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By: Flaurel Laurel
Kate Middleton’s bridal bouquet follows royal wedding tradition by being a “cascade” bouquet – the type that lays flat against the body and trails forward and downward like a waterfall. It is created by wiring and taping each individual flower so that it can be manipulated into the desired shape.
Containing lily of the valley (“return of happiness”), sweet william (“gallantry”) and hyacinth (“constancy of love”), the bouquet uses the concept of “the Language of Flowers” which was so popular with the Victorians. The greenery is ivy (“fidelity”, “friendship”) and myrtle (“married love”), both of which have long been popular with brides for their romantic meaning.
The fine texture of the blooms and dainty scale of the overall bouquet makes it a perfect accessory to the restrained and elegant dress chosen by the bride and complements rather than overwhelms her slender figure.
Now the floral decoration at Westminster Abbey reflects two different approaches: the traditional English love of exuberant, flowing greenery and masses of blooms, along with the more eco-conscious concept of using living plants and trees that can be planted afterwards.
The use of the tall trees lining the aisle echoed the architectural form of the Abbey, with the tree trunks mimicking the soaring arches. They also added a natural touch, which softened the stone and glass and brought the outdoors into the chapel. They will have long and happy lives on the various royal estates where they’ll be planted.
The altar decor followed classic English floral preferences, with masses of seasonal blooms in white, cream and green. Included were lilac, lilies, viburnum and jasmine, all arranged to trail and billow and soften the hard surfaces of the stone Abbey. Again, the sense of bringing the garden into the chapel sent a powerful message of naturalness even in such a formal setting, which matches the personal style of both bride and groom.
Please visit Laurel Designs at www.flaurel.com for more information and to see her beautiful work!
And I was so pleased to see that they showed her how to CARRY the bouquet. I see so many wedding photos of brides walking down the aisle holding their flowers in front of their chest!
Note to brides: When you want to see how to do it right, look at the royal weddings.
I couldn’t believe how beautiful the Abbey looked with the trees and red carpeting. Simply spectacular! The bright green of the trees against the grey stone made such an incredible difference. It was magnificent. Much, much more than I was expecting!