Flower etiquette from theatre to wedding (2024)

Flower etiquette in the theatre

Never put the actors and directors under scrutiny by giving them flowers before a performance, as this could bring bad luck.The procedure for handing out flowers is simple: while the players bow, the flowers are distributed. The players receive the bouquet and raises it. As soon as the curtain falls, they take it to the dressing room.

What about throwing flowers on stage after a performance? We don't see this token of appreciation, which is often seen in old films, very often any more, and it's not allowed at every theatre. If it is allowed, the general rule is to not overdo it and to be careful. Throw one flower only, traditionally a red rose, at the performer's feet.

Floral etiquette at a wedding

At a wedding, it's tradition forthe bride to have a bridal bouquet. This bouquet is handpicked by the groom, according to etiquette, and is given out the moment he picks up the bride-to-be. Before the wedding ceremony, the bride should carry the bouquet in her right hand. Once married, she carries the bouquet in her left hand.

In addition to the bridal bouquet, there arethe corsages. According to traditional etiquette, the groom wears a corsage with flowers that have been incorporated into the bridal bouquet. The corsage should be pinned on the left. If there are boutonniere, these should also be pinned to the left. Men wear the corsage upright, with the stem down. Women traditionally should pin their corsage the other way round, with the stem upwards. If you'd like to discover more about flowers at weddings, take a look at our wedding article.

Flower etiquette at a funeral

Flowers have played an important role in funerals for centuries thanks totheir beauty, symbolism and comforting properties. Although calm and neutral colors are often chosen, there are no strict rules for flowers given at a funeral. It's worth taking the favourite colour and flowers of the deceased into account, or respecting the wishes of close relatives.It is especially important that you let your feelings speak when putting together a funeral bouquet or funeral piece, as itmakes the final tribute even more personal. In our mourning article you can read more about what flowers can mean in the event of a death.

Learn local customs

A bouquet with yellow flowers symbolises energy, warmth and cheerfulness - butthisisn'tthe case everywhere! Flower etiquette can vary by country, so if you're gifting flowers abroad or to someone from a different culture, it's wise to check in advance what the customs are. For example, did you know:

• It'sbetter to not to give yellow flowers as a present in Eastern Europe, as thiscolour is a symbol of betrayal in countries in this area.
• Flower wreaths in Hawaii are used for happy moments, but also when someone has passed away.
• In China and Japan it'sbetter to not to give lilies and white and yellow chrysanthemums as gifts, as in these countriesthese flowers are associated with death.

Say it with flowers