The History and Symbolism of Popular Wedding Flowers

At Blossom & Cloth, we believe that every wedding bouquet and tablescape tells a story, and the flowers you choose play a starring role in that narrative. We craft custom floral arrangements that blend coastal elegance with personal meaning. The flowers you select for your special day carry centuries of history and symbolism, adding depth to your celebration. Here’s a guide to the history and meaning behind some of the most popular wedding flowers, brought to you by Blossom & Cloth, with tips on how we incorporate them into sustainable, breathtaking designs.

1. Roses: The Timeless Symbol of Love

History: Roses have been a symbol of love and beauty since ancient Greece, where they were associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. In Victorian England, the language of flowers made roses a staple in romantic expressions, with red roses signifying passion and white roses purity.

Symbolism: Roses represent love, devotion, and appreciation, making them a classic choice for wedding bouquets and centerpieces.

Blossom & Cloth’s Touch: We source locally grown roses whenever possible to reduce our carbon footprint, arranging them in foam-free designs using reusable vases or floral frogs. For a coastal wedding, we pair white or blush roses with hydrangeas in a glass vase filled with seashells, evoking the shores of Jacksonville Beach.

Styling Tip: Use a single rose at each place setting, tucked into a linen napkin, for a romantic, eco-friendly tablescape accent.

2. Peonies: Prosperity and Romance

History: Peonies, with their lush, full blooms, were prized in ancient China as symbols of wealth and honor, often planted in imperial gardens. In Western traditions, they became popular in the 19th century for their romantic, voluminous appearance.

Symbolism: Peonies signify prosperity, good fortune, and a happy marriage, making them perfect for weddings.

Blossom & Cloth’s Touch: Our peony arrangements, often featuring soft pinks or whites, are crafted in compostable coconut coir bases for sustainability. For a Ponte Vedra Beach wedding, we combine peonies with eucalyptus in a low ceramic vase for a soft, coastal vibe.

Styling Tip: Pair peony centerpieces with a sand-colored table runner and gold-rimmed glassware for a luxurious yet beachy tablescape.

3. Dahlias: Commitment and Elegance

History: Native to Mexico, dahlias were cultivated by the Aztecs for both practical and decorative purposes. They gained popularity in Europe in the 19th century, admired for their intricate, layered blooms, especially in Victorian wedding bouquets.

Symbolism: Dahlias represent commitment, inner strength, and everlasting bonds, ideal for celebrating lifelong partnerships.

Blossom & Cloth’s Touch: We love using dahlias, especially double blooms, in our Designer’s Choice arrangements, arranged with chicken wire for a foam-free design. For a coastal twist, we pair white or coral dahlias with sea lavender in reusable metal urns.

Styling Tip: Create a dramatic tablescape by combining dahlia centerpieces with navy linens and driftwood accents, perfect for a Jacksonville Beach wedding.

4. Lisianthus: Gratitude and Charisma

History: Lisianthus, native to North America, became a wedding favorite in the 20th century for its rose-like blooms and delicate petals. Its rise in popularity coincides with the demand for elegant, long-lasting flowers in modern floristry.

Symbolism: Lisianthus symbolizes appreciation, charisma, and lifelong connection, making it a meaningful choice for wedding florals.

Blossom & Cloth’s Touch: We incorporate white or lavender lisianthus into sustainable designs using water tubes or moss bases, ideal for boutonnieres or low centerpieces. For coastal elegance, we pair them with greenery in a glass vase for a breezy, Ponte Vedra Beach aesthetic.

Styling Tip: Use lisianthus in small vases along a burlap table runner for a minimalist, eco-conscious tablescape.

5. Hydrangeas: Unity and Abundance

History: Originating in Asia, hydrangeas were introduced to Europe in the 18th century and became a wedding staple for their voluminous blooms. In Japan, they’re associated with heartfelt emotions and gratitude.

Symbolism: Hydrangeas represent unity, abundance, and heartfelt emotions, perfect for celebrating love and togetherness.

Blossom & Cloth’s Touch: Our hydrangea arrangements, in soft blues or whites, capture the coastal charm of Jacksonville Beach. We arrange them in reusable ceramic vases or floral frogs, ensuring an eco-friendly design that’s as stunning as it is sustainable.

Styling Tip: Pair hydrangea centerpieces with blue glass votives and white plates for a cohesive, ocean-inspired tablescape.

Why Choose Blossom & Cloth for Your Wedding?

At Blossom & Cloth, we’re passionate about weaving history, symbolism, and coastal elegance into every wedding arrangement and tablescape. We prioritize sustainability with foam-free designs, locally sourced blooms, and reusable materials. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic rose bouquet or a lush peony centerpiece, our team crafts custom designs that reflect your love story and the beauty of our coastal surroundings.

Create Your Dream Wedding with Blossom & Cloth

Ready to bring the timeless beauty of these flowers to your wedding? Contact Blossom & Cloth for a custom consultation to design your perfect bouquet, centerpiece, or tablescape. Or, explore our flower subscription service for seasonal blooms to inspire your planning process. Let’s make your wedding day bloom with meaning and coastal charm!