A Guide To Corsages And Boutonnières For Special Events

Corsages and boutonnières are timeless traditions for formal events like proms, weddings and anniversaries. Choosing just the right flowers, styles and colors can complement an outfit while adding sentimental significance. This guide will walk through everything you need to know to pick out the perfect corsages and boutonnières to commemorate a special occasion.

Corsage Basics

A corsage is a small bouquet of flowers worn on a wrist, dress or jacket. Corsages are most commonly worn by women, but can be worn by anyone.

Some key facts about corsages:

Traditionally worn for formal events like proms, weddings, parties
Pinned, clipped or strapped onto a dress, jacket or wrist
Contain small cut flowers, greenery, ribbons
Match colors to wearer’s outfit or event theme
Given as a gift, often from dates for proms and dances

Corsages provide an elegant touch to formal wear while allowing you to express personal style. Now let’s explore popular corsage types and options.

Types of Corsages

Corsages come in a variety of styles to complement different outfits and placements on the body.

Wrist Corsages

Floral arrangement tied around the wrist with ribbon
Most versatile style – can be worn with any dress style
Adjustable fit allows comfort for movement and dancing
Best for short formal dresses that don’t provide space for pinning

Pin-On Corsages

Small floral bouquet with attached pin
Can be pinned onto lapel, shoulder, neckline or belt
Ideal for suit jackets, sundresses, or strapless/backless dresses
Allows flexibility in placement and easy repositioning

Bracelet Corsages

Flowers tied together into a bracelet shape
Worn around wrist like a floral bracelet
Adjustable closure ensures comfortable fit
Provides modern spin on classic corsage look

Collar Corsages

Compact circular floral arrangement
Worn around upper collar area of dress
Oftenfeatures just one focal flower with greens
Best for dresses with space between neck and shoulder

Shoulder Corsages

Floral arrangement worn on shoulder strap of dress
Often pinned or tied onto strap of bridesmaid dresses
Helps distinguish special occasion from everyday wear
Good option for strapless styles by placing on shawl or wrap

With these many options, you can choose a corsage style perfect for the outfit and theme.

Boutonniere Basics

A boutonniere is a small floral accent worn by men on formal occasions. The word “boutonniere” comes from the French word for “buttonhole,” where boutonnieres are traditionally placed.

Some key boutonniere facts:

Traditionally worn by men for formal events
Attached to jacket lapel through buttonhole
Contain small fresh flowers like roses, tulips, carnations
Provide coordinating floral touch for formal menswear
Given as a gift for occasions like proms, weddings, parties

Now let’s look at the most popular styles and options.

Types of Boutonnieres

While fresh cut flowers are the classic choice, boutonnieres today include varied materials and styles.

Classic Floral Boutonniere

A few small fresh cut flowers like roses or carnations
Greenery like ferns or baby’s breath for accent
Held together with floral stem wrap and pins
Timeless traditional look for formal suits

Modern Floral Boutonniere

Single fresh flower bloom like acalla lily or orchid
Minimal greenery – more focus on the flower
Sleek modern version of classic floral boutonniere

Fabric Flower Boutonniere

Fabric flowers in colors matching event scheme
Provides affordable, durable alternative to real flowers
Fun bright colors or patterns for less formal affairs

Artificial Flower Boutonniere

High quality realistic silk flowers
Good option for flower allergies
Less likely to wilt compared to fresh flowers

Alternative Boutonniere

Items like small toys, pebbles, pine cones, etc.
Provides unique personalized statement
Perfect for informal events and themed parties
Allows creative customization for groom/groomsmen

Whatever your personal style, there is a boutonniere option perfect for expressing it.

Choosing Your Flowers and Colors

One of the most fun aspects of selecting corsages and boutonnieres is deciding on the perfect flowers and colors. Here are some tips:

For prom, match corsage and boutonniere colors to the event theme or colors of your date’s outfit
For weddings, coordinate flowers with the ceremony colors and wedding party attire
Roses, orchids, tulips, lilies, and carnations are classic choices and available year-round
Hydrangeas, peonies, gerbera daisies, and chrysanthemums give seasonal flair
Incorporate greenery like ferns, eucalyptus, baby’s breath to accent the flowers
Avoid strongly scented flowers – close pinning can overwhelm
For silk or fabric flowers, opt for high quality realistic looking blooms

It’s thoughtful to coordinate your corsage and boutonniere hues to your date’s outfit. But you can also use color symbolism to send a message – red and pink for love, yellow for friendship, etc.

Ordering Tips

To ensure you receive the perfect corsages and boutonnieres for your event:

Order 1-2 months in advance for best selection at florists
Provide florist color palette, flower and style preferences
For fabric flowers, order 3-4 months in advance to allow design time
Share details on outfit colors and styles to coordinate blooms
Request florist preserve real flowers if desired as keepsakes
Pick up orders 1-2 days before event to allow hydrating time for fresh flowers
Open box and inspect carefully before leaving florist to ensure perfect condition

With some advance planning, you can have elegant corsages and boutonnieres custom designed to your taste.

Corsage and Boutonniere Alternatives

While corsages and boutonnieres remain classics, some creative alternatives are trending:

Bridesmaid Bracelets

Jewelry bracelets given to each bridesmaid provide a modern memento. Choose bracelets in the wedding colors with floral or nature motifs.

Groomsmen Gift Boxes

Present groomsmen with boxes containing handpicked gifts like nice ties, cufflinks, hip flasks or personalized items. Allows expressing your unique bond.

Flower Crowns and Headpieces

For a whimsical nature inspired look, bridesmaids can wear flower crowns or floral hair clips instead of corsages. Dramatic styles with cascading blooms or succulents are popular.

Pocket Squares

A tasteful floral pocket square provides a unique accent for groomsmen’s suits. Opt for fabric squares with matching flower prints.

Wristlets

Bridal wristlets combining wrist corsages with pearl or beaded bracelets offer an updated classic look. Bridesmaids can wear pearl bracelets alone as a simpler option.

Don’t be afraid to brainstorm creative ideas that reflect your personal tastes or theme. The memories will be all the more special.

Corsage and Boutonniere Preservation

Many opt to preserve their special occasion corsages and boutonnieres. Here are some preservation methods:

Press or dry real flowers between pages of large books for several weeks
Preserve in silica sand or gel in an airtight shadowbox
Work with a florist to professionally preserve the arrangement
Freeze dry blooms using a home food dehydrator or freeze drying service
Display in glass domes to appreciate daily without direct handling

With care, you can enjoy your cherished flowers for years to come.

Key Takeaways

Corsages and boutonnieres add sentimental style to formal attire
Match colors to outfits or theme for a coordinated look
Choose flower types and styles reflecting your personal taste
Order 1-2 months in advance from a florist for best results
Consider fun alternatives like floral bracelets or pocket squares
Preserve special flowers via drying, freeze drying or display domes

Corsages and boutonnieres give you a chance to add personal flair reflecting your style. With so many options today, you can choose unique arrangements sure to complement your attire for a special event. I hope this guide helps you pick out the perfect commemorative corsage or boutonniere to celebrate a momentous occasion. Let me know if you have any other questions!