Trio of boutonniere possibilities…. The Big Fake Wedding @ Willowdale Estate Photo by Hourglass Photography… Designs by Maureen Christmas AIFD CFD EMC of Floral Notes, Acton, MA
In addition to bouquets, the world of personal flowers includes boutonnieres, pocket squares, and assorted styles of corsages. This post addresses flowers traditionally thought to be for the guys but there’s no reason a gal couldn’t wear them.
Boutonniere - the word is French for buttonhole flower. As far back as the 16th century, they were worn to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. It became fashionable to leave the top button open thus forming a lapel and then the flower was pinned to it.
The possibilities for what comprises today’s boutonnieres are endless. I love being inspired by the buckets of wedding flowers waiting to be put into bouquets and centerpieces. From these, I create boutonnieres personalized for your wedding. A simple rose, add some greenery and perhaps a touch of gold penny cress and you have a timeless classic. Not your style? I can use seed pods and foliage to create a natural look.
White rose boutonniere with waxflower and gold pennycress by Maureen Christmas AIFD CFD EMC of Floral Notes, Acton, MA
Rustic charm wrapped in paper covered wire
Ready for a Cape Cod Harbor wedding
Fall wedding at the top of Killington, VT
Are you into cooking? making beer? golfing? I can personalize your boutonnieres with sprigs of rosemary, hops and even golf tees.
Boutonnieres with hops grown by the couple. Wedding at Harrington Farm, Princeton, MA
Another option, shown in the first photograph is a pocket square. It is made of foam core or heavy weight card stock and gets tucked into the jacket pocket. Flowers and other ‘bits’ are glued right to it using s special floral adhesive.
Who wears a boutonniere? For your wedding, it’s customary for the groom, the groomsmen and dads to wear them. The granddads are always pleased to be remembered. If there are brothers not in the wedding party, it’s nice to think of them as well. The officiant is another person to consider. I particularly enjoy making tiny boutonnieres for ring bearers - even pinning them to the back of their jackets between the shoulder blades out of their reach if they are really young and likely to be held in someone’s arms.