Article Update: 01/28/2026
Who Wears a Boutonniere in a Wedding? Meaning, Tradition, and Tips
A boutonniere is a small floral arrangement worn on the lapel, most commonly at weddings. Traditionally, boutonnieres are worn by the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and other key members of the wedding party to highlight their role in the ceremony. Beyond decoration, a boutonniere represents tradition, honor, and unity while visually tying the wedding party together through coordinated flowers and style.
What is a boutonniere?
A boutonniere is a single flower or small floral arrangement worn on the left lapel of a suit or jacket. It is most commonly worn at weddings and formal events, especially by the groom and key members of the wedding party.
What is the Significance of a Boutonniere in a Wedding?
The tradition of wearing a boutonniere dates back to the early 19th century. In those times, flowers were worn on the lapel to signify wealth, status, or group affiliation. Today, boutonnieres symbolize elegance, honor, and unity, tying the groom and wedding party together as they celebrate the union of two people.
Who Typically Wears a Boutonniere?
At most weddings, boutonnieres are worn by the following people:
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The Groom
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The groom usually wears a groom boutonniere that complements the bride’s bouquet and reflects the overall wedding style. This is often a single flower selected from the main wedding boutonniere flowers used throughout the ceremony. For example, if the bride’s bouquet features white and blush roses, the groom boutonniere might be a single white rose to create a coordinated and intentional look.
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Groomsmen
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The groomsmen typically wear a groomsmen boutonniere that ties into the bridesmaids’ bouquets and the broader wedding color palette. These wedding boutonniere flowers usually mirror the groom’s design but with subtle differences, such as a simpler flower or less greenery, making it easy to distinguish the groom from the rest of the wedding party.
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Fathers of the Bride and Groom
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Fathers of the bride and groom often wear boutonnieres as a sign of their important role in the ceremony. These boutonnieres are usually coordinated with the wedding boutonniere flowers, but are designed to feel understated and classic.
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Ushers and Ring Bearers
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Ushers and ring bearers may also wear boutonnieres, especially in more formal weddings. Their boutonnieres typically match the wedding boutonniere flowers while keeping the design simple to suit their role and attire. This helps create a cohesive look across the entire wedding party.
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Close Family Members
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Grandfathers and other close male family members sometimes wear boutonnieres as a gesture of respect and inclusion. Using the same wedding boutonniere flowers reinforces family connection and visual harmony throughout the event.
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When choosing the right boutonniere for your wedding, consider the overall style, theme, and season. Working closely with your florist ensures your groom's, groomsmen's, and other wedding boutonniere flowers feel cohesive, intentional, and well-suited to your celebration.
Floral Facts: Addressing Common Questions about Boutonniere Flowers.
How do you Pin a Boutonniere?
Pinning a boutonniere can be tricky, but it's easy once you know the steps:
- Place the boutonniere on the left lapel, just above the heart.
- Insert a pin from behind the lapel, securing the stem firmly.
- Ensure the boutonniere sits upright and doesn't tilt forward.
What Flowers are Commonly used for Boutonnieres?
When selecting flowers for boutonnieres, consider their symbolism and availability. Here are some popular choices:
- Roses (classic and romantic)
- Carnations (durable and versatile)
- Baby's Breath (simple and elegant)
- Succulents (modern and unique)
- Orchids (exotic and luxurious)
Matching Boutonnieres to Your Wedding Theme
To create a cohesive look, match the boutonniere to your wedding's overall style:
- Rustic Weddings: Use wildflowers or greenery, such as eucalyptus.
- Modern Weddings: Consider sleek flowers like calla lilies or orchids.
- Seasonal Themes: Choose flowers in season to ensure freshness and reduce costs.
What are alternative boutonniere options for non-traditional weddings?
Not every wedding sticks to tradition, and that's okay! Here are some creative boutonniere alternatives:
- Feathers or dried flowers for a boho vibe.
- Pins, badges, or charms for a non-floral option.
- Mini succulents are a trendy and eco-friendly choice.
Are Boutonnieres Necessary for Casual Weddings?
In casual weddings, boutonnieres are optional. However, they can still be a great way to make the groom and wedding party stand out. Consider simpler designs or skip them altogether if they don't match your vision.
How Much Do Wedding Boutonnieres Cost?
The cost of a boutonniere varies depending on the flowers and design. On average:
- Simple boutonnieres: $25 each.
- Custom, elaborate designs: $45 or more.
Can Boutonnieres Be Preserved?
If you want to keep your boutonniere as a memento, here are some tips:
- Dry It: Hang the boutonniere upside down to dry naturally.
- Press It: Place the flower between heavy books to preserve it as a flat keepsake.
- Frame It: Use a shadow box to display your preserved boutonniere.
Why Choose Lia's Flowers for Your Wedding Boutonnieres?
At Lia's Flowers, we understand that every wedding is unique, and we're here to help you create the perfect floral details to match your special day. Here's why you should trust us for your wedding boutonnieres:
- Personalized Service: We work closely with you to design boutonnieres that align with your wedding theme, colors, and style.
- Expert Craftsmanship: With years of experience, we craft elegant and durable boutonnieres that look stunning throughout your event.
- Unique Designs: Our designs are tailored to reflect your vision, from traditional floral arrangements to modern alternatives.
- Inspired by Nature: Our arrangements feature lush greenery, delicate blooms, and touches inspired by the beauty of Oregon's forests.
Make your wedding unforgettable with Lia's Flowers. For your personal wedding flower concierge service, call or text 818-642-1308. Let us bring your vision to life!
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Boutonnieres
What is a boutonniere?
A boutonniere is a small floral arrangement worn on the lapel of a suit or jacket, most commonly at weddings and formal events. It typically consists of a single flower or a small cluster of blooms and greenery.
Who wears a boutonniere at a wedding?
At most weddings, boutonnieres are worn by the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, ushers, and sometimes ring bearers or close male family members. The specific choice depends on the formality and style of the wedding.
What side does a boutonniere go on?
A boutonniere is traditionally worn on the left lapel, positioned above the heart. This placement allows the flower to sit naturally and stay secure throughout the event.
What flowers are commonly used for wedding boutonnieres?
Common wedding boutonniere flowers include roses, carnations, ranunculus, baby’s breath, orchids, greenery, and succulents. The choice often depends on the wedding theme, season, and the availability of flowers.
Should the groom’s boutonniere be different from the groomsmen’s?
Yes. The groom's boutonniere is usually slightly more distinctive than the groomsmen's boutonniere. This may include a different flower, added greenery, or a unique accent to help the groom stand out.
Are boutonnieres necessary for all weddings?
Boutonnieres are optional, especially for casual or intimate weddings. However, many couples choose to include them to visually highlight key members of the wedding party and create a cohesive look.
How much do wedding boutonnieres cost?
Simple wedding boutonnieres typically cost around $25 each, while custom or more elaborate designs may cost $45 or more, depending on flower choice and detail.
Can boutonnieres be preserved after the wedding?
Yes. Boutonnieres can be preserved by air drying, pressing, or framing them in a shadow box as a keepsake from the wedding day.
