Ring Bearer Boutonniere: To Pin Or Not?

The ring bearer is part of the wedding party, so it's customary for them to wear a boutonniere—a small flower arrangement affixed to the lapel. While it's not mandatory, it's a nice touch that makes the ring bearer feel involved and adds a cute factor to the wedding. Boutonnieres can be made from flowers or non-floral items, and can be designed to match the groomsmen or be unique.

Boutonnière ideas for the ring bearer

While the ring bearer does not have to wear a boutonnière, it can be a nice finishing touch to their outfit. Here are some ideas for ring bearer boutonnières to suit any wedding celebration.

Seasonal Boutonnières

If your wedding is taking place in a particular season, you could consider a seasonal boutonnière. For example, a bright tangerine boutonnière for a summer celebration or a minimalist, wilt-proof boutonnière for a winter wedding.

Formal or Casual Boutonnières

The style of the boutonnière can be chosen to match the formality of the wedding. For a formal wedding, a single white rose could be a perfect choice. For a casual wedding, a freeform boutonnière would be a great option.

Colourful Boutonnières

A colourful boutonnière can be chosen to complement or match the ring bearer's outfit. For example, a blush and muted teal boutonnière to go with a powder blue suit, or a yellow boutonnière to pop against a dark suit.

Creative Boutonnières

If you're looking for something a little more creative, you could consider a non-floral boutonnière, such as one made from greenery or tiny cacti. Alternatively, a playful boutonnière could be created by adding a small toy or more whimsical blooms.

Matching Boutonnières

If you have two ring bearers, they could wear matching boutonnières. For example, white boutonnières with long stems, touches of greenery, and statement flowers.

Whether the ring bearer is wearing a suit

Whether or not the ring bearer wears a boutonniere depends on what else they are wearing. If the ring bearer is wearing a suit, then they can also wear a boutonniere. Boutonnieres are typically given to every male involved in the wedding, including the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and some key family members. If the ring bearer is wearing a mini version of the groomsmen's attire, a boutonniere is a nice touch to keep the look consistent.

However, if the ring bearer is particularly young or rowdy, you may choose to skip the boutonniere. You could instead create something fun and whimsical for the ring bearer to wear, such as adding a small toy or more playful blooms to their outfit. If the ring bearer's outfit is entirely different from the other men in the wedding party, you can also skip the boutonniere. For example, if they are skipping the jacket and instead wearing pants, a shirt, and suspenders, a boutonniere may not be necessary.

The ring bearer's age

The ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children, usually boys, but girls can also take on the role. Traditionally, ring bearers are between the ages of three and eight years old. This age range ensures the child is mature enough to handle the ring-bearing role and related responsibilities. However, there is no strict age limit, and the role can be given to someone younger or older, or even to an adult. If you choose a child younger than three, it is advisable to speak with their parents first to see if they can escort the child down the aisle. If you want to include a child who is ten years old or older, you may consider giving them a junior groomsman role, which comes with more responsibility and involvement in pre-wedding events. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what age your ring bearer is, as long as it's a role that you think the chosen person will enjoy.

When selecting a ring bearer, it is recommended to pick someone you or your partner are close to and have a good relationship with, such as children of your honour attendants or family members. This helps foster a comfortable dynamic between you and the ring bearer. If the child is old enough, it is a good idea to talk with them to see if they would like to take on the role. By doing so, you allow the child to make their own decision and give them a sense of agency. If the child doesn't want to be a ring bearer but still wants to be involved, you can offer them a less prominent role, such as handing out ceremony programs.

In terms of attire, the ring bearer's outfit can be coordinated with those of the adult attendants. Popular choices include tuxedos, suspenders, bowties, classic page boy attire, and even superhero costumes. It is traditionally the parents' responsibility to pay for the ring bearer's outfit and accessories. However, if your wedding budget allows, you may offer to cover these costs, especially if you want the ring bearer to wear something more expensive.

