Flowers have always been used for decoration at weddings.
Some people choose the flowers at the wedding on the basis of their symbolic
meaning. For example orange blossom has always been associated with weddings
because it signifies purity and chastity.
Peonies are avoided by some as they represent shame; azaleas represent
temperance: roses symbolize love and snowdrops represent hope.
A combination of red and white flowers is avoided by the superstitious because
they stand for blood and bandages.
However, people from different regions may attach other meanings to the same
flower. For example lilies symbolize majesty to some but are thought unlucky by
others because of their association with death.
The groom often chooses a flower for his buttonhole which also occurs in the
bride's bouquet. This is a vestige of the time when a Knight would wear his
Lady's colors to display his love.
