FiftyFlowers Blog

The Wedding Veil

Look for the veil and you identify the bride. Veils are as popular today as they were centuries ago. Sure, the styles and their intentions have changed, but brides within many cultures still incorporate this traditional accessory in their attire. Some brides now combine it with a stunning tiara so that the same hair-do can be used for the ceremony and the reception. But why wear a veil? Where and how did this custom come about? Let’s take a look to the past to see where this classic bridal tradition began.

Veils were initially used for different purposes depending upon the culture. Superstition played a large role in many societies. In fact, it is the underlying reason why we have many wedding traditions, including bridesmaids, the tossing of rice and of course the veil. For many cultures, the veil protected the bride from evil spirits. This disguise shielded her from all spirits that wished to prevent the marriage. Veils were not always white, which may not have been too important since the tradition of white dresses was not as common during this time. A simple piece of cloth was all that was needed to hide the bride from these spirits. This practice has of course changed over the years for a the veil no longer hides a bride, but rather distinguishes her.

Another one of the veil’s uses dates back to the times when marriages were arranged. Many of these arrangements took place without the bride and groom ever seeing each other. Not only was it considered back luck to see the bride prior to marrying her, it also served a functional purpose. The father hid his daughter until the wedding day in fear that the groom may refuse the proposal if he was not pleased with her looks. The groom would lift his bride’s veil during the ceremony to see her face for the very first time.

The veil later became a symbol of innocence and chastity during the nineteenth century, especially in Britain. In addition to the veil, the young bride would wear her hair long and flowing as a symbol of her modesty. This modest bride was to be given to the groom, who was to protect and care for her. To symbolize this, ceremony took place beneath a canopy to signify that she was now under his protection. The veil functions similarly. As the groom lifted the veil, he was uncovering her and placing her under his protection. It still remains a custom for the groom to unveil the bride, yet many couples now view this as a romantic gesture. It is also not uncommon to see a bride lift the veil herself or choose to wear a veil but letting it hang loose in the back rather than covering her face. My, how the times have changed!

Wedding Ceremony Traditions

We all know that a bride is given away by her father and that she stands on the groom’s left during the ceremony. We also commonly see the groom carry the bride over the threshold. But why? How did these traditions ever come about? And how long have they been incorporated into marriage ceremonies? To answer these questions, we must look back many generations ago.

The bridesmaids are now standing in the front, the music changes and the bride appears. At her side is her father, or another special father-figure in her life. Many years ago female children were considered their father’s property. He arranged for each daughter to marry with a man who he deemed worthy. When it came time for the ceremony, the father would “give away” his daughter to the groom. It was a transfer of property. While the father continues to give away his daughter, the concept behind this act has changed drastically. This tradition now symbolizes the father’s support for his daughter. It may extend to the support of the bride’s mother, for when the father is asked who gives this woman to be married, many fathers often respond “Her mother and I.”

The bride stands on the left, the groom on the right. Nowadays this tradition may not make much sense and simply be accepted as a norm, but years ago it was the key to a successful ceremony. History shows us that a groom captured the woman whom he desired to be his bride. If the woman had other suitors or family members who did not approve of this kidnapping, the groom would have to fight them off, literally. He stood on the right to keep his sword arm free. This is also what brought about the concept of a best man and groomsmen, for they stood by the groom to help the him fight for his bride.

After the marriage, we often see the groom sweep the bride off her feet and carry her into their house. The origins of this tradition are slightly unclear. The two most popular ones are to prevent misfortune and bad luck. To avoid any bad spirits that were lurking under the threshold, the groom carried her across it for protection. Additionally, if the bride were to stumble and fall while entering their new home for the first time, bad luck was to befall the upon newlyweds. While we may no longer be trying to avoid bad spirits and are not playing into old superstitions, carrying the bride across the threshold is a fun and romantic way for a couple to celebrate the beginning of their lives together.

Orange Flowers

Orange flowers are no longer restricted to autumn weddings. While it is true that oranges, browns and other earthly colors create stunning autumn bouquets and centerpieces, orange flowers have converted into year-long must haves. Place them alongside yellow golden hues for spectacular springtime arrangements. Add a bit of blue for a hot yet breezy summer feel. Or let them stand alone for bold and beautiful pieces.

