2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

THE GROOM

Pin a flower by his heart
To show you'll never be apart.
A lily, mum or lovely rose
Accentuates his wedding clothes.
Your groom is ready; see, he waits!
His smile, how it radiates
To see the loveliest flower of all
Now entering the wedding hall.

Boutonnieres are, essentially, corsages for men. As such, they tend to be a somewhat scaled-down, understated form of the fancy floral adornments women may wear.

Remember your high school prom? Back then, the only boutonniere choices were single roses or carnations (in all kinds of funky dipped colors). I pinned a frosted blue carnation on my dream date's lapel, trying not to stab him with my shaky hands. Of course, he had a much harder time, pinning a top-heavy corsage on my stretchy spaghetti straps.

Alas! I digress.

THE GROOM'S BOUTONNIERE

Boutonniere choices are bountiful these days. Usually, a boutonniere is still single elegant flower, although a small spray of greenery and a bit of lacy baby's breath may be added.

Favorite flowers may include roses, mums, callas, irises, orchids, alstroemeria, hydrangeas, and more. And nothing says "I love you" like a lily.

If a groom is particularly thoughtful, romantic, or sentimental, he might select a boutonniere of his bride's birthday month flower.

January carnation
February iris
March daffodil
April daisy
May lily of the valley
June rose
July larkspur
August gladioli
September aster
October cosmos
November chrysanthemum
December orchid

THE WEDDING PARTY

Just as the bridesmaids' flowers will match, the groomsmen's boutonnieres ought to coordinate with one another. Often, these will all complement the bride's bouquet and the groom's flower as well.

Some brides and grooms are opting for silk flowers. Although these tend to be more costly, they can become keepsake treasures. (Of course, real flowers may be dried and kept as well.)

THE BLOOMING GROOM

Whatever flowers are selected, the groom's boutonniere is pinned on his left lapel, covering his heart.

After the wedding, when the flowers have faded and wilted, he will carry his new wife there instead!

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Boutonniere ideas for the groom?
We want to hear your view. Write now!