You’ve asked and we’ve answered! Welcome to your weekly column ‘Planning Your Happily Ever After’ with wedding consultant Shikima Hinds.

Dear Shikima,

I really don’t want to carry a bouquet. Do I really need one? What’s the purpose of the bouquet, anyway?

Aliyah

I was asked this question recently and I didn’t even have the answer myself. It got me wondering what the real purpose of the bouquet is and how did the tradition start?

Ahhh, the beautiful, detailed cluster of flowers carried down the aisle by the bride is a lovely accessory that I didn’t know had a history. So, today I decided to share the knowledge. The bridal bouquet is meant to be a complementary addition to the overall theme of the wedding and the style of her dress.

The custom of having a bridal bouquet dates back to ancient times when a woman would carry herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits. The flower girls and bridesmaids would carry sheaves of wheat, a bouquet which symbolised growth.

Generally, flowers symbolised a new beginning and brought hopes of fertility and happiness. Additions of other plants such as dill, rosemary to represent loyalty, wheat for fertility, ivy for an unbreakable bond, and thistle, thyme, heather, or basil, for protection were common inclusions.

Another big reason brides originally started carrying bouquets centuries ago was the perfume of the flowers. This would mask any personal body odour or any surrounding unpleasant scents.

As weddings have become more symbolic, the bouquet was not left behind with other older traditions. Flowers started to have purpose and their colours were given meaning, as well. Even arrangements with a slightly opened bloom signified tranquility and virginity. White flowers symbolised purity, while orange and purple flowers were signs of happiness and fertility.

The tradition of a bridal bouquet has never slowed down. While I find that most people want their colour scheme to coordinate their bouquet, some brides show sentiment in their contents and design.

The tradition also has more relevance than just carrying the bouquet. Consider the bouquet toss. The bouquet toss was invented as an escape strategy, both distracting and satisfying the frenzied mobs of young ladies so the bride could leave without being seen or harmed.