Follow Tradition or Go Your Own Way

Weddings are full of traditions - cake cutting, bouquet toss, first dances, and more. Boutonnières and corsages are the classic way of honoring some of the very important people at your wedding, such as parents, officiants, groomsmen, aunts, uncles, the list goes on...

While we are always happy to follow tradition, we've recently been reflecting on the impact of boutonnières and corsages, especially as it pertains to your budget and space. Read on to hear more about what to consider when ordering bouts and corsages as well as our hot take on adding them to your plan at all.

The Traditional Route

Floral boutonnieres are traditionally worn by men and feature a few blooms accented with foliage. Greenery boutonnieres focus on texture, incorporating a mix of foliage and interesting stems for a more understated look.

Corsages are worn by women and tend to be fuller and more floral in design than boutonnieres. They’re available in two styles: pinned (designed to be worn on clothing) or wrist corsages, which are worn like a bracelet.

Both options are a thoughtful way to honor and show appreciation for the important people in your life. They also serve as a visual cue for guests and add a nice touch to a suit or dress, tying into your overall color palette.

To avoid confusion or hard feelings, be sure to account for all parents and grandparents, including step-family, on both sides. We always recommend starting with the minimum number you'll need as you can add more up to one month before your wedding.

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Our (Potentially) Hot Take

Skip the boutonnieres and corsages. Bold move? Potentially. But hear us out.

Five floral boutonnieres = $85
Three wrist corsages = $120
Total: $205

That’s $205 that could go toward candle rentals, larger ceremony decor, or even a lush arrangement for the bar or base of a welcome sign, details your guests will likely spend more time interacting with and noticing.

If you’re deciding where florals will make the biggest impact, ceremony and reception décor tend to steal the show. They set the tone, look fresh all day, and won’t end the night abandoned on a sticky dance floor.

So consider this your official permission slip: if boutonnieres and corsages aren’t a meaningful tradition for you, skip them. Choose arrangements that truly excite you, add to your overall vibe, and that you’ll love seeing again and again in your photos.

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Alternative Ideas

Alternatively, you could opt for one of these out-of-the-box wearable floral options for your loved ones. They still help your VIPs stand out in a crowd but with a fresh, modern spin.

Pocket squares: Designed to slide into the breast pocket of a suit jacket, these are more voluminous than a traditional boutonniere and feature a thoughtfully arranged mix of blooms and foliage.

Hair flowers: Crowns, loose blooms, or combs are playful ways to spread some flower power to your MVPs.

Petite or single-varietal bouquets: These small bouquet options offer a sweet floral moment during the event, and can be taken home in a vase to enjoy for days afterward.

Floral lapels: A longer, linear arrangement of blooms to be attached to lapels or necklines as a bold statement.

And remember that you know what will make your people comfortable, there are no rules! Choose designs that fit their comfort level & style - regardless of gender.

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In the End

As we say with most wedding planning decisions, choose the options that feel most true to you and your partner. We're here to offer creative alternatives, bounce ideas off of, and support your vision as you build your floral plan.

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Header Image by Kristi Littman Photography