In Chinese culture, flowers are not only objects of beauty, but symbols of life, happiness, and fertility. If you want info on traditional Chinese wedding flowers and their meanings, look no further.

If you want to infuse your wedding ceremony with the Asian beauty of Chinese flowers, concentrate on:

• The meaning of red in Chinese weddings is deep and powerful. Red is the symbol of ultimate joy in Chinese culture, and adding red roses or other red flowers will boost the Chinese decorative look popular in traditional weddings.
• In contrast to the Western wedding, white flowers are the symbol of death and used only for funerals.
• Many flowers used in Chinese culture are common here in the States and readily available.

Peony

A symbol of spring and renewed life, peonies come in many colors and varieties. They are easy to obtain and are beautiful additions to centerpieces, as well as pew and chair decorations.

Orchid

This luxuriant, long-petalled flower is exotic and fragrant, and is an excellent choice for bouquets as well as corsages for mothers. The orchid is the Chinese symbol of love and fertility, a perfect token for weddings.

Lotus

This flower represents four virtues in the Buddhist religion as well as being the cornerstone of Asian flower culture. Sutras say the closed inner petals and open ring of outer petals of the lotus blossom represent four virtues: scent, purity, softness, and lovliness. Delicate and spiritual, use this flower floating in glass bowls of water or as a shining addition to your bouquet.

Narcissus

Other common names of this joyful flower are daffodil and jonquil. These symbols of spring represent change and end of hibernation, and are perfect for spring weddings. Mix with other spring flowers for a beautiful springtime bouquet, or planted in pots or simple vases as centerpieces.