Who Wears Flowers on a Wedding Day? Unveiling Floral Traditions and Trends
As you plan your wedding day, considering who wears flowers is an important part of the celebration. Flowers add a touch of elegance and symbolize love and fertility, making them a traditional accessory for weddings. On this day of union, specific floral adornments like corsages and boutonnieres identify and honor the VIPs in your life, seamlessly blending with the overall floral design and theme of your ceremony.
While the bride often carries a bouquet, members of her entourage may also wear floral accents. Bridesmaids might wear corsages, floral hairpieces, or carry smaller bouquets. Similarly, groomsmen adorn their lapels with boutonnieres matching the groom’s, a small yet significant piece that adds sophistication to their attire. Beyond the wedding party, close family members and special guests may also proudly display flowers to signify their unique roles in the festivities.
Key Takeaways
- Flowers are a timeless wedding element symbolizing love and adding to the day’s elegance.
- Bridal and groomsmen flowers create a cohesive visual harmony, while denoting the wedding party.
- The inclusion of family and significant attendees with floral pieces reflects their importance.
The Bride and Her Entourage
As you plan your special day, it’s essential to consider the floral arrangements for you and your entourage. From the bridal bouquet that you’ll carry down the aisle to the delicate petals your flower girls will sprinkle, each floral choice carries a meaning and complements the beauty of the occasion.
Bridal Bouquet Varieties
Your bridal bouquet is a centerpiece of your wedding day look. It should mirror your style and the theme of your wedding. Classic brides might opt for rose or a garden rose bouquet which signifies love and joy, while the more modern bride might choose a sculptural calla lilies arrangement that emphasizes sophistication. For a more whimsical and textural bouquet, consider incorporating dahlias which represent commitment and an everlasting bond.
Flowers for the Bridesmaids and Flower Girls
The bridesmaids and flower girls usually carry personal flowers that complement your bouquet. Bridesmaids might carry smaller bouquets or single stem flowers. It’s common to select blooms that match one element of your bouquet, whether it’s a specific flower like a rose or a color theme. As for the little ones, flower girls often carry a mini bouquet, basket of petals, or sometimes wear a floral garland to spread beauty before you walk the aisle.
Significance of the Flower Crown
A flower crown can be a stunning addition for you or your bridesmaids and is often used to signify beauty, love, and fertility. Flower crowns range from subtle garlands of baby’s breath to bold arrangements with sizable blooms. Wearable flowers like these can tie the aesthetic of your wedding party together beautifully and provide a whimsical, nature-inspired element to the attire.
Groom and Groomsmen Attire
When you’re planning your wedding, it’s important to consider how the groom and groomsmen will be adorned. A key element is the boutonniere, a floral accent that symbolizes a touch of elegance and ties the gentlemen’s attire to the overall wedding theme.
Classic Boutonniere Choices
For the groom, a boutonniere is a distinguished accessory that complements the wedding suit or tuxedo. Classic boutonniere flowers include:
- Single stem roses: Known for their timeless appeal.
- Orchids: A luxurious and exotic choice.
- Personal flowers: You might choose a bloom from the bridal bouquet to create a sense of unity.
Typically, the groom’s boutonniere is slightly different to stand out from the others. It’s often secured with a ribbon that matches the wedding’s color scheme.
Boutonnieres for the Groomsmen
Groomsmen boutonnieres should harmonize with the groom’s but remain distinct. Here’s how to differentiate:
- Size: Groomsmen boutonnieres are usually smaller.
- Flower: Different, yet complementary flowers or colors can be used.
- Best man: His boutonniere could have a subtle variation to honor his special role.
Remember, wearable flowers such as boutonnieres are not only for the groom and groomsmen. Fathers and grandfathers, mothers and grandmothers, and even the best man all traditionally wear a boutonniere or pin-on corsage to mark their important connection to you and your special day.
Special Flowers for VIP Guests
Your wedding is a celebration where every detail counts, especially when it comes to honoring your nearest and dearest. Flowers are a traditional and elegant way to distinguish VIP guests, who often include immediate family members. Let’s look at how you can incorporate special florals for these important people on your big day.
Corsages and Boutonnieres for Family Members
Corsages, typically worn by the mothers and grandmothers, are a symbol of your appreciation and respect. These can vary from a wrist corsage to a pin-on variety, usually featuring two to three blooms that complement your wedding’s color palette. A corsage can tie their look to the rest of the wedding party and can be as simple or elaborate as you prefer. Florists recommend that you select flowers that can withstand a full day’s event without wilting for these delicate accessories.
