Winter wedding flowers
During the winter months we do not have lots of flowers available but it’s not all berries and foliage. Today I am sharing my essential guide to winter wedding flowers and the meanings they carry or the myths associated with them. If you want to know more about the language of flowers follow my Facebook page where every Friday I post #floralfriday.
In the bleak mid winter frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone.
Yes, this season can feel quite bleak, but mother nature knows what she is doing. There are still plenty of flower offerings available. Read on and allow me to show you the very best seasonal blooms available throughout the cold winter months.
Helebore winter flower
Hellebore
This is the beautiful winter flowering hellebore, commonly known as the Christmas rose. It is part of the buttercup family.
It is the perfect example of a winter wedding flower and is becoming really popular to use. Although it can be a little tricky for us florist and doesn’t always play the game.
It symbolizes serenity, tranquility and peace. (It can also represent a scandal or anxiety)
This story explains the origin of the name of Christmas Rose. A poor shepherd travelled to Bethlehem. He did not have a present to give to the baby Jesus and, as it was the cold season, he did not find any flowers by the wayside, he wept bitterly. As his tears touched the soil, flowers as beautiful as roses sprung from the ground. Overwhelmed with joy, the shepherd took these "Christ-mas Roses" and gave them to the Child of Christ as a present.
Ranunculus. My favourite winter wedding flowers.
Ranunculus
This is my all time favourite winter wedding flower. I used it in my own wedding flowers when I was married on a windy March day many years ago. It has so many petals but is really hardy and not fragile.
The ranunculus flower is a symbol of attractiveness and charm. It is also a symbol of careless behaviour, this meaning was derived from an ancient story created by Native Americans. There is an old legend about a coyote that played with his eyes by throwing them into the sky and catching them. Whilst Coyotee was doing that, Eagle came flying over him and caught his eyes. Coyote couldn’t see anything, so he picked two small ranunculus flowers and made them into his eyes. Since then the ranunculus flower became a symbol of careless behaviour.
Scented paper white narcissi winter wedding flowers.
Narcissi
These little beauties are a perfect winter wedding flower. They come in different colours, yellow. cream, yellow with orange centres. But this Paper White variety is perfect for the season and one of my favourites. They have the most delicious scent which I think is really important in your bridal bouquet, I have written another blog about this.
Narcissus was a hunter in Greek mythology. He was a very beautiful young man, and many fell in love with him. However, he only showed them disdain and contempt. One day, while he was hunting in the woods, the nymph Echo spotted him and immediately fell for him. When Narcissus sensed that someone was following him, Echo eventually revealed herself and tried to hug him. However, he pushed her off and told her not to disturb him. Echo, in despair, roamed around the woods for the rest of her life, and wilted away until all it remained of her was an echo sound.
Nemesis, the goddess of retribution and revenge, learned what had happened and decided to punish Narcissus for his behaviour. She led him to a pool; there, the man saw his reflection in the water and fell in love with it. Although he did not realise in the beginning that it was just a reflection, when he understood it, he fell in despair that his love could not materialise and committed suicide.
Beautiful snowdrops winter wedding flowers.
Galanthus
Nature's sign that Spring is coming. These are Galanthus nivalis commonly known as Snowdrops. Galanthus translates to the Greek word for “milk,” while nivalis means “snow-like.” Basically 'say what you see'.
Snowdrop flowers hold deep meaning. Usually it is seen as a symbol of rebirth and the ability to overcome challenges in life. It can also show sympathy for somebody who is struggling and serve as a symbol of hope and innocence, too.
Simple white lilac display makes the perfect winter wedding flowers.
Syringa
During Winter we can enjoy the seductive scent and beauty of the syringa, commonly known as lilac. Available in white, pink, violet, dark blue or purple-blue. Each colour carries a different meaning. These beauties are another popular winter wedding flower when they are in season.
Lilacs have a deep-rooted history originating in ancient Greek mythology. It was said that Pan, the god of forests and fields was hopelessly in love with a nymph named Syringa. One day he was pursuing her through a forest and, afraid of his advances, she turned herself into a lilac shrub to disguise herself.
Winter Anemone winter wedding flowers.
Anemone
This beautiful winter flower is an anemone, wildflowers that grow in many parts of Europe, North America and Japan. The name anemone is derived from Greek which means “windflower.” The flowers appear to be blown open by the wind.
The anemone is probably one of the flowers that features the most in the inspiration images shared with me (not forgetting the peony). It really is a wonderful winter wedding flower. Quite delicate and sometimes tricky to use but oh, so worth it.
According to Greek mythology, anemones sprang out of the tears of Aphrodite while she was mourning the death of her lover, Adonis. Adonis was killed by the gods due to their jealousy over his love affair with the beautiful goddess of love.
The most significant anemone flower meaning is anticipation; the anemone flowers close up at night and open back up in the morning. Due to its wild nature, the flower specifically symbolizes relaxation and serves as a reminder to enjoy the moment in order to take in opportunities at the right time. According to the Victorian language of flowers, anemone flowers also signify fragility.
Popular for christmas, amarylis suitable for winter wedding flowers.
Amaryllis
This flower has a very strong symbolic meaning behind it. It is the symbol of unrequited love.
According to a Greek poem written by Virgil, there was a beautiful nymph called Amarullis. The nymph was suffering because the love of her life, her gardener Alto, wasn’t noticing her. To show him how much she loves him, she used a golden arrow to pierce her heart every day for a month. She would stand on his doorstep and do this, but her gardener ignored her and never offered her a chance to show him her love. Her attempts ended in a sudden and tragic death.
Tulips, perfect winter wedding flowers.
Tulips
This flower obviously needs no introduction. The tulip is a classic flower that has been loved by many for centuries; they have been attached with the meaning of perfect love. Could that be any more symbolic for a wedding wedding flower?
Different colours often carry their own significance. Red tulips are most strongly associated with true love, while purple symbolizes royalty, white are used to claim worthiness or to send a message of forgiveness.
So there you have it. A few of my favourite seasonal winter wedding flowers. I hope it has provided you with some floral inspiration. For more winter flower inspiration check out this blog for real life weddings. Which winter flower is your favourite?!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne-Marie the face of Petal Power
Hi! I'm Anne-Marie, Petal Power is me!
I run my weddings and event floristry business out of my studio in Creigiau, Cardiff, South Wales.
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It’s only natural that you have a load of questions when planning your wedding flowers.
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I have written so many blogs, take a few moments and have a good look.
But if you are thinking of getting married in the winter then you need to take a look at some real life wedding inspiration with this beautiful wedding.
Winter wedding flowers bouquet
I still have some availability for this year and next year. If you have booked your wedding date get in touch to discuss your wedding flowers.
I look forward to speaking to you.