Flowers are emblems of romance. Just as the goddess of spring signifies the season of new beginnings with her floral coronet and daisy-dappled gown, so might the bride see fit to adorn herself with flowers -- fresh or faux, tatted or bejeweled. Flowers can underscore any sentiment and breathe wit and whimsy into formality. As accessories, they may express the bride's personality, whether she chooses to wear a demure bolero of floral lace or a dramatic hat of fanciful silk blossoms.

The tradition of pairing flowers and fashion descends not only from mythology but also from history. Few have been more passionate about flowers than the Victorians. A well-dressed Victorian woman might have worn blooms in her hair, at her waist, and on her wrist, all while carrying a bouquet. For evening, she might have ornamented her ball gown with orange blossoms or pinned clusters of arbutus into the generous folds of her skirt.

Today's brides are unlikely to adopt such extravagance, but adding a few deliberate floral accents to an ensemble -- fresh flowers tucked in upswept hair or earrings in the shape of a flower basket -- can invoke the same sense of romance. If you wish to further weave flowers into your bridal look, consider a gown with subtle floral appliques, beading, or embroidery. Many laces have floral motifs as well, such as Chantilly, with its delicate texture and exquisite drape.

The blossoms you wear needn't match the ones you carry. A textured bouquet of brilliant tulips beautifully complements a gown trimmed with soft silk roses; and a bride wearing a dress appliqued with roses should feel free to hold an armful of tiny baby's breath. A mixture of flowers is as appropriate for a trip down the aisle as it is in the garden.

Above, a mesh shrug appliqued in daisies slips over a strapless corset dress by Domo Adami; ring by Van Cleef and Arpels. Below, Vera Wang's triple-tiered gown of silk duchess satin features an exuberant silk corsage; the ring is from Stephen Russell.