For the fathers and grandfathers, boutonnieres add a touch of sophistication. Generally, a single flower that matches the bridal bouquet or the wedding’s central theme is chosen. The significance of these floral pieces lies in them being a visible token of their role and the pride you hold in including them in your ceremony. These are typically pinned to the left lapel, close to the heart to symbolize love and honor for the family.
Unique Floral Options for Guests of Honor
For those special guests who play a crucial role in your ceremony or have significantly impacted your life, consider going beyond traditional corsages and boutonnieres. Unique floral arrangements incorporating not just blooms but also interesting greenery can make them stand out. Think about offering a miniature bouquet for mothers, or a stylish pocket square made from foliage for the fathers.
Your Guests of Honor might also appreciate a more creative approach, such as a floral bracelet or a bespoke flower pin. These gestures not only show your gratitude but also help in creating beautiful, cohesive visuals for your wedding. The selections for mothers of the bride and groom, as well as fathers and grandfathers, should be reflective of their personal style while still tying into the aesthetic of your special day.
Planning and Budgeting for Wedding Flowers
When planning your wedding, it’s essential to consider both your vision for the big day as well as your budget, especially when it comes to flowers which include everything from bouquets to centerpieces.
Choosing the Right Florist
Selecting a florist who aligns with your style and budget is crucial. Start by looking at local vendors with positive reviews, and don’t hesitate to ask for a portfolio of their previous work. When discussing budget, be clear about how much you’re willing to spend. Consider the size of your wedding, as larger weddings will require more flowers, affecting the overall cost. Remember, the right florist can help you choose cost-effective yet stunning options such as in-season flowers that may be more affordable.
- Tips for Choosing a Florist:
- Look for a florist with a style you love.
- Check reviews and ask for references.
- Discuss your budget upfront.
- Don’t forget to talk about extras like delivery and setup fees.
Managing the Wedding Flower List
Keeping your wedding flower list manageable is a key part of staying within budget. Prioritize flowers for VIPs like mothers and grandmothers, and don’t forget about wedding corsages and boutonnieres for the wedding party. Centerpieces can vary in size and complexity, so consider simple yet elegant designs to save on expenses. Be upfront about your preferences and any flowers that must be included, but stay flexible with substitutions to accommodate your budget.
- Managing Your Flower List:
- Essential Flowers: Bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages.
- Reception Flowers: Table centerpieces and other decor.
- Ceremony Flowers: Aisle decorations, altar arrangements.
By finding the right florist and managing your wedding flower list thoughtfully, you can achieve the aesthetic you want without overspending. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re sure to have beautiful blooms that won’t break the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
When planning your wedding, you want everyone to look their part. Flowers play a pivotal role in this, so it’s important to know who traditionally wears what and how to assign floral accessories.
What are the traditional roles for wearing corsages and boutonnieres at a wedding?
Traditionally, corsages are worn by the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom, while boutonnieres are reserved for the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers. The ring bearer and ushers typically also wear boutonnieres.
Can you explain the etiquette for wedding party flowers?
Wedding party flowers are often chosen to match the wedding theme and colors. Bridesmaids typically carry bouquets that complement the bride’s flowers, while groomsmen wear boutonnieres that match or complement the bridesmaids’ bouquets.
What kind of floral accessories do mothers of the bride typically wear?
Mothers of the bride usually wear corsages, which can be pinned to their dress or worn on the wrist. The style and color often coordinate with the bridal party’s flowers but can also be a distinct design that honors their special role.
Is it customary for wedding guests to wear flowers?
It’s not a general custom for all wedding guests to wear flowers, but it is becoming more popular for special guests to wear a small floral accessory, like a corsage or boutonniere, as a sign of their importance to the couple.
How do families decide who wears flowers at a wedding?
Deciding who wears flowers at a wedding is a personal choice for each family. Some may choose to adhere strictly to tradition, while others might adopt a more inclusive approach, offering flowers to all female guests or to those who have played a significant role in their lives.
Should siblings also have flowers at a wedding ceremony?
If siblings are not part of the official wedding party but are significant to you, they can also wear flowers. A boutonniere for brothers or a corsage for sisters are thoughtful gestures to include them in your special day.
