Language of Love

Wednesday, 26 March 2008 7:43 pm by Heidi

Romance in the Victorian era… glancing over your right shoulder you see your love. He’s staring at you. Time stands still before he moves toward you~ carrying a small bouquet.. (Yes, I made this up. I’m a sucker for romance and the idea of a flirtatious exchange of notes and flowers is so romantic).

For a variety of reasons, women made and wore small bouquets of flowers (called Tussie-mussies) during this era. One of the reasons had to do with love and romance. Each flower had a separate meaning that communicated the intentions of the deliverer. In time, posy holders or cone-shaped silver holders were invented to carry the flowers in.

Tussie-mussies and weddings

Looking for ways to embellish your garden, vintage or otherwise traditional wedding? Consider making fun and message-filled Tussie-mussies. Depending on your wedding style, they can be formal or informal.

(I made thisTussie-mussie with dried flowers from my garden and added some silk flowers too).

What’s in a Bouquet?

Flowers for these little bouquets may include: aromatic herbs, baby’s breath, wildflowers, ivy, silk flowers, etc. Lily of the Valley (top photo) is an early spring bloom that would be a great flower to use. The blooms are small and very fragrant.

How to make a Tussie-Mussie

Look to the library or the florist for the meanings of the flowers or herbs.
Center your smaller blooms and greenery on a central flower, like a rose.
Keep your small bouquet moist with dampened moss or paper towel then gather the end with floral tape, foil, rubber band, etc.
Place your small bouquet in a posy holder (optional)

A note tucked into the bouquet detailing the meanings of the flowers that you choose expressing your love and appreciation to your guests would be such a special keepsake!

Now what? Ideas for featuring your Tussie-mussies at your wedding

Boutonnieres for the guys
Hang them from the wedding or reception chairs
Place them as centerpieces on the reception tables
Place them in flower tubes at guest place settings
Include a note on special paper i.e. parchment type- for an antiquated look

Budgeting tip: DIY bouquets with flowers found in your garden or wildflowers. Shop garage sales for eclectic posy holders, vintage jars or vases. Use doilies instead of metal holders and hang by ribbons.

Source: The Master Gardeners, Tussie-mussies: “Talking Bouquets” by Sue Williams