Boutonnières and Corsages

Let’s start with the basics!

What are Corsages and Boutonnières?

A corsage is a small bundle of flowers that is pinned to the lapel of a woman's clothing or tied around her wrist. Taken from the French word for buttonhole, the boutonnière is a small, single flower or a grouping of two or three flowers worn on the lapel of the groom or the other men in the ceremony.

Who wears them?

Traditionally everyone in your wedding party wears or carries flowers, but you are free to make your choices on this one. In most weddings I’ve done, the groom and groomsmen wear boutonnières that match what the bride and bridesmaids are carrying. Beyond that, there are lots of options!

Here are some things to think about… Corsages and boutonnières are a way to honor important people in your life. If your families and friends don’t really know each other, and they see someone at the reception wearing a corsage or boutonnière, then they know immediately that person is someone special to you. Basically, a VIP guest! And who doesn’t want to be a VIP?

So, groom, groomsmen, ushers. Who else? Most importantly- MOMS! They do so much work to help plan your wedding and their only reward is a beautiful corsage! Also, grandmothers, fathers, grandfathers, readers, musicians, candle lighters, hostesses, personal attendants, officiants……. you get the idea. Anyone you want to honour and recognize.

Types of Corsages

There are two main types of corsages. A wrist corsage and a chest or pin corsage. Each are great for different reasons and different outfit choices. Wrist corsages can be tied onto the wrist with ribbon, slid on with an elastic wristband or created on a metal cuff for a modern jewelry look. These corsages are great for dresses made of very delicate or thin fabrics which could be pulled or damaged by pins. Pin on corsages are great for older relatives, or anyone, who don’t want to have a tight wristlet on their arm or prefer more of a decorative adornment closer to their face. Now, you might be thinking, ugh corsages are so old fashioned. To this I say, give them a chance! Today’s corsages are not your grandmother’s flower arrangements, they are modern and artistic, just like a little piece of art or custom jewelry. Made specially for you to match your outfit or wedding colours!

Types of Boutonnières

There are also two main types of types of boutonnières. The tried-and-true classic pin on style or the ultra modern pocket square style. Both are beautiful styles and make great choices for both the groom and the groomsmen alike. The classic pin on style boutonnière is great option for wedding parties that aren’t going to be wearing jackets, they pin on well to shirts and still look dressy.

The modern pocket square style boutonnière is designed inside a plastic sleeve, wrapped in ribbon and slid into the breast pocket of either a shirt or most commonly a jacket. Boutonnières can come in all shapes, styles and sizes. Generally, the larger and taller a person is the larger the boutonnière is. They can be styled traditionally, clean and modern, bohemian and natural, or simple and classic. Whichever way you choose to go rest assured that they’ll make a beautiful addition to your big day!

With so many important people, where do you draw the line? Totally your choice. There is no right or wrong answer. While I enjoy making corsages and boutonnières, they are a lot of work. Kind of like tiny little flower arrangements that take a lot of abuse through the day, and need to be sturdy enough to last. I love the creativity of them and I definitely try to put some personality and character into each one, thinking specifically about who I’m making them for and just how special each person is!