Boutennieres and Corsages

I'm commonly asked "who should get a boutonnière and/or corsage?

The general rule (at least my general rule) is the following:

• Groom & Groomsmen
• Ringbearer (assuming he's old enough not to eat or bother it)
• Fathers & Mothers - Groom & Bride
• Step-Fathers & Step-Mothers - Groom & Bride
• Grandparents

Now, I personally don't like to pin anything on a "shirt" so if your wedding party or family, etc. are not wearing jackets, go ahead and forgo the boutonnière.  I even offer "magnet" breast corsages which have an amazing staying-on ability.  This way there are no holes in that fine chiffon or silk dress or jacket.  I say enough with pin sticks.

Additional guests that you may want to give a boutonnière and/or corsage to are:

• Close relatives like Aunts & Uncles
• God Parents
• Sponsors
• Siblings
• Readers and/or Singers
• Any one important that you would like distinguish - it's another of saying "thank you"

Do keep in mind that your boutonnières and corsages will need to be distributed to your family and guests just before the ceremony begins and it's important that you have a designated person to help with this.  Preferably someone who is not part of the wedding party.

As for the style of the boutonnière, it's really up to you. I like to keep things simple and clean.  Men really don't want to wear pretty on their tuxedo jackets, and besides anything too fluffy will be squished within minutes of it being pinned on.  Remember - hug on the right - in one ear and out the other; it's hard to keep focused on a tiny flower when everyone wants to hug you.  So look for hardy flowers (keep the weather in mind - tulips don't do well in heat) and keep the design simple and complimentary to the bouquets.

Corsages, pretty much the same applies to the corsage.  I like to leave it up the bride or the person wearing the flowers to choose their style of corsage - breast, wrist or hand posy (small bouquet). Instead of the "prom-ish" elastic wrist corsage, select a snap band, pearl or crystal wristlet which adds a little more detail and personality to your flowers.