There is a Southern tradition regarding a bible and rose ceremony that I saw several years ago in Southern Lady magazine. Inspired by that article, I thought this idea was a wonderful way to honor the bridal couple and to add special meaning to their upcoming wedding. I took the idea of the rose presentation and rewrote the script to express hopes and wishes for a long and joyful marriage.
This bridal rose presentation can be performed at an engagement party, bridal shower, bridesmaid luncheon, rehearsal dinner or even the wedding ceremony or reception. Any of those events would be a very wonderful time when the bride (bridal couple) has family and friends gathered together to celebrate the marriage.
Bridal Rose Presentation instructions
- When planning the bridal rose presentation, select 8 or 9 family members or close friends to participate. Invite the various speakers to participate and let them know what will happen and what they have to say during their section of the presentation.
- For the Bridal Rose Presentation, I would recommend using long stem fresh or artificial roses. Create a tag with the wording for each rose presentation and attach the tag to the rose with a ribbon.
- Special Note: The silver bouquet holder is sometimes hard to locate in bridal stores but look online for other sources. If you cannot find one just omit this section of the presentation. A bible is used in the traditional Southern custom and this could be added to the end of the presentation. If you are using a special family bible or perhaps a childhood bible of the bride or groom, please include this information in the presentation to add a wonderful personal touch.
- Then, on the day of the event and at an appropriate time during the celebration, gather the participants/speakers and distribute their roses, greenery or ribbon that they will be presenting to the bridal couple.
- Next, gather the bride (bridal couple) and the guests and announce that there will be a special rose presentation.
- Follow the Bridal Rose Presentation below. As each participant/speaker is finished reading their section, they will present the rose to the bride (bridal couple).
The Bridal Rose Presentation
Introduction –
As we gather today (tonight) as a group of family and close friends, we will be making a presentation to the bride (bridal couple) of a special bouquet that will represent our wishes and hopes. In sharing this tradition and explaining the meaning of each rose, we hope you will understand the significance of marriage and the values needed as you start your journey through life together.
Over the past centuries and dating back to the popular Victorian era custom, bouquets or nosegays played a significant part in the courtship of a couple. To express his love a serious suitor would present his special lady a bouquet of flowers to show his true feelings. In the language of flowers, each flower in the bouquet had a different and special meaning that was an unspoken message to his beloved. Today (tonight) we, your family and friends, will present the bride (bridal couple) one of these unique bouquets.
The Pink Rose –
The pink rose represents true love which is the foundation of a strong home. In becoming engaged you have made an important decision. As you build a married life together, our wish is that your love for one another will continue to grow stronger through the joys and sorrows of the coming years. (Present the pink rose)
The Red Rose –
The red rose represents the passion that comes from your love for one another. As this red rose is given to you it is our wish to remind you that you have each other to turn to for love and guidance throughout your journey in life. (Present the red rose)
The White Rose –
The white rose represents purity which is important in your lives together so that you are free from false expectations and selfish ambitions. This white rose is given as a wish for purity of your heart and soul. (Present white rose)
The Yellow Rose –
The yellow rose represents sincerity which is an important quality to have. The most successful marriages are when you have compassion and respect for one another. This yellow rose is given to remind you of the vows you have made to each other and the sincere love you share. (Present the yellow rose)
The Red and White Rose –
The red and white roses together represent unity. In a marriage, there will be frustrations and misunderstandings through the years but love each other with your mind, body and spirit. These red and white roses are given together to remind you are not alone as you move forward in your life together. (Present the red and white roses)
The Greenery –
The green foliage represents beauty and growth. As this greenery is given to you, our hope is that as time passes you will continue to grow in your love for one another and our wish is for an abundance of grace in your marriage. (Present greenery)
The Ribbon –
The ribbon we give you now is to bind your bouquet together, much as your love will bring you together through your marriage. (Present ribbon to be tied)
The Bouquet Holder – (optional)
As in the centuries long ago, the precious flowers received from a suitor were carried by his lady in a bouquet holder often made of silver. A chain was attached to the holder and slipped over the lady’s fingers and then a pin was inserted to safeguard the precious bouquet. As this bouquet holder is given to you, remember to hold tight to your love and devotion to one another. (Present the silver bouquet holder)
Conclusion –
The bouquet you now hold represents all our wishes for a successful marriage. We hope you have an abundance of love, a passion for life, a purity and sincerity of heart, and with devotion to each other you will both grow in the happiness of the coming years.
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