Why do we do it?

Sometimes I get to thinkin', which leads to questions, which if I'm lucky leads to answers...

Why do brides carry bouquets? I mean, they're pretty and all and look good in pictures, but why do we do it? What's the history? A quick Google search produced a few good theories, here are some satisfying answers:

The first recorded use of flowers in weddings dates to the ancient Greeks who considered them a gift from nature. Actually, the early "bouquets" were garlands worn on the heads of both bride and groom. Herbs such as rosemary and marjoram were common in the bridal crowns of Greek brides, as well as other herbs, bulbs and garlic.

rosemary

marjoram

These elements were thought to ward off evil spirits. Nuts and grains symbolized fertility, happiness, and wealth. Dill was said to be the herb of lust and a bride would only lust after her husband if she carried dill and garlic together; Sage was believed to be an herb of wisdom and the bride who carried sage and garlic together was believed to learn goodness and gather great wisdom.

dill

sage

In the Celtic tradition, the bride and groom wore garlands made of ivy, herbs, and spices for protection.

In Sweden, the groom traditionally carried thyme in his pockets and the bridesmaids carried bouquets of aromatic herbs to scare away any trolls.

thyme

It was not until the Victorian Era in England that bridal bouquets consisted entirely of flowers. Until modern times, a bride would choose her bouquet flowers based on symbolism, not on appearance.

Another common English tradition was for a flower girl to precede the bride on the pathway to the church, scattering flower blossoms; this was said to bless the bride with a lifetime of happiness and flowers.

And why do we throw petals (or blow bubbles, or light sparklers) as the bride and groom leave the reception? Another ancient wedding tradition was the throwing of confetti over the bridal couple. Confetti means sweets in Italian but it was common to throw rice, grain, nuts and sweets as well as more traditional flower petals as confetti; the throwing of confetti was meant to symbolize good luck, fertility, riches and sweet experiences for the bridal couple.

In India, the groom's brother scattered flower petals over the bridal couple at the end of the wedding ceremony to ward off evil spirits.

It seems as though flowers and herbs and most anything botanical were not only for looks, but were highly functional aspects of a wedding. Who wouldn't want to get as much good luck, happiness, and wealth as possible while discouraging evil spirits from tainting the marriage?