Junior Rasmussen
Flowers have been a part of wedding traditions for centuries, with brides carrying bouquets of herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. The groom also traditionally wears a flower from his bride's bouquet, known as a boutonnière, which is usually pinned to the left lapel of his suit or tuxedo jacket. The boutonnière is often a single flower or a small cluster of flowers, adding a touch of elegance and colour to the groom's outfit. In addition to the groom, other male wedding participants such as the groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, and ushers may also wear boutonnières, although their flowers may be different or smaller than the groom's to avoid upstaging him.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Boutonnière or buttonhole |
| Description | A floral decoration, typically a single flower or bud |
| Placement | Worn on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket, right over the heart |
| History | In the 16th century, boutonnières were used to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, and to keep bad scents away. |
| In the 18th century, they were worn as fashion statements. | |
| In the 20th century, after World Wars I and II, the wearing of a flower on the lapel remained popular as a symbol of good breeding, elegance, and sophistication. | |
| Occasions | Weddings, proms, and other formal occasions |
| Wearers | Grooms, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, grandfathers, ushers, officiants, and readers |
| Flower choices | Roses, calla lilies, orchids, carnations, garden roses, succulents, lamb's ear, scabiosa pods, billy balls, hydrangeas, berries, acorns, stephanotis, jasmine buds, wildflowers, spider orchids, caster, feathertop, goldenrod, ranunculus, wax flowers, purple berries, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Men's flowers at weddings are called boutonnières, buttonholes or lapel flowers
- The groom's boutonnière may be more intricate than the groomsmen's
- The groom gives each groomsman a flower to wear on the left, above the heart
- Boutonnières can be made from fresh flowers, succulents or greenery
- They can also be personalised with non-floral items like Lego or feathers
Men's flowers at weddings are called boutonnières, buttonholes or lapel flowers
Flowers worn by men at weddings are called boutonnières, buttonholes or lapel flowers. The custom of men wearing flowers can be traced back to 2000 B.C. when the Aztecs wore brightly coloured blooms to show their allegiance during times of war. In wedding culture, the groom wears a flower from his bride's bouquet to symbolise their bond.
Boutonnières are typically worn on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket, over the heart. Traditionally, the flower stems would be placed through a small buttonhole on the lapel, but now it is more common to fasten them with pins, as many modern jackets no longer have buttonholes. The groom's boutonnière may be more elaborate or intricate than those of the other men at the wedding so that he stands out. Groomsmen and the best man also have important roles to play and should wear boutonnières, usually matching the groom's or at least following the same style but smaller. Fathers of the bride and groom, as well as stepfathers, also often wear boutonnières.
There are many types and styles of boutonnières to choose from. A traditional single-flower boutonnière costs around $10 to $15, but more upscale blossoms or intricate styles will be more expensive. In-season blooms will be more affordable and help establish a sense of place. For example, rose and goldenrod for a fall wedding, or burgundy and gold to reflect the naturally occurring hues in the environment. The flower itself is often a carnation, with the most formal being white, and the classic alternative being red. Other colours and flowers may be chosen to better coordinate with the wedding colour scheme. For a bohemian or rustic wedding, you might try using succulents or a small bunch of greenery for the boutonnière. For a vintage or romantic wedding, a boutonnière of lamb's ear and a scabiosa pod could be a good choice.
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The groom's boutonnière may be more intricate than the groomsmen's
The men's flowers at a wedding are called boutonnières, derived from the French word for "buttonhole flower". They are typically worn on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket, just above the heart. While floral boutonnières are most common, some grooms opt for more creative arrangements featuring Legos, golf tees, action figures, feathers, guitar picks, or pinwheels.
The groom's boutonnière may be more intricate than those of the groomsmen for a few reasons. Firstly, the groom is usually at the centre of attention and a more intricate boutonnière can help him stand out. A unique boutonnière can also showcase the groom's personality and interests. Additionally, the groom's boutonnière may be designed to match the bride's bouquet, symbolising their bond. For example, a groom's boutonnière might include a single rose that matches the bride's bouquet.
The groom's boutonnière can also be more intricate in terms of its design and the types of flowers or other elements included. For instance, a groom might opt for a statement bloom like an exotic orchid or a garden rose, or choose a more upscale blossom that increases the arrangement's cost. A more intricate design might also involve a mix of flowers, greenery, and textures to create a memorable and personalised look. For example, a groom could combine spider orchid, caster, and feathertop with a dark suit and tie, adding depth and dimension to his ensemble.
Furthermore, the groom's boutonnière should be carefully selected to withstand the long hours of the wedding day. A more intricate boutonnière might feature durable blooms like calla lilies, ensuring they remain intact throughout the celebration. The groom may also choose a creative boutonnière that reflects the wedding's theme or setting, such as incorporating berries and acorns for an outdoor ceremony or using succulents for a bohemian or rustic wedding.
While the groom's boutonnière can be more intricate, it is important to consider the overall wedding flower budget. The groom traditionally pays for the men's boutonnières, but the bride's family may offer to cover all flower arrangements. Ordering a few extra "backup" boutonnières is also a good idea in case any need to be replaced.
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The groom gives each groomsman a flower to wear on the left, above the heart
The groom giving each groomsman a flower to wear on the left, above the heart, is a long-standing tradition. This flower is known as a boutonnière, derived from the French word for "buttonhole flower". The custom of men wearing flowers dates back to ancient times, with the Aztecs wearing brightly coloured blooms around 2000 BC to show their allegiance during wartime.
