There are many reasons for a groom and his groomsmen to forgo the classic floral boutonniere. Maybe you’re looking for ways to cut down on your floral budget, or maybe the bride is opting for an alternative bouquet and you want to follow suit. Maybe you simply want to go with an option that is a bit more out-of-the-box. Whatever your reasoning is, these are some creative wedding boutonniere alternatives that will add the finishing touch to the groom’s look.
Pocket Squares
If you are going for a simple and sleek look, pocket squares are the way to go. The groom can wear one that matches the color of the bride’s bouquet to tie the two looks together. The groomsmen can go for a matching pocket square, or they can each pick out their own, so long as they stay within the color scheme.
Feathers
Decorative feathers add a classy touch to the wedding look. You can opt for natural uncolored feathers, or feathers that have been dyed, so you’ll easily find options that fit with your wedding color palette.
Air Plants
Air plants (also known as Tillandsia) have become trendy additions to many people’s indoor plant collections. These plants, which don’t need to root into soil, can be crafted into a modern and on-trend boutonniere.
Nautical Rope
Throwing a nautical-themed wedding? Then play into the theme with a rope-knot boutonniere. These simple boutonnieres can be found online, or you can make them yourself.
Origami
Those with origami talents can create personalized pieces to attach to the men’s lapels. Use sheets in different colors and patterns that match your wedding aesthetic to create small origami works of art.
Mini Paper Pinwheels
To add a playful touch to the groom and groomsmen’s outfits, attach mini pinwheels to their lapels. Pinwheels are the perfect addition for summer weddings.
Childhood Favorites
If you had a love for Legos as a kid, or constantly played with your superhero action figures, then there are creative ways to work these childhood favorites into a boutonniere. Attach mini action figures to the lapel, or find Legos in your color palette and make a small creation to wear as a boutonniere.
Scrabble Tiles
Have you spent countless nights competing against each other in Scrabble? Then work your love of the game into your wedding celebration by creating boutonnieres out of Scrabble tiles. Each boutonniere can reflect the initials of the groom and groomsmen.
Paper or Felt Flowers
If you still want the illusion of flowers, creative paper or felt flower boutonnieres are the way to go. You can easily order some online, or make some yourself if you have a knack for crafts.
Sheet Music Flowers
This is another option that plays a creative twist on traditional flowers. This is perfect for musicians, and will beautifully complement the bride’s look if she opts for a sheet music flower bouquet.
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FAQs
10 Wedding Boutonniere Alternatives
- Pocket Squares. If you are going for a simple and sleek look, pocket squares are the way to go. ...
- Feathers. Decorative feathers add a classy touch to the wedding look. ...
- Air Plants. ...
- Nautical Rope. ...
- Origami. ...
- Mini Paper Pinwheels. ...
- Childhood Favorites. ...
- Scrabble Tiles.
If you're a modern groom looking to forgo tradition, swap the classic floral accessory for a lapel pin, a pocket square, a brooch, or a tie bar.
Is the officiant supposed to have a boutonniere? ›
Your wedding officiant may also wear a boutonniere. If your officiant is not a religious official and will be wearing secular attire like a suit, he should be given a boutonniere. However, certain religious officiants wearing traditional dress may not wish to wear a boutonniere, so you might ask for his preference.
Does the mother of the bride get a corsage? ›
The bride's mother, groom's mother, all the grandmothers, and any female readers during your ceremony traditionally wear a corsage on their wrist, or a pinned corsage to their clothing. If you have a female officiant that you really connect with, you could even consider giving them a corsage as well.
Are boutonnieres outdated? ›
While boutonnieres are considered optional today, their use at a wedding is ultimately up to your preferences and the overall theme.
Can you skip boutonniere? ›
Every now and again I'll come across a couple who opts to skip boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen (usually due to somewhat casual attire) and I've even had moms decide to go without flowers on occasion, but here are a few guidelines to help you decide who's in on the personal flower list.
Are boutonnieres out of style for weddings? ›
A Wearing a boutonniere is a style that has come and gone, but has never completely disappeared. It need not be reserved for attending weddings, the opera or proms.
Is a boutonniere necessary for a wedding? ›
Groomsmen have traditionally worn boutonnieres, but nowadays, any wedding party members who would like to wear a boutonniere may do so. We recommend asking your wedding party members about their preference based on their attire.
Do grooms wear boutonnieres anymore? ›
Who needs one? I feel like this comes up in just about every bridal consultation, “Who exactly needs a boutonniere?” There is no wrong or right answer here. Typically your groom, groomsmen, FOB/FOG and grandfathers will wear a boutonniere - but that's only if you want them to have one.
Does the father of the bride get a boutonniere? ›
The father of the bride and groom usually wear boutonnieres in the same or slightly different styles than the groomsmen, so be sure to include them in the florist order.
Groom's boutonniere: The groom's boutonniere is paid for by the groom or groom's parents. Groomsmen boutonnieres: Similar to the groom's boutonniere, the groom's family pays for the best man and groomsmen boutonnieres.
Do men have to wear boutonnieres? ›
The groom and his groomsmen use this technique nowadays to demonstrate their ties to the bride and bridal party. However, with all the options available for present-day couples, it is completely acceptable to go without a traditional flower boutonniere.
What to wear instead of a boutonniere? ›
If the boutonniere is really not your thing, consider a lapel pin instead. Don't get us wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a floral boutonniere, but if you are a self-proclaimed or publicly proclaimed style-guy, a lapel pin is essential for your style arsenal.
What should the mother of the bride not do? ›
So, a basic rule of wedding etiquette is that the mother of the bride should not outshine her daughter. So, don't choose gowns or dresses that would overpower the bridal gown. Also, try to avoid loud patterns that will overwhelm in photos and make you stand out from the rest of the wedding party.
What does the mother of the groom give the bride? ›
These items can include jewelry, watches, or a personalized handkerchief. Family heirlooms are warm tender gestures that symbolize the true delight that the mother of the groom feels about having her daughter-in-law marry into the clan.
Are boutonnieres necessary? ›
Totally your choice. There is no right or wrong. While I enjoy making corsages and boutonnieres, they are a lot of work. Kind of like tiny little flower arrangements that take a lot of abuse through the day, and need to be sturdy enough to last.
What is the female version of a boutonniere? ›
The more traditional option is a corsage pinned on the shoulder of a woman's dress. This style often gets confused with a boutonnière. The main difference is the size and the number of flowers used. If a wrist corsage is chosen for an event, it can be made using wire and floral tape or floral glue.
Is a boutonniere necessary for prom? ›
You just have to make sure you know that you do have to get one for your date because it is one of those items the girls will view as being necessary. No matter what, make sure you are ready for the date and have a great time at prom, but also know you will be getting a boutonniere in return for the corsage.
Does the girl usually buy the boutonniere? ›
Boutonnieres. Proper etiquette dictates that the girl buys a boutonniere for her date. Boutonnieres are one or two blossoms of flowers to be worn on the left lapel of his jacket. The girl pins the boutonniere on her date's jacket when he arrives to pick her up for the dance.
