Before the use of flowers in the bridal bouquet, women carried aromatic bunches of garlic, herbs, and grains to 1. Cover up odor (because they used to bathe a LOT less back then) and 2. to drive evil spirits away as they walked down the aisle. Over time, these were replaced with flowers, symbolizing fertility and everlasting love. đâ€ïž Specific flowers have special meanings in many cultures. In Hawaii, the bride and groom wear leis; newlyweds in India don floral headdresses.