Boutonnières are typically worn on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket, over the heart. They are usually pinned to the lapel, though some may be fastened through a buttonhole, as was traditional. The groom's boutonnière may be more elaborate or intricate than those of the groomsmen, and it is customary for the groom to pay for the men's boutonnières.
There are many types and styles of boutonnières to choose from. The flower itself is often a carnation, with white being the most formal option and clove red a classic alternative. Other colours and flowers may be chosen to coordinate with the wedding colour scheme or the bride's bouquet. For example, a blue cornflower or a rose to match the bride's flowers. For a bohemian or rustic wedding, succulents or greenery can be used, while a vintage or romantic wedding might feature lamb's ear and a scabiosa pod.
The boutonnière is an important part of the wedding aesthetic, adding a dash of colour, style, and personality to the groom and groomsmen's outfits. It is also symbolic, with the groom wearing a flower from his bride's bouquet to symbolise their bond.
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Boutonnières can be made from fresh flowers, succulents or greenery
The men's flowers at a wedding are called boutonnières, derived from the French word for "buttonhole flower". They are typically worn on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket, over the heart. While they were worn frequently in the past, boutonnières are now reserved for special occasions like weddings, proms, and ceremonies.
Boutonnières can be made from fresh flowers, succulents, or greenery. Here are some ideas to inspire your boutonnière choices:
Fresh Flowers
Fresh flowers are the most common choice for boutonnières. A single flower, such as a classic rose or calla lily, is a traditional option. However, you can also choose a small cluster of flowers or a mix of different blooms to add colour and texture. For example, a boutonnière with jasmine buds, wildflowers, and a small pink rose adds a nature-inspired aesthetic to a groom's outfit. For a summer wedding, consider adding a burst of yellow to your boutonnière for a cheerful note. You can also incorporate greenery, like rosemary, for a refreshing flair.
If you're looking for something more unique, try a garden-inspired boutonnière with a single peach rose accented with seeded eucalyptus and wrapped with a black ribbon. For a bold statement, a vibrant pink mini gerbera daisy accented with a yellow mimosa and lily grass is sure to turn heads. A white mini dahlia complemented with lavender and silver dollar eucalyptus is another elegant option for an outdoor wedding.
Succulents
Succulents are a unique and modern choice for boutonnières, adding fresh shape and texture to wedding florals. They are especially fitting for a bohemian or rustic wedding theme. For instance, a lush succulent boutonnière accented with seeded eucalyptus creates a natural and elegant look.
Greenery
Greenery can be used as a base for fresh flowers or succulents, or it can be the star of the show. For a simple and elegant look, consider a boutonnière with just a few sprigs of greenery, such as eucalyptus or rosemary. This can be especially fitting for an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception.
Whether you choose fresh flowers, succulents, or greenery for your boutonnière, there are endless ways to personalise and style this accessory to make it your own.
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They can also be personalised with non-floral items like Lego or feathers
The men's flowers at a wedding are called boutonnières, derived from the French word for "buttonhole flower". They are typically worn on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket, just above the heart. While floral boutonnières are most common, some grooms choose to personalise their boutonnières with non-floral items that reflect their personality and interests. This could include Lego, golf tees, action figures, feathers, guitar picks, or pinwheels. For example, a groom with a bold and playful personality might choose a Lego-themed boutonnière, while a musician groom may opt for a guitar pick or feather design.
The tradition of men wearing flowers at weddings has a long history. It is believed to have originated during the War of the Roses, where the white rose represented the House of York and the red rose was worn by the soldiers of the House of Lancaster. Over time, the wearing of flowers by men became a symbol of elegance and sophistication, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, boutonnières are a way for grooms to showcase their individuality and add a unique touch to their wedding attire.
When selecting flowers for a boutonnière, it is important to consider the overall style and colour scheme of the wedding. Grooms may choose to match their boutonnière to the bride's bouquet or coordinate with the colours of the wedding party. In addition, the type of flower chosen can carry symbolic meaning. For instance, the stephanotis flower is often considered "the wedding flower" as it symbolises marital happiness and good luck.
For grooms who want to incorporate non-floral elements into their boutonnière, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose items that are small and lightweight, as the boutonnière should be comfortable to wear and not too bulky. Secondly, consider how the non-floral items will be attached to the lapel. Items like Lego or guitar picks can be attached to a small pin or brooch, which can then be pinned to the lapel.
Ultimately, the design of the boutonnière is a personal choice and should reflect the groom's style and interests. Whether it's a traditional floral boutonnière or a unique creation with non-floral items, the boutonnière is a special accessory that adds a touch of elegance and personality to the groom's wedding attire.
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Frequently asked questions
Men's flowers at weddings are called boutonnières, which is derived from the French word for "buttonhole flower".
The groom or grooms usually wear boutonnières, as well as the groomsmen and the best man. Fathers of the bride and groom, stepfathers, and even the bride's brothers may also wear them.
A boutonnière usually consists of a single flower or bud, such as a rose, lily, orchid, carnation, or cornflower. However, some boutonnières may feature multiple flowers or even non-floral items like Lego, golf tees, or feathers.
A boutonnière is typically worn on the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket, over the heart. Traditionally, the flower stem would be placed through a small buttonhole on the lapel, but now it is more common to fasten the boutonnière using pins.
