Wedding Corsages & Boutonnieres: Ordering, Etiquette & Style Guide
Corsages and boutonnieres are the small but mighty details that visually connect your wedding party and honoured family members to the celebration. A boutonniere on a groomsman's lapel or a corsage on a grandmother's wrist signals that this person has a special role in your day — it is a quiet badge of honour.
Despite their importance, corsages and boutonnieres are frequently an afterthought, ordered last and given the least design attention. This leads to mismatched colours, wilting flowers by cocktail hour, and the classic scramble at the ceremony when no one knows who gets which arrangement.
This guide covers ordering, styling, etiquette, and logistics so these small arrangements are handled smoothly and look beautiful from the first photo to the last dance.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Determine Who Gets One
Boutonnieres are traditionally worn by: the groom, groomsmen, fathers of the bride and groom, grandfathers, the officiant, ushers, and the ring bearer. Corsages are traditionally worn by: mothers of the bride and groom, grandmothers, and any other honoured female guests the couple wants to recognize — a godmother, a beloved aunt, or a close family friend. The wedding party typically does not wear corsages because their attire already signals their role. Order one or two extra boutonnieres and corsages as backups for forgotten recipients or last-minute additions.
- 2
Coordinate with Your Florist Early
Order corsages and boutonnieres at the same time as your other wedding flowers — typically three to four months before the wedding. Provide your florist with: the exact number of each, the names and roles of recipients (so arrangements can be labelled), fabric swatches or photos of the attire they will be worn with, your colour palette and any specific flowers you want to include or avoid, and whether you prefer pin-on or magnet boutonnieres and wrist or pin-on corsages. Your florist should coordinate the boutonniere and corsage designs with the bridal bouquet and ceremony flowers so everything feels cohesive without being identical.
- 3
Choose Between Fresh and Silk
Fresh flower boutonnieres and corsages are the standard choice and look beautiful in photos, but they wilt — especially in hot weather. Expect fresh arrangements to last four to eight hours looking their best. Silk or preserved flower arrangements are an increasingly popular alternative: they look nearly identical to fresh in photos, never wilt, and can be kept as a keepsake after the wedding. The cost is comparable to fresh. Dried flower boutonnieres and corsages are another option that offers a bohemian, textured look and can be assembled weeks in advance. For summer weddings or outdoor ceremonies in warm climates, silk or dried is often the more practical choice.
- 4
Style the Arrangements
The groom's boutonniere should be slightly different from the groomsmen's — a larger bloom, a different flower, or an additional accent like a sprig of greenery or a berry. This subtle distinction helps the groom stand out in group photos. Groomsmen boutonnieres should match each other and complement the bridesmaid bouquets. Corsages for mothers and grandmothers should feel elegant and age-appropriate — smaller, classic blooms like spray roses, ranunculus, or orchids work well. Avoid oversized arrangements that overwhelm the wearer or clash with their outfit. Include greenery, ribbon, or a personal touch like a small charm or locket in the corsage for mothers.
- 5
Pin vs Magnet Attachment
Traditional boutonniere pins work on most jacket fabrics but can leave small holes in delicate or expensive suits. Magnetic boutonniere attachments are a modern alternative that uses two strong magnets — one inside the jacket and one behind the flower — to hold the boutonniere in place without pins. Magnets work best on thinner fabrics (summer suits, linen) and can struggle with thick wool coats. For corsages, the choice is between a pin-on corsage (pinned to the dress or jacket) and a wrist corsage (worn on a ribbon or elastic band around the wrist). Wrist corsages are more popular because they do not risk damaging the wearer's outfit and are easier to put on. Ask mothers and grandmothers their preference before ordering.
- 6
Keep Them Fresh on the Day
Fresh boutonnieres and corsages should be delivered the morning of the wedding or the night before and stored in a refrigerator (not a freezer) in their packaging. Mist them lightly with water before storing. Take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before they need to be worn so they reach room temperature and any condensation evaporates. Assign one person — your coordinator, a bridesmaid, or a parent — to distribute the arrangements and pin them on. Bring extra pins and a small pair of scissors for any last-minute adjustments. If a boutonniere wilts during the reception, a quick mist of water and five minutes in a cool room can revive it for a few more hours.
Pro Tips
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Label each boutonniere and corsage box with the recipient's name and role — this prevents the frantic who gets which one scramble before the ceremony.
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The groom's boutonniere is traditionally pinned on the left lapel, over the heart, with the stem pointing down — pin through the fabric from behind the lapel so the pin is hidden.
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If a grandmother or mother has difficulty with a wrist corsage due to arthritis or mobility issues, consider a pin-on corsage or a small arrangement that clips to a handbag — comfort matters more than tradition.
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Order boutonnieres for any vendor who will appear in formal photos — your photographer and DJ typically do not need one, but your officiant often appreciates the gesture.
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For a budget-friendly option, use a single statement flower (a garden rose, a ranunculus, or a dahlia) with minimal greenery — simple arrangements often photograph better than complex ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do boutonnieres and corsages cost?
Fresh boutonnieres typically cost $10 to $25 each and corsages $25 to $50 each, depending on the flowers used and your florist's pricing. A wedding with 10 boutonnieres and 4 corsages runs approximately $200 to $450 total. Silk and dried alternatives are comparable in price but can be ordered online for less.
Can the groom skip the boutonniere?
Yes, though it is uncommon. Some grooms prefer a pocket square, a lapel pin, or no accessory at all. If you skip the boutonniere, consider a subtle alternative that still distinguishes you from the groomsmen in group photos.
Should I give corsages to mothers who are not in the wedding party?
It is a lovely and appreciated gesture but not required. If mothers and grandmothers are seated in reserved family seating, a corsage signals their honoured status. If budget is a concern, prioritise the mothers of the bride and groom and skip extended family.
When should boutonnieres be pinned on?
Pin boutonnieres after everyone is fully dressed and before the ceremony — typically during the getting-ready photos. Pinning them too early risks crushing or displacing them during dressing. Your photographer will want to capture the pinning moment, so coordinate timing with your photo schedule.
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