The type of flowers used in the boutonnière

A boutonnière is a floral decoration, typically a single flower or bud, worn on the lapel of a tuxedo or suit jacket. While boutonnières were worn frequently in the past, they are now reserved for special occasions that require formal wear, such as weddings, proms, funerals, homecomings, and banquets.

The type of flower used in a boutonnière depends on the occasion and the wearer's preference. Here are some popular flower choices for boutonnières:

Roses

The universal symbol for love, the rose is the most requested boutonnière flower. It is often embellished with a sprig of green ivy and baby's breath. The colour of the rose can also convey different meanings; traditional couples having a formal wedding tend to choose white roses for eternal love or red to represent passion, or they combine both to signify unity. Yellow roses are also commonly used to express the promise of a new beginning. A single rose of any colour communicates gratitude in the language of flowers, making it a perfect choice for the wedding party.

Carnations

Carnations are considered less formal than roses, but they are the preferred choice for grooms' boutonnières across the world. They are the national flower of Spain and are offered as a sign of respect in Korea. British royalty also favours carnations for formal events. Carnations are available in a wide range of shades, although white and red are the most common. They are inexpensive, hardy, and their ruffled petals work well for weddings.

Calla Lilies

The clean lines and elegant shape of calla lilies are attractive to contemporary grooms who want to make a sophisticated yet fashionable statement. Calla lilies symbolise the purity of heart and come in dozens of shades, as well as dual-tones, such as purple-tipped yellow flowers and red-tipped orange flowers.

Tulips

Tulips are the quintessential spring flower and represent perfect love and happiness. As the national flower of Turkey, they are available in nearly every colour, including dual-tones, and are an excellent choice for pastel shades.

Lilies

Lilies often carry symbols of purity and faith, making them ideal for weddings. A white display is a clever choice for a sophisticated look, but yellow mini calla or red-orange lilies are also popular options.

Ranunculus

The captivating beauty of ranunculus, with its thin petals that resemble crepe paper, is a unique choice for a boutonnière. Ranunculus is associated with charm and attractiveness, and it offers a wide range of colours, making it a versatile option.

Orchids

Orchids signify love and rare charm, and their delicate structure and exotic beauty make them stand out. Cymbidium orchids, in particular, are chosen for good luck. Orchids come in a variety of colours, ensuring easy coordination with the wearer's outfit.

Hyacinths

Flowers that express constancy and sincerity, hyacinths have strap-like petals and form a bell shape, giving them an exotic appearance. Their captivating fragrance is an added bonus.

Gardenias

Gardenias symbolise untainted love and joy, and their grace and intoxicating scent make them a popular choice for boutonnières. A white gardenia is considered a superior alternative to carnations.

While the above-mentioned flowers are popular choices, boutonnières can be created with various other blooms, including peonies, dahlias, hydrangeas, jasmines, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, lilacs, and lavenders. The choice of flower often depends on the colour scheme, the season, and the overall theme of the wedding.

Whether to give the ring bearer a wrist corsage instead

While boutonnieres are typically given to every male involved in the wedding, including the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and some key family members, it is not necessary for the ring bearer to wear one. If you are considering whether to give the ring bearer a wrist corsage instead, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, if the ring bearer is wearing a mini version of the groomsmen's attire, a boutonniere can be a nice touch to keep the look consistent. It can also make the ring bearer feel more involved and encourage him to behave like the adults he is dressed like. However, if the ring bearer is particularly young or rowdy, you may want to skip the boutonniere and opt for something else that makes him feel special, like a wrist corsage.

Wrist corsages can be a great alternative to boutonnieres for ring bearers. They can be made with flowers or greenery to match the wedding theme and colours. They can also be customised with ribbons, pearls, or other decorations to make them more fun and whimsical. A wrist corsage can be a more comfortable and practical option for a young ring bearer, especially if he is not wearing a jacket.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to give the ring bearer a wrist corsage or a boutonniere comes down to personal preference. Both options can be beautiful and meaningful ways to include the ring bearer in the wedding party. You could even ask the ring bearer or their parents what they would prefer!

Frequently asked questions