The real reason why brides carry bouquets

It's a tradition that we thought was for the aesthetic display, but it turns out there are three particular reasons why brides actually hold a bouquet as the walk down the aisle. 

The origins of this tradition are for the three following reasons:

1. The smell

Back in the 15th & 16th centuries, people didn’t bathe as often as they do now. Brides would have their yearly baths around a month before their wedding day, and then just to be safe, would carry a bouquet of flowers to mask the odour.

2. Herbs & spices 

Before they held flowers, brides held strong smelling herbs and spices, such as garlic, to ward away evil spirits and bad luck/health. This was then just easily replaced by flowers in more modern times. 

3. Luck 

If you don't have a bouquet then you can't throw it over your shoulder after you're married! A popular wedding tradition, of course, is to throw that bouquet over your shoulder, and for those who catches it, it’s said you will be ‘lucky in love’!