When planning to decorate a wedding or special event in orange, Roses are a classic choice that offers a wide range of orange shades, both in solids and bi-colors. Bright sunshine shades of orange can serve as the focal point in any arrangement. Lighter shades such as pale orange and peachy orange add a romantic charm to bouquets and boutonnieres. Within the bicolor roses, orange combines with shades of yellow, cream or white for an alluring touch that can dress up any wedding or special event.

Looking for something other than roses? No problem. Many other flowers come in various shades of orange. Some of the most popular orange flowers include the Gerbera Daisy, Tulips, Lilies, Mokara Orchids and Calla Lilies. The Gerberas and Calla Lilies offer various shades and patterns. They range from pale to rust orange. Bi-colored orange and yellow Gerberas and Calla Lilies represent a romantic sunset and are perfect for beach side celebrations. Another popular choice, multi-toned orange Mokara Orchids can spice up an arrangement. These unique flowers are often speckled and can either be used as tall flowers or plucked from the stem to add flare within a shorter arrangement.

Whatever the time of year, orange flowers are one of the top trends in wedding and special event decorations. With all the shades of orange available, a bride can find the perfect orange to create her wedding flowers of her dreams.

Flower Spotlight: Amaryllis

With so many wedding styles available, a bride may be falling asleep at night by counting flowers instead of sheep. She may be pondering whether or not to hire a florist, how many flowers will be necessary, what percentage of the budget should go to flowers, and most importantly, which flowers should she choose? To help brides learn more about other wedding flowers aside from the rose, we are spotlighting popular selections that are being used across the country. In this week’s flower spotlight is the amaryllis.

First some background information. The Amaryllis gets its name from Greek mythology, meaning shepherdess. It was first discovered in the Chilean mountains over 150 years ago. Since then, this majestic flower has been cultivated in Holland and throughout other parts of the world.

The Amaryllis flower is most commonly associated with the holiday seasons. Its large head and bright colors make it a smashing hit with decorations and buffet tables. Amaryllis is also considered a popular autumn and winter wedding flower. Maybe it is due to their wide variety of red and white colors – which are available in solids, bi-colors and striped tones – or their appeal may lie in their large showy blooms. Whatever the reason, this flower is a must for fall and winter weddings. For Amaryllis-loving brides planning a spring or summer wedding, no reason to fret. While Amaryllis is well-known as a fall and winter flower, many stunning varieties and colors are available year round.

The Wedding Ring

The wedding ring is a tradition upheld by nearly 100% of newlyweds. Couples are aware that it symbolizes commitment, unity, and fidelity to one another. They may even be aware that not all cultures wear the ring on the same hand. But very few people know where the concept originated and how its importance has changed over the years.

Wedding Traditions around the World

The world is a small place. Love has no boundaries. Together, these two statements create many international romances. International love can add excitement and diversity to a relationship, but it can also create several problems, especially when it comes to weddings. Many couples find themselves pondering which cultural traditions to incorporate into the ceremony. With numerous wedding traditions throughout the world, ceremonies are more and more multicultural in nature. Even couples from the same country often look to other cultures for unique ceremony ideas. Described below are a few wedding traditions rooted in Denmark, the Amish culture and the Jewish faith.

Denmark

The Gate of Honor is a custom that celebrate both the wedding and the couple’s silver anniversary. The Gate of Honor is a arch made from pine branches that is placed in front of the bride’s family’s house to symbolize the sacredness of the couple’s vows.

Adding a bit of fun to the reception, the groom disappears for a moment. It is during this time that all the male guests kiss the bride. No harm done, for later on the bride leaves so that all the female guests get their turn!

As is true throughout many parts of the world, the bride and groom cut the cake together, but in Denmark, all the guests are expected to eat a piece. Or bad luck will fall upon the couple!

The Amish Culture

The bride and groom make it a point to personally deliver the invitation to each guest.

The bride’s dress is new, but casual, similar to Sunday church attire.

The Jewish Faith

A Jewish couple wears wedding bands that do not feature stones, engraving or details. This way, the band is continuous, showing no beginning and no end.

The couple signs a marriage agreement that outlines their vows, expectations and duties. This ornate document is framed and displayed prominently in the couple’s home.

“Krenzl,” or crowning is a tradition that honors the mother of the bride. Upon her last daughter’s marriage, the mother is seated in the center of the room and crowned with a flower wreath. Her daughters dance around her to the sound of a traditional Yiddish song. This tradition has evolved over the years to include both the father and the mother when their last child – son or daughter – is married.

