What is a boutonnière? Definition and meaning for beginners

What is a Boutonnière? Definition and Meaning for Beginners
When preparing for a wedding, the topic of choosing your wedding bouquet and boutonnière will come up.
Many people seem to understand what a bouquet is, but wonder, "What exactly is a boutonnière?"
While a wedding bouquet, which beautifies the bride, is certainly important, the boutonnière is also a very crucial item.
This time, we will explain what a boutonnière is.
What is a Boutonnière Used in Weddings?

A boutonnière is a small floral decoration worn in the groom's lapel.
Boutonnière is a French word meaning "buttonhole." In the past, boutonnières were attached to buttonholes, as the name suggests, but now it is common to simply slip them into the breast pocket.
While typically worn with Western attire, boutonnières with Japanese designs may also be worn with traditional Japanese attire.
■ The History of the Boutonnière

To explain the history of the boutonnière, we must first explain the history of wedding bouquets and proposals.
Long ago in Europe, men would pick wildflowers to make a bouquet for the woman they loved and propose to her by presenting it. If the woman said "YES," she would take a single flower from the bouquet and pin it to the man's lapel. This was the origin of the boutonnière.
This form of proposal continues to exist today in the form of wedding bouquets and boutonnières.
■ Why Wear a Boutonnière?

As explained above, a boutonnière is a "YES" sign from the woman. Wearing it at a wedding signifies that the couple are deeply devoted to each other.
Additionally, the boutonnière is an important item that adds color to the tuxedo. Without it, the chest area can look a bit plain, so a boutonnière ensures great photos.
Sometimes, as part of the wedding ceremony, the bride will pin the boutonnière to the groom's lapel. It's a lovely gesture.
■ How to Make a Boutonnière?

Boutonnières are generally made using the same flowers as the wedding bouquet, or at least in a similar color scheme.
This applies whether they are artificial flowers, dried flowers, or preserved flowers.
Typically, you leave enough stem to fit into the breast pocket, then gather the flowers with floral tape, a sticky tape, and wrap a ribbon over it to complete it.
Although cotton soaked in water is included for hydration, it's only intended for use during the ceremony, so it doesn't last very long.
Generally, it's something to be discarded after the ceremony. However, some grooms choose to preserve it as a pressed flower using an after-bouquet service!
■ What is the Average Cost of a Boutonnière?

The cost of a boutonnière is generally considered to be around 3,000 to 5,000 yen. Of course, this varies depending on the volume.
However, these days, the cost of the boutonnière is often included in the price of the wedding bouquet, so you probably don't need to worry too much about it.
If you are holding your wedding at a hotel and having a boutonnière made to match a custom-ordered wedding bouquet, it might be more expensive if rare flowers are used. Since it's a once-in-a-lifetime memory, choose the flowers that you both love the most!
Boutonnière Designs?

Just as there are many designs for wedding bouquets, do boutonnières also have designs? Many brides ask this question.
While boutonnières don't have as many varieties as wedding bouquets, there are a few design aspects to keep in mind.
Here, we will briefly explain the design aspects of boutonnières.
■ It's Essential to Match the Flowers and Colors with the Bouquet!

It is standard to match the flowers of the boutonnière with the wedding bouquet. If the wedding bouquet uses a lot of roses, a boutonnière with roses will be made.
If the wedding bouquet uses lilies, a boutonnière using lily buds will be made.
The color scheme should also not stray too far from the bouquet; a white wedding bouquet will have a white boutonnière, and a purple wedding bouquet will have a purple boutonnière.
By creating floral items that unify the bride and groom, the original meaning of "proposal" in the wedding bouquet is enhanced.
■ Choose with the Wedding Venue's Flowers in Mind!

This is something to be careful about when ordering a wedding bouquet: you should decide on the design with the flowers at the reception venue in mind.
If the entire venue is decorated in yellow, you'll want to choose flowers that match that color scheme.
Generally, a flower coordinator will consider the bouquet's color scheme and other factors, but special attention is needed when bringing in preserved or artificial wedding bouquets and boutonnières.
If you bring in a colorful, lively bouquet with red, blue, or yellow flowers to a venue beautifully arranged entirely in white, it might somewhat spoil the effect.
Consider the venue's flowers when planning your wedding bouquet and boutonnière.
■ Also Consider Coordination with Your Outfit!

