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Are Boutonnieres Out of Style?

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The original purpose of wearing boutonnieres was for protection. In the 16th century, grooms wore boutonnieres to protect themselves from diseases and evil spirits.

As centuries passed, they became more of a fashion statement. But nowadays, boutonnieres are less popular than they used to be.

So are boutonnieres out of style?

To some people, boutonnieres are out of style. To these people, boutonnieres do not seem necessary anymore. Hence, the thought that they are old-fashioned.

But while that notion exists, you will still find boutonnieres at many weddings. Not everyone thinks boutonnieres are out of style. Besides, boutonnieres are a part of many traditions, so they will remain valuable as long as those traditions exist.

In this article, we discuss the relevance of boutonnieres. We go over alternatives to boutonnieres and answer some other questions you may have about them.

bride-fixing-Boutonniere-for-his-groom

Are Boutonnieres Out of Style?

Initially, grooms wore boutonnieres to keep themselves from getting attacked by evil spirits and diseases. They were the male equivalent of bridal bouquets, which served similar purposes.

As time passed, boutonnieres became less about protection and more about fashion. They have been a trend up to the present.

But are they still in style?

Many people agree that boutonnieres are out of style. More accurately, they believe grooms do not need boutonnieres on their suits or tuxedos.

People do not use boutonnieres for their original purpose (protection) anymore.

Also, most people can do without wearing them as a fashion statement. So, it is easy to see why people conclude that boutonnieres are out of style.

But then, some people opine that boutonnieres are still trendy.

In fact, their suitability as a small-sized alternative to bridal bouquets makes them even more valuable to some.

Apart from the above, boutonnieres are an integral part of some traditions. Sometimes, one must use them to follow traditional standards.

In other words, boutonnieres remain trendy in some traditions.

The groom fastens a pink rose boutonniere to his jacket

Why Do Men Wear Boutonnieres at a Wedding?

Men wear boutonnieres at a wedding for many reasons, including:

  • As a Fashion Statement: Boutonnieres are a floral decoration for men’s suits. They add color, pattern, and style to a wedding suit or tuxedo, making them even more appealing.
  • As a Sign of Unity: The groom uses it to demonstrate his bond with his bride.
  • As a Sign of Gratitude: The groomsmen get it as a token of gratitude from the groom.

What Can I Wear Instead of a Boutonniere?

If you cannot or do not want to wear a boutonniere, you can wear a lapel pin.

A lapel pin goes in the same spot as a boutonniere. However, unlike boutonnieres, a lapel pin is easier to wear.

For a boutonniere, you need to weave two pins through the boutonniere stem and the lapel to hold the boutonniere in place.

But when wearing a lapel pin, all you need to do is push it through the lapel, then secure it in place by attaching the pin closure from behind.

Wearing a lapel pin instead of a boutonniere is a way to respect tradition. It shows that even if boutonnieres aren’t your style, you care enough to put something else in its place.

Lapel pins have one primary advantage over boutonnieres – they are more likely to stay in shape long after the wedding.

While boutonnieres may wear out and wilt by the end of the wedding, lapel pins will not. As a result, you can save your lapel pin as a memento for a long time.

You can also use your lapel pin multiple times after the wedding since it will still be in good shape.

man wearing lapel pin on beige suit

Who Buys the Boutonniere for a Wedding?

The groom or groom’s family buys the boutonniere for a wedding. They also get the bouquet, corsage, and other wedding floral needs.

However, the bride’s family could take care of the floral budget.

When buying the boutonniere, the groom may choose to get himself something that stands out. He may also opt for a boutonniere that matches the bridal bouquet.

Who Typically Wears Boutonnieres at a Wedding?

Generally, the male members of the wedding party wear boutonnieres.

You are highly likely to find any of the following people wearing boutonnieres at a wedding:

Groom

Groom in stylish suit with red boutonniere

The groom is the priority when it comes to wearing a boutonniere at a wedding. Grooms also typically pay for the boutonnieres.

But then, if the bride’s family wants to, they may pay for the boutonnieres.

For obvious reasons, the groom’s boutonniere usually stands out from others at a wedding.

In many cases, grooms opt for floral boutonnieres. But they may also get creative variants, such as action figures, feather boutonnieres, and pinwheels.

Unique, creative boutonnieres are a way for the groom to flaunt his interests.

Groