Call Today

The Flower Language Dictionary: Floriography for Your Wedding Bouquets

So many decisions go into planning your wedding: The date, the menu, the bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses, and so much more. One of the arguably most important details is the flowers, specifically the bridal bouquet.

Flower language has been used across many cultures throughout history to signify special meaning based on the types of flowers and even the colors used. Some of these old traditions remain relevant to this day; there’s a reason that red roses are associated with love, after all. By taking inspiration from the various flower language dictionaries, your bouquet can tell the story of your unique love with your partner as you celebrate together.

Use this guide to help you plan the perfect wedding bouquet or any other flower arrangement you may need for your special day.

Victorian Flower Language Meanings

Flower language gained popularity in the Victorian Era. At that time, people took communication through flora very seriously and many homes had books of flower dictionaries to help decipher special meanings and messages from the flowers they gave and received. While no longer commonly practiced in the modern day, floriography is still a beautiful way of expressing yourself, though few people may remember the specific meanings off the top of their head.

Different variations of flowers have different meanings in the Victorian flower language. For example, red roses represent love while dark red roses are for mourning. Pink roses represent happiness, white roses are innocence, and yellow roses symbolize infidelity, which you probably don’t want in your hand bouquet wedding!

Carnations come in a similar variety of colors and meanings; red for deep love, white for innocence, pink for “I’ll never forget you,” and yellow for disappointment. The green carnation, thanks to Oscar Wilde’s influence, even became associated with homosexuality.

Hanakotoba Meanings

Hanakotoba is much like the floriography of the Victorian era though it originates from Japan and therefore assigns different meanings to different flowers. That said, there is some overlap and common flowers and meanings between both languages. In hanakotoba, carnations are mainly associated with familial love while roses and their colors have very similar meanings to Victorian flower language.

Peonies, for example, are different in both languages. In hanakotoba they are associated with bravery while in Victorian flower language they’re associated with happiness or even shame.

Suggestions For Your Bridal Bouquet

Choosing flowers that translate to different variations of love is one of the best ways to celebrate your wedding. Many of the flowers in both languages are related to love.

Yellow tulips are meant to say “there is sunshine in your smile” and represent a declaration of love. Asters, a beautiful bright purple flower, are a symbol of love and daintiness. Baby’s Breath has long been a wedding classic and for good reason; it symbolizes innocent, everlasting love. Daisies also represent innocence and love, while the hibiscus represents delicate beauty. Both would make a wonderful addition to any bouquet.

For a more unique approach to your bouquet, you may want to consider including sunflowers. In hanakotoba, they represent passionate love, hope, and radiance. Even without knowing their deeper meaning, just looking at the bright yellow flowers makes the room feel a little happier.

Suggestions For Wedding Corsages

Most weddings tend to match the corsages to the bridal bouquet though there’s no hard and fast rule about this. If you want a unique meaning separate from the bridal bouquet, consider coordinating different flowers in your corsages. Stephanotis flowers are small white blooms that represent marital happiness. Eucalyptus, another commonly used plant in weddings, is associated with protection and safety. Camelias of every color are relevant to expressing love at your wedding; pink signifies longing, red the flame of love, and white is the equivalent of calling someone adorable.

Suggestions For Other Wedding Flowers

Beyond the bouquets and corsages, you may need flowers to decorate your wedding venue or for other purposes in your wedding. We suggest incorporating ivy, a symbol of fidelity and marriage itself. Wisteria is another great plant to use to welcome your guests given that’s exactly what it means: welcome.

With so many options available, this list gives you a good place to start when planning the flowers at your wedding. If you have a special connection to a certain plant or flower, incorporating that into your special day is the perfect way to celebrate regardless of the Victorian or hanakotoba meaning. Personal meaning is what matters the most; go with what resonates most with you and your flowers—and wedding—are sure to be a hit.

Spread the love
snacks catered for an event at Oaks Manor

How to Create a Vendor List from Scratch

To start building your vendor list, begin with a list of wedding vendors that are most essential to your vision. At Oaks Manor, couples often bring in their own:

  • Caterers and bartenders
  • Florists and decorators
  • Musicians or DJs
  • Photographers and videographers
  • Officiants
  • Hair and makeup teams
  • Rental companies for furniture, tents, or décor

    You can use a vendor list template, a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a shared Google Document to track key details. Be sure to include names, contact info, arrival/setup times, and payment deadlines. Your event vendor list doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be clear, accessible, and shared with the people who need it.

    Choosing the Right Vendors for an Estate Wedding

    Since Oaks Manor is only a host location, we don’t lock you into a preferred vendor list. That means you’re free to work with the professionals you love most and build a day that reflects your style, priorities, and budget. 

    Still, the best vendors are those who understand you, your style, your pace, and your goals. Set up calls, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Have you worked at an event venue like this before?” The right team will be just as excited as you are to bring your ideas to life.

    Best Practices for a Vendor List 

    As you finalize your list of vendors for an event, consider the following tips.

    1. Keep everything in one place. Whether it’s digital or on paper, your vendor list should include full names, phone numbers, email addresses, contracts, and notes regarding responsibilities.
    2. Share your timeline. Your vendors should know when they can arrive, when they need to be finished, and where they will be setting up. Oaks Manor’s flexibility makes this easy; we offer extended access for setup and breakdown.
    3. Confirm details in writing. A well-organized vendor contact list is your insurance against miscommunication.
    4. Stay in touch. A quick check-in with each vendor a week before your wedding helps avoid last-minute surprises.

    Maintaining clear communication and records of conversations will help you keep track of your plans and ensure everything is clear for you and your vendors.

    FAQ’s

    Seeking more information on creating a vendor list? See the frequently asked questions below or contact our team, and we will be happy to help!

    Why is a vendor list important?

    A vendor list helps you stay organized, ensures vendors know where and when to appear, and provides everyone with a clear point of contact. 

    When you’re managing an event as unique as a wedding at a private estate, that level of coordination can make all the difference.

    What is a Vendor List?

    A document that keeps track of all the professionals and services involved in your event. Including how to contact them, dates, prices, arrival and departure times, legal information, important details or conversations, and any other relevant information you need to keep track of for your event. 

    How to Create a Vendor List?

    This is your all-in-one organizer. Your vendor list should include each vendor’s business name, contact person, phone number & email, arrival/setup times, contract status, remaining balance due, important conversations, legal agreements, and any other relevant details you want to remember. Keep it somewhere accessible, such as a shared Google Sheet, a wedding planning app, or a printed folder that you bring to the venue.

    Plan Your Event at Oaks Manor

    At Oaks Manor, we offer space for up to 180 guests, provide outdoor ceremonies, and feature a brand-new carriage house that is perfect for cocktail hour. Please get in touch with our team, and we will arrange a time for you to take a tour.