At first glance, wedding flowers might seem purely decorative, but they carry deep symbolism. Each floral arrangement adds its magic to the ambiance and style of your celebration. So, what is a boutonniere, and who should have one at your wedding? Let's explore these charming floral accessories and discover who gets to wear them.
What is a Boutonniere and Who Wears One?
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Picture a boutonniere as a delightful mini floral arrangement. These elegant accents get pinned to the lapels of suits and tuxedos on special occasions. The name has French roots, meaning "buttonhole" since they traditionally slipped right through the lapel's opening. These days, we keep things simple by securing them with a pin.
You might wonder, do grooms wear boutonnieres? The answer is absolutely yes! The groom's boutonniere stands out as the most intricate design, beautifully complementing or matching the bride's bouquet. You'll find it proudly displayed on the left lapel, with its stem pointing downward. The flowers and colors chosen often reflect your wedding theme, the groom's personality, or meaningful symbols.
And here's another common question: do groomsmen wear boutonnieres too? They sure do! Their boutonnieres create a harmonious look coordinating with the groom's design, though they're usually slightly smaller or simpler.
Here's who else typically gets to wear these special flowers:
- Fathers of the bride and groom
- Grandfathers
- Ushers
- Ring bearer (if they're old enough)
- Officiant, if male
- Male readers or musicians participating in the ceremony
These tiny floral accents help everyone spot the VIPs in your wedding party. There's even meaning behind each flower choice - for instance, calla lilies represent magnificence and purity, while roses symbolize love and appreciation.
Don't forget you can honor other special men in your life too - think stepfathers, uncles, godfathers, or close friends.
Boutonniere Styles and Trends
When it comes to wedding boutonnieres, you'll find options ranging from timeless classics to modern showstoppers. So, what's a boutonniere exactly? Think of it as an artful arrangement featuring either a single stunning bloom or a mix of flowers and decorative elements. While traditional designs might showcase a classic rose, carnation, or calla lily, modern takes often incorporate unexpected elements like succulents or creative non-floral touches. The seasons also influence which flowers and color palettes are trending.
Boutonniere Etiquette
A common question we hear is, does the groom wear a boutonniere? Absolutely - and it's usually the star of the show, designed to complement the bride's beautiful bouquet.
Speaking of the wedding party, do groomsmen need boutonnieres, too? Indeed they do! The groomsmen's boutonnieres work together with the groom's design to create that picture-perfect wedding party look.
Traditionally, all wedding flowers, including these little lapel accessories, are covered by the couple or their families. Make sure to assign someone reliable to hand out boutonnieres at the venue and help pin them properly. After your special day, consider preserving your boutonniere as a cherished keepsake or giving it new life in a creative way.
What are Corsages and Who Wears Them?
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Think of corsages as the feminine counterpart to boutonnieres - they're those lovely little flower arrangements ladies wear at formal occasions like weddings and proms. Here's a fun fact: the name comes from "bouquet de corsage" in French, meaning "bouquet of the bodice," since they originally adorned the bodice of a dress.
For modern weddings, you'll typically see corsages either pinned elegantly on the left side of a dress or worn as a wrist accessory. They usually feature a few carefully chosen blooms accompanied by greenery or ribbons that tie into your wedding's flower theme.
These beautiful accessories are traditionally worn by the key women in your ceremony:
- Mothers of the bride and groom
- Grandmothers and great-grandmothers
- Female officiant
- Female readers or singers in the ceremony
Giving corsages to mothers and grandmothers is such a heartwarming way to honor them on your special day. And if you have special aunts, godmothers, or other dear female relatives, why not recognize them with corsages too?
Many modern couples choose to include all the women in their immediate family or close female friends who've been there through thick and thin. It's a beautiful way to make everyone feel special and appreciated during your celebration.
Just like boutonnieres, each flower carries its own meaning. Orchids represent love, luxury, and beauty, while gardenias symbolize purity and joy - perfect sentiments for such a meaningful occasion.
Corsage Styles and Trends
Wedding corsages come in all sorts of beautiful variations, from elegant pin-on designs to contemporary wrist styles. Traditional corsages typically showcase a few gorgeous blooms like roses, carnations, or orchids, enhanced with fresh greenery or ribbon accents. Modern designs might feature unique flower choices, charming succulents, or decorative touches like pearls or delicate lace. The seasons inspire different color choices - think soft spring pastels, vibrant summer hues, warm autumn tones, or rich winter jewel tones with metallic accents.
Corsage Etiquette
When it comes to corsage etiquette, clear communication makes everything smoother. Let your corsage recipients know ahead of time so they can plan their outfits accordingly. Have someone designated to help distribute and secure corsages on the big day - you want them to stay put and look perfect. After the celebration, consider preserving these special flowers as precious mementos or transforming them into keepsakes that'll help you treasure the memories.
Make Your Own Boutonniere or Corsage
Feeling creative with your wedding flowers? Come join us at an ART Flowers LA workshop! Our florists will guide you through creating beautiful bouquets and corsages, no matter your experience level. It's also a wonderful way to spend quality time with your loved ones. Visit our website to check schedules and reserve your spot!
Ready to start planning your wedding flowers? Browse through ART Flowers LA's online collection or stop by our LA shop for a personalized experience. Our talented team will create stunning pieces that make your special day truly unforgettable. We deliver throughout LA - check our website for all the details.
