Royal weddings aren’t just a grand celebration for the couple; they’re lavish showcases with the world watching. Every detail is meticulously planned and analyzed, from the bride’s gown to the smallest floral accent. It’s this global attention to the flowers that gives a royal wedding its trendsetting potential.

Think of a royal wedding as the ultimate mood board. Florists, wedding magazines, and brides-to-be everywhere dissect the chosen blooms – their textures, colors, and arrangement styles. Suddenly those unique orchids seen tucked into a princess’ bouquet become highly sought-after, or the delicate wildflower archway replicates itself in rustic weddings worldwide.

The influence has a ripple effect:

• Elevating Florists’ Artistry: Royal weddings often collaborate with top floral designers, pushing the boundaries of traditional arrangements. Techniques and designs that might seem extravagant for a standard wedding become aspirational, showcasing the true potential of flowers in creating a transformative atmosphere.
• Flower Symbolism Renaissance: Historically, flowers carried specific meanings. Royal weddings often revive this ‘language of flowers.’ A bride might include a specific bloom for its symbolism, which sparks renewed interest in the Victorian tradition among those planning their own weddings.
• Demand for the Unusual: Because royal budgets are less restrictive, they can source rare or out-of-season flowers. This can lead to an increase in florists stocking more exotic varieties, making them accessible to a broader market.

Of course, not every bride wants to replicate a royal wedding exactly. But the inspiration lingers. A woman might fall in love with a single variety of orchid from the royal bouquet and build the color scheme of her own, more intimate wedding around it. It’s this subtle translation of royal luxury into individual aesthetics that solidifies the trendsetting power of those extravagant floral displays.

The tradition of royal brides carrying flowers began with Queen Victoria. In 1840, she carried a small bouquet of snowdrops and sprigs of myrtle. Since then, every British royal bride has followed suit, often incorporating that traditional sprig of myrtle as a symbol of love and good fortune. Over the years, the evolution of royal bouquets has shown how flowers can reflect both timeless elegance and a touch of the era’s hottest floral trends.

Iconic Bouquets That Made History

Let’s take a stroll down the aisle of floral history:

• Grace Kelly (1956): This Hollywood princess turned Monegasque royalty carried a modest yet sophisticated bouquet of lilies of the valley, symbolizing purity and humility. To this day, it’s still a popular flower for brides.
• Princess Diana (1981): Her cascading bouquet was the epitome of ’80s abundance, overflowing with gardenias, orchids, lilies, and a generous dose of greenery.
• Kate Middleton (2011): In contrast, she opted for a smaller, shield-shaped bouquet featuring sweetly scented hyacinth alongside the traditional myrtle sprigs. The understated elegance reflected changing bridal tastes.
• Meghan Markle (2018): Continuing the trend towards less structured bouquets, Meghan carried a whimsical arrangement featuring handpicked flowers from Prince Harry’s garden, adding a personal touch and embracing a more natural aesthetic.

Beyond the bride’s bouquet, flowers play a starring role throughout royal weddings. From lavish reception centerpieces to delicate floral arches, the chosen blooms, colors, and styles establish the ambience of the entire event. Florists take note, as these grand floral displays can inspire bridal trends for years to come.

“Royal weddings always give us a glimpse into the latest and most luxurious floral designs,” says a veteran wedding florist. “What a royal bride chooses can influence everything from popular color palettes to the types of arrangements seen in weddings across the country.”

Royal weddings hold a certain fascination, with people across the world captivated by the pomp and circumstance. Brides-to-be, especially, take inspiration from these extravagant affairs, seeking to incorporate a touch of royal magic into their own special day.

While not everyone has access to the rarest and most expensive blooms, royal wedding florals offer a starting point for ideas. Whether it’s the simplicity of a single-variety bouquet or the intricate details of floral installations, the influence of royal taste can be spotted in bridal trends season after season.

The choices made by royal brides often echo throughout the world of weddings. What began with a queen carrying a humble bouquet of snowdrops has blossomed into a tradition that influences floral trends across the globe, proving that the language of flowers remains as timeless and elegant as a royal wedding itself.