Corsage Etiquette

The Tradition of the Corsage

flickr amanky

How to Practice Good Corsage Etiquette

Flickr the_amanda/ /

While you'll probably want to supply the corsages for a colour-themed wedding, check what your would-be corsage bearers are wearing to the event.

If you have designated bridesmaids outfits, of course this will be a lot easier. If they don't, it would still serve you well to let them know that you'll be providing corsages.

Decide before hand if it matters where they wear it.

Does it matter to you if they decide not to wear it?

Does it matter if everyone wears their corsages in different places?

This eliminates a few issues.

I know this sounds silly and obvious, but in my experiences, some would-be corsage bearers refuse to pin a corsage because 'it will damage their dress', 'refuse to wear them because they have itchy wrists', 'feel that flowers in their hair makes them look stupid'. (Let's not go there...)

Your mother could be planning to wear an elegant suit. A corsage pinned to her jacket will look great.

Tip: Get corsages in neutral colours, which makes matching them to outfits a breeze. To make things easier, you could also give them the freedom of wearing their corsages anywhere they like.

Boutonnieres Etiquette

The classic look

flickr ohsohappytogether/

A boutonnière is a floral decoration worn by men, typically a single flower or bud.

These are the "corsages" men wear on their suit.

The rose, the orchid, and the mini calla lily are very popular and elegant boutonnieres choices.

For an elegant, classic and timeless look, opt for the rose and baby's breath. For a modern feel (nonetheless elegant), pick smaller, sleeker boutonnieres.

Traditionally, the boutonniere should share a common element with the bride's bouquet.

But I've found having the same colour scheme works as well.

Consider also having a portable cooler handy so that you can store the boutonniere and wedding bouquet/corsages. This is especially so if they are going to be made hours before the wedding. You could also check with your florist about this and find out which flowers are more 'durable'. Some flowers don't hold up well. You'll want your corsages and boutonnieres looking as fresh as possible.

Tip. Always have spare corsages and boutonnieres AND a 'back up' wedding bouquet.

Who wears boutonnieres?

1. The Groom

2. The groomsmen

3. The fathers of the bride and groom

4. The ring bearer

5. And the ushers, if you like.

The groomsmen's boutonnieres should all match. You can have the groom's boutonniere made a little 'fuller'. But he should already stand out, so it may not be necessary.

Elegant Corsage Etiquette Gallery

These are my favourite elegant corsages.

Elegant Orchid Corsage

flickr dotd

Elegant Corsage bracelet

flickr dotd

Many women prefer a wrist corsage that won't be in their way, or make marks on their dresses. 

flickr dotd

Corsage Alternatives

From The Wedding Book,

Though they embody a lovely sentiment, corsages can look outdated, especially on a mother in a slinky Badgley Mischa gown.

Without losing the significance of a corsage, you could consider these alternatives:

Corsage Etiquette Moments 

amanky flickr /

Even though I love flowers, corsages and boutonnieres, I 'get' why she wrote that statement, especially in some Facebook wedding photos posted by a long lost distant relative. Some corsage and boutonnieres' fashion don't age very well. Flip that wedding album in a few years and the dated look becomes terribly obvious.

So I've included corsage alternatives for you to consider.

1. A small bouquet (for your bridesmaids)
2. Floral hair accessory
3. A wristlet
4. A pendant made out of little flower buds
5. A corsage blouse pin

Elegant Table Decorations

Wedding Etiquette

An elegant bride

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