What's the difference between a buttonhole, boutonniere and corsage?
There are so many things to think about when planning a wedding…..the list seems endless.
Wedding flowers are just one of them! If you are getting confused with all the lingo when trying to choose your wedding flowers, here's a quick, simple guide to Buttonholes, Boutonnieres and Corsages.
Buttonholes
Are usually worn by men, and on their left lapel. A long pin with a large head is used to secure the Buttonhole in place. Buttonholes were commonly made with a single rose or other singular flower such as an orchid or carnation to match the bride’s bouquet. The flower was usually coupled with a single leaf or sprig of foliage positioned to the side or behind it. Traditionally, a rose from the bride’s bouquet was used for the grooms buttonhole to symbolise sharing. Buttonholes tend to be assembled on the morning of the wedding to ensure the freshness of the flowers and the groom, father of the bride and groomsmen usually wear these.
Boutonnières
Boutonnières - is french for Buttonhole, but a Boutonnière can often be composed of a small bunch of flowers (or even berries, feathers and succulents!), grouped together as opposed to a single flower and foliage as with traditionally seen with a buttonhole. They are usually larger than a Buttonhole and are very popular at present particularly for the other members of close family to wear them as well as groom, father of bride or groomsmen. They can match the bridal bouquet or can be a little bit different, usually comprising same colour theme.
Corsages
Corsages are a small bouquet of flowers traditionally worn by women at formal occasions such as weddings, balls or proms. They are most commonly worn on the left shoulder but can also be worn on the wrist or attached to handbags. As corsages are a small floral arrangement, they need to be lightweight and easy to attach to clothing. Please note that some fabric is delicate and may rip if the corsage is too heavy when attached. In this case I would always recommend a wrist corsage. Spray roses, freesia, orchids, wax flower and gypsophila are often used in corsages with a mix of preserved flowers look stunning. We usually try and match the colour theme or similar flowers to bridal bouquet for weddings particularly for mothers (and mother in laws) of brides, bridal party or flower girls.
Inspiration
For inspiration on Buttonhole, Boutonnières or Corsages check out our Wild Blossoms Floral Co Pinterest Board. I've created a board with some beautiful ideas which include feathers, berries, foliage and huge variety of flowers and colours to be used throughout any season to match your wedding or special occasion colour theme.
Tané xx
