Who Wears Corsages and Boutonnieres at a Wedding?
Corsages and boutonnieres are small floral arrangements traditionally worn at special events, adding an elegant and personal touch to formal attire. These time-honored accessories have their roots in history but remain popular today, especially for occasions like weddings, proms, and other formal gatherings. If you’re planning a wedding or event and wondering what corsages and boutonnieres are and when they’re worn, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Corsages and Boutonnieres: The Ultimate Guide to These Timeless Floral Accessories
A corsage is a small bouquet of flowers worn by women, typically on the wrist or pinned to the chest. It is often given as a gesture of love, appreciation, or friendship at formal events like weddings, proms, and homecoming dances. Corsages are carefully designed to match the outfit and the theme of the event, with flowers, colors, and styles chosen to complement the wearer’s attire.
Wrist Corsage: The most popular type of corsage today is the wrist corsage, which is worn on an elastic or decorative bracelet. This option is favored for its ease of wear and the fact that it doesn’t interfere with clothing or handbags.
Pin-on Corsage: The traditional pin-on corsage is fastened to the chest, often worn by mothers, grandmothers, or other special guests at weddings.
Shoulder or Handheld Corsage: Less common but still seen at formal events, these corsages are worn on the shoulder or carried like a small bouquet.
Bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom, and grandmothers often wear corsages as a symbol of their special role in the wedding. For prom and homecoming, a popular tradition is for young men to give their prom dates a corsage to wear as part of their formal outfit. Corsages are also worn at events like graduations, quinceañeras, and milestone birthdays to distinguish someone of honor.
A boutonniere is a small floral arrangement worn by men, typically pinned to the lapel of a suit or tuxedo. The word “boutonniere” comes from the French word for buttonhole, as it is traditionally worn through the buttonhole of a jacket. Boutonnieres are often made from a single flower or a small cluster of blooms and foliage that complements the wearer’s outfit and the event’s theme.
Single Flower: The most classic type of boutonniere features a single flower, such as a rose, carnation, or orchid, often accented with greenery.
Mini Arrangement: For a more modern or textured look, boutonnieres can be made from small arrangements of multiple flowers, succulents, herbs, or berries.
Non-Floral Boutonnieres: Some boutonnieres incorporate non-floral elements, like feathers, fabric flowers, or other accessories, to suit unique styles or themes.
Grooms, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, and other male members of the wedding party often wear boutonnieres to set them apart and coordinate with the bridal party. At formal school dances, it’s traditional for young men to wear a boutonniere that complements their date’s corsage, often matching in color and style. Boutonnieres are also worn at other formal events like galas, ceremonies, or special award presentations.
The History and Symbolism of Corsages and Boutonnieres
The tradition of wearing flowers for special occasions dates back to ancient times. In medieval Europe, both men and women wore flowers for good luck and protection. Over time, this evolved into the more formal wearing of corsages and boutonnieres at weddings and other events.
Corsages: Historically, corsages were worn at weddings to ward off evil spirits. The word “corsage” comes from the French term for the bodice of a dress, as the flowers were initially pinned to the bodice.
Boutonnieres: Boutonnieres also have a protective origin, with flowers once thought to bring good luck or protect the wearer from harm.
Corsages and boutonnieres may be small, but they carry a big impact in terms of style and significance. Whether worn at a wedding, prom, or another formal event, these floral accessories add a touch of elegance and symbolism to the occasion. When choosing or crafting corsages and boutonnieres, remember to consider the event’s theme, the wearer’s style, and the flowers’ meaning to create a thoughtful and beautiful accessory that enhances the celebration.
Today, these floral accessories have become symbols of honor, celebration, and distinction. They help identify important people in the event, such as the bridal party or guests of honor, and serve as a beautiful complement to formal attire.
Are you planning a wedding in Hershey, PA? Historic Acres of Hershey offers multiple event spaces that can accommodate themes and decor of all styles. Contact us to learn more about our unique venue and schedule a tour.