Wedding Flower Traditions Around the World

You're up to date on all the latest wedding flower trends in the U.S., but do you know how international brides are incorporating flowers into their big day? Find out with these fun facts about wedding flower traditions around the world.

Greece

The first recorded use of wedding flowers was in ancient Greece.  Flowers and plants were gathered together in the form of a garland wreath and placed on the bride and groom’s heads during the ceremony.

India

In India, the groom’s brother throws flower petals on the couple to protect them from evil.

England

In England, some guests give the bride and groom a rose bush to plant. It is thought that the growth symbolizes the growth of a marriage, the blossoms symbolize happiness, and the thorns symbolize the trials of married life.

Sweden

An old wedding flower tradition in Sweden is for young girls to carry small bouquets of scented herbs down the aisle, and for the groom to carry thyme in his pockets. This was thought to ward off any trolls during the special day.

Italy

In Italy, the grill of the bride and groom’s car is often decorated with flowers, symbolizing the road to a happy marriage.

Ireland

In Ireland, the bride’s bouquet includes English lavender, a symbol of love, luck, and devotion.

Czech Republic

Many Czech brides will find a newly planted tree in their yards the day before their wedding. The tree will be decorated with different-colored ribbons and painted eggshells.