George Boyle
Corsages and boutonnieres are small but significant floral arrangements that are traditionally presented to and worn by VIPs at weddings. While there are no hard and fast rules about who should wear a corsage, they are typically given to female-identifying guests, close family members, and friends. Mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom are often given corsages, and the bride may give her mother her corsage in person, creating a special moment. Corsages can also be given to other important female guests, such as sisters, aunts, or cousins, to make them feel special and honoured. The cost of corsages can add up quickly, so it's important to consider your budget when deciding how many to order.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who wears a corsage? | Traditionally, female-identifying guests, such as mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and close friends of the couple. |
| When are corsages worn? | Corsages are worn at weddings by guests who are not part of the bridal party. |
| Why are corsages worn? | Corsages are worn as a symbol of love and respect. They are also used to identify important guests. |
| How are corsages worn? | Corsages can be worn on the wrist or pinned to the bodice of a dress. |
| Are corsages necessary? | There are no hard and fast rules about who wears a corsage, and it ultimately depends on the couple's preferences and budget. |
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What You'll Learn
Who should wear a corsage?
Corsages are traditionally worn by female-identifying guests at a wedding. They are a way to honour and recognise important people in the couple's life and any other noteworthy guests. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide who wears a corsage, but here are some common recipients:
- Mothers, stepmothers, and grandmothers
- Godmothers, aunts, sisters, and sisters-in-law
- Female ushers or greeters
- Female officiants
- Wedding attendants, flower girls, and bridesmaids
- Other wedding party members, such as junior bridesmaids or house party members
- Close friends
Corsages can be pinned to the bodice of a dress or attached to the wrist with a ribbon. It is important to ask the recipient which style they prefer, especially if they will be using their hands a lot during the ceremony, as a wrist corsage may get in the way.
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Who should wear a boutonniere?
A boutonniere is a small flower arrangement typically worn by men at weddings and other formal events. It is usually affixed to the left lapel of a jacket, with the stem placed through a buttonhole, if present. The tradition is believed to have originated as a means of identification on the battlefield, with different flowers indicating different allegiances.
Boutonnieres are commonly worn by the groom and groomsmen at weddings, with the groom's boutonniere being more extravagant or unique compared to the others. In addition, ushers, fathers, grandfathers, brothers of the bride or groom, and male officiants may also wear boutonnieres. Those performing readings during the ceremony can be offered a boutonniere as well.
When selecting flowers for boutonnieres, it is customary for the groom's flower to be plucked from the bride's bouquet. Popular choices for the groomsmen and other male wedding guests include roses, orchids, bachelor buttons, and carnations. It is important to consider the size of the flower in relation to the build of the gentleman wearing it. For instance, a small rose may be better suited for a younger ring bearer or a slimmer groomsman.
While boutonnieres are traditionally associated with formal events, they can also be worn at semi-formal occasions or simply as a personal style choice. However, it is essential to ensure that the overall attire and setting complement the elegance of the boutonniere.
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What are the different types of corsages?
Corsages are small flower arrangements worn by female guests at weddings and other formal events. They are usually worn on the wrist or pinned to the left side of a dress or blouse, ideally above the heart.
There are several different types of corsages, including:
- Wrist corsages—A small arrangement of flowers attached to a ribbon or elastic band and worn on the wrist.
- Pin-in corsages—A small arrangement of flowers pinned to the lapel of a suit or dress. This type of corsage is also known as a boutonniere, the male counterpart to the corsage. Boutonnieres are typically worn on the lapel of a suit jacket or tuxedo and can be designed to match a corsage.
- Nosegays, posies, and tussie-mussies—Small, handheld bouquets filled with fragrant flowers and herbs. These can be crafted into elegant corsages or boutonnieres, offering a classic touch to formal wear.
The choice of flowers for corsages depends on the desired look and the wedding's theme. While there is no official flower for corsages, popular choices include:
- Roses—Beautiful, come in various colours, have hardy stems, and a sweet scent. Different-coloured roses can also symbolize different emotions.
- Carnations—Available in a wide variety of single and two-toned colours, and long-lasting.
- Mums—Classic choice with bright colours and various shape variations.
- Orchids—Elegant and exotic, orchids come in bright hues such as pinks, yellows, purples, and whites.
- Lisianthus—Delicate-looking yet hardy, with a long vase life.
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When should you order your corsages?
Wedding corsages are small floral arrangements that are typically worn by female-identifying guests. They are usually either worn on the wrist or pinned to the left side of the wearer's attire. Corsages are often given to mothers, grandmothers, and other important female guests.
When it comes to ordering your corsages, it is recommended that you place your order with a florist ahead of time. This will ensure that they have enough time to create the arrangements and that you receive the corsages fresh on your wedding day. It is common practice to pick up the corsages on the morning of the wedding and store them in a cooler while everyone is getting ready. This ensures that they look their best and don't wilt before the ceremony.
To avoid any last-minute stress, it is advisable to have a coordinator or a designated person, such as the mother of the bride or groom, handle the distribution of the corsages to the wearers on the wedding day. It is customary to hand them out no more than an hour before the ceremony starts to ensure freshness and prevent anyone from forgetting them.
In addition to timing, it is important to consider the preferences of your guests. Before placing your order, ask your guests if they would prefer a pinned-on corsage or one worn on the wrist. This consideration will ensure that your guests feel comfortable and that the corsage complements their attire. For example, a wrist corsage may be preferred if the wearer's dress is heavily beaded or delicate to avoid any damage.
Furthermore, if you plan to have the corsages match or complement the attire of the wearers, it is ideal to provide your florist with the colour and fabric of their ensembles well in advance. This will allow them to create corsages that beautifully coordinate with the wedding-day outfits.
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How much do corsages cost?
Wedding flowers can be expensive, and the cost of corsages will depend on a variety of factors. Corsages are usually given to female guests, such as the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom, and sometimes to other VIP female guests.
The cost of wedding flowers varies greatly depending on the couple's preferences and budget. On average, couples are recommended to allocate 8-10% of their total wedding budget to flowers, with some estimates giving an average cost of $2,200, and most couples spending between $500 and $3,500. However, the cost of flowers can quickly escalate, especially if you choose out-of-season blooms or have a large number of floral arrangements. Fresh flowers are typically more expensive than silk flowers due to labor, seasonality, and availability. For example, a winter wedding with fresh peonies or ranunculus can be very costly.
The type of flowers you choose will also affect the price. Some flowers are more expensive than others, and if they are out of season, you can expect to pay a premium. The size of your arrangements will also make a difference in the total cost.
If you want to save money, there are alternatives to fresh flowers. You could opt for silk flowers, which can be a more budget-friendly option without compromising on style. You could also make your own corsages, with many online tutorials providing step-by-step instructions.
The cost of corsages will depend on the number of people wearing them and the type of flowers used. Individual corsages can range from $25 to $250, depending on the flower type, size, and complexity of the arrangement.
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Frequently asked questions
Corsages are typically worn by female-identifying guests, including close friends and family members such as mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters, and sisters-in-law. They may also be worn by wedding attendants, flower girls, bridesmaids, or the officiant.
There are no hard and fast rules about who wears a corsage to a wedding. Corsages are a great way to symbolise a friend or family member's "VIP" status and can be distributed to those who have helped with wedding planning, or even to guests who have travelled long distances to attend your wedding.
Pick up your corsages the day of the wedding and store them in a cooler while everyone is getting ready.
Corsages can be quite expensive, so you may want to suggest that your guests make their own or provide their own if they would like to wear one. There are tons of DIY videos and tutorials online that walk you through, step-by-step, how to make your own.