Do-It-Yourself Wedding Bouquet

The pomander bouquet is increasing in popularity, and not just amongst flower girls and junior bridesmaids. Pomander bouquets are balls of flowers suspended from a ribbon or twine and worn from the wrist. They are ideal for brides and bridesmaids who want to free up their hands during the ceremony. While this bouquet style may give a slightly more casual appearance to the ceremony, casual does not imply boring. In fact, the pomander can take on a wide variety of styles, with some of the most popular being a sphere of various flowers of a similar color, a ball comprised only of Bells of Ireland, and a square-like shape that adds a touch of Asian culture. This hanging bouquet can also be converted into a lovely decoration for the reception hall, in particular for the bridal party dinner table, where they can hang in front for everyone to see – and free up space on the table itself.

The required materials to create a pomander are minimal: a foam ball, material for the handle and tassel, a wire pick, floral adhesive or tape, and the flowers.

First, the foam must be saturated in water. Next, attach the handle. The two most popular materials for the bouquet handle are ribbon and bridal cord. Form a loop that is slightly bigger than the carrier’s hands. The handle should be short enough to keep it from banging into the dress and smashing the flowers, but long enough so that it sways as she walks. Attaching the handle is easy. Simply attach the two loose ends to wired picks, dip the pick into floral adhesive and insert the picks into the foam ball. You may also choose to add additional floral glue or tape for added support.

Depending on your taste, you may choose to add a tassel to the bottom of the bouquet. A tassel often adds formality and style as it sways with the bride’s steps. It is best to choose a tassel that matches the handle. The tassel is attached using the same technique used for attaching the handle. Be sure to attach it opposite from the handle’s location or it will hang crookedly. Some handles and tassels come as a single piece of fabric. In this case, use a pencil to poke a hole through the foam while it is dry, then slide the material through the hole and adjust it to the proper length. The handle and tassel can either be attached prior to or after inserting the flowers, making it convenient to assemble ahead of time.

Next are the flowers. Whether you choose to use entire blooms or cluster of small florets, both must be keep short in order to maintain the shape of the bouquet. It is the size of the foam ball that dictates the bouquet’s size, not the length of the stems. Use floral adhesive or wire picks if you find that certain flowers needed added support. One drawback of the pomander is that it cannot be placed in water after arranging. On the plus side, this bouquet is easy to assemble and can be done minutes before the wedding. Also, to keep the flowers hydrated, carefully add water to the inner foam ball. A light mist of water will also keep the petals looking fresh. Overall, the pomander is a trendy bouquet for brides craving something a bit different.

Flower Spotlight: Kangaroo Paw

With so many wedding styles available, a bride may be falling asleep at night by counting flowers instead of sheep. She may be pondering whether or not to hire a florist, how many flowers will be necessary, what percentage of the budget should go to flowers, and most importantly, which flowers should she choose? To help brides learn more about other wedding flowers aside from the rose, we are spotlighting popular selections that are being used across the country. In this week’s flower spotlight is the Kangaroo Paw.

First some background information. Kangaroo Paw is native to Australia. In fact, the green and red Kangaroo Paw is the official floral emblem of Western Australia. This particular flower is the most well most famous of all the Kangaroo Paws. Most varieties have a hardy, red stem that is hairy in appearance. The stems sprout from a low-laying shrub and often grown to a meter in height. The stems are study enough for small birds to perch on. The blooms sprout from the base in a fork-like appearance, similar to the shape of a paw print, hence its name. The blooms are available in various colors, the most popular being yellow, green, red, orange and metallic blue. With its brilliant colors and unique form, the Kangaroo Paw would add an unforgettable touch to flower arrangements of all sizes and styles.

The Kangaroo Paw’s popularity is not limited to Australia. Brides are demanding this flower more and more as its popularity amongst other wedding flowers steadily increasing. Perhaps the attraction is its allure from Down Under or the bold statement it makes with its bright colors and distinctive shape. Whatever the reason, the Kangaroo Paw is an attractive flower to add to any table centerpieces or ceremony arrangements. Include a description of it within your wedding program and bring its uniqueness to the guests’ attention. Regardless of a bride’s wedding flower style, these one-of-a-kind flowers can create unforgettable ceremony and reception flowers!

