Flora.

Today in the midst of planning I came across a list of flowers that are NOT recommended for weddings. They are not recommended because of their unsavory traditional meanings, and here is the list:

Christmas Rose: Scandal
Foxglove: Insincerity
Larkspur: Infidelity
Lavender: Distrust
Marigold: Grief
Mulberry: I shall not survive you
Raspberry: Remorse
Red Carnation: Alas for my poor heart
Rhododendron: Danger
Striped Carnation: Refusal
Yellow Carnation: Disdain
Yellow Chrysanthemum: Slighted Love
Yellow Lily: Falsehood
Yellow Rose: Jealousy

“I Shall Not Survive You?”
Why even have a flower that means “I Shall Not Survive You?” Who thought of that? I found this list alarming, and, come to think of it, sorely in need of updating. After all, no one says “Alas” any more. Why not something more like this:

Lavender: Internet Porn Addiction
Marigold: I’m Not Over My Ex-Girlfriend
Mulberry: Syphilis
Striped Carnation: Frustrated Celibacy
Yellow Lily: I’m Gay

I’m sure we could think of more. Wouldn’t it be nice if potential suitors showed up for first dates with flowers that told you something more than “I stopped at a floral shop because I’m hoping to get laid?”