Flowers often play a significant role in romance – from courtship to intimate relationships and even up to marriage. In fact, when it comes to wedding preparations, flowers never leave the essentials list. You’d often see bundles of blooms gracing the aisles, ensembles, and the bride’s bouquet.
But beyond those is one important accessory that you shouldn’t miss – the wedding boutonniere. Not only does it accentuate the groom’s suit, but it also carries an important meaning that ties him with the bride. So if you’re a soon-to-be-wedded couple looking to find boutonniere flowers for the groom and his men, this list of blooms that best complement the wedding suits is here to help you out!
Wedding Boutonnieres: 23 Flowers Used to Accessorize the Groom’s Suit
What are Boutonnieres?
Also referred to as buttonholes, boutonnieres are often used to accentuate formal attires during special occasions such as weddings, prom, funerals homecomings, and banquets. These accessories are made from a flower or a small collection of blooms and greeneries that men wear on the lapel of their tuxedo or suit.
Boutonnieres are normally worn on the left lapel. However, the groom may also pin the boutonniere on the right side provided that all the groomsmen will do the same.
In common traditions, flower boutonnieres, along with other greeneries and fillers, are fastened in a ribbon. But nowadays, you are free to explore different boutonniere styles.
Who Wears Boutonnieres?
Wearing a boutonniere creates a special distinction between a person and the rest of the attendees. As a rule of thumb, males who play an important role in the wedding should carry a boutonniere. Below are the specific men who usually receive a wedding bout.
Common Wedding Guests Who Wear a Boutonniere Flower
- Groom
- Groomsmen
- Fathers of the Couple
- Stepfathers of the Couple
- Grandfathers of the Couple
- Ring Bearer
- Ushers
- Immediate Family Members
- Other VIPs
It is important to note that the groom’s wedding boutonniere is always different from everyone else in order to make him stand out. But more than that, the flower in focus is also coordinated with the bride’s bouquet as a symbol of his ties to his soon-to-be-wife. The boutonniere is then positioned just above the heart to represent love and devotion.
Who Prepares the Boutonnieres?
Contrary to proms where the girl traditionally brings the boutonniere for her partner, the family of the groom normally buys the boutonniere flowers for weddings. However, it’s still up to the couple’s agreement on who will finance what. Even in the planning and choosing of the boutonniere, both the bride-to-be and groom-to-be usually participate in the process.
29 Best Boutonniere Flowers to Complement Wedding Suits
Classic Boutonniere Flowers
1. Calla Lilies
Lilies often carry symbols of purity and faith, which is why they are ideal flowers for such an intimate event like weddings. A white display is a clever choice when aiming for a sophisticated look. But other selections such as yellow mini calla or red-orange lilies also won’t disappoint.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Accent these flowers with loops of bear grass or baby’s breath and wrap the boutonniere in a thick twine rope.
2. Ranunculus
The captivating beauty of ranunculus is quite hard to deny. Often associated with charm and attractiveness, this boutonniere flower’s thin petals that resemble a crepe paper are enough to express your fascination to the angel who captured your heart whom you are soon to call your wife. The best part? They have a wide diversity of colors that almost every hue in the rainbow is not impossible to find.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Achieve a tropical look with an orange ranunculus with pink astilbe and green berries completed in a dark satin ribbon.
3. Tulips
Aside from the classic rose, one of the blooms that carry symbolic meanings of affection is the tulips. In fact, these boutonnieres mean perfect love and happiness. These spring flowers are especially ideal if you’re looking to find bouts in pastel shades.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Make your boutonniere pretty in pink tulips with bells of Ireland or lily grass as the background. A copper wire can give this arrangement a punch of personality.
4. Chrysanthemums
Also referred to as mums, chrysanthemums are often used in bridal bouquets but that doesn’t directly exclude the groom from taking advantage of their charm. Though they are not the most popular boutonniere flower selections, they sure can be a sight to behold when fixed on the groom’s lapel.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Opt for a white chrysanthemum accented with pink fillers and berries. Then tie this boutonniere flower in a teal ribbon with a slightly rough texture to give it a modern kick. But if you’re going for a darker shade, rust-colored chrysanthemums with seeded eucalyptus and vibrant fillers tied in a twine rope can also give your lapel a quick style upgrade.
