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Boutonnières and Corsages for Weddings

When planning your wedding, it’s easy to overlook the little details, but wedding florals are so much more than just bouquets. Boutonnières and corsages are timeless accessories that add a personal touch to your celebration. Whether you’re looking to outfit the groom, groomsmen, or close family members, understanding the difference between boutonnières and corsages—and how to style them—can make all the difference in your wedding’s aesthetic. In this guide, we’ll dive into the significance, design options, and how to choose the perfect boutonnière and corsage for your big day.

Peach Boutonnières on a Toronto groom in a black suit.


What is a Boutonnière?

A boutonnière is a small floral arrangement typically worn by men on the left lapel of their suits or tuxedos. The tradition of wearing a boutonnière dates back to the 19th century and signifies a touch of elegance and individuality for the groom, groomsmen, and other important male members of the wedding party.

Popular Boutonnière Styles

  • Classic Single Flower: A timeless choice, this style uses one beautiful bloom such as a rose, lily, or orchid, and it’s traditionally pinned to the left lapel of the suit or tuxedo. Simple yet elegant!
  • Mixed Blooms: For those who want a bit more complexity, a mixed boutonnière can combine various flowers like ranunculus, peonies, or seasonal blooms paired with greenery. This style can make a bold statement while still looking refined.
  • Minimalist: Perfect for couples who prefer a sleek, modern look, a minimalist boutonnière often features just a single stem of greenery or a small, subtle flower. It’s ideal for rustic, modern, or boho weddings where the focus is on natural beauty.
  • Rustic Boutonnières: Incorporating elements like twine, burlap, or small sprigs of herbs, rustic boutonnières give off a down-to-earth, organic feel. These are often paired with outdoor or countryside weddings, adding a personal touch to the groom’s or groomsmen’s attire.
  • Pocket Square Boutonnière: A trendy and stylish alternative to the traditional pinned boutonnière, the pocket square boutonnière is worn directly in the suit’s breast pocket. Instead of being pinned to the lapel, these boutonnières are designed to fit inside the pocket square fold, offering a clean, polished look without any risk of pin marks on your clothing. This option is perfect for grooms and groomsmen who prefer a modern, sharp look.
    Why Choose a Pocket Square Boutonnière?
    • Clean Aesthetic: No need for pins, and it keeps the suit or tuxedo free from any holes.
    • Unique and Stylish: This style has become increasingly popular among modern grooms looking for something a little different.
    • Easy to Wear: Simply tuck the pocket square with the boutonnière into the pocket—it’s a quick and hassle-free way to accessorize.

Groom with grey suit wearing boutonniere with a burgundy and blush pink rose and greenery


What is a Corsage?

A corsage is a small floral arrangement worn by women, typically pinned to the wrist or the dress. Traditionally, corsages are worn by the mother of the bride, mother of the groom, grandmothers, and sometimes other special female guests. They’re a symbol of honor and recognition on the wedding day.

Types of Corsages

  • Wrist Corsage: This style is one of the most popular, offering comfort and ease for the wearer. It’s typically designed with delicate blooms and can be attached to a ribbon or a stretchy band.
  • Pin-On Corsage: This is a more traditional style, where the corsage is pinned to the dress or jacket.
  • Bespoke Corsages: Many brides opt for custom corsages, incorporating flowers that are meaningful to the family or match the wedding’s theme.

Popular Corsage Flowers

  • Roses: Timeless and elegant, perfect for both modern and traditional weddings.
  • Orchids: For a sophisticated and tropical flair.
  • Mini Calla Lilies: Sleek and refined, these flowers lend a modern touch to any corsage.

How to Choose the Perfect Corsage

  1. Honour Family: Corsages are typically worn by family members of the couple, so choose flowers that hold significance or represent the family’s taste.
  2. Coordinating with the Wedding Flowers: Corsages should complement the bride’s bouquet and the overall floral design of the wedding.
  3. Comfort and Style: Make sure the corsage is comfortable for the wearer. If it’s for someone who prefers a more understated look, consider a smaller, simpler design.

A bride, groom, best man, and maid of honor pose with their personal florals from their wedding floral checklist.Bride pins a Boutonnières on her Dad in front of a red door.Bride puts a corsage on the wrist of her mother in front of a red door.


Tips for Ordering Boutonnières and Corsages for Your Wedding

  • Order Early: Make sure to order your boutonnières and corsages well in advance of the wedding. Flowers are freshest when prepared the day of or a day before the event, but planning ahead ensures availability.
  • Consider Allergies: If you or your guests have flower allergies, speak to your florist about hypoallergenic options, like silk flowers or low-pollen blooms.
  • Ask About Preservation: If you want to preserve your wedding flowers as keepsakes, ask your florist if they offer services to dry and preserve boutonnières and corsages.
  • Personalize the Design: Many florists (like Sima Flower Designer) will work with you to create custom designs that align with your wedding colors, theme, and personal preferences.

How to Wear a Boutonnière and Corsage

Boutonnières

  • Placement: Boutonnières are typically worn on the left lapel of the suit or tuxedo, just above the pocket.
  • Pinning: Ensure the boutonnière is securely pinned. If you’re opting for a pocket square boutonnière, it simply goes into the suit pocket, and there’s no need for any pins.

Corsages

  • Placement: Corsages are traditionally worn on the wrist or pinned to the dress near the shoulder or waist.
  • Comfort: Make sure the corsage is securely attached without feeling too tight or heavy.

Conclusion

Boutonnières and corsages are small yet meaningful details in any wedding. Whether you’re outfitting your groom and groomsmen or honoring close family members, these floral accessories add a personalized, elegant touch to your celebration. Working with a skilled florist like Sima Flower Designer ensures that your flowers are not only beautiful but perfectly suited to your wedding style. Don’t underestimate the importance of these little details—they’ll bring your wedding vision to life in ways you never imagined!

Ring bearer wears suit, sunglesses and a Boutonnières.


FAQs About Wedding Boutonnières and Corsages

  1. Do I need to wear a boutonnière if I’m not the groom?
    • While traditionally worn by the groom, groomsmen, and close family members, there is no hard and fast rule. Some couples choose to offer boutonnières to guests who play a significant role.
  2. Can I get artificial boutonnières and corsages for my wedding?
    • Yes! Many couples opt for high-quality silk flowers or preserved blooms if they want to keep their boutonnières and corsages as lasting keepsakes.
  3. How do I preserve my boutonnière or corsage?
    • You can work with a florist to dry and preserve your flowers or choose to have them made from non-perishable materials.

Contact Sima Flower Designer for Your Perfect Wedding Flowers

For the finest floral designs that will make your wedding day even more special, reach out to Sima Flower Designer. We specialize in bespoke wedding flowers, including custom boutonnières and corsages that will elevate your wedding look and make your day unforgettable.

Contact us today to Schedule a consultation with us , and let’s begin designing the perfect florals for your unforgettable day!

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