The Language of Flowers: Adding Meaning to Your Wedding Arrangements
Flowers do more than just look beautiful on your wedding day—they speak. At Sweet Lilacs, we believe florals are more than a decorative detail. They're storytellers. From centuries-old symbols to subtle nods to your love story, each bloom can hold meaning. It's a tradition known as floriography—or the "language of flowers"—and it's making a heartfelt comeback among couples who want their weddings to feel just as intentional as they are gorgeous.
So, if you're a bride or groom looking to infuse your wedding with a little extra meaning (and a lot of charm), let's dive into how the right flowers can help you say everything... without saying a word.
What Is the Language of Flowers?
Once upon a time in Victorian England, people sent entire messages through flowers—expressing everything from admiration to longing to "Sorry I ghosted you at the ball." Each bloom (and even its color) had a specific meaning.
Fast-forward to today, and couples are embracing this old-school romance in fresh, modern ways. From a bouquet that nods to your first date to floral archways layered with symbolism, there's something really special about creating floral art that tells a story.
Popular Wedding Flowers & Their Meanings
Here's a peek at some of our favorite blooms and the stories they tell:
Roses – The classic romantic. Red means passionate love, white symbolizes purity, and blush pink? Sweet admiration.
Peonies – Beloved for a reason: they represent a happy marriage, prosperity, and good fortune.
Ranunculus – These fluttery blooms symbolize charm and attraction—perfect for the couple that's been smitten since day one.
Lavender – Not just calming and lovely, lavender signifies devotion and grace.
Sweet Pea – A symbol of gratitude and blissful pleasure—plus, how cute is that name?
Dahlia – With strong petals and bold shapes, dahlias represent commitment, elegance, and inner strength.
Hydrangea – These fluffy blooms say "thank you" and "I feel deeply," making them perfect for family-focused weddings.
Lilacs (yes, we had to!) – Meaning "first love" and innocence, lilacs are a subtle nod to beginnings—and a signature Sweet Lilacs touch.
Want to get even more creative? Ask us about blooms with cultural or family significance. We love helping couples weave heritage into their florals.
Ways to Tell Your Love Story with Flowers
Adding meaning to your floral design doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few of our favorite ways to infuse symbolism into your wedding day:
In Your Bouquet
Build a bouquet that tells your story. Include your partner's birth flower, a bloom that reminds you of your first trip together, or something symbolic of your family history.
Floral Installations & Ceremony Arches
Make your vows even more emotional with a floral arch layered with blooms that mean love, loyalty, and lasting connection.
Boutonnières & Corsages
Small but mighty: include a meaningful bloom in your partner's boutonnière or honor loved ones with flowers that speak to your bond.
Table Arrangements with a Twist
Use centerpieces to showcase a theme or love story chapter. Imagine guests seated at tables named after different flowers with little notes on their meanings!
Floral Keepsakes & Favors
Pressed flower bookmarks, dried bouquet shadow boxes, or seed packet favors with flower meanings? Yes, yes, and yes.
Designing with Meaning at Sweet Lilacs
When we create floral designs at Sweet Lilacs, we do it with heart. Every stem, texture, and petal is chosen not just for its beauty but also for the way it feels. We love guiding our couples through the process of selecting blooms that reflect their personalities, their journeys, and their futures.
So whether you're dreaming of a peony-packed bouquet or a lavender-lined aisle, we'll help you make sure your flowers say something real.
Let Your Flowers Speak for You
Your wedding is more than a celebration—it's a story. Let your florals be the love letter that blooms right alongside it!
Ready to bring meaning to your wedding day?
Let's design something magical together. Reach out to Sweet Lilacs, and let's start planning your floral story.
Venue: IL Refugio
Photographer: Sabrina Jovanna Photography
Coordinator: Harl Coordination Co.
Floral Design: Sweet Lilacs
HMUA: Wright Face for every occasion- Elizabeth Wright
Wedding Dress: Sonora Bridal Loft
Hand lettering-signage Lavender Oak Lettering
Rentals: Standard Event Rentals
Dessert: Becky’s Bakery