9 Flower Uses for Indian Weddings
Flowers are the symbols of joy and beauty. We instinctively know they are precious because they are fleeting. Since flowers represent the natural within us, they are central to any wedding ceremony. Flowers define the mood, the sensibility, and the theme of the wedding. Roses are elegant. Gerber daisies are for summer and lilies symbolize hope and peace.
The gorgeous flowers and their myriad arrangements can be customized to enhance any wedding. As you begin pondering the flowers you will need, we thought we would mention some key components of the wedding ceremony where they are used. Flowers can dazzle and transform the event from a humble ritual into a remarkable occasion.
Vibrant bridal bouquet. Photo by Angie Realce.
1. Bridal Bouquets
Regardless of the style of wedding you are having, flowers for the bride are customary. Typically, a bridal bouquet sets the tone for the rest of the wedding. A fall or winter wedding may feature a more fall bouquet color palette. A spring wedding can feature hot pinks and pastels. Bridal bouquets come in all sizes, from the smaller nosegays, to the larger, cascading forms. They can be held in both hands, or they can be arm-carried if the longer stems are preserved.
Just as important as choosing the flowers themselves, is the wrapping of the stems. Flowers can spread moisture and they can also rend their color, especially on clothing. If you are wearing a bright white dress, be mindful of choosing and carrying your flowers in such a way that they don’t stain the fabric.
2. Bridesmaids Bouquets
Bridesmaids and wedding attendants can also carry their own bouquets. Usually, these are smaller versions of the bride’s arrangement. While the bridal outfit may be white or red, the bridesmaids’ dresses can be any number of colors. Therefore, in creating the bridesmaids’ bouquets you also have a lot more options for variation.
The bridesmaids’ bouquets should complement the outfits. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing blue, you may want to highlight their flowers with blue, orange or yellow. You have many options to choose from when enhancing your color palette for the bridesmaids’ flowers.
Other than bouquets, you may also have the option to have corsages for the women attendants. The corsages can be created with similar colors and flowers as the bridesmaids’ bouquets. A pretty ribbon helps wrap up the effect nicely.
3. Flower Girl
Closely related to the flowers you will choose for the bridesmaids are the flowers that the flower girl will wear and distribute. While the flower girl may be the smallest in the bridal party, she is very important. She gets the festivities underway by being the first to walk down the aisle.
Be sure that she is comfortable wearing her flower arrangement and is able to scatter the flowers as you intend. Even if she doesn’t get it exactly right, she will be adorable.
4. Boutonnieres
There are few things more elegant than a buttonhole or boutonniere. They are a great opportunity to add a splash of color to men’s formalwear. Like the bridesmaids’ floral arrangements, the boutonniere can be created in keeping with the other floral themes.
Just like the rest of the flowers, the boutonniere should be well sealed to limit the possibility of water or staining. Because the gentlemen may wear them for an extended period of time throughout the ceremonies be sure they have enough water to help them last as long as possible.
5. Jai Malas (Garlands)
If you are having a traditional Asian wedding, the bride and groom will exchange flower jam malls (garlands). The exchanging of the garlands symbolizes the acceptance of the bride and the groom of each other. The garland exchange is therefore a focal point in a traditional ceremony, and some consider it the actual moment at which the marriage has occurred. The traditional colors for the flowers in the garland are red, white, or orange.
6. Centerpieces
The centerpiece can make a bold statement and define the overall décor of the wedding venue. There are countless ways to make this happen. One of the obvious is to make the majesty of the flowers tower over the guests. This makes the flowers the unmistakable center of attention.
A couple of considerations with centerpieces are that they should not drop pollen or petals. They should also not have too strong of a scent, especially if you are serving a subtle, but fancy meal. Finally, be mindful of the fact that many people have allergies to plant pollens.
The centerpiece arrangements can be placed in larger central vases, or they can be placed in smaller multiple vases. The centerpiece flowers can even be scattered throughout the central portions of the table.
Your florist will also have several methods to help ensure that the flowers will last for the duration of the ceremony. They may crush the stems, keep the flowers refrigerated until they are needed, and change the water several times. This will help keep the flowers fresh and looking their best for as long as possible.
If you wish for your guests to take them home after the ceremony, you may want to let those people know individually and ahead of time. This will avoid confusion as the wedding ceremony comes to a close.
7. For the Hair
If you are going to be using flowers in your hair, you may want to match those to the wedding theme flowers. You may also want to save a few extra for the bridesmaids and the flower girl to complete the look.
Flowers add wonderful color and softness to any outfit. In a wedding, they can make everyone feel exotic. Well placed, they can also give a lovely focal point and balance your hairstyle.
8. Rose Petals
Because of its seemingly endless swirl of color and fragrance, the rose is the symbol of love. Rose petals have so many uses in a wedding. They can be used to line the aisle right from the very outset of the wedding. They can be for table decorations. They can also be used at the very end of the wedding ceremony, as a substitute for the rice throwing. Even after the wedding, rose petals make excellent enhancements to any décor.
9. Mandap
Don't forge the most prominent use of flowers: center stage at the mandap. A few bright blooms can liven up any ceremonial area. They can be seasonal and reflect your theme colors.
No matter what flowers you choose, they will be amazing. They will make your pictures come alive and add a spark of the natural and the eternal.
