Happy Herbs

iStock

They may not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think about floral arrangements for your wedding, but herbs have been a traditional part of the bridal bouquet for centuries. Athenian brides glided down the aisle carrying mint and marigold which they believed to be an aphrodisiac, while brides in ancient Rome wove wheat, for fertility, and rosemary, for the groom’s vitality, into their arrangements. It was the Victorians who took this trend to new heights though, creating a ‘language of flowers’ to express their love. Men would make their affections known by sending a woman a bouquet meticulously arranged to convey a message of love: burnet for a merry heart, lavender for undying love, lamb’s-ears for support, and oregano for happiness.

Shutterstock

Herbs are perfect for a country garden wedding so ask your florist about incorporating this charming tradition into your flower arrangements. Here are just a few ideas to get you started...

Place Settings

Tie small bunches of herbs together and secure them with name tags.

WHY: Your guests will be surrounded by aromatic bliss and have a keepsake

to take home with them.

USE: Mint for warmth; marjoram for joy; verbena for faithfulness.

Flower Girl's Basket

Fill your flowergirls’ baskets with a mix of fragrant herbs and flowers for them to scatter down the aisle or create garlands of delicate blooms and herbs for them to wear.

WHY: Using sweet-smelling herbs in the flower basket fills the room witha heavenly scent, while a garland made from woven flowers and herbs is perfect for a flowergirl’s ‘princess’ moment.

USE: For the flower basket – pink rose petals and lavender symbolise grace, beauty, and luck (everything a girl needs!) For the garland - yarrow for everlasting love, ivy for fidelity, and

Groom and Ring Bearer Boutonniere

Create a mini-arrangement with herbs and a single flower.

WHY: This is a unique way of bringing herbs and their symbolic meanings into your floral arrangements.

USE: A sprig of thyme and rosemary to give your groom and ring bearer a burst of courage and a white rose bud to symbolise everlasting love.

Shutterstock

From Summer 2012/2013 issue of QB - words by Meagan Lawrence (p 132)

QB x

Check out Queensland Brides at www.queenslandbrides.com.au, Facebook and Twitter. Get the latest issue here.