Why do brides carry flowers at a wedding?

Carrying flowers is one of the oldest wedding customs, dating back to times when herbs and blossoms were thought to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Over the centuries, the bouquet became a symbol of happiness, abundance and the start of a new life together. In Victorian times, flowers carried secret meanings, so brides used them to send messages of love, loyalty or purity. Nowadays, the bouquet is more personal than symbolic. You might choose flowers that match your colour scheme, remind you of a loved one, or grow in a place that matters to you. Some brides carry a family heirloom brooch pinned to the stems, or a photo of someone who cannot be there. The scent is also important. A bouquet can fill the air with fragrance as you walk down the aisle, and it gives your hands something to hold, which can help steady nerves. After the ceremony, many couples throw the bouquet or preserve it as a keepsake. There is no rule that says you must carry flowers. Some brides carry a single stem, a fabric bouquet, or nothing at all. Choose what feels right for you and your day.