Boutonnière: The Timeless Floral Accessory for Formal Events

Introduction to boutonnière

A boutonnière is a floral accessory typically worn by men on the lapel of their suit jacket or tuxedo, usually for formal occasions like weddings, proms, and ceremonies. It consists of a single flower or small cluster of flowers and has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. In the Middle Ages, boutonnières were used to identify allies in battle, with different colored flowers representing different allegiances. By the 18th and 19th centuries, they became fashionable accessories, with the Romantic movement popularizing their use to add color and individuality to men’s attire. Today, boutonnières are often coordinated with the bride’s bouquet or the date’s corsage, serving as a subtle yet elegant touch that enhances the formal aesthetic of the event. While their popularity has waxed and waned over time, boutonnières remain a timeless symbol of sophistication and tradition in formal menswear.

Ancient Origins of the Boutonnière

The tradition of wearing flowers as adornments dates back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Aztecs. In these cultures, people wore certain colored flowers to show support for athletes in sporting events. This practice continues today with sports fans wearing their team colors.

Moreover during the 15th century, a woman who was interested in a knight would gift him flowers or a scarf in the color of her dress to bestow good luck and her favor as he went into battle. These symbolic gestures using flowers were common during this time period.

Evolution of the Boutonnière Through the Ages

Flowers played an important role in identifying allies during battles in the Middle Ages. This was especially notable in the Wars of the Roses, where the Lancaster family wore red and the York family wore white as part of their coat of armor. Allies would wear the same colored flowers to show their support.

Further, as fashion evolved in the 18th and 19th centuries, boutonnières became popular accessories. Men began wearing flowers in the buttonholes of their frock coats as a fashion statement. The introduction of the lapeled jacket in the 19th century solidified the boutonnière’s place in men’s formal attire.

The Romantic movement of the 19th century further popularized boutonnières as a way to add fresh color and individuality to men’s outfits. Flowers became one of many accessories, along with chains, cigar cases and jeweled pins, that a man could use to stand out from the crowd.

Types of Flowers Used in Boutonnières

Traditional Choices

Carnations

• • Description: Carnations are a popular choice for boutonnières due to their availability, variety of colors, and long-lasting nature. They are often used in both formal and casual settings.
  • Formal Options: White and clove red carnations are particularly favored for formal occasions, as they symbolize purity and deep love, respectively. Their sturdy stems make them ideal for wearing throughout an event without wilting quickly.

Roses

1. • Description: Roses are synonymous with romance and elegance, making them a classic option for boutonnières. They come in a wide range of colors, each carrying its own meaning.
   • Symbolism: Red roses symbolize passionate love, while white roses represent eternal love. Yellow roses can signify new beginnings, making them suitable for weddings and celebrations. Roses can be used in full bloom or as smaller spray roses, often accompanied by greenery for added texture.

Orchids

1. • Description: Orchids offer an exotic and sophisticated touch to boutonnières. They are available in various vibrant colors and unique shapes.
   • Usage: Due to their delicate nature, orchids are often used as focal points in boutonnières, paired with smaller accent flowers. Their striking appearance makes them a popular choice for upscale events.

Modern Trends

Customization Based on Personal Style and Event Theme

• • Description: Modern boutonnières are increasingly customized to reflect the personal style of the wearer and the theme of the event. This trend allows for greater creativity and individuality.
  • Examples: Couples may choose flowers that hold personal significance or colors that match their wedding palette. Unique combinations of flowers, such as combining traditional blooms with unexpected elements like succulents or berries, are becoming more common.

Use of Dried, Silk, or Mixed Materials

• • Description: There is a growing trend towards using dried flowers, silk flowers, or a mix of materials in boutonnières. These options provide durability and can be designed to last long after the event.
  • Benefits: Dried flowers can add a rustic or vintage feel, while silk flowers offer a wide variety of styles and colors without the risk of wilting. Mixed materials can include elements like twine, lace, or metal accents, enhancing the visual appeal and allowing for unique designs that stand out.

How to Wear a Boutonnière

Placement and Attachment

Traditional Placement on the Left Lapel

• • The boutonnière is traditionally worn on the left lapel of a suit jacket, positioned slightly above the heart. This placement is not only a matter of tradition but also practical, as it allows the flower to be visible while complementing the overall attire. The left side is significant because it aligns with the heart, symbolizing love and affection, especially during romantic occasions like weddings.

Methods of Attachment (Buttonhole vs. Pinning)

• • Buttonhole Method: If the jacket has a functional buttonhole, the stem of the boutonnière can be inserted through it. This method keeps the flower secure and allows it to lay flat against the lapel. Ideally, the boutonnière should be positioned so that the flower’s head is visible, while the stem is hidden behind the lapel.
  • Pinning Method: In cases where there is no buttonhole or if the boutonnière is larger and requires additional support, it can be pinned directly onto the lapel. To do this, the wearer should hold the flower in place and use a pin to secure it through the stem and into the fabric of the lapel. It is recommended to use two pins for larger flowers to ensure stability and prevent movement throughout the event.

Importance of a Sturdy Buttonhole for Support

1. • A well-constructed buttonhole is essential for securely holding the boutonnière in place. The buttonhole should be deep enough to accommodate the flower’s calyx, allowing it to fit snugly without flopping or moving. If the buttonhole is too shallow or poorly made, the boutonnière may not stay in place, leading to an unkempt appearance. Properly fitting buttonholes help maintain the boutonnière’s elegance and ensure it remains a stylish accessory throughout the event.

