Bridesmaids' Boutonnieres: To Wear Or Not To Wear?

Traditionally, bridesmaids carry bouquets at weddings, but some brides opt for their bridesmaids to wear boutonnieres instead. This is a particularly popular choice for bridesmaids wearing suits. Boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that are affixed to the wearer's clothing, usually on the left lapel of a suit jacket. They are traditionally worn by the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the couple, ushers, and other male members of the wedding party. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding planning, and ultimately, the decision of whether bridesmaids should wear boutonnieres is up to the couple getting married.

Bridesmaids wearing suits

If you are considering having bridesmaids wear suits, here are some things to keep in mind:

Colour

You can have your bridesmaids wear suits in the same colour as the groomsmen or in a complementary shade to the bridesmaids' dresses. You could also consider a mix-and-match approach, with each bridesmaid choosing a suit that speaks to their own taste and personality. Neutral colours such as black, grey, and white are always a safe choice, but don't be afraid to experiment with bolder colours like hot pink, cobalt blue, or coral.

Accessories

To add a bit of flair to the suits, consider adding accessories such as bow ties, vests, or pocket squares. These can be used to match the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses or the groomsmen's accessories. You could also play with different textures, such as lace or ruffles, to add visual interest.

Flowers

When it comes to flowers, you have a few options. You could give your suited bridesmaids bouquets, which is a traditional choice and will give them something to do with their hands during the ceremony. Alternatively, you could opt for corsages or boutonnieres, which are small flower arrangements that are typically worn by VIP guests. A boutonniere can be a nice touch, especially if the bridesmaid identifies as male or prefers a more masculine look. However, some people may find wearing both a bouquet and a boutonniere too busy. Ultimately, it is important to consider the preferences and comfort of your bridesmaids when making this decision.

Comfort

Finally, remember that comfort is key. If your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident in their suits, they will be able to relax and enjoy the day. Make sure to ask their preferences and involve them in the decision-making process.

Boutonniere alternatives

Bridesmaids typically carry bouquets, but you may also choose to give them corsages as a unique alternative. If one of your bridesmaids is wearing a suit, you could give them a boutonniere, especially if they are standing on the groom's side.

• A small flower arrangement or single flower attached to a necklace.
• A floral hair accessory, such as a flower crown, large or small blooms, or a few sturdy, functional hair clips decorated with flowers or greenery.
• A nosegay bouquet or a tussie mussie (a petite, delicate floral arrangement that includes a slim metal holder).
• A ring made of fresh flowers.
• A simple wooden hoop embellished with flowers or greenery.
• A silk flower corsage or boutonniere.
• A feather corsage or boutonniere.
• A floral spray attached to a clutch bag.
• An embellished brooch, such as a crystal or rhinestone brooch in the shape of flowers.
• A floral bracelet, such as a pearl bracelet with flowers or ribbons, or a metal cuff bracelet decorated with flowers, silk flowers, or dried flowers.
• A non-floral boutonniere, such as feathers, silk flowers, fresh herbs, ribbon, a vintage key, a pin, golf tees, a fishing lure, a pinwheel, paper flowers, tulle poms, or seashells.

Corsages for bridesmaids

Corsages are a great way to visually honour someone special at your wedding. They are traditionally worn by the mothers of the bride and groom, all the grandmothers, and any female readers during the ceremony. If you have a female officiant, you could also consider giving them a corsage.

Corsages can be pinned to the clothing or tied to the wrist with a ribbon. A wrist corsage is preferred if the wearer's dress is heavily beaded or delicate, to avoid damage.

If you're looking for a unique alternative to the traditional bouquet, you could give your bridesmaids corsages. You can find a wide variety of bridesmaid corsages on Etsy and Amazon.

Boutonniere etiquette

Boutonnière Etiquette

Boutonnières are a small but essential detail in a wedding that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the groom and groomsmen's attire. They are traditionally worn by those who identify as male, but anyone wearing a suit may wear one. Here is a list of those who typically wear a boutonnière, but anything goes.

The Groom

The groom usually wears a boutonnière that matches the bride's bouquet. It is often a single flower that complements the wedding colour scheme and theme. For example, if the bride's bouquet is a mix of white and blush roses, the groom's boutonnière might be a single white rose. The groom's boutonnière may also be more elaborate or intricate than the other boutonnière-wearers' arrangements so that he stands out from the crowd.

Groomsmen

The groomsmen typically wear boutonnières that match the bridesmaids' bouquets. The colours and flowers used should complement the overall colour scheme and theme of the wedding. The groomsmen's boutonnières should be slightly different from the groom's to distinguish him from the other groomsmen subtly.

Fathers and Grandfathers of the Couple

Fathers of the bride and groom, as well as stepfathers, and grandfathers, should all be given boutonnières to wear. It is a nice touch to be present when your wedding photographer and videographer capture the moment you present your father with his boutonnière.

Ring Bearers

The ring bearer's boutonnière should be a scaled-down version of the groom's or groomsmen's boutonnières.

Ushers

Although ushers are not technically part of the wedding party, they still have an essential role to play. Boutonnières will identify your ushers as point people for guests with seating questions or special needs. If possible, the ushers' boutonnières should vary, even slightly, from those sported by the groomsmen.

Officiant

If your officiant is not a religious official and will be wearing secular attire like a suit, he should be given a boutonnière. However, certain religious officiants wearing traditional dress may not wish to wear one, so you might ask for their preference.

Bridesmaids

If a bridesmaid is wearing a suit, you could give her a boutonnière. If she is standing on the bride's side, it is probably simpler to give her a bouquet, as this will give your side a more uniform look.

Other VIPs

Other immediate family members and VIPs may wear boutonnières. This can include ceremony readers, other close family members who are not in the wedding party, and more. Work with your wedding florist to determine the proper wedding boutonnière etiquette for your specific event and budget.

Boutonniere cost

The cost of boutonnieres can vary depending on several factors, including the type of flower, the season, and the location. Here is a breakdown of the costs:

Flower Type

The choice of flower for a boutonniere can significantly impact the overall cost. While popular blooms like white roses and calla lilies are traditional options, they may be more expensive than other varieties. On the other hand, less common or seasonal flowers can be more affordable. For example, a white rose boutonniere costs $30, while a lily boutonniere is priced at $40.

Seasonality

The cost of boutonnieres can fluctuate depending on the time of year and the availability of certain flowers. Flowers that are in season will generally be more affordable, as they are easier to source. For example, a bride mentioned that she was quoted $150-$200 for a bridal bouquet and $75-$100 for each bridesmaid's bouquet, but another user commented that those prices seemed affordable for their area, indicating that prices can vary based on location.

Location

The cost of boutonnieres can vary depending on the region and the availability of florists in the area. It is recommended to shop around and get quotes from multiple florists to find the best price. Additionally, DIY boutonnieres can be a more affordable option, with one person spending around $100 to make 5 boutonnieres, 6 bouquets, and wrist flowers.

Number of Boutonnieres

The total cost of boutonnieres for a wedding party will depend on the number of people needing them. For example, one person was quoted $32 for the groom's boutonniere and $25 for each groomsman's boutonniere, while another person paid $15 per boutonniere for a total of 15. It is worth noting that the groom's boutonniere may be priced differently from those of the groomsmen.

In summary, the cost of boutonnieres can range from $15 to $200 or more per piece, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is essential to consider the specific needs and preferences of the wedding party when budgeting for these floral arrangements.

Frequently asked questions