5. Standard Roses
Since weddings celebrate love and romance, why not go for a boutonniere flower that speaks volumes of passionate affection? Roses are probably one of the most requested boutonniere flowers. Not only do they evoke grace and beauty but they also drive in heartfelt messages. For instance, the classic red rose is often associated with romance while white is for eternal love. Meanwhile, yellow roses symbolize new beginnings.
Whether you opt to go for white rose symbolizing eternal affection or the classic red rose to express passion, a rose boutonniere is definitely a great addition to the wedding ensemble.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Adorn your boutonniere with a sprig of greeneries as fillers. In choosing the ribbon, go for textured fabrics that can match roses’ sophistication. Think of velvet, satin, or lace ribbons.
Note: Though the wide availability of roses might urge you to make a DIY boutonniere, professionally-prepared rose bouts are much better as florists apply special techniques that make them more attractive and longer-lasting. They can even be tilted to the desired angle.
6. Spray Roses
Just like other flowers, roses have a plethora of variations. But among them, one of the widely used selections as wedding boutonnieres apart from the standard version is the spray rose. Don’t get confused – this type of bloom is much smaller than the common rose. Nonetheless, it never loses the beauty and elegance just like any other roses.
If you’re searching for a groom boutonniere that has a longer vase life, sweetheart roses are a good option since they are cultivated.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: For a white spray rose, the best way to go is to keep it simple. Complement the flower/s with either baby’s breath or astilbe and wrap the bout in an ethereal white ribbon.
7. Hyacinths
Flowers that express constancy and sincerity need no further scrutiny to pass as an excellent choice for a wedding boutonniere. Simply put, hyacinths are here to deliver the message. These boutonniere flowers have strap-like petals and form a bell shape, making them look exotic. If its appearance doesn’t seem enough to make you favor a hyacinth, then its captivating fragrance might seal the deal.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Opt for an organza ribbon-tied grape hyacinth a boutonniere matched with bear grass loops to create more depth.
8. Carnations
One of the easiest flowers to find, carnations are among the popular choices when it comes to wedding boutonnieres. White and red carnations are on the top charts as they can make a simple yet elegant appeal.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Aside from the ruffled petals that are worth flaunting, the best part about carnation boutonnieres is their versatility. They can easily blend well with fillers, though they can already suffice even without the additional elements.
Note: Carnations have the tendency to wilt after a short period of time. Be sure to wear it fresh or let a professional florist prepare the boutonnieres instead.
9. Orchid
One of the commonly used wedding flowers, an orchid signifies love and rare charm. There’s something so special about its delicate structure and exotic beauty that makes it stand out. The bonus part about orchids is that they have a bountiful of color variations so you’ll never struggle in matching an orchid boutonniere with its surrounding elements.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: If aiming for a light-hued boutonniere, you’ll never go wrong with white. A bright orchid doesn’t even need much greenery for it to pop, you can just tie the blooms with a deep-colored ribbon with print designs. A yellow orchid boutonniere also creates a unique yet fascinating display.
However, if you’re up for a darker shade, then consider going for a burgundy Cymbidium Orchid with an Italian Ruscus.
10. Jasmine
Jasmines are iconic flowers that are very popular across the globe. They perfectly exemplify the idea of enchanting beauty and a heavenly scent combined. While you may easily recognize these blooms by their fragrance, don’t get confused because there is such a thing as fake jasmines. They belong to a different genus and can be toxic when consumed.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: The white jasmine is an icon in itself. Its waxy texture combined with deep greeneries can create a classic yet refreshing display.
Did You Know? The buds of a jasmine flower are more fragrant than the petals.
Uncommon Yet Unique Boutonniere Choices
11. Peony
What a great way to start a new milestone in your relationship when you have a peony boutonniere that symbolizes love and hopes for a better future ahead. These flowers, especially the herbaceous ones, can grow abundantly and have a lifespan of up to a hundred years or more.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: A plush peony boutonniere is one of the favorites that are hard to beat. Whether you opt for a muted pink or a white peony, the greens that go with it can do the tricks. Be sure to add a finishing touch of velvet ribbon to achieve a chic yet lush look.
