We learn, at a very young age, that flowers are an effective way to express our feelings. Chances are, you may have written or chanted a poem about flowers to a special person, or perhaps you were the child who came home to your mom with a bouquet of dandelions clutched tightly in your sweaty palms. The innocent message of sincere love for your mom lived on well after the dandelions wilted.

When we hear the word "flower" we usually think of it as a noun: a rose, violet, lily, etc. Those words certainly evoke images consistent with our ideas about romance, weddings, love and beauty. It is also important, however, to look at the word "flower" as a verb. In so doing, it is clear why flowers have always been, and will continue to be, an important element of the wedding ceremony and celebration.