Fresh Take: Revamping the Boutonniere

The Evolution of the Boutonniere

The boutonniere, also known as a lapel flower, has a storied history that dates back centuries. However, boutonnieres truly came into style during the 19th century. This coincided with the introduction of lapelled jackets. As men’s fashion evolved, coats began to fold over at the top, revealing the inside of the buttonhole. As such, boutonnieres became a fashionable way to add color and flair to formal attire.

Today, boutonnieres continue to be a stylish choice for weddings, proms, and other special occasions. Whether made from fresh flowers or alternative materials, they add a touch of elegance to a guy’s ensemble.

Modern Trends in Men’s Floral Accessories

One trend I am seeing today is that brides are electing to ditch the traditional men’s rose on the lapel in favor of either a pocket square, floral lapels, a boutonniere incorporating non-traditional elements, or actually nothing at all. Here are examples of these nontraditional men’s flowers:

Pocket Square

I love, love, love pocket squares. If the groom can handle multiple blooms on his chest, then he should definitely go this route. Pocket squares are simply flowers designed to be placed into the jacket pocket, replacing the traditional colored fabric swatches. These flowers can be wild or more muted and are typically designed to match the bride’s bouquet. These flowers are designed on a baseball card-sized rigid card stock (or equivalent) with the flowers glued into place.

Photo credit: Magdalena Studios, Event Planning: All About Events PHL

Floral Lapels

I love the bold and wild men who are choosing this option. Lapel florals typically run the entire length of the lapel and can be on one side or (for the daring few) both. Again, these florals are designed to match the bride’s bouquet. The flowers can be designed on ribbon-wrapped cardboard in the shape of the lapel and “stuck” onto the lapel with magnets. Steele Orchid prefers to use kinesiology tape (formed to the shape of the lapel) and directly stuck to the lapel using the tape. Regardless of the mechanism, the flowers are artfully arranged and then glued directly onto the cardboard or the KT tape.

Photo credit: Luna and Lark Photography

Non-Traditional Boutonnieres

Move aside, rose with a sprig of greenery and baby’s breath. Brides and grooms are electing to incorporate really cool elements (read their own personalities) into the men’s flowers. This way, small stories can be told by just looking at the buttonhole flowers. One groom’s father was a musician. As a nod to his late father, we incorporated a guitar pick and feathers into the boutonniere. So cool. Another couple elected to have hops in the boutonniere as a wink to their love of beer and breweries.

The possibilities are endless. So, put on your creative hat and think of elements that you can incorporate to make these men’s flowers your own.