12. Dahlia
The fact that dahlias represent endless commitment and lasting bonds might already be enough to convince you as to why dahlias make the perfect wedding boutonniere. These flowers are bushy in nature and can grow in various sizes – from petite sizes of pom poms to a diameter enough to cover a dinner plate. In most regions, dahlias are in season during summer.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: If you want a boutonniere that can match the dreamy sun, pick light colors of dahlia, such as peach or yellow-orange. Show just a short inch of stem. No need for extravagant ropes and ribbons, just choose a tie that is color-coordinated with the dahlia boutonniere.
13. Hydrangeas
Though you might not be familiar with them, hydrangeas are actually the type of flowers that can grow easily and abundantly. These blooms often denote heartfelt emotions and compassion. These boutonniere flowers come in a variety of colors but the most popular among the list is the blue and white hydrangeas.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Soft tones of blue hydrangea go well with another flower with a much lighter hue, such as a single stem of ivory rose. Complete the boutonniere with fillers like myrtle or eucalyptus.
14. Gardenia
Untainted love and joy – these are the two symbolic meanings that are associated with gardenia flowers. They have a grace that is worth noticing and scent that is unbelievably intoxicating.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Choose a white gardenia flower adorned with guinea fowl feathers and white satin ribbon.
15. Gomphrena
If you’re looking for a boutonniere that screams uniquely stylish, then a gomphrena boutonniere is the answer. It has a distinct rounded shape and comes in both deep and vibrant shades.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Pink and purple gomphrena flowers may sound too feminine for a boutonniere, but once you pin them on the suit’s lapel along with a succulent, you’ll see the magic that it can create.
16. Lisianthus
Lisianthus, also known as paper roses, are among the flowers that are in high demand for special occasions such as weddings. It can be quite difficult to grow, but once you see it in full bloom, it creates a striking sight and a rewarding feeling as if you’ve just seen a precious gem that is quite rare to find.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Lisianthus flowers commonly have cool tones. White most especially creates a sophisticated appearance when paired with greens with a waxy texture and entwined in a paper ribbon.
17. Sunflowers
If you’re the type of couple who loves going with the trend, then a sunflower boutonniere is for you. Beyond the vibrant yellow lies the deep meanings of faithfulness and adoration. Sunflower boutonnieres are a bright idea when you’re planning on having a garden or rustic-themed wedding.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Since sunflowers already have popping colors, you need to pair them with a more neutral tone. One fine example would be a bundle of adorable baby’s breath.
18. Lilacs
“Love’s first emotions.” – this statement encapsulates what lilacs mean. They grow all year round so you won’t have to struggle in finding them for your wedding. A collection of lilacs look great in a bridal bouquet, but so can they in a tiny boutonniere.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Violet lilacs are the most popular flower of choice in terms of visuals. Pair the blooms with a single bloom in off-white wrapped in a poly ribbon with leaf prints.
19. Lavender
Lavenders are probably most recognized for their captivating fragrance, but their fascinating appearance and foliage are also worth the attention. The good thing about them is that they are ideal as wedding boutonnieres even if the petals haven’t completely spread yet.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: If you’re aiming for a classy appeal, pick a lavender in full bloom and match it with a But if you’d rather want to make a fashion statement, you won’t go wrong with dried English lavender, the one with miniature petals, with its stem wrapped in thick twines.
Filler Flowers
20. Wax Flower
Known to have flowers similar to those of tea trees, wax flowers are one of the unpopular boutonniere selections that you won’t regret choosing. They usually come in feminine colors. Though they have tiny petals, they’re definitely a finishing touch that can catch anyone’s attention.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Give your boutonniere a modern spin by accenting a succulent with wax flowers. Find a black or burgundy grosgrain ribbon for added allure.
