Boutonnières are small flower arrangements that are traditionally worn by men at weddings. The name comes from the French word for buttonhole, as they are usually inserted into the buttonhole of a suit jacket's left lapel. However, they can also be pinned to the lapel or attached directly to a shirt, vest, or suspenders. While boutonnières are traditionally associated with male wedding guests, there is no reason why women can't wear them too. Some women may prefer the more feminine option of a corsage, which is typically a small bundle of flowers pinned to the lapel or tied around the wrist. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide who should receive a boutonnière or corsage, and there is no right or wrong answer.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What | A boutonniere is a small flower arrangement, typically worn by those who identify as male. |
Who | Anyone wearing a suit may wear a boutonniere. This includes the wedding party, immediate family members, and other VIPs. |
Why | Boutonnieres are a way to honour and recognise important people in your life and any noteworthy wedding guests. |
When | Boutonnieres are typically given to recipients before the wedding ceremony so they can be worn during the processional. |
Where | A boutonniere is usually affixed to the left lapel of a suit jacket, vest, dress shirt, or suspender. |
What You'll Learn
- Boutonnières are traditionally worn by men, but anyone in a suit can wear one
- The groom's boutonnière may be more elaborate than the other male wedding guests
- The groom traditionally pays for the men's boutonnières
- Boutonnières are usually reserved for VIPs, but can be worn by anyone the couple chooses
- Boutonnières can be made from flowers or non-floral items, such as Lego or peacock feathers
Boutonnières are traditionally worn by men, but anyone in a suit can wear one
Boutonnières are a small flower arrangement, typically worn on the left lapel of a jacket or pinned to a vest, shirt, or suspenders. They are usually reserved for formal occasions, including weddings, and are a way to identify VIPs or honoured guests. While boutonnières are traditionally worn by men, anyone in a suit can wear one. This means that, at a wedding, all members of the wedding party and immediate family wearing a suit or tuxedo could wear a boutonnière.
The groom or grooms are usually at the top of the list of people who will wear a boutonnière. The groom's boutonnière may be more elaborate or intricate than the other arrangements to help them stand out. Grooms can also choose to wear a boutonnière that is slightly different or to match the rest of the wedding party.
The fathers of the bride and groom, as well as stepfathers and grandfathers, are also given boutonnières to wear. This is a nice way to honour these important family members and often makes for an emotional photo opportunity.
Groomsmen, the best man, ushers, and ring bearers can also wear boutonnières. These usually complement the wedding's colour scheme and the attire of the wedding party. The best man's boutonnière may be slightly different from the rest of the groomsmen to highlight their role. Ushers' boutonnières may also vary from those of the groomsmen to identify them as point people for guests.
If there are bridesmen in the wedding party, they too can wear boutonnières, perhaps in different colours or flowers from the groomsmen. Male officiants who are not wearing religious garb are also usually offered boutonnières.
Boutonnières are a great way to elevate the look of a suit and express personal taste. They can match the bridal flowers and wedding decor, creating a cohesive look. They can also be an opportunity to get creative, with some people choosing to include non-floral items such as Legos, golf tees, action figures, feathers, guitar picks, or pinwheels in their boutonnière.
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The groom's boutonnière may be more elaborate than the other male wedding guests
The groom's boutonnière is a small floral arrangement worn on the left lapel of his suit or tuxedo jacket, or directly on his shirt, vest, or suspenders if he is not wearing a jacket. It is an important accessory that symbolises refinement and elegance, and is considered an honour to wear.
The groom's boutonnière may be more elaborate or intricate than those of the other male wedding guests, allowing him to stand out from the crowd. While floral boutonnières are most common, grooms may opt for more creative designs that incorporate non-floral items such as Legos, golf tees, action figures, feathers, guitar picks, or pinwheels. This is an excellent opportunity for the groom to showcase his personality and interests.
The groom's boutonnière typically complements the bridal bouquet and the wedding party's floral arrangements in terms of colour and style. It is customary for the groom to pay for the men's boutonnières. However, if the bride's family is paying for the florist's services, they may opt to cover the cost of all flower arrangements, including the boutonnières.
