Lyla Dejesus
Wedding flowers are a thoughtful way to honour and show love to your guests. Boutonnieres, in particular, are small flower arrangements that hold great significance and are traditionally worn by VIPs. When deciding how many boutonnieres you need for your wedding, it's important to consider the key wedding guests and event roles. While boutonnieres are typically worn by the groom, groomsmen, ushers, and male family members, they can also be given to anyone you feel deserves extra love.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who wears a boutonniere | The groom, groomsmen, the bride's father, the groom's father, ring bearers, ushers, all grandfathers, male readers, and the male officiant |
| Ushers' boutonnieres should be slightly different from those of the groomsmen | |
| The ring bearer's boutonniere should be miniature | |
| Boutonnieres are traditionally worn by VIPs | |
| Anyone else who the couple feels deserves a little extra love | |
| How many boutonnieres are needed | Depends on the number of people wearing them; discuss with your florist to stick to your budget |
| Order a few "backup" boutonnieres in case one starts to wilt or is accidentally damaged |
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What You'll Learn
Who traditionally wears a boutonniere?
Boutonnieres are traditionally worn by those who identify as male, but anyone who is wearing a suit may wear one. They are usually reserved for VIPs, honoured guests, or those with a special role at the wedding.
The guest of honour, the groom, the father of the bride or groom, and the groomsmen traditionally wear a boutonniere. Ushers also often wear them, as they don't usually have flowers and a boutonniere can help identify them as ushers to guests with seating questions or special needs. The wedding officiant may also wear a boutonniere, particularly if they are not a religious official and are wearing secular attire.
Other immediate family members who are not in the wedding party may also wear boutonnieres, such as grandfathers, brothers, or the groom's father. Anyone who is walking down the aisle as part of the procession but not carrying flowers may also wear one.
Some couples choose to give boutonnieres only to the wedding party, while others give them to every guest. It is becoming more common for couples to ask their wedding party members about their preference, and for members of the wedding party to wear a boutonniere if they are wearing a suit or tuxedo.
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How many boutonnieres should be ordered?
Boutonnieres are a wonderful way to honour and recognise important people in your life and noteworthy wedding guests. Traditionally, boutonnieres are worn by the groom, groomsmen, the bride's father, the groom's father, ring bearers, ushers, all grandfathers, male readers, and the male officiant.
The number of boutonnieres you order will depend on the size of your wedding party and the number of VIPs you wish to honour. It is also a good idea to order a few extra boutonnieres as backups in case any get damaged or start to wilt.
- Groom
- Groomsmen
- Bride's father
- Groom's father
- Ring bearers
- Ushers
- Grandfathers
- Male readers
- Male officiant
You may also wish to consider boutonnieres for other members of the wedding party, such as the best man, grooms' parents, and any other male family members or friends who are not in the wedding party but who you want to honour.
It is important to discuss your plans with your florist, who can advise you on the best types of flowers for your wedding season, style, and budget. They can also help you determine the estimated labour cost depending on the types of boutonnieres and the number you are ordering.
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What are boutonnieres made from?
When it comes to weddings, boutonnieres are usually reserved for VIPs, groomsmen, and ushers. It is recommended to have a few extra boutonnieres as backups in case one gets damaged or starts to wilt. But what are these floral accessories made from?
Boutonnieres are small flower arrangements, typically made from a single flower or bud, affixed to the lapel of a tuxedo or suit jacket. The name comes from the French word 'boutonniere', meaning buttonhole, as they are traditionally inserted into the buttonhole of the left lapel. While carnations are a popular choice, with white being the most formal, other flowers such as orchids, roses, and ranunculus are also used due to their sturdiness and ability to hold their shape without water. The flower's calyx, if prominent like that of a carnation, should be fully inserted into the buttonhole to secure it tightly and flat against the lapel. For this reason, the buttonhole should be at least 1+1⁄8 inches (29 mm) long to accommodate a standard-sized flower.