21. Rice Flowers
Also known as pill flower, white dogwood, or sago bush, rice flowers are blooms that are commonly used in weddings. The name was derived from the rice-like appearance that they make once they form a cluster. Due to their minute appearance, rice flowers are mostly used as a filler to another foreground flower.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Pair the rice flowers with a bigger bloom in white, such as a rose or freesia. Then complete the boutonniere in a pine green paper ribbon.
22. Astrantia
Astrantias are also referred to as masterworts. If you’re on the hunt for flowers with depth and volume, astrantias are never a bad idea. These blooms possess an exotic beauty that can significantly impact the groom’s suit.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: Create an eccentric boutonniere by putting together astrantia and one stem of white rose.
23. Larkspur
Larkspurs are a great addition to a landscape but these flowering plants are also ideal fillers to the wedding boutonnieres. They come in different colors namely blue, white, purple, and pink. But even in their unbudded form, larkspurs can already be used to accessorize wedding suits.
Wedding Boutonniere Idea: You can combine different filler flowers to make a stunning boutonniere. For example, put together unbudded larkspur, dusty miller and a burgundy amaranthus fixed in a rose gold mesh ribbon.
How to Put on a Wedding Boutonniere: The 3 Different Methods
1. Lapel Method
This method is one of the widely-used techniques where the boutonniere is simply pinned to the left side of the lapel. You begin by fixing the boutonniere flower on its designated position. Note that it should be placed just above a man’s heart.
Afterwards, pin the accessory diagonally starting off with the thickest part of the stem. Make sure to secure the boutonniere well and use another pin if you deem it necessary.
2. Buttonhole Method
The buttonhole method is a simple way of putting on the boutonniere that does not require the use of pins. Instead, the stem is stuck through the buttonhole.
3. Shirt Method
Image Source: Merry Brides
The shirt method works almost the same way as the lapel technique. But rather than on the suit, the boutonniere is pinned on the fabric of the shirt. Another difference is that the pin is first secured on the shirt creating an alternative “pocket” where the boutonniere flower will then be inserted.
Weddings are such a huge milestone in a romantic relationship. This is why it is only understandable why soon-to-be wedded couples often spend careful attention to every detail, including boutonniere flowers. As you’re on the lookout for the perfect bout, take note that more than the visual, the underlying meanings behind those fascinating blooms are also worth knowing.
ALSO READ: Top 25 Dating Spots in Pasig
Looking for flowers to make the best boutonniere for your groom-to-be? You can count on Flower Patch, one of the leading flower shops in Pasig, to give you the freshest blooms. We also have a wide selection of intricately-arranged blooms for special occasions.
Tags: Boutonnieres, Wedding Boutonnieres Author: by Flower Patch
FAQs
What is the most popular type of boutonniere on the market? ›
The universal symbol for love, the rose is the most requested boutonniere flower. It is often embellished with a sprig of green ivy and baby's breath.
How many flowers should be in a boutonniere? ›Corsages and boutonnieres can have 1 or up to 5 flowers. They can be of any color and a combination of colors.
What flowers work well in corsages? ›Popular flower options are roses, carnations, orchids, chrysanthemums and lilies. Roses and carnations are great because they come in a variety of colours and are sturdy flowers that will last the entire evening.
What color should wedding boutonniere be? ›Usually a single flower or bud, typically white but can be a solid color that goes with any theme or even a date's dress (talking to you prom goers). Oh and a quick boutonnière hack- it always goes over your heart! Or at least on the lapel on that side...
How much should a boutonniere cost? ›...
Average wedding flower costs.
| Common floral items for weddings | Low-priced | High-priced |
|---|---|---|
| Groom's boutonniere | $15 | $35 |
| Church altar flowers | $550 | $1,585 |
A boutonniere should be delivered 1-2 days before the event and can be refrigerated up to 24 hours prior. You can find one at any florist shop, online, or you can custom make them with your own favorite blooms!
How do I choose a boutonniere color? ›If you want to be sure the boutonniere or corsage won't distract from your date's ensemble, choose flowers in more neutral colors. Red and white roses are both good options for an added touch of elegance without taking away from your date's duds. Don't forget to think about ribbon colors, as well.
