The Expression of Connection: Flowers in Indian Wedding.

For centuries, and across cultures, flowers have spoken a language transcending time. Although pretty to look at on the surface, their significance has always run deep. Since flowers carry human sentiment far beyond what words can express, why not harness the language of flowers when it's time to make a lifelong commitment?

What is the Language of Flowers?

The language of flowers—floriography has long existed but it was introduced as a concept and a ‘life hack’ in the Victorian era. An era where the open display of emotions was shunned.

Alongside the complex feelings of love, attraction, despair and sadness, expressions as simple as a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ could be conveyed by simply accepting flowers from either the right or left hand.

Since we humans speak a multitude of languages across the globe, the ever-changing language of flowers can be used per culture to highlight human emotions whenever we fall short of words.

How do flowers add meaning to Indian celebrations and culture?

Flowers are one of the many unifying elements of the intricately diverse culture of India and are used across pujas, religious offerings, ceremonies, and celebrations. They are not seen as mere throwaway items used as floral decorations for weddings but they rather form an integral part of the ceremony.

The exchange of the Varmala after the Baarat— at the beginning of the wedding, the bride’s hair, the groom’s veil (sehra), the decorated mandaps and the showers of blessings with flowers showcase exactly how vital of a part different types of wedding flowers play in Indian weddings. But what significance do these flowers hold?

Floral symbolism

Specific Indian wedding flowers connotate distinct meanings, thereby elevating an occasion as purpose-built as this ceremony. Here’s a list of certain symbolisms that Indian wedding flowers hold: