Lyla Dejesus
A wedding is a special occasion, and boutonnieres are a wonderful way to add a unique and colourful touch to the attire of the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers. The process of making and pinning on a boutonniere is simple and can be done by anyone, even those who aren't particularly crafty. With a few basic steps, you can create beautiful floral arrangements that will complement the overall aesthetic of your wedding. In this guide, we will cover everything from selecting the right flowers to the different methods of attaching a boutonniere to a suit or dress shirt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occasions | Weddings, proms, formal dances |
| Flowers | Spray Roses, Pansies, Ranunculus, Tulips, Mums, Calla Lilies, Billy Balls, Carnations, Peonies, Dahlias, Sunflowers, Orchids, Daisies, Craspedia, Succulents |
| Greenery | Baby's Breath, Ivy, Eucalyptus, Heather, Italian Ruscus, Queen Anne's Lace, Wax Flowers |
| Tools | Floral scissors or stem cutters, pins, floral tape, ribbon, pliers, wire, beads |
| Timing | Best made on the morning of the event; if made the night before, leave stems exposed and place in a shallow cup of water |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place; can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours, but not near fruit |
| Attachment | Pinned to the lapel, inserted through the buttonhole, or magnetic |
| Placement | On the left lapel, where the buttonhole is |
| Number | Up to the bride and groom; can be just the groom, groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers, ring bearers, ushers, or other immediate family members |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing flowers and colours
Choosing the perfect flowers and colours for your wedding boutonnière is an important decision that should be made with care. The boutonnière is traditionally worn on the left lapel of the jacket and is usually made of flowers, but can also include berries, greenery, and other non-floral items. Here are some tips to help you choose the right flowers and colours for your wedding boutonnière:
Consider the Wedding Style and Theme
Think about the overall style and theme of your wedding when selecting the flowers and colours for the boutonnière. If you're having a formal black-tie wedding, a classic white rose boutonnière can be a timeless choice. For a rustic or bohemian wedding, consider a combination of greenery and succulents, which are also eco-friendly and trendy. If you're having a beach or tropical wedding, orchids are an ideal choice, especially in bold colours like pink or purple.
Coordinate with the Bridal Bouquet and Wedding Colours
The boutonnière should complement the bridal bouquet and the overall wedding colour palette. Consider using smaller versions of the same flowers and greenery as the bouquet to create a cohesive look. You can also incorporate colours from the wedding linens, decor, or attire to ensure the boutonnière blends seamlessly with the overall aesthetic.
Select Durable and Seasonal Flowers
Choose sturdy and long-lasting flowers that can maintain their shape without water for hours. Consider the season and availability of flowers to ensure freshness and reduce costs. Selecting in-season blooms, such as roses and goldenrod for fall weddings, can make your boutonnière more affordable and establish a sense of place.
Personalize with Special Details
The boutonnière should symbolize your unique style and personality. You can add special details or personal touches, such as a small ribbon or a unique pin, to make it stand out. Consider the size of the boutonnière as well—it should be proportional to the wearer's body and not overwhelm or get lost in their ensemble.
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Making your own boutonniere
Planning and Preparation:
First, decide how many boutonnieres you will need and who will wear them. The groom, groomsmen, fathers, and ring bearers are all common choices. Select flowers and colours that complement the overall floral design and theme of the wedding. Hearty flowers that can hold up without a water source are ideal for boutonnieres. Popular choices include spray roses, pansies, ranunculus, tulips, mums, calla lilies, and carnations. Don't forget to add some greenery and smaller accent flowers like baby's breath, ivy, or eucalyptus for extra flair. Gather your flowers and greenery, along with floral scissors or stem cutters, pins, floral tape, and optional ribbon.
Assembly:
- Cut all the stems to the desired length, typically 2 to 3 inches. Ensure the stems are clean and free of any leaves from the lower parts.
- Create your arrangement by starting with a statement bloom and adding greenery and accents behind it. Experiment until you achieve your desired look.
- Wrap floral tape around the stems to seal them and prevent wilting. You can add a ribbon on top of the tape for a decorative touch.
- Use pins to attach the boutonniere to the lapel of the wearer's jacket.
Storage:
If you make the boutonnieres the morning of the wedding, store them in a cool, dry place. If you need to prepare them the day before, leave the stems exposed and place them in a shallow cup of water. Store in a cool, dry place, avoiding the fridge. You can also place them in the refrigerator overnight, but be sure to spray them with water to prevent drying out.
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![20-Pack Boutonnieres Safety Pins, Plastic Triangle Corsage Pin Buttonhole Flowers Pins for Wedding/Bridegroom Brooch/Party, T Shape Safety Clips Holder [6.5cm, White]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61f3+xxOItL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Attaching the boutonniere to a suit
Attaching the boutonnière to a suit is a simple process. The first step is to decide whether you want to use a pin or a magnet to attach the flowers. If you are wearing a magnetic boutonnière, simply flip over the lapel and clip the magnetic back in place. For a pin, take one boutonnière pin and enter it diagonally through the back of the lapel into the boutonnière stem, bringing it out again behind the lapel. Then, take the second pin and angle it through the suit jacket behind the lapel in the opposite direction. The back of the lapel should resemble an X with the placement of the pins. The pins should not be visible from the front of the suit and should only grab a small part of the fabric. If the pin is visible or feels loose, try re-pinning higher up on the boutonnière stem, closer to the flower head where there is more weight. It is important to remember that you are always pinning through the boutonnière stem and not through the flower head.
Traditionally, boutonnières were worn through lapel buttonholes. However, this is not as common anymore, and pins or magnets are typically used to attach the flowers to the suit.
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Boutonniere styles and preferences
The style and shape of boutonnieres have evolved over the years. While men in the 1980s preferred oversized boutonnieres, today's grooms tend to opt for more subtle designs. Some grooms prefer greenery-only boutonnieres, while others choose to forgo them altogether. It's a matter of personal preference.
Boutonnieres with fully wrapped stems are ideal for formal weddings or when the groom is wearing a tuxedo. The ribbon colour is typically matched as closely as possible to the suit colour so that the flowers stand out. Partially wrapped boutonnieres, on the other hand, are a less formal option, perfect for garden weddings or when the groom opts for a suit instead of a tuxedo.
The boutonniere is traditionally worn on the left lapel, with the flowers pointing upward toward the shoulder. It is secured in place with two pins that form an X shape at the back of the lapel. Alternatively, magnetic boutonnieres are becoming increasingly popular as they do not leave holes in the suit and are easy to attach. However, they are not suitable for thick suit jackets or individuals with pacemakers.
When selecting flowers for the boutonniere, it is essential to consider the overall floral design of the wedding. Hearty flowers that can hold up without a water source are ideal. Popular choices include spray roses, pansies, ranunculus, tulips, mums, calla lilies, billy balls, and carnations. For greenery, options such as baby's breath, ivy, eucalyptus, heather, Italian ruscus, Queen Anne's lace, or wax flowers can be considered.
For a unique look, pocket square boutonnieres are a great choice for non-traditional weddings or grooms who want to stand out. Grooms can also choose a lapel boutonniere, which covers the entire lapel. Additionally, boutonnieres are not limited to suits and can be pinned to shirts or vests for a more casual look.
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Boutonniere care and storage
Boutonnière Care and Storage
If you are making your own boutonnière, it is recommended to make one or two ahead of time to get a feel for the process. When crafting a boutonnière, it is important to select flowers that will stay fresh for longer periods. Hearty flowers that can hold their shape without a water source are ideal.
To keep your boutonnière fresh, it should be stored in a cool, dry place, preferably in a fridge. It should be kept in an airtight container and covered with a damp (not wet) paper towel to ensure it does not wilt. This should be done at least 24 hours before the wedding to keep the flowers looking fresh throughout.
When storing your boutonnières, ensure they are kept away from light fixtures, fireplaces, and blow dryers. These can cause the flowers to wilt and discolour.
To keep your flowers fresh on the day, try to keep them in a vase of water until the last moment. If you are able to, place them back in the water during any breaks in the wedding to increase their longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
A boutonnière is a group of flowers and/or greenery worn in a lapel buttonhole or pinned to a lapel. It is typically worn at formal events like dances or weddings.
There is no official rule for who should wear a boutonnière at a wedding. It is common for the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers to wear boutonnières. Ring bearers, ushers, and other immediate family members may also wear them.
To make a boutonnière, you will need flowers, greenery, floral scissors or stem cutters, pins, floral tape, and ribbon (optional). First, select your flowers and greenery, then cut the stems to your desired length. Next, create your arrangement, and finally, wrap the stems with floral tape and/or ribbon.
To attach a boutonnière with a pin, insert the pin from the back of the lapel, through the boutonnière stem, and out the other side of the lapel. Then, insert a second pin from the opposite direction, creating an X shape at the back of the lapel. Magnetic boutonnières can be attached by flipping over the lapel and clipping the magnet in place.
