Flowers form a big part of any wedding celebration – both at the service and the reception – and many aspects of wedding flower arrangements are steeped in ancient tradition.

It is worth taking into account that many flowers have specific traditional meanings when given, and it pays to be careful when choosing them for a wedding. In addition, the practice of adhering to traditions means that some wild blooms – heather and blossom – signify luck and longevity in the relationship, and are incorporated into the bouquets and arrangements as a result.

Before we look at the meanings of some of the popular flowers it needs to be said that employing a good and respected florist is the best way to ensure that the bouquets and arrangements are the very best. Florists know which flowers go best together, and will be able to make arrangements to the bride’s requirements. Also important is to match the bouquet to the brides outfit, and to this end the use of pale coloured flowers is encouraged and advised.

Consider also the impact that bouquets and arrangements will have when featured in photographs, as this can be a major influence when choosing colours and styles.

Moving on to the meanings of flowers, these should not be taken entirely to heart; flower arrangements are designed to convey a sense of joy and happiness, and as such colour and shape are more important than the underlying nuances of individual flowers. However, if the bride is particularly partial to the meanings of blooms, we need to have a look at some that are recommended and others that are to be avoided.

The Daffodil, for instance, signifies great regard, and its yellow bloom is a welcome sight in many arrangements and bouquets, while the Forget-me-not is, as its name suggests, indicative of true and endearing love. Blue makes a nice contract in pale bouquets, especially when used in a buttonhole spray.

The Primrose is a popular flower, and says that the giver can not live without the receiver – appropriate indeed for a wedding – and the Tulip, in particular when red, signifies a similar sentiment. The Rose has a language all of its own, with red meaning eternal love, pink being a signifier of grace and beauty, and yellow a statement of friendship. The last, perhaps, is more appropriate for a birthday than a wedding!

In contrast, the Sweet pea, a pretty flower, is one used to indicate a memory rather than a future, and the Lemon balm should be avoided at all costs, being indicative of sympathy! A Hare Bell is a sign of grief, so should also be dismissed, while the Geranium in fact indicates you think the wearer childish.

Perhaps essential for consideration as a wedding flower, the Wallflower is significant – like the Ivy – of fidelity and marriage, the perfect flowers for the wedding bouquet!

The variety of flowers available will be clear to see when visiting the florist, and the above ideas for wedding flower arrangements will be sure to help you along the way.