Fall weddings can offer the opportunity to include less traditional flowers other than Rose; dominant colors may be yellow, orange and shades of red, making a flower bouquet of Sunflowers ideal for a Fall wedding. Another late Summer flower is Carnation, available in an array of colors; for a Fall wedding closer to Winter than Summer, include Myrtle for fragrance.
Sunflower Wedding Bouquets
The Sunflower originated from South America and represented the sun to worshiping Aztec people; it was brought to Europe in the late sixteenth century. Today the Sunflower is grown in the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, Argentina, India and the USA. The Latin name for Sunflower, Helianthus annuus, is taken from the Greek helios, meaning sun, and anthos, meaning flower.
The Sunflower is a Summer flowering annual of the plant family Asteraceae and can grow to a height of fifteen feet; the flower heads are large, with yellow petals, varying in width from three inches to fifteen inches. The Sunflower is a therapeutic plant and an oil is obtained from it for use in aromatherapy (not to be confused with that of cooking oil). For a dramatic and sunny Fall wedding bouquet, Sunflowers make an excellent statement.
Carnations for Fall Wedding Bouquets
Carnations are one of the most popular ancient, scented flowers; in the seventeenth century, Carnations were favorites of both florists and gardeners. The Latin name, Dianthus caryophyllus, was inspired by Theophratus, in fourth century BC, who called them Dio-anthos, meaning flower of Zeus or flower of the gods; the common name of Carnation was taken from their use in crowns for coronations.
Carnations have a floral, exotic and aphrodisiac scent; scented Carnation species include Dianthus caryophyllus, Dianthus plumarius and Dianthus barbatus. Many of these species originated from the Mediterranean but are now present in many gardens throughout the world; Carnations flower in a multitude of colors including pink, white, red, purple, yellow and orange.
The pink species of Dianthus caryophyllus has one of the most fragrant scents; in France and Egypt, an aphrodisiac oil is distilled from the fresh flowers and used as a perfume or to scent a room. The flower petals of Dianthus caryophyllus are said to be good for the nerves, when infused with wine, so perhaps the scent of this particular species of Carnation may be a good choice for the bridal bouquet of a nervous bride!
The Use of Myrtle in Bridal Bouquets
Myrtle (Myrtus communis) was included in the 1840 wedding bouquet of Queen Victoria of England, together with Snowdrops. Myrtle is actually a small shrub or tree of the Myrtaceae plant family, native to the Mediterranean; it has simple, ivory flowers of five petals with gold stamens, followed by blue-black berries. The leaves and the flowers of Myrtle produce a balsamic, aphrodisiac scent.
There are a number of reasons Myrtle is an excellent choice for bridal bouquets. Myrtle takes its name from the Greek, myrtos, 'the herb of love' and is associated with myth; it is said that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, hid her nakedness behind a Myrtle bush. French ladies drink tea made from Myrtle leaves, as it is thought to preserve love and youth; and finally, in bridal bouquets, Myrtle represents a symbol of love and chastity.
Other combinations for Fall wedding bouquets, depending on availability and whether the season is late Summer through Fall or late Fall through Winter, include:
- Roses (a year round favorite)
- Calla Lilies
- Hydrangeas
- Gerber Daises
- Marigold flowers
- Gardenia
- Inclusion of berries such as Cranberry, Hypericum and seed pods.
References:
Lawless, Julia 2001 The Aromatherapy Garden London, UK: Kyle Cathie Ltd
Price, Len 1999 Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy And Massage UK: Riverhead
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
