Deborah Chan
Boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that hold significant meaning and are traditionally worn by the groom and groomsmen at a wedding. However, nowadays, anyone in the wedding party can wear one. They are a great way to express personal taste and can be used to identify ushers and other important guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What | A small floral arrangement worn in the buttonhole of a man's suit |
| Who | The groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride/groom, grandfathers, ushers, ring bearers, officiants, and other close friends and family |
| Why | To identify men in the wedding party, elevate their look, and express personal taste |
| When | Traditionally worn on the left lapel |
| Where | The boutonniere goes in or around the buttonhole of the left lapel on a groom's suit |
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What You'll Learn
Who should wear a boutonniere?
Boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that hold great importance and are usually reserved for formal occasions, including weddings. They are worn by men and are pinned to the left lapel. The groom should wear a boutonniere, and it should be unique from the others to make it stand out. Groomsmen also traditionally wear boutonnieres, but nowadays, any wedding party members who would like to wear one may do so.
Fathers of the bride and groom should also be given boutonnieres, as well as grandfathers, godfathers, ushers, and the ring bearer. Ushers are often identified by their boutonnieres, which can be useful for guests with seating questions or special needs. The wedding officiant may also wear a boutonniere, especially if they are not a religious official and will be wearing a suit.
Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide who wears a boutonniere, and they can be given to anyone who the couple feels deserves a little extra love or recognition.
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How many boutonnieres will you need?
Boutonnieres are a great way to honour the important people in your life and any noteworthy wedding guests. They are usually reserved for formal occasions and are a small cluster of flowers worn on the left lapel of a man's suit. The number of boutonnieres you will need depends on the size of your wedding party and the number of guests you want to honour. Here is a list of people who traditionally wear boutonnieres at a wedding:
The Groom:
The groom's boutonniere should be unique and stand out from the rest. It may match the bride's flowers and those of the wedding party to create a cohesive look.
Groomsmen:
The groomsmen usually wear boutonnieres that are the same or complementary to the groom's boutonniere.
Fathers of the Bride and Groom:
It is customary to give boutonnieres to the fathers of the bride and groom to honour them and help them be recognised during the wedding.
Grandfathers:
Pinning a boutonniere to the grandfather's lapel is a heartfelt gesture that will be sure to bring a tear to everyone's eye.
Ring Bearer:
The ring bearer's boutonniere is usually a scaled-down version of the groom's or groomsmen's boutonnieres, making him look like a mini groomsman.
Ushers:
Ushers play an essential role at the wedding, and boutonnieres help them stand out and be easily recognised by guests with seating questions or special needs. Their boutonnieres can be the same or slightly different from those of the groomsmen.
Officiant:
If your officiant is not a religious official and is wearing secular attire, they should be offered a boutonniere. However, certain religious officiants wearing traditional dress may not wish to wear one, so it is best to ask their preference.
In addition to the above, you may also want to consider giving boutonnieres to other close friends and family members you want to honour, such as godfathers or any other special guests. It is essential to discuss your preferences with your florist to ensure you honour the right people and stay within your budget.
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What is the significance of boutonnieres?
Boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that hold significant meaning and importance. The tradition of wearing flowers is believed to have originated in ancient civilisations like the Egyptians or the Aztecs, who wore certain coloured blossoms to show support for players in sporting events. In ancient Greece, wearing flowers was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer. Similarly, in the 16th century, boutonnieres were used to ward off bad luck, evil spirits and diseases, as well as to keep bad scents away.
In the 19th century, boutonnieres became popular with followers of the Romantic movement, adding a fresh pop of colour to men's attire. They were also used to distinguish friends from enemies on the battlefields of civil wars in England. Over time, boutonnieres became a symbol of good breeding, elegance and sophistication.
Today, boutonnieres are part of formal attire for special occasions like weddings, proms and ceremonies. They are usually reserved for VIPs at weddings, such as the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride/groom, grandfathers, godfathers, ring bearers, ushers and the wedding officiant. Boutonnieres can be used to identify ushers as point people for guests with seating questions or special needs. They are typically worn on the left lapel of a man's suit jacket, pinned or supported by a sturdy buttonhole.
Boutonnieres are not just aesthetically pleasing but also hold symbolic value. They can be gifted between friends or family members, adding a special touch to the wedding attire and honouring those who play a significant role in the couple's life.
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How much do boutonnieres cost?
The cost of boutonnieres can vary depending on several factors, including the type of flowers used, the complexity of the design, and the number of boutonnieres ordered. Here is a breakdown of the factors that can influence the cost:
Type of Flowers
The choice of flowers can significantly impact the cost. For example, exotic orchids or garden roses may be more expensive than more common flower varieties. If you choose flowers that are not in season or difficult to source, you can also expect to pay a higher price.
Design Complexity
Boutonnieres can range from simple single-flower designs to more intricate arrangements with multiple blooms, ribbons, and greenery. The more complex the design, the higher the cost is likely to be, as it will require more time and skill from the florist.
Number of Boutonnieres
The total number of boutonnieres you need will also affect the overall cost. Creating a large number of boutonnieres can be time-consuming for the florist, and the labour cost per boutonniere may decrease if you order in bulk. However, a higher number of boutonnieres may also mean a higher total flower cost, especially if you choose expensive blooms.
Backup Boutonnieres
It is a good idea to consider ordering a few extra boutonnieres as backups in case of damage or wilting. This will ensure that you have enough for all intended recipients, but it will also increase the total cost.
When budgeting for boutonnieres, it is essential to discuss your specific requirements with your florist. They will be able to provide you with a detailed quote based on your flower choices, the complexity of the design, and the number of boutonnieres needed. It is also worth noting that boutonnieres are typically worn by VIPs and members of the wedding party, so the number of boutonnieres required may be relatively small compared to other floral arrangements.
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When should you give out boutonnieres?
Boutonnieres are a great way to honour and recognise important people in your life and noteworthy wedding guests. They are usually reserved for formal occasions and are a small but meaningful part of a wedding.
Boutonnieres are traditionally given to the groomsmen and ushers, but there are no rules and you can give them to anyone you want to honour. They are usually given to the groom, fathers of the bride and groom, grandfathers, godfathers, the ring bearer, and ushers. You may also want to give one to the officiant if they are not a religious official and are wearing secular attire.
It is also a nice touch to give boutonnieres to close friends and family who are not directly involved in the wedding but who you want to recognise in a special way. It is customary to give them to immediate family members, mainly parents and grandparents, and anyone with a special role at the wedding, such as the officiant, or a friend who is reading a poem.
It is a good idea to give your florist a heads-up on how many boutonnieres you will need, and for whom, so they can advise on the best flowers to use and the overall cost.
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Frequently asked questions
It is entirely up to you whether you include boutonnieres at your wedding. They are a traditional way to honour and recognise important people in your life and noteworthy wedding guests.
The groom and groomsmen usually wear boutonnieres, but you can also give them to the fathers of the bride and groom, grandfathers, ushers, the officiant, and the ring bearer.
The style of the boutonniere usually matches or complements the bridal florals and wedding decor flowers. You can also get creative and make your own.