To create a boutonniere, florists use a combination of flowers, foliage, floristry tape, scissors, and florist wire. The flowers are conditioned by removing excess foliage and ensuring they are well-hydrated before being made into a boutonniere, as they will have to survive without water. Larger blooms may be wired for additional support to prevent them from drooping. The flowers are then arranged into a mini bouquet, with taller pieces placed at the back, and secured with floristry wire or string. Any excess stems are trimmed for a neat finish, and a pearled pin is added to secure the boutonniere in place. The pin is inserted through the back of the lapel, pushing it up and away from the chest, before being angled down to the left and pushed through the lapel to fix the flowers in place.
While boutonnieres are traditionally floral, lapel pins are becoming more common, especially on business suits. Ultimately, the choice of flowers or colours may depend on the wearer's preference, the season, and the style and colour scheme of the wedding.
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Who decides what the boutonnieres look like?
When it comes to deciding what the boutonnieres will look like, the couple getting married, in collaboration with their florist, will typically make this decision. The florist will be able to advise on the best flowers to use depending on the wedding season, style, and budget. It is also important to consider the overall style and theme of the wedding to ensure the boutonnieres complement the wedding decor and create a cohesive look.
Boutonnieres are small flower arrangements that are affixed to the wearer's clothing, usually on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket, just above the heart. They are traditionally worn by the groom and groomsmen, but can also be worn by ushers, the wedding officiant, and other wedding party members. The groom's boutonniere may be more elaborate than the other boutonnieres and traditionally includes the same types of flowers as the bride's bouquet or, at the very least, flowers of a similar style and color.
When deciding on the design of the boutonnieres, it is important to consider the symbolism of the flowers being used. For example, in some cultures, boutonnieres are known as "buttonholes" and are inserted into the buttonhole of a suit jacket's left lapel. The type of flower chosen can also be significant; for instance, orchids, roses, and ranunculus are popular choices for weddings as they are sturdy blossoms that can hold their shape all day without water.
It is also worth noting that boutonnieres can be time-consuming and expensive to make, so it is essential to discuss the design with your florist to ensure it fits within your budget and that you have enough time to create them.
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Why are boutonnieres important?
When planning a wedding, it's important to consider the significance of boutonnieres, those small but impactful floral arrangements. Boutonnieres, which get their name from the French word "boutonnière" meaning "buttonhole," are traditionally worn on the left lapel of a suit jacket. While they add a colourful touch to a groom's attire, they also serve a deeper purpose.
Firstly, boutonnieres are a way to honour and recognise important people in the couple's lives. They are typically presented to VIP guests, such as close family members like fathers, stepfathers, and grandparents, as well as members of the wedding party, including groomsmen, best men, and bridesmen. Ushers, who play a crucial role in directing guests and answering questions, often wear boutonnieres to distinguish them from other guests. The wedding officiant, whether a religious official or not, may also wear a boutonniere, adding a touch of formality to their attire.
Secondly, boutonnieres hold symbolic value. In the same way that flowers are given on Valentine's Day as a token of love and respect, boutonnieres are a physical representation of the couple's appreciation for their loved ones. They can also be used by the groom to thank his groomsmen for their support and participation in the wedding. This gesture can create a sense of unity and camaraderie among the wedding party.
Lastly, boutonnieres contribute to the overall aesthetic of the wedding. They are carefully chosen to complement the wedding's colour scheme and the attire of the groomsmen. The best man's boutonniere might differ slightly to distinguish his role, and the same flowers used in the bride's bouquet may be incorporated into the boutonnieres for a cohesive look. While fresh flowers are a popular choice, dried flowers or succulents can also be used for a unique and long-lasting memento of the special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Boutonnieres are usually worn by the groom, groomsmen, and other members of the groom's side of the wedding party, including the ring bearer and ushers. The father of the bride, father of the groom, and stepfather may also wear boutonnieres.
The male officiant may wear a boutonniere if they are not wearing religious garb. Boutonnieres can also be given to other important guests, such as immediate family members who are not in the wedding party.
Boutonnieres are a symbolic gesture that represents the importance of the wedding day and the honour of having guests in attendance. They are also a way to identify ushers and point people for guests with questions or special needs.
You should order enough boutonnieres for all the men you wish to honour at your wedding. It is also a good idea to order a few extra in case any get damaged or start to wilt.
You should give your florist plenty of notice so they have enough time to source the flowers and create the boutonnieres. Discuss the estimated labour cost with your florist, as this will depend on the types of boutonnieres and the number you are ordering.
