Everything You Need To Know About Boutonniere Flowers

Boutonniere flowers transform an ordinary man into a gentleman and are popular for weddings, proms, funerals, homecoming and other formal occasions, but practically they can be worn anywhere and everywhere. There are many factors that one needs to keep in mind while wearing a boutonniere.

Here are some questions that you might have regarding boutonniere flowers, their usage, and care:

What are the boutonniere flowers?

The boutonniere is any flower that is worn on a man’s coat/suit/jacket/tuxedo’s lapel. Typically, one flower or a bud is used to make boutonniere. However, lapel can be adorned with any number of flowers.

Where is boutonniere worn?

Buttonhole or lapel is available on the left side of the suit or tuxedo for placing a boutonniere. Alternately, if no buttonhole is available you can secure a boutonniere with a pearl pin (or a regular pin) on the lapel/folded flap of the suit on the left side.

What are the common colors for boutonnieres flowers?

Red is the most popular color for wedding boutonnieres. Boutonnieres of white color are appropriate for most occasions. Other widely used colors for boutonniere flowers include yellow, orange, pink, magenta, and burgundy among others. you can order online bulk yellow flowers or other colors as well.

What are the common flowers used for boutonnieres?

The most popular flowers used for boutonnieres include Roses, Calla Lily, and Carnations. Other flowers for making boutonnieres include Cymbidium, Peruvian Lily, Sunflower, and Orchids.

If natural flowers are not available, use spray flowers and artificial flowers as boutonnieres.

What are other names used for boutonnieres?

Buttonholes is another name for boutonnieres. Other names include lei, garland or festoon.

Why do people wear boutonnieres?

The boutonnieres are a statement of formality. Men wear them only on formal occasions. However, in earlier times, boutonnieres were an element of clothing that kept evil spirits away.

On which side should a boutonniere be worn?

Typically a boutonniere is worn on the left side through the buttonhole or lapel. The logic is to keep it near the heart to show love, affection, and respect that arise from the heart. Wearing a boutonniere on left is the practice on all formal occasions.

How to make boutonniere flowers?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a boutonniere:

1. Choose the flower of your choice. Preferably, do not pick any delicate flower that you wouldn’t be able to handle while making a boutonniere.
2. Remove any unwanted things from the flower, like foliage or dried petals. Also, watch out for thorns.
3. Leave inches from the bottom of the flower and cut the stem at an angle.
4. Leave the flower in cold water while you prepare other things.
5. Put some green at the back of the flower to use as a base. The green part should extend a little from the sides of the flower, but the size should not be big enough to become prominent on its own. The leaves are just there to add a touch of color and to complement the flower.
6. Tie the base leaf and the flower together using floral tape. Go around in spirals to tie them together firmly. Cut off any excess stem or tape.
7. Add embellishment (like a ribbon), if desired. Spray a little cold water to keep it hydrated.
8. Secure it with a pin to the lapel of suit or tuxedo.

Where to buy boutonniere flowers?

Boutonnieres are meant for formal occasions, so it is best to order them from your local florist who specializes in boutonniere Toronto. Alternately, there are countless tutorials available online if you want to make a DIY boutonniere.

How to dry a boutonniere?

If you want to dry your boutonniere, first remove any damaged leaves or foliage. Keep it away from sunlight. Preferably, a dark spot that has fresh air would be great option to dry a boutonniere. Hang the flower upside down to dry it in the air; this might take about 2 weeks’ time. Spray with hairspray to keep it intact. For a quicker process, microwave drying can also be done.

When can someone wear a boutonniere?

Boutonnieres can be worn on any formal occasions but they are a common sight on weddings, funerals, prom, homecoming and similar occasions.

Who wears a boutonniere on a wedding?

Everyone expects the groom to wear a boutonniere. However, other close male members of the family can also wear boutonnieres. Fathers and grandfathers from both sides also traditionally wear boutonnieres. Best man, ring bearer, groomsmen also wear boutonnieres. Normally, close male friends or family members wear boutonnieres.

Who should buy boutonniere for prom?

The general practice is that the lady will buy boutonniere for the man, and the man will buy a corsage for the lady. This is the normal practice for homecoming and prom. However, the rules can change, and the man can decide to buy his own boutonniere.

Is it a must to wear boutonniere flowers for prom?

Prom etiquette calls for wearing boutonnieres, but a guy can decide not to wear it, and its perfectly all right.

What does a boutonniere symbolize?

Boutonnieres are a symbol of love and respect. They convey manliness and the good attributes of being a gentleman.

How much does it cost?

In Canadian dollars, a boutonniere can cost roughly anywhere between $8 to $30. However, if you are looking forward to buying boutonnieres for several men on the wedding, funeral or another occasion, it would be better to cut the cost down by buying a package deal.

Can a lady wear a boutonniere?

Ladies typically wear corsages on their wrist to formalize their look on the formal occasion. They can, however, also choose to wear a boutonniere, but it is very uncommon.

What size should be the buttonhole to carry a boutonniere?

Ideally, a buttonhole should have enough room to keep the boutonniere flower in place. a buttonhole with a length of at least 1^1/8 inches long should serve the purpose well.

How long will a boutonniere stay fresh?

Typically, a florist should be able to tell you the answer to this question based on the flower you have chosen. Generally, if you take care of your boutonniere, it will stay fresh for a couple of days before withering in about a week’s time.

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