Flowers play an important part in the wedding customs of Wales. It was common for a Welsh bridal bouquet to contain myrtle, which was seen as a symbol of love.

In another twist on the throwing of the bouquet tradition of modern weddings, the bridesmaids would be given a cutting of myrtle by the bride. They would plant them and, if they blossomed and grew, that bridesmaid would soon marry.

Welsh bridal bouquets in the 18th century would commonly contain pansies, roses of all colours but yellow, maiden blush, prickmadam, lady's fingers and prickles. Heather was carried for good luck and ivy for fidelity. A spray of flowering yellow gorse was also thought to bring good luck to the couple and red clover bloom would be strewn in front of the bride to encourage her to be industrious.

The bride and groom would often be led by chains made of evergreens and, before the times of rice and confetti, flowers would be thrown over them. Roads leading up to the church from the bride's house were often decorated with herbs and rushes and colourful bunches of flowers in lovers' knots. This floral decoration continued through the church to the altar.

On being married, but before signing the register, it was customary for the bridegroom to kiss his wife and then salute his mother-in-law, whilst his brand new wife would receive a big hug from her new mother-in-law. With the custom done they would leave the altar to sign the register.

If the wife wanted to be the master in the marriage it was customary for her to buy something before her husband. As they were led away from the church they would be stopped to pay a wedding toll, which the husband would pay. That was not considered as buying something though, so as soon as they got to the house, the bride would quickly buy a pin from one of the bridesmaids to make sure she was the master for life!


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