When it comes to the big day, the focus tends to be on the more feminine side. The dresses, the shoes, the bouquets the ladies will carry, etc. However we can't forget about the men who are getting married or partaking in the bridal entourage. I've seen a lot through the years wear things from formal tuxedo's, to suits, to even jeans and flannel shirts. The men find a way to creates showcase their personalities as well. One detail feature that sometimes gets overlooked is the boutonniere. I've seen a lot of them over the years, mostly because as the wedding planner, I'm almost always pinning them on the men. I'm actually proud to say that through the years I've only pricked my finger mildly once and never bled on anyone. Let's hope I didn't just jinx myself!
As for the history of the boutonniere, a quick internet search gave me a few stories. Some common elements though is how flowers in the past were always used at weddings to ward off evil spirits, and to help keep away odors (people weren't as hygiene conscious back then as we are today). Some blogs mention how it ties to medieval times when knights would wear a favor by the lady they loved. At one point during the 18th century, men wore them in the buttonholes of jackets as fashion statements. However they evolved, today men wear them for special occasions such as weddings. If you see a man wearing one at a wedding, it usually means he is someone important to the couple. Here are some of the ones I have admired at weddings I have coordinated through the years.
I am going to admit that I won't remember every single flower that was used. This one of Justin's for example created by Mowrer's Flowers. I loved the berries and thistle. I don't recall the rest, but either way I loved the variety of texture of the flowers used
in this one and though it was super unique.
Here is another Mowrer's Flowers creation and this one looked like it was plucked from a field with and wrapped in twine. It was a perfect for the rustic yet glam look of this wedding. Photo from The Jepsons.
This one of Ezra's had some of that twine but was felt more bohemian in style and perfect for a late summer wedding. Flowers done by Pocketful of Posies and picture from Charlie Juliet.
Succulents are wonderful plants and love when couples use them. Though Susan and Fred had another boutonniere option from Mowrer's Flowers, this succulent one was my favorite. Photo from Liz and Ryan.
Also with succulents this one was memorable as larger one for the groom, and smaller ones for the rest of the men. Paired with some interesting textures in purple and red. Colors that I wouldn't typically put together work well here.
This one stands out as they worked in the grooms love of hunting into the boutonniere. If you look at the base, the bottom of it is a shot gun shell. I also think the bright yellow sunflower was perfect for a fall wedding, and as this picture below from Jana Scott shows, it matches the brides bouquet as well.
Below is another photo from Dyanna LaMora of another couple who did the shot gun shell boutonniere's, but stuck with simple baby's breath for the groomsmen. It went well with their camouflage ties and was a nod to the grooms love for hunting.
Speaking of fall, this one comes from a styled shoot I did at Above the Valley. The bright red contrast on this with the tan suite, really makes it pop. Created by Erin Carey and picture from The Jepsons.
For a winter wedding around the holidays this one was perfection. Greenery from tree with berries and little pine cones. Goes perfectly with the sweater vest. Created by Woodrings Floral Gardens and photo from Dyanna LaMora.
Some boutonniere's tend to be more subtle and some make a statement. I thought this one was a great combination of both. The big dramatic leaves with don't overpower the outfit, but work with the flowers and berries tucked in. Flowers by The Details Matter and photo from Brittany Lee.
I see a lot of green and white used for boutonniere's. They are beautiful, classic, romantic, and go with just about anything. Due to that, I never forget when a bright colorful flower is used. Orange is not something I typically go for, but it worked here with the gray suits and was perfect for a summer wedding. The groom's was different as it was a big calla lily, while the groomsmen's were more smaller flowers. Picture from Amanda Nichols.
Another example of some color is this one below also from Mowrer's Flowers. Ranunculus is a favorite flower and love its soft petals. Its size makes it popular for boutonniere's, and it works well in white.When Abby and Dan tied the knot, they opted for this flower but in a non-traditional color, and the gold addition completed the look. Photo from Voltage Studios.
Though I sort of mentioned the classic white flower boutonniere', I haven't really put any on here and feel like I may be doing them a disservice. There is nothing wrong with that look or going that way. I am including this one that groom Carl wore below. I loved that the white rose was more closed, which makes it less heavy and easier to pin. The added green leaves and hypericum berries are a nice accent. Photo by William Ames.
Also had to include this white flowered beauty. The flower isn't one I typically see on a boutonniere but loved it. The few smaller floral stacked with the green in the middle made this one memorable. Photo by Tera Nelson.
If flowers aren't your thing there are some alternatives. Like below, using wheat. Works well for a country fall wedding. I also loved the touch of lavender. Adds some fragrance and lavender is a personal favorite of mine.
Here, I am going to go back to the very first wedding I ever did. Not surprisingly it was for a friend. I think most planners first official wedding tends to be for someone the know. My husband was the best man in this wedding so I am going to share a picture of his handsome face. As for the boutonniere, our friend Meaghen went with a peacock theme and used peacock feathers. A fun alternative!
Finally, I am going to end with the picture of me pining a final favorite one through the years on the groom. The classic rose but I liked the additions of the smaller flower, green leaves, and the pink heather. Photo from Times Eye Photography.
As I mentioned when I started, this is one duty I do at almost every single wedding I coordinate. I actually have come to enjoy this task, as I've gotten used it to it over the years. In fact, I carry back up pins just in case.