Etiquette Guidelines

Differentiation Between Groom’s Boutonnière and Those of Groomsmen

• • The groom’s boutonnière is typically more distinctive than those worn by groomsmen, often featuring a different flower or color that sets it apart. This differentiation highlights the groom’s special role in the ceremony. Groomsmen usually wear similar boutonnières to create a cohesive look, but they may be less elaborate or in a different color to complement the overall wedding theme.

Matching with the Bride’s Bouquet

• • It is customary for the groom’s boutonnière to match the bride’s bouquet in terms of flower type and color scheme. This coordination not only enhances the visual harmony of the wedding but also symbolizes the couple’s unity. Couples often choose flowers that reflect their personal style or the wedding’s theme, ensuring that the boutonnière complements the bride’s floral arrangements.

Considerations for Other Formal Events (e.g., Funerals, Charity Events)

• • While boutonnières are most commonly associated with weddings and proms, they are also worn at other formal events, such as charity galas or funerals. In these contexts, the choice of flower and color should be approached with sensitivity. For funerals, subdued colors and simpler flowers are preferred as a sign of respect. At charity events, the boutonnière may reflect the cause being supported, using specific colors or symbols to raise awareness. Understanding the context and appropriateness of the boutonnière is essential for maintaining decorum at any formal occasion.

Creating Your Own Boutonnière

DIY Tips

Selecting Flowers and Materials

1. • Choosing Flowers: When selecting flowers for a boutonnière, it’s essential to choose hearty blooms that can withstand being without water for several hours. Ideal choices include spray roses, carnations, ranunculus, and tulips, as they are durable and visually appealing. Additionally, consider using smaller accent flowers like baby’s breath or heather to enhance the design. The color of the flowers should complement the overall theme of the event, whether it’s a wedding, prom, or another formal occasion.
   • Materials Needed: Apart from flowers, gather floral scissors or stem cutters, floral tape, and pins. Floral tape is crucial for wrapping the stems tightly to seal moisture and prevent wilting. If desired, you can also include ribbon to cover the floral tape, adding a decorative touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling a Boutonnière

• • Step 1: Gather your chosen flowers and greenery. Aim for one or two statement blooms, two to three smaller accent flowers, and some greenery for texture.
  • Step 2: Cut the stems to your desired length, generally around 2-3 inches. Remove any leaves from the lower parts of the stems to keep the design clean.
  • Step 3: Create your arrangement by starting with the statement flower and layering the accent flowers and greenery behind it. Adjust the arrangement until you achieve a look you like.
  • Step 4: Once satisfied with the design, wrap the stems tightly with floral tape. Trim the stems to about one inch for a neat finish. If using ribbon, wrap it around the floral tape from the bottom up and secure it with a knot.
  • Step 5: Use pins to affix the boutonnière to the lapel of the wearer’s jacket. Ensure it is securely attached and adjust as necessary for the best presentation.

Importance of Freshness and Presentation

1. • Freshness is key to a beautiful boutonnière. Ideally, assemble the boutonnières on the day of the event to ensure they remain vibrant. If made in advance, store them in a cool, dry place, avoiding refrigeration. A light mist of water can help revive them if they start to wilt.
   • Presentation matters; a well-made boutonnière should look polished and intentional. Pay attention to the arrangement, ensuring that the flower heads are visible and that the stems are neatly wrapped. A well-presented boutonnière enhances the overall appearance of the wearer and adds a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Conclusion

Creating your own boutonnière allows for personal expression and can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing pre-made ones. By selecting the right flowers, following a simple assembly guide, and ensuring freshness and good presentation, you can craft a unique floral accessory that enhances any formal attire. Whether for a wedding, prom, or special event, a DIY boutonnière adds a personal touch that reflects your style and creativity.

Also read: Scimitar Drum: A Beginner’s Choice for Bright Sound

FAQs

What is a boutonnière?

A boutonnière is a small floral decoration typically worn by men on the lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket. It is commonly seen at formal events such as weddings, proms, and other special occasions. The term originates from the French word “boutonnière,” which refers to the buttonhole where the flower’s stem is placed. Historically, boutonnières served practical purposes, such as masking body odor or warding off evil spirits, but they have evolved into stylish accessories that add flair to formalwear.

What types of flowers are commonly used in boutonnières?

Traditional choices for boutonnières include flowers like carnations, roses, and orchids. Carnations are popular for their durability and variety, while roses symbolize romance and elegance. Orchids add an exotic touch. Modern trends also allow for customization, with options for dried, silk, or mixed materials, enabling a personal touch that reflects individual style and event themes.

What is the difference between the groom’s boutonnière and those of the groomsmen?

The groom’s boutonnière is typically more distinctive than those of the groomsmen. It may feature a different flower or color to set it apart, symbolizing the groom’s special role in the ceremony. Groomsmen usually wear similar boutonnières to create a cohesive look, but they may be less elaborate or in a different color that complements the wedding theme.

How should I store a boutonnière if I’m not wearing it immediately?

If you need to store a boutonnière before wearing it, lightly spritz it with water and keep it in the refrigerator. However, avoid placing it near fruits like apples, which release ethylene gas that can shorten the life of flowers. Ideally, assemble the boutonnière on the day of the event to ensure freshness.