We will fully admit most of the discussion of flowers is geared towards women, brides, and bouquets. Flowers for men are just as important. Though they might be small, boutonnieres add a touch of personality, color and texture to a man’s lapel.
Why Do Men Wear Boutonnieres?
Whether you believe boutonnieres originate in Ancient Egypt, with the Aztecs, Medieval knights or whether you believe flowers ward off evil spirits or not, the reality is simple. A man’s contemporary suit often has a little notch sewn into it called a buttonhole. If you’ve never wondered why it’s there, we can tell you. The buttonhole is intended for a flower. (Gasp!).
Worn on the left side, right above the heart, a flower in a man’s buttonhole serves to connect him to his partner on the wedding day. Also known as a boutonniere or more simply a “bout”, the flower also identifies the VIPs of the wedding party.
Designing a Boutonniere You Love
A white rose is a traditional choice, but when it comes to wedding décor and flowers, you should first and foremost do what you like. The look doesn’t have to be as theme-y “football” or “superman”. The wedding’s color scheme might provide creative direction for what you do. Often the style of the boutonniere follows the style of the wedding. A modern scheme might call for a mini-calla lily or orchid. A more rustic event might call for a finishing touch like twine. Grooms may want to consider if their boutonniere is distinct from or the same as the rest of the wedding party. The only rules are the ones you make!
Ultimately, whatever flowers you choose should be hearty. An experienced florist will know how to wire and tape blooms to ensure they last the day. Without the benefit of a water source and through wedding day hugs, flowers for men take a lot of wear and tear.
Going Beyond Boutonnieres
If you are not loving boutonnieres, and want something more fashion forward, you are in luck! Flowers for men have gone beyond the boutonniere. A floral pocket square is a stylish choice that avoids the prickliness of pins. Fashioned on a card, the flowers slip neatly into a pocket. For a more dramatic look, opt for a floral lapel piece or bow tie. Sky’s the limit with creativity!
