Flowers have long been symbols of love, prosperity, and new beginnings, playing an important role in wedding ceremonies across the globe.
While some traditions—like the bridal bouquet—are widely recognized, others are deeply rooted in cultural heritage, showcasing unique customs that add meaning and beauty to the occasion.
With Washington, D.C.’s rich cultural diversity, many couples are blending global floral traditions into their weddings to create meaningful, personalized ceremonies. From flower crowns to symbolic bouquets, here are some of the most fascinating wedding flower customs from around the world.
In traditional Indian weddings, fresh flower garlands, known as Jaimala or Varmala, are exchanged between the couple as a gesture of mutual respect and spiritual unity. This moment is more than decorative—it’s a ceremonial “I see you” rooted in ancient tradition.
Ceremonies often take place under a mandap, a four-post structure lavishly adorned with marigolds, jasmine, and roses. These vibrant flowers symbolize good fortune, happiness, and new beginnings.
And don’t be surprised if guests toss flower petals mid-ceremony—it’s a joyful way to shower the couple with blessings.
Few traditions feel as heartfelt as the Hawaiian lei exchange. Made of orchids, plumeria, or fragrant maile leaves, leis symbolize love, unity, and the spirit of aloha. Couples wear them proudly during the ceremony, often sharing leis with close family and guests as a warm welcome.
This tradition reflects a deep connection with nature and relationships—two things we love weaving into every custom floral arrangement we design.
Greek weddings feature stefana—beautiful floral crowns connected by a white ribbon. Traditionally made from orange blossoms, these crowns represent purity and the spiritual bond between the couple. They’re placed on the heads of the bride and groom and joined by the officiant as a symbolic uniting of two lives.
Sometimes, stefana become family heirlooms, passed down and worn by generations. That’s the kind of floral legacy we love.
In Mexican weddings, flowers aren’t just an accent—they're a statement. Cascading bouquets often feature bright, bold blooms like dahlias, Mexico’s national flower, alongside roses and lilies.
You’ll often see flower-covered archways and canopies, bursting with color and passion. Marigolds, a common fixture, are thought to represent the warmth of life and enduring love.
Swedish brides wear fresh flower crowns, often crafted with wildflowers, herbs, and the beloved myrtle—a plant so tied to love that it’s been worn by Swedish royal brides.
Some flower crowns are even handed down as heirlooms, adding a touch of family history to the floral celebration. If your vibe is romantic-meets-nature, this is your moment.
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are used in Japanese wedding décor to symbolize the beauty of new beginnings and the fleeting, delicate nature of life.
In Shinto ceremonies, flowers like chrysanthemums (for longevity) and peonies (for good fortune) are also common. Some brides wear silk or real floral hairpieces, subtly blending tradition with personal style.
If your wedding is timed around cherry blossom season in Spring, it’s the perfect opportunity to incorporate soft pink blooms into your bouquet or reception centerpieces.
Fun Fact: There is a National Cherry Blossom festival every year in Washington DC, usually near the end of March through the middle of April every year.
Some South African brides opt for something a little different—bouquets made of herbs like rosemary and lavender. These fragrant stems represent wisdom, healing, and a long, healthy union.
After the ceremony, the herbs are sometimes burned, allowing the scent and smoke to send blessings into the air.
Thinking about an unconventional bouquet? We’ll help you design something meaningful with our custom floral design services.
In France, some weddings include a floral nod to the croquembouche, the traditional wedding cake made of cream puffs. Florists will sometimes build floral centerpieces to mimic this tower shape, using white roses, hydrangeas, or baby’s breath.
Another tradition? The inclusion of lily of the valley, a flower that’s said to bring happiness and is often tucked into bridal bouquets.
French-inspired florals are ideal for couples who love romance, elegance, and just a touch of whimsy.
In Chinese weddings, red reigns supreme—it’s the color of luck, happiness, and prosperity. Naturally, red peonies are a favorite floral pick, representing romance and good fortune. You might also see orchids, lotus flowers, or embroidered floral patterns on wedding garments and table linens.
If you’re honoring Chinese heritage or just love bold colors, floral design is a beautiful way to reflect that.
In Italy, “confetti” doesn’t mean paper—it traditionally refers to flower petals tossed in celebration. This gesture is joyful, fragrant, and rich in symbolism.
Brides often carry bouquets with olive branches, symbolizing peace and abundance. Some ceremonies include floral wreaths hung on the couple’s door, believed to ward off misfortune and bless the new marriage.
Looking to weave something meaningful into your wedding design? Browse our gallery to spark ideas.
Across cultures, flowers do more than decorate—they represent blessings, values, and legacy. Whether it’s jaimala garlands from India, a Swedish flower crown, or a Japanese cherry blossom bouquet, each tradition speaks the universal language of love.
And here’s something to think about: these traditions don’t have to stay separate. Many modern couples are blending elements from their cultures—or simply drawing inspiration from others—to create floral stories that are uniquely their own.
Planning a multicultural wedding? Our custom wedding floral designs can incorporate meaningful cultural details that make your ceremony unforgettable.
Wedding flowers do more than decorate a venue—they tell a story, honor tradition, and symbolize everything the day is about.
From Greek Stefana to bold Mexican dahlias, integrating flower customs from around the world adds heart and depth to your celebration. And at J. Morris Flowers, we specialize in custom wedding flowers designed to reflect your personal style, culture, and vision.
Let’s create something that feels like you. Stop by our Leesburg, VA shop or reach out online to start planning your wedding florals with a team that gets it. We’d love to help your story bloom.