Does Your Ring Bearer Need a Boutonniere? (2024)

Our etiquette experts have the answer.

By

MIra Milla

Since graduating with her bachelor's degree in journalism, Mira has specialized in social media content development and article writing for lifestyle publications.

Updated on 07/14/20 12:14PM

Does Your Ring Bearer Need a Boutonniere? (1)

Boutonnieres are typically given to every male involved in the wedding, including the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and some key family members (like your grandfathers, a beloved uncle, or a long-time friend of the family). So it stands to reason you'd have one made for your ring bearer, too.

But if the little guy is particularly rowdy or too young to prominently pose for photos, you might want to skip purchasing his bout. Others might feel strongly that this little attendant will feel more involved if he matches the grown-ups. Here, our etiquette expert weighs in on if you should give your ring bearer a boutonniere.

It's up to you whether or not you want your ring bearer to wear a boutonniere during your ceremony. If he's wearing a mini version of the groomsmen's attire, it's a nice touch to keep the look consistent. Your florist can recreate the adult accessory on a smaller scale for him to wear down the aisle. Dressing this young attendant like one of the adults has another added benefit: He'll be more likely to behave like the men he's dressed like, in order to feel more like the rest of the group. It's a definite plus if you fear this little guy will act out during the ceremony.

On the other hand, you could create something fun and whimsical for him that feels more age-appropriate. Many brides opt to have their florists add a small toy or more playful blooms to a ring bearers boutonniere. This way his look is still elevated but in a way that works for his young age.

If you're dressing him in an outfit that's entirely different from the rest of the men—for instance, skipping the jacket and going with pants, a shirt, and suspenders—you can definitely skip the boutonniere. But you should still consider giving him a little something extra that makes him feel like he's an important part of the day.

Does Your Ring Bearer Need a Boutonniere? (2024)

FAQs

Does Your Ring Bearer Need a Boutonniere? ›

Boutonnieres are typically given to every male involved in the wedding, including the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and some key family members (like your grandfathers, a beloved uncle, or a long-time friend of the family). So it stands to reason you'd have one made for your ring bearer, too.

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.

What should ring bearers wear? ›

For the ring bearer, traditionally they wear a kid-sized tuxedo or suit. Just make sure it coordinates with the groom or groomsmen's attire. If a tux isn't for you, have fun dressing him up in suspenders, a classic bowtie, a hat or patterned jacket.

Do ring bearers wear a corsage? ›

Personal flowers, like corsages and boutonnieres, are a way to identify the people guiding the service, i.e. ushers. At large weddings, it's nice to know who to ask for information. Other personal flowers could be flower crowns for flower girls or tiny boutonnieres for the ring bearers.

Are boutonnieres necessary? ›

While boutonnieres are considered optional today, their use at a wedding is ultimately up to your preferences and the overall theme.

Does the ring bearer get a boutonniere? ›

Boutonnieres are typically given to every male involved in the wedding, including the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and some key family members (like your grandfathers, a beloved uncle, or a long-time friend of the family). So it stands to reason you'd have one made for your ring bearer, too.

Who is supposed to get the boutonniere? ›

The people who traditionally wear a boutonniere include: the groom, groomsmen, the bride's dad, the groom's dad, any ring bearers, ushers, all grandfathers, any male readers and you can even have one for your male officiant if you have one.

Who buys the ring bearers outfit? ›

Just as with the rest of the wedding party, the ring bearer pays for their own outfit, or in the case of the ring bearer being a child, their parents will expect to pay. And if you're doing boutonnieres, it's completely up to you whether your ring bearer also wears one.

How old are ring bearers usually? ›

Typically the age range most appropriate for a ring bearer or flower girl falls between ages 4 to 10 years old. However, weddings today showcase toddlers and even infants in these distinguished roles.

What is the ring bearer tradition? ›

Ring bearers are usually relatives or close friends of the couple getting married and typically are under the age of 10. Having a child carry the wedding rings down the aisle symbolizes innocence and a new future for the bride and groom. As with most wedding traditions, the roots are not necessarily clear.

Are boutonnieres out of style? ›

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.

Are ring bearers still a thing? ›

While the role still includes the all-important task of getting the wedding bands down the aisle, today, it's more of an excuse to bring a sweet touch to your wedding and include a beloved young family member or friend in your special day.

Do ring bearers come before flower girls? ›

Tradition also states that the ring bearer usually walks down the aisle after the last bridesmaid and before the flower girl, if you have one. It's worth remembering that it's not essential to have a ring bearer.

What to wear instead of a boutonniere? ›

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.

What is the point of boutonniere? ›

History. The word boutonnière derives from the French word for "buttonhole flower". Similar to a wedding bouquet, in the 16th century, boutonnières were used to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. It was also used to keep bad scents away and was believed to protect against diseases.

Does the pastor get a boutonniere? ›

Like the women with corsages, the important men and boys at your wedding should have boutonnieres. This includes the groom and groomsmen, fathers and grandfathers of the bride and groom, the ring bearer, wedding officiant, and any men who are greeting guests or ushering them to their seats.

Does the guy need a boutonniere? ›

A boutonniere is a great way to identify all the men in the wedding and elevate their looks. Does a groom wear a boutonniere? Yes, and do do many more men in the wedding: Groom.

Who pays for the boutonniere? ›

Traditionally, the guy pays for the corsage and the girl pays for the boutonniere, as each person is gifting the flowers to their date. However, it's common for couples dating for awhile to choose their flowers together or for one half of the pair to place the order for both to ensure the flowers coordinate.

Who puts the boutonniere on the groom? ›

According to Gardenia, the best man or one of the groom's parents will secure the boutonnière on the groom's jacket for a photo op. Since they can be a little tricky to get right, a stylist, planner, or florist on hand will usually do the final pin.

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