How many flowers are needed for a wedding? ›| Arrangement | Stem Count for Small Arrangement | Stem Count for Medium Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Peony Bouquet | 3-4 Stems | 6-9 Stems |
| Garden Rose Bouquet | 3-4 Stems | 6-9 Stems |
| Hydrangea Bouquet | 2-3 Stems | 4-5 Stems |
| Rose Bouquet | 8-12 Stems | 18-20 Stems |
The groom's family provides the flowers involved in a wedding ceremony. That includes the bride's bouquet, the groomsmen and usher boutonnieres, and the corsages and mini bouquets for the both mothers and grandmothers.
What is a female boutonniere called? ›Corsages are the female equivalent of a boutonniere, and are typically worn to formal events including weddings, prom and funerals. A corsage is made of up of two or more focal flowers complimented by greenery and/or filler flowers.
What flower symbolizes happy marriage? ›
Peony. Romantic couples may love peonies for their lush fluffy petals, but they'll cherish the meaning even more. This springtime bloom symbolizes a happy marriage, and it's the ideal big, bold flower to make a statement in a beautiful bouquet.
What is the luckiest flower? ›Chrysanthemums are treasured across Asia and are known for being good luck flowers. They are also a symbol of longevity in China. Gold and yellow Chrysanthemums are particularly lucky.
Are corsages still a thing 2022? ›Prom Season 2022 is shaping up to be quite a busy one! Though the traditional corsages and boutonnieres are still extremely popular, we're seeing the addition of more bouquets and softer colors.
Are corsages and boutonnieres supposed to match? ›Do the corsage and boutonniere have to match? Not necessarily, but flowers that are color-coordinated offer a more harmonious and put-together look that will pop in photos.
Who wears corsages at a wedding? ›Corsages are often worn by the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom, as well as sisters, bridesmaids and flower girls. However, there's no strict rule about who wedding corsages apply to — some couples even ask all of their female guests to wear one.
How big should a boutonniere flower be? ›Boutonnières are typically one size: about three inches tall and one to two inches wide. Smaller sizes can be requested for babies and toddlers who may be part of the ceremony, such as the ring bearer. Boutonnières can be made with one flower, two flowers, or even just greenery and no flowers at all.
Who pins the boutonniere on the groom? ›Typically, the best man or one of the groom's parents will secure the boutonnière on the groom's jacket. But, Gardenia admits that's usually just for the photo op. Since they can be a little tricky to get just right, a stylist, planner, or florist on hand will usually do the final pin.
What does boutonniere match with? ›A popular choice for wedding boutonnieres is to match the boutonniere's design to the bridal and wedding bouquets. You may choose to include the exact type of flower from the bride's bouquet or a selection of flowers that complement the shape, color, or floral choices of the bridesmaids' dresses.
What are the most expensive flowers for weddings? ›The most expensive flowers include peonies, gardenias, and hydrangeas. If you're on a tight wedding flower budget, using lots of greenery is an affordable (and on-trend!) way to decorate your reception. Other inexpensive flowers include freesia, baby's breath, roses (not garden roses, though), daisies, and carnations.
How much should you spend on flowers for a wedding? ›According to our friends at Weddingwire.com, the average cost of wedding flowers in the U.S. is around $1,500 for small to medium size weddings and up to $5,000+ for large weddings. Whatever your wedding budget is, it is safe to start with 8-10% of your total budget dedicated to the florals.
Does the woman buy the boutonniere? ›
Proper etiquette dictates that the girl buys a boutonniere for her date. Boutonnieres are one or two blossoms of flowers to be worn on the left lapel of his jacket. The girl pins the boutonniere on her date's jacket when he arrives to pick her up for the dance. Pin the boutonniere with the stem facing down.
How many days before the wedding should you pick up the flowers? ›However, we do recommend flowers being picked up are kept in a temperature-controlled setting until the day of the wedding (stored away from fruits and vegetables). When we store wedding flowers, they are kept in coolers to stay fresh and happy. Wedding flowers are meant for one day, your wedding day.
How long will a boutonniere stay fresh? ›Under the given conditions, they can last a few days in the fridge. Once the corsage or boutonniere has been worn for an event (or been out of the fridge for a few hours), it will not keep.