Green Flowers

Natural green flowers do exist. They are an exclusive gift from Mother Nature. Most green flowers are pale light green. Very few green flowers come in darker or brighter shades. These shades are usually achieved through professional method of tinting or dying. Although such flowers may be beautiful, the recipient may be disappointed if expecting a natural green flower. To help with your search for natural green flowers, we are providing you with the following descriptions of naturally green flowers.

One of the most popular green flowers on the market today is the green Cymbidium Orchid. This durable and fragrant flower has become a wedding flower must. Orchids have long been considered a sexy and alluring flower, and brides across the nation are incorporating this beauty into their wedding bouquets and table centerpieces. Other green flowers in high demand include the Calla Lily and Gerbera Daisy. The Green Goddess Calla Lily is a wonderful flower with a bloom similar in color to the stem. This flower is often used alongside other colors for a contrasting effect. Equally beautiful is the Green Gerbera Daisy, which most often is available in shades of light dusty green. As we all know, the Rose is a traditional yet very popular flower that never goes out of style. Several varieties are available in stunning shades of light green. Looking to steer away from tradition? Check out the various shades of green Hydrangea. These large-headed blooms help fill out arrangements while adding gorgeous color. An assortment of green hydrangea are available, include shades of baby green, kiwi and lime. Antique green hydrangeas often feature shades of green accented with either light pink or red.

As for adding just a splash of green, Carnations are making a comeback. These ruffled flowers are no longer exclusively for Mother’s Day. They are great as wedding flowers, ideal for special events such as St. Patrick’s Day, and are also perfect as a gift for someone special in your life. Other green flowers include the Lisianthus, Dendrobium Orchid, Chrysanthemums and Poms. The dusty green lisianthus adds beautiful splashes of romantic charm to arrangements while the green dendrobium orchid adds incomparable style. Chrysanthemums and Poms are also available in green. The green Anastasia Spider Mum is a full flower with many elongated petals that would make a memorable addition to any arrangement. For a less dramatic effect, try the smaller mini button pom. This flower is available in attractive shades of brighter green.

To add a hint of green, incorporate natural green filler flowers. Hypericum Berries are increasing in recognition. These flowers feature several small berries per stem, and its shades of green are what one might consider a true green. Couple them next to beautiful red flowers for an attractive Christmas flower arrangement. Another green filler flower is Bupleurum. This delicate flower contains small clusters of yellowish green flowers set against larger smooth leaves. It adds an elegant touch to bouquets and centerpieces. Finally, Bells of Ireland are amazing green flowers that can serve as fillers or stand alone. Also known as Molucella, Bells of Ireland is the perfect green flower for tall arrangements.

Wedding Traditions around the World

The world is a small place. Love has no boundaries. Together, these two statements create many international romances. International love can add excitement and diversity to a relationship, but it can also create several problems, especially when it comes to weddings. Many couples find themselves pondering which cultural traditions to incorporate into the ceremony. With numerous wedding traditions throughout the world, ceremonies are more and more multicultural in nature. Even couples from the same country often look to other cultures for unique ceremony ideas. Described below are a few wedding traditions rooted in Ireland and throughout South America.

Ireland

Lavender is a symbol of loyalty, devotion and luck. It is often incorporated into the bride’s bouquet as well as her hair. A traditional bride will have her hair braided. Braided hair is not only another source of luck, but also a source of feminine power.

The Claddagh ring originated in Ireland. According to ancient tale, a soon-to-be-wed couple was separated when the groom has taken captive. He learned the art of jewelry making during his captivity, and upon returning to his lady he made her a ring with two hands holding a heart resting beneath a crown. The hands symbolize faith, the heart love and the crown honor. Although many married and single women wear Claddagh rings today, only married women wear them on their left hand with the hands facing inward.

Not surprisingly, St. Patrick’s Day is considered the luckiest day to get married, and the luck grows with each anniversary that passes.

Russia

A Russian couple is officially married during a civil ceremony. Here they exchange their vow and consume bread and salt, which symbolize health, prosperity and a long life. This is a private event. The real celebration follows civil marriage, where friends and family gather for a two day reception full of dancing, dining and drinking.

Like many cultures, a toast is given during the reception ceremony. Unlike many cultures, the toast is followed by everyone throwing their champagne glasses on the floor. Luck comes with the break.

The front of the wedding vehicle serves as the couple’s hopes for children. They tie a doll onto the front if they wish their first child to be a girl. A bear signifies their hopes for a boy.