BY ALISON McGILL
All floral design by Rosalie Villanueva
Did you know every flower tells a story and has a secret meaning and emotion behind it? Floriography is the formal term for the language of flowers, a belief that bloomed in the Victorian era and is still very much practiced today.
Back then, it was believed certain wedding flowers, colours and floral combinations represented specific sentiments. Floriography became especially popular in an age where expressing outward emotions and feelings was socially taboo. Flowers were used to do the talking. In the realm of romance, a thoughtfully curated bouquet was often sent by a prospective suitor to communicate a covert message, most often of love and longing.
Today, this old-world tradition is very much alive and well, particularly in weddings. At a time when vintage elements are influencing the look and feel of so many celebrations, floriography has become beloved as an incredibly personal and creative way to infuse wedding days with an intimate air of nostalgia.
“I love the idea of incorporating floriography into event design because at the time it gained popularity, it was one of the main ways for lovers to communicate discretely with each other,” shares Toronto floral artist and designer Rosalie Villanueva. “It reminds me of when I would make a mixed tape for a crush to whom I couldn’t bring myself to express my feelings face to face. I would do that through music, by studying the lyrics to convey what I was feeling. With floriography, and in the context of Victorian courtship, flowers were the messengers – how wildly romantic!
When it comes to wedding flowers, floriography adds another layer of feels to everything. In addition to seasonality and variety, the meaning behind flowers has become a big influence on Villanueva’s work, and an increasingly important factor for her nearlywed clients.
“Over the years, I have worked with couples who have asked for particular flowers to be included in their arrangements to honour guests who have travelled from far away to celebrate them, like thistles for Scottish family members or tulips to welcome guests from the Netherlands,” Villanueva reports. “This creates a meaningful and personal moment with flowers. Floriography takes that connection deeper and is a beautiful bespoke way to share your love story with others.”
The wedding bouquet is one of the most precious wedding day details and an arrangement Villanueva purposely loves to pack with meaning. One favourite bloom she’s working with a lot at the moment is the calla lily, which has seen a massive comeback in the world of wedding florals and is once again an essential for bridal bouquets.
“In floriography, the calla lily means ‘magnificent beauty,’ which is a pretty powerful message,” Villanueva says. “Who doesn’t want a bit of that messaging in their wedding bouquet?” With wedding bouquets trending more towards more organic, less rigid and intentionally unrefined arrangements, Villanueva says some of her favourite seasonal flowers to design with are also packed with sweet sentiments.
If you want to dive deeper into floriography, Villanueva has a few books she recommends checking out for inspiration. Her favourites include The Illustrated Language of Flowers by Anna Christian Burke; Language of Flowers by Kate Greenaway; and The Meaning of Flowers: Myth, Language & ore by Ann Field and Gretchen Scoble.
In blooms
In addition to calla lilies, here are 11 more of Villanueva’s favourite flowers – and the meaning behind them – to consider for your big day.
CLEMATIS: Mental strength, beauty and wisdom
NERINE: Connection, joy, security, affection and resilience
RANUNCULUS: Charm and attractiveness
SWEET PEA: Gratitude, admiration and loyalty
LISIANTHUS: Appreciation, gratitude, charisma and lifelong love
ONCIDIUM ORCHIDS: Happiness, grace, joy and celebration
LADY SLIPPER ORCHIDS: Capricious beauty and luxurious love
ANTHURIUM: Hospitality, happiness, abundance and prosperity
DELPHINIUM: Levity, joy and protection
BITTERSWEET NIGHTSHADE: Truth, honesty and deep affection
LILY OF THE VALLEY: Purity, sincerity, humility and a return of happiness
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