Boutonnieres for Groom and Groomsmen
Small floristry with big effect — how boutonnieres should look and how to attach them.
Boutonnieres are the smallest floristry unit at a wedding — and often the worst executed. Anyone planning a wedding should treat them as deliberate design, not an add-on.
What a boutonniere is: 1–3 blooms plus a little greenery, bound with wire and ribbon, pinned to the suit chest. Classically on the left over the heart.
Groom vs. groomsmen: the groom's boutonniere is usually slightly larger and colour-coded to the main flower of the bridal bouquet. Groomsmen's are smaller and uniform (all the same).
What goes in: usually a small rose, ranunculus, lisianthus or peony as main bloom, plus 1–2 smaller accents (baby's breath, small berries) and some eucalyptus or wax flower.
Colour logic: best colour-matched to the bridal bouquet. If the bridal bouquet is white-cream, boutonnieres are white-cream. With a colourful bridal bouquet, boutonnieres pick up one main colour (e.g. only the apricot tones).
Attachment: classically with two safety pins through the lapel — one top, one bottom. Modern: magnetic boutonniere holder (no hole in the suit). Some grooms have a permanent buttonhole — ideal.
When bound: as late as possible — ideally the morning of the wedding. Boutonnieres last 6–10 hours without water. We usually deliver with the bridal bouquet.
Size: no larger than 7–10 cm. Larger boutonnieres look placard-like and disturb the suit line. Smaller than 5 cm reads cheap.
Special forms: funeral (small black ribbon with white bloom), round anniversaries (jubilee, milestone birthday — small boutonniere marking the celebrant).
Cost at Fleura: €8–12 per boutonniere. For special varieties (peonies, rare roses) up to €15. Magnetic holder optional €2 extra.
Frequently asked
- Do bridesmaids also wear boutonnieres?
- Rarely. Bridesmaids usually carry mini-bouquets or wear small hair flowers. Boutonnieres are traditionally men's floristry.
- How quickly does the boutonniere need to be attached?
- Right before the ceremony — best in the last 30 minutes. Too early: the bloom droops or wilts. Who helps: often the groom's mother or a witness does it.
- What does a peony boutonniere cost?
- €12–15 each, since the bud must be specially sized for a boutonniere. Only possible in season May/June.