By: Cecilia White, OAC Horticulture
Canadian Certified Horticultural Technician
Canadian Institute of Floral Design
C W Horticulture, Georgetown, ON

Wreaths for Weddings

Historical cultures of Persia called wreaths diadems; Derived from the Greek word didema, which means bound around. Diadems symbolized royalty and were worn around the brow of a royal bonnet. Greeks used leaves to make a head garland and even Julius Caesar wore a wreath. Later in history people wore wreaths to honour religious holidays and commemorate different occasions. Early Roman brides carried bunches of herbs such as rosemary and garlic under their veils to symbolize fertility, fidelity, and to ward off evil spirits. Ivy was used in ancient Greece as a sign of everlasting and unbreakable love. The bunches of herbs soon became wreaths and garlands worn by the bride and groom, and later became the wedding bouquet. Wreaths symbolize welcome, eternity, and a joyful spirit. Wreaths continue to be used for decoration as well as focal points for all festive occasions.

Unity Candle

It is a fairly new tradition that is primarily North American. The Unity Candle symbolizes the uniting of both families. It consists of one large candle with two smaller candles or tapers. Before the ceremony the mothers light the two tapers. After or during the ceremony, the bride and groom then light the large candle simultaneously. As the two flames merge into one and can no longer be separated, so are the bride and groom joined as one in marriage. The unity candle is not a religious symbol and is not identified with a particular religion or denomination. It can be incorporated into the ceremony or performed during the reception. Other variations include the Family Candle, where blended to- be families participate. Children of the bride and children of the groom light the large candle with tapers. There is still one large candle, at the centre of multiple smaller candles for the number of children plus the bride and groom.

The Flower Ceremony

This is a simple addition to the traditional ceremony. It is also an easy way to acknowledge the mothers during the service. As the bride walks down the aisle she presents a single flower from her bouquet to her mother. After the wedding ceremony is complete she hands a flower from her bouquet to her mother-in-law on her way back down the aisle.