tropical flowers like orchids, birds of paradise, and hibiscus, reflecting the country's lush natural beauty. White and bright colors are popular, and the bouquets are often larger and more dramatic than their European counterparts.

North American Traditions

United States

American bridal bouquet traditions are largely influenced by European customs but have evolved to include regional preferences. Southern brides might include magnolias or gardenias, while West Coast brides often favor succulents and eucalyptus. The bouquet toss remains a popular tradition, though some modern brides opt for alternative ceremonies.

Canada

Canadian bouquet traditions blend influences from the country's diverse cultural heritage. Many brides incorporate native flowers like trilliums or wild lupines. French-Canadian traditions may include more elaborate, artistic arrangements, while Anglo-Canadian traditions tend to follow British customs.

Modern Global Trends

Today's couples increasingly blend traditions from multiple cultures, creating unique bouquet styles that reflect their personal heritage and preferences. Sustainable and eco-friendly bouquets using locally-sourced, seasonal flowers are gaining popularity worldwide. Some couples are also choosing non-traditional alternatives like succulent bouquets, paper flower arrangements, or even family heirloom brooches arranged in bouquet form.

The preservation of wedding bouquets has also become a global tradition, with brides pressing flowers, creating resin keepsakes, or having their bouquets professionally preserved as lasting mementos of their special day.

Whether following ancient customs or creating new traditions, the bridal bouquet remains a powerful symbol of love, hope, and new beginnings that transcends cultural boundaries while celebrating the unique beauty of each tradition.