The Tradition of Flowers for Your Wedding Party

Wedding corsages and boutonnieres are a big part of your wedding ceremony, both dating back to Greek times. Originally, the scent of flowers was used to ward off evil spirits, along with flowers collected for the bride. Nowadays, they’re simply a beautiful tradition that single out the wedding party from the other guests.

Boutonnieres are given to the Best Man and all ushers, as well as the fathers of the bride and groom. (A good rule of thumb: anyone walking down the aisle should wear one.) If you are having a Ring Bearer, he gets one as well. Also, the groom’s boutonniere should stand out from the rest of the ushers’. On the female side, bridesmaids get bouquets, so corsages are given to the mothers of the bride and groom.  You can also opt to give nosegays, a small bouquet of flowers that wrap around the wrist.

Boutonnieres and corsages fall under the category of “flowers,” which, according to tradition, the groom’s family pays for. Over time, people have become more lenient about who pays for what, and flowers can be paid for by anyone, including you and your groom.

The florist you hire is in charge of boutonnieres and corsages, and he’s responsible for dropping them off at the ceremony site on the day of your wedding. Although do-it-yourself corsages and boutonnieres can be beautiful, Danielle Bobish, of Curtain Up Events in New York City, advises caution. “Don’t attempt to make them yourself unless you’re extremely talented, and have a lot of time on your hands.”

Wear your flowers in style, and relish the good spirits that are scenting up the big day.

-David Toussaint

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