Should I keep a boutonniere in the fridge? ›For boutonnieres, trim stems to the desired length, pat dry, wrap in ribbon, and mist from a distance. If possible, request to store these on-site in a refrigerator until the groom and groomsmen are ready to pin them on.
Are corsages and boutonnieres supposed to be the same color? ›Boutonnieres are similar to the corsage in color and style and are worn by the male date. While the color and flower of the boutonniere matches the corsage, the boutonniere is much more simple and usually only has one flower.
Are boutonnieres outdated? ›Additionally, “Boutonnieres and corsages are no longer necessary—they are a little outdated—corsages more so than boutonnieres.
What color flowers is best for wedding? ›So, they're the perfect choice for weddings throughout most of the year. White is a timeless colour choice for elegant weddings, but a large array of other shades are also available, such as pink, yellow, purple, and orange. This makes roses the ideal fit for a myriad of wedding colour themes and styles.
Is 1000 enough for wedding flowers? ›I usually suggest a minimum of $300 and upwards of $1,000. Unless you're getting married in a church, most ceremonies last no more than 30 minutes nowadays. Take your time frame into consideration when you're designing your ceremony flowers.
What should the mother of the groom not do? ›- Don't overshadow the bride's mother. ...
- Don't act (or dress) like a bridesmaid. ...
- Don't get too critical. ...
- Don't steal the bride's spotlight with your mother-of-the-groom outfit. ...
- Don't try to invite extra guests. ...
- Don't skip the pre-wedding events.
What Does the Groom's Family Pay For, Traditionally? The groom's family is responsible for corsages and boutonnieres for immediate members of both families, the lodging of the groom's attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense), and sometimes the costs of the rehearsal dinner.
What do brides parents pay for? ›
The Bride's Family
Think everything from invitations and stationery (with the exception of rehearsal dinner invites) to accommodations for bridesmaids. Also included are obvious things like the wedding dress, accessories, and hair and makeup.
Tradition calls for corsages to be given to mothers of the bride and groom. For a different approach, pin a flower in her hair or give her a small nosegay to carry. While lilies and roses are classics, incorporating each mother's favorite flower or one that complements her ensemble is a thoughtful gesture.
What are the flowers worn on the wrist? ›A corsage /kɔːrˈsɑːʒ/ is a small bouquet of flowers worn on a woman's dress or around her wrist for a formal occasion. They are typically given to her by her date. Today, corsages are most commonly seen at homecomings, proms, and similar formal events.
What side does a woman wear a wedding flower? ›Ladies wear a button hole / corsage on their right
And this is the bit most people don't know. Ladies wear the flower differently to the men, on the opposite side. But it doesn't stop there – a lady should have the flowers pointing downwards. So the stem should be pointing towards her shoulder.
Matching. One of the most common ideas when it comes to prom corsages and boutonnieres is to make sure they match your date's outfit. If you know what color dress, suit, or vest/tie colors he or she will be wearing, this can be a great option.
What is often used for a boutonniere? ›White roses and calla lilies are the most popular blooms used in boutonnieres, but a variety of other flowers and greenery may be used, including orchids, ranunculuses, dahlias and more. We've even seen boutonnieres made of non-floral items, from Legos to peacock feathers, brooches—wherever your imagination takes you!
Does a boutonniere have to be a rose? ›While a rose or calla lily is a classic choice, many grooms are getting more creative with their boutonnieres and are wearing something a bit more personal. For a bohemian or rustic wedding, you might even try using succulents or a small bunch of greenery for the boutonniere.
What can I use for a boutonniere? ›The best boutonniere flowers have sturdy stems and will not look wilted if they are out of water for an extended period of time. Roses, carnations and calla lilies are extremely popular boutonniere flowers. Baby's breath, seeded eucalyptus, dusty miller and rosemary are common fillers.
Who needs a boutonniere at a wedding? ›Boutonnieres. The groom, groomsmen, the bride's dad, the groom's dad, the ring bearer, any ushers, both sets of grandfathers, a male officiant, and any male readers should all wear a boutonniere, which is pinned to the left lapel.