The Tussie Mussie or Posey has come a long way from its role in plague-era courts and daily life: judges would carry a tussie of herbs to ward off illness, and people carried them close to their noses to mask the odor of decaying bodies in the street. Um, yuck.
The Victorians did a nice job romanticizing the tussie mussie, and as they were wont to do, created a complex language of flowers that applied correctly gave significance to each little bouquet. The intentional combination of certain herbs and flowers actually told a story or sent a message to the recipient. It's a prettier thought than plague, and a charming tradition that you can use to personalize your own wedding.
There is a great article online about the Tussie Mussie and the language of flowers and herbs. Sue Williams, Master Gardener, gives great instructions and tips for designing and assembling meaningful tussie mussies for use at showers and weddings.
In fact, we are seeing an increase in the number of tiny nosegays (with and without the ornate tussie mussie holders) in place of traditional corsages for everyone from the mothers of the bride and groom, to grandmothers and even flower girls.
What a great thought...instead of impaling your mother with a badly-pinned corsage, send her a message of love and appreciation with a tussie mussie! Make sure you include a card with the significance, or even a note in your program so your guests can ooh and ahh over your wedding genius. It's a tasteful way to creatively express yourself and customize your special day.
Happy planning!
Shayna
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