Franklin Dean
Corsages and boutonnieres are small but significant floral arrangements that are traditionally presented to and worn by VIPs at weddings. They are a way to identify the people guiding the service, such as ushers, and to honour important guests. While corsages are usually worn by female-identifying guests, boutonnieres are typically worn by male guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are boutonnieres and corsages? | Small flower arrangements, usually worn by VIPs and important guests. |
| Boutonnieres | Typically worn by male members of the wedding party, including the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, grandfathers, and ring bearer. Also worn by the officiant, male ushers, and readers during the ceremony. |
| Corsages | Typically worn by female members of the wedding party, including the mothers of the bride and groom, grandmothers, and bridesmaids. Can be pinned to the bodice of a dress or worn on the wrist. |
| Who should receive them? | It is up to the couple to decide, but they are commonly given to honour and recognise important people in their lives. |
| When to ask about them | It is recommended to ask the officiant and other recipients before the wedding day and inform the florist of the number of arrangements needed. |
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What You'll Learn
Who should wear them?
Corsages and boutonnieres are a way to identify the people guiding the service, like ushers. They are also a way to honour the important people in your life and any noteworthy wedding guests. While it is not mandatory to have them, they are a nice touch to make your loved ones feel special.
Corsages are traditionally worn by female-identifying guests, pinned to the bodice of a dress or tied to the wrist with a ribbon. However, some women may prefer to wear a boutonniere, so it is best to ask your guests what they would prefer. The mother of the bride or groom will likely feel extra special with a corsage, and it is also a nice gesture to give one to the stepmother. Grandmothers often receive them too.
Boutonnieres are typically worn by men and are pinned to the lapel of a suit or tux. The groom and groomsmen usually wear them, and they sometimes match the flowers carried by the bride and bridesmaids. The fathers and grandfathers of the couple often wear them, as do male officiants who are not wearing religious garb. If there are other loved ones you would like to honour, you can give them a boutonniere too.
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What do they symbolise?
Flowers have been used throughout history to symbolise good luck, beauty, and nature. In the early 1900s, it became common for men to wear boutonnieres, and this practice has continued for formal occasions, such as weddings. The word 'boutonniere' means 'buttonhole' in French, as it is traditionally inserted into the buttonhole of a suit jacket's left lapel.
Corsages and boutonnieres are important additions to formal outfits and are often given to VIPs, family members, and other important guests at weddings. They are a way to identify people who are guiding the service, such as ushers, and to honour and recognise important people, such as the parents and grandparents of the couple getting married.
The practice of wearing flowers as corsages probably originated with the ancient Greeks, who believed that the fragrances of the flowers helped to ward off evil spirits. In their culture, it was traditional for the bride to wear a corsage at weddings, and it was also normal for other women to hold floral arrangements or attach them to their bodies. The term 'corsage' comes from the French word for the 'bodice of a dress', as floral arrangements were traditionally pinned to this part of the lady's attire.
Corsages are usually given to female-identifying guests, but it is becoming more common for people to ask their loved ones if they prefer a corsage or a boutonniere, and which style they would feel most comfortable wearing.
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Why are they important?
Corsages and boutonnieres are important at weddings because they hold symbolic significance. Flowers are traditionally given as gifts to express love, friendship, congratulations, encouragement, or honour. Corsages and boutonnieres are given to wedding guests to recognise and honour important people in the lives of the newlyweds and any other noteworthy guests. They are also used to identify the wedding party, with corsages for women and boutonnieres for men.
Corsages are usually worn by the mothers of the bride and groom, and the maid of honour or bridesmaids. They are often pinned to the bodice of a dress, or worn on the wrist. The mother of the bride and mother of the groom's corsages are usually different from the rest of the wedding party, with different flowers that match their dresses while still standing out.
Boutonnieres are usually worn by the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, and grandfathers. They are typically affixed to the left lapel of the suit jacket, close to the heart. They are also sometimes given to the officiant, ring bearer, and ushers.
Some couples choose to give corsages and boutonnieres only to the wedding party and immediate family, while others may give them to all guests. Ultimately, the decision of who to give corsages and boutonnieres to is up to the couple, and there is no right or wrong answer.
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How are they attached?
Corsages and boutonnieres are a fun way to honour your loved ones on your wedding day. But how exactly are they attached?
Corsages, which are usually worn by female-identifying guests, can be attached in a few different ways. Traditionally, they are pinned to the left side of the bodice of a dress. However, nowadays, they are often tied around the wrist with a ribbon or clasp, especially if the wearer's dress is heavily beaded or delicate. This avoids any damage to the dress. It's important to consider the colour and theme of the dress when choosing the flowers for a corsage, as they should complement the attire and not clash with it.
Boutonnieres, on the other hand, are typically worn by male-identifying guests and are affixed to the left lapel of a suit jacket, close to the heart. This is in keeping with the French origin of the word, which means 'buttonhole'. Sometimes, boutonnieres are attached directly to the shirt above the heart or placed in the breast pocket of a suit jacket. They can be pinned on, or, for a more statement look, they can cover the whole lapel.
Both corsages and boutonnieres are small flower arrangements, but corsages tend to be more elaborate. They can be customised with jewels, ribbons, and even sentimental tokens. For example, a groom might add parts of a fishing hook to his boutonniere to reflect his hobbies and interests.
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Can I make my own?
Yes, you can make your own boutonnieres and corsages for your wedding. It is a fun project and can save you money. You can order wholesale flowers or a DIY combo pack that matches your wedding colours and style. You can also purchase fresh flowers to assemble at home from Costco.com, although you are limited to certain types and colours. A grocery store florist is another inexpensive option.
Boutonnieres and corsages are small but significant floral arrangements, traditionally worn by VIPs at weddings. They are a way to honour and recognise important people in your life and noteworthy wedding guests. Boutonnieres are usually worn by the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, and grandfathers. Corsages are typically worn by mothers of the bride and groom, and grandmothers.
As a general rule, use three floral elements: a backing, a texture, and a focal flower. For example, you could use bonsai eucalyptus leaves as the backing, seeded eucalyptus seeds and hypericum berries for texture, and spray roses as the focal flower. You will also need supplies such as floral tape, floral scissors, boutonniere pins, and ribbon.
To make a boutonniere, cut the flower stems to 1.5 inches in length, leaving no leaves on the stems. Make a cluster of hypericum berries and secure them with floral tape. Pin the boutonniere to the underside of the left lapel of the suit, just above the heart. To make a matching corsage, cut the flowers so that only 0.5–1 inch of the stems remain. Make three bundles, each with hypericum berries, spray roses, and bonsai eucalyptus. Wrap the stems tightly and use ribbon to make a bow. Secure the bow with floral wire.
It is best to make your boutonnieres and corsages no earlier than the day before your wedding to preserve the freshness of the flowers.
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Frequently asked questions
Boutonnieres are usually reserved for the men in the wedding party, including the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, grandfathers, ring bearers, officiants, and ushers. However, some couples choose to give boutonnieres to other important male guests as well.
Corsages are typically given to the mothers of the bride and groom, grandmothers, and bridesmaids. Some couples also choose to give corsages to other important female guests.
Boutonnieres and corsages are a traditional way to honor important people in your life and any noteworthy wedding guests. However, whether or not to include them is entirely up to the couple. Some couples choose to give flowers to all guests, while others prefer a simpler approach with only the wedding party or immediate family wearing flowers.
