Who Wears A Boutonniere At A Wedding?
When it comes to answering the question “Who Wears A Boutonniere At A Wedding?”, the groom is the primary recipient along with other significant male members of the wedding party.
These floral arrangements hold special significance, traditionally reserved for the VIPs of the day.
Typically, a boutonniere is pinned to the left of a suit jacket or placed directly above the heart on a shirt, and they are usually given to the recipients before the ceremony begins.
At The King Suite, we’ve seen many weddings where boutonnieres are worn by various guests.
While anyone in a suit can certainly wear a boutonniere, read on to find out which members of the wedding party typically wear this traditional accessory.
Who Traditionally Wears A Boutonniere At Weddings
the Groom
The groom is the most important person to wear a boutonniere at the wedding.
Typically, the groom’s boutonniere matches the bridal bouquet to create a cohesive look between the couple.
It’s usually pinned to the left lapel of a suit jacket and this small floral arrangement is a personal touch that adds to the groom’s overall ensemble.
Father of the Bride and Father of the Groom
The fathers of the bride and groom also traditionally wear boutonnieres, marking them as key figures in the wedding.
Their boutonnieres often complement the groom’s but may have subtle differences.
Wearing a boutonniere helps them stand out as proud parents and adds a touch of elegance to their attire.
It’s a small gesture of honour that recognises their significance on this special day.
Stepfathers
Stepfathers who play an important role in the couple’s lives are often included in the boutonniere tradition.
This gesture acknowledges their support and involvement in the couple’s journey.
Including stepfathers in this tradition is a way to honour their place within the family on such an important occasion.
Grandfathers
Grandfathers are cherished members of the family and often wear boutonnieres to signify their special place in the big day.
Their boutonniere may be similar to those worn by the fathers, reflecting their esteemed role within the family.
Groomsmen
Groomsmen typically wear boutonnieres to signify their role as the groom’s closest friends and supporters.
Their boutonnieres are usually designed to match the groom’s, though often in a slightly simpler or smaller style.
This helps create a unified look among the male members of the wedding party while still allowing the groom to stand out.
The groomsmen’s boutonnieres also add a touch of formality to their attire, emphasising their important role on the wedding day.
Ring Bearers
Ring bearers although often younger members of the wedding party are also traditionally given boutonnieres.
This small floral accessory adds a touch of formality to their outfit, making them feel like an important part of the ceremony.
The ring bearer’s boutonniere is usually smaller and simpler than those worn by the adults, but it still reflects the overall theme.
Ushers
Ushers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the wedding ceremony, guiding guests to their seats and helping to maintain order.
As key members of the wedding party ushers often wear boutonnieres to distinguish them from other guests.
Their boutonnieres are typically coordinated with the wedding’s colour scheme and may be similar in style to those worn by the groomsmen.
By wearing a boutonniere ushers are recognised for their important contribution to the day, helping to create a welcoming and organised atmosphere for all attendees.
Officiant
In some weddings the officiant is also given a boutonniere, particularly if they have a close relationship with the couple.
While not always a necessity it adds a personal touch to the officiant’s attire, aligning them with the rest of the wedding’s key participants.
Other Wedding Guests
Boutonnieres may also be offered to other special guests such as immediate family, close relatives or family friends.
We hope you enjoyed learning all about who wears a boutonniere at a wedding.
For more wedding attire reads check out “Bridal Accessories | 16 Ways To Glam Up Your Wedding Day Look” and “Why Do Brides Wear Garters“.
Who Wears A Boutonniere At A Wedding? FAQs
Who gets a boutonniere at a wedding?
The groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, grandfathers, and sometimes the ring bearers and ushers typically wear boutonnieres. In some cases stepfathers and the officiant may also wear them. Boutonnieres are usually reserved for important male members of the wedding party.
Are boutonnieres out of style for a wedding?
Boutonnieres are still a popular choice for weddings and remain a classic accessory for the groom and his party. While some couples may opt for more modern alternatives, many still choose boutonnieres for their traditional and elegant touch.
What’s the difference between a boutonniere and a corsage?
A boutonniere is a small floral arrangement worn on the lapel of a man’s suit, typically by members of the wedding party. A corsage on the other hand is a larger floral piece worn by women, usually on the wrist or pinned to the dress. Both serve as special accessories to honour important members of the wedding.
Photography Credit: Natalie Chiverton Photography