In addition to the groom, other male members of the wedding party, such as the groomsmen, best man, fathers, grandfathers, and ring bearers, traditionally wear boutonnières. The groomsmen's boutonnières should complement the wedding's colour scheme and their attire. The best man may have a slightly different boutonnière to distinguish his special role. Fathers and grandfathers of the couple are often presented with boutonnières as a heartfelt gesture. The ring bearer typically wears a scaled-down version of the groom's or groomsmen's boutonnière.
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The groom traditionally pays for the men's boutonnières
Boutonnières are small flower arrangements typically worn by men on the left lapel of a suit jacket or attached directly to a shirt. They are usually reserved for formal occasions, including weddings, and are often given to VIPs.
However, modern-day wedding etiquette has evolved, and many couples now choose to split expenses more evenly between the couple and their families or even pay for the entire wedding themselves.
In the case of a wedding with two brides or two grooms, the above traditions may not apply, and it is recommended to split expenses evenly between the couples and their families.
It is worth noting that the bride's family traditionally pays for the majority of wedding expenses, including the wedding dress, bridesmaids' dresses, venue hire, wedding catering, and wedding reception.
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Boutonnières are usually reserved for VIPs, but can be worn by anyone the couple chooses
Boutonnières are typically worn by those who identify as male, but ultimately, anyone who is wearing a suit or tuxedo can wear one. They are usually reserved for VIPs—those who are very important to the couple—but can be worn by anyone the couple chooses.
The groom, or grooms, will usually wear a boutonnière, and his might be slightly different or more elaborate than the other boutonnières to help him stand out. The best man, groomsmen, fathers of the couple, stepfathers, grandfathers, godfathers, ushers, and ring bearers are also commonly given boutonnières to wear.
Boutonnières are usually given to recipients in the morning before the wedding ceremony begins, and they are typically worn on the left lapel of a suit jacket or tuxedo. They can be pinned or attached with a ribbon, and they often match the bridal bouquets and wedding decor in terms of style, design, and colour.
Some couples choose to go bright and bold with their colour choices, while others prefer a more muted colour scheme. The type of flower used will depend on the style and budget of the wedding. While white roses and calla lilies are popular choices, other flowers such as orchids, ranunculuses, and dahlias can also be used. Some couples even opt for non-floral items, such as Legos, peacock feathers, or brooches.
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Boutonnières can be made from flowers or non-floral items, such as Lego or peacock feathers
Wedding boutonnières are usually small flower arrangements, worn on the left lapel of a jacket or suit. However, there is no need to stick to flowers when it comes to these decorative accessories.
Boutonnières can be made from non-floral items, such as Lego, peacock feathers, brooches, or even toys. For instance, if you're planning a rustic wedding, you could incorporate some burlap into the design. Or, for a vintage or art deco-style wedding, you might opt for clockwork or metal pieces.
Using non-floral items means your boutonnière will last forever, and it can be a fun way to express your personality and interests. For example, a groom might choose to showcase their love of music with a folded paper flower made from sheet music, or their passion for beer with a simple boutonnière crafted from a beer cap.
If you're looking for a unique and creative way to identify your wedding VIPs, a non-floral boutonnière could be the perfect choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, while boutonnieres are traditionally worn by men, there is no reason why women can't wear them. Boutonnieres are a way to honour important people in your life, so feel free to include the women you want to honour.
A boutonniere is a small flower arrangement, typically worn by VIP guests at a wedding. It is usually affixed to the left lapel of a suit jacket or shirt, above the heart.
Traditionally, boutonnieres are worn by the male members of the wedding party and immediate family wearing suits or tuxedos. This includes the groom, groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers, and ushers.
Yes, corsages are typically worn by female guests and are a way to honour them. Corsages can be pinned to the bodice of a dress or tied around the wrist.
It is ultimately up to the couple to decide, but boutonnieres and corsages are usually reserved for VIP guests and family members. This can include parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, step-parents, and anyone with a special role at the wedding, like the officiant or a musician.