For the final part in our Wedding History Series, we’re going to look at wedding flower arrangements. We’re talking ceremony flowers and table centrepieces.
A huge part of the wedding florals, ceremony and reception flowers set the mood of the event and allow guests to feel that they are celebrating a very special occasion. Depending on the location, the installation of wedding flower arrangements varies but really, the sky’s the limit!
The use of plants and flowers during ceremonies dates back to 3000 BC in Ancient Egypt. The early Egyptians were agricultural people and they often associated plants and flowers with religious beliefs. Important agricultural commodities were used as offerings to gods, thus flowers and plants became an integral part of important ceremonies. As time went on, the use of flowers during weddings and other special events became more aesthetic and people began to decorate dining tables, archways and other parts of a room with all things floral. Once individually-plated meals began to be served to guests, more space on a dining table emerged, and thus more room for elaborate centrepieces. The first wedding centerpieces were food-based and included food arranged as pyramids and molded puddings and jellies. Then, with the growth in production of ceramics, vases full of fresh flowers became more and more popular.
The English royals are responsible for popularizing ceremony and reception florals as we know them today. In 1947, Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten. They displayed seasonal flowers in urns at their ceremony in Westminster Abbey and had tables with floral centerpieces for the reception at Buckingham Palace.
Floral centrepieces are a major part of the decoration for the majority of wedding receptions and they are the main attraction when it comes to reception flowers. They set the mood of the party and make the event even more memorable. Centrepiece arrangements give guests something lovely to look at all night long and provide excellent photo opportunities. From garlands of greenery to classic muted tones, the options are endless.
Many couples desire flowers throughout each and every space on their wedding day but this can often push the cost up. One option is to reuse arrangements from the ceremony for the reception. Not only does this cut down on costs, but also on waste too.
So, if you’re planning a wedding and want to cover every available inch in beautiful blooms, or you just want a few tasteful arrangements scattered here and there, we would love to help make your dreams a reality. Get in touch with us via our website, or give us a call on (416) 236 8273.