This is also something to be careful about when ordering a wedding bouquet: how it matches with the dress and tuxedo is very important.
For example, if you hold a colorful bouquet with many red and blue flowers against a purple dress, it won't look as beautiful.
The design of the boutonnière is influenced by the flowers and colors of the wedding bouquet, so this also requires attention.
If the wedding venue's flower coordinator is closely assisting you, there should be no problem, but be especially careful when bringing in dried flower or preserved flower wedding bouquets!
Make sure to choose products carefully with your dress and tuxedo in mind.
How to Attach a Boutonnière

There's a way to attach a boutonnière. It's not difficult, so don't worry.
First, if the boutonnière has a clip, attach it directly to the lapel.
If it has a boutonnière pin, the standard method is to insert the pin from the back of the lapel to secure it. For heavier boutonnières, you might add two more pins.
If the stem is long, simply insert it into the breast pocket.
Occasionally, they are attached with magnets. In this case, a magnet is placed behind the lapel, and the boutonnière is secured by sandwiching it. This method is likely only used for lightweight boutonnières, as a heavy flower could droop unattractively.
■ What to Do with the Boutonnière During an Outfit Change?

During an outfit change, the bride switches from her wedding bouquet to an evening bouquet to match the color of her dress.
Since the groom also changes his tuxedo to match, it is standard for the boutonnière to be changed as well.
The boutonnière will be made using the same flowers as the evening bouquet, so show off your dashing appearance with matching flowers on your chest.
&YOUKAEN's Recommended Artificial Flower Wedding Bouquet and Boutonnière Sets!
&YOUKAEN sells stylish wedding bouquets and color bouquets made with artificial flowers!
Among them, we would like to introduce the products that &YOUKAEN's florists particularly recommend.
They are very stylish, designed with overseas trends in mind. Even your invited friends might be envious!
■ Beautiful Blue Tones: "Lavender Wedding Bouquet with Boutonnière"
This is a clutch bouquet made solely from popular lavender flowers!
It's a vibrant blue-purple bouquet that will delicately and beautifully accent your wedding dress.
With airy, nuanced colored ribbons, it achieves the look of a dream overseas wedding.
Of course, the boutonnière is also made with lavender! Enjoy a stylish wedding scene centered around refreshing lavender.
Lavender Wedding Bouquet and Boutonnière Set
¥31,000-
■ Adult Dark Bouquet "Cala Lily and Dahlia Bordeaux Wedding Bouquet with Boutonnière"
This is a modern bouquet with a luxurious feel, put together with adult-like bordeaux-colored flowers!
Featuring calla lilies and dahlias, its beauty lies in its elegant lines and flowing, stylish design.
The airy, swaying ribbons in nuanced colors also leave a strong impression.
Since each piece is handmade, it's a unique clutch bouquet that won't be seen on anyone else! The boutonnière is crafted using bordeaux phalaenopsis orchids.
Cala Lily and Dahlia Bordeaux Wedding Bouquet
¥39,000-
■ Classic White Wedding Bouquet "Luxurious White Clutch Bouquet with Boutonnière"
This is a simple clutch bouquet featuring white flowers!
Using eucharis and phalaenopsis (orchids), it has a clean and elegant finish.
Paired with lamb's ear for a touch of silver-green, it adds a soft impression.
This simple and refined bouquet will make the bride even more beautiful and dignified. The boutonnière will also be made in white!
Luxurious White Clutch Bouquet
¥17,500-
■ Pop and Cute Wedding Bouquet "Red Anemone Wedding Bouquet with Boutonnière"
This is a fresh red clutch bouquet! A boutonnière is also included in the set.
Its charm lies in its poppy atmosphere, with a touch of oriental feel added by the foliage.
Since each item is handmade, it takes time from your order to delivery.
It's &YOUKAEN's recommended color bouquet!
Red Anemone Wedding Bouquet
¥14,000-
■ Stylish Yellow and Grey Bouquet "Poppy Clutch Bouquet with Boutonnière"
This is a natural-style bouquet made by bundling yellow flowers and grayish-green foliage!
It's stylish and cute, yet also boasts a popular, sophisticated charm. It will fill your important day with fresh colors. Our professional florists carefully arrange each flower to ensure it looks beautiful! The design is easy to match with both pure white wedding dresses and colored dresses. The boutonnière is made using the same flowers as the bouquet.
Poppy Clutch Bouquet with Boutonnière
¥38,400-
We Also Sell Other Artificial Wedding Bouquet and Boutonnière Sets!
&YOUKAEN also sells other artificial wedding bouquet and boutonnière sets!
Our appealing designs, crafted by florists who have created wedding bouquets for foreign-affiliated hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto, feature an overseas-inspired style.
Since they are artificial flowers, they can be reused as room decor even after the ceremony! This series is highly popular with many customers.
&YOUKAEN also sells headpieces that can be used for pre-wedding photoshoots and after-parties!
Stylish headpieces are also available! You can choose from four different styles.
Some designs perfectly match Japanese traditional attire, making them suitable not only for weddings but also for events like coming-of-age ceremonies.
Despite being made from plant materials, they use long-lasting materials, so they can be reused multiple times.
Nov 26, 2024











