Most iconic bridal bouquets in history
Here’s a Petal & Poem guide to some of the most iconic wedding bouquets in history—each with its own distinctive style, cultural significance, and lasting legacy. These bouquets were not just floral arrangements but were also a reflection of the brides, their personalities, and the times they lived in.
1. Princess Diana of Wales (1981)
Bouquet: Diana's bouquet was one of the most iconic wedding bouquets in history. It was designed by David Longman of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and featured a cascade of white roses, lilies-of-the-valley, orchids, ivy, and anemones.
Significance: The bouquet was the perfect mix of elegance and natural beauty. Its mix of classic white flowers symbolized purity, while the ivy was a symbol of fidelity. Diana's bouquet was later immortalized in photos and has since become a model for many royal and celebrity wedding arrangements.
Style: Classic, romantic, and cascading.
2. Kate Middleton (2011)
Bouquet: Kate Middleton’s wedding bouquet, designed by Shane Connolly, was an understated yet elegant arrangement featuring myrtle, hyacinth, lily-of-the-valley, sweet william, and a sprig of rosemary. The myrtle was particularly meaningful, as it was a tradition passed down through generations of British royal brides.
Significance: The myrtle symbolizes love and marriage in royal tradition, and Kate’s bouquet honored that. It was also delicate and symbolic of a new beginning, in contrast to the larger, more opulent bouquets that had come before.
Style: Delicate, refined, and traditional with a touch of sentimentality.
3. Grace Kelly (1956)
Bouquet: Grace Kelly’s bouquet, created by legendary florist Jean-Marie Auvray, was a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. It was composed of white orchids, lilies-of-the-valley, and white roses, creating a timeless and classic look.
Significance: Grace Kelly's bouquet was inspired by her elegant sense of style and her royal marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco. It represented grace and simplicity, matching the bride’s soft beauty and royal stature.
Style: Elegant, traditional, and perfectly regal.
4. Queen Elizabeth II (1947)
Bouquet: Queen Elizabeth’s bouquet, designed by London florist McVittie & Co., featured myrtle (symbolizing love and marriage), orchids, and a variety of fragrant flowers. The bouquet was famously small and compact, a contrast to the larger arrangements seen at many royal weddings.
Significance: Like Kate Middleton’s, Queen Elizabeth II’s bouquet included myrtle, a tradition dating back to Queen Victoria's wedding in 1840. The flowers were symbolic of her royal lineage and enduring commitment to Prince Philip.
Style: Compact, traditional, and symbolic of the royal wedding traditions.
5. Meghan Markle (2018)
Bouquet: Meghan Markle’s bouquet, designed by florist Philippa Craddock, was a beautiful and meaningful arrangement featuring anemones, peonies, roses, and myrtle, with a sprig of “forget-me-nots” to honor Princess Diana.
Significance: Meghan’s bouquet had deep personal meaning—especially the inclusion of the forget-me-nots, which were Princess Diana’s favorite flowers. The bouquet was symbolic of love, remembrance, and family.
Style: Natural, understated, and meaningful.
6. Jacqueline Kennedy (1953)
Bouquet: Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding bouquet, designed by New York florist Robert J. Freeman, was a stunning arrangement of white orchids, gardenias, and lilies-of-the-valley.
Significance: The bouquet exuded sophistication and elegance, reflecting Jackie’s poised and stylish personality. The white gardenias were a nod to Jackie’s love for the flower and have become associated with the glamour of the early 1960s.
Style: Glamorous, classic, and opulent.
7. Princess Eugenie of York (2018)
Bouquet: Princess Eugenie’s bouquet, created by florist Patrice Van Helden, was an intricate composition of blooms chosen for their symbolism. It included white roses, white spray roses, and various shades of purple, with a touch of thistle, representing Scotland.
Significance: The bouquet was symbolic of both Eugenie’s English heritage and her connection to Scotland, where she spent much of her childhood. The thistle, a national symbol of Scotland, paid tribute to her family’s ties to the country.
Style: Bold, unique, and meaningful.
8. Queen Victoria (1840)
Bouquet: Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet, one of the first to feature myrtle, was a simple yet elegant arrangement of white and pink roses, orange blossoms, and myrtle. The myrtle was later incorporated into the wedding bouquets of subsequent royal brides, starting a long-standing royal tradition.
Significance: Queen Victoria’s bouquet is significant for starting the tradition of incorporating myrtle into royal wedding bouquets, a tradition that continues today. It represented love, fidelity, and royal legacy.
Style: Simple, classic, and symbolic.
9. Elizabeth Taylor (1950)
Bouquet: Elizabeth Taylor’s bouquet from her marriage to Conrad “Nicky” Hilton was composed of white orchids, lilies-of-the-valley, and roses.
Significance: Elizabeth Taylor’s bouquet was glamorous and opulent, much like the actress herself. The arrangement was a statement of luxury and refinement, reflecting Taylor's status as one of Hollywood's most iconic beauties.
Style: Glamorous, rich, and luxurious.
10. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York (1986)
Bouquet: Sarah Ferguson’s wedding bouquet, designed by royal florist David Longman, was a dramatic and romantic arrangement of lilies-of-the-valley, roses, and myrtle. The bouquet was large and cascading, echoing the lush and vibrant spirit of the 1980s.
Significance: The bouquet was symbolic of Sarah’s royal status and the new life she was embarking upon with Prince Andrew. The inclusion of myrtle was a nod to royal tradition, linking her to generations of royal brides.
Style: Cascading, romantic, and full of tradition.
These bouquets not only reflect the personal tastes and styles of the brides but also serve as symbols of love, tradition, and cultural significance. From royal weddings to Hollywood glamour, each bouquet has left an indelible mark on wedding history, inspiring countless brides to recreate these iconic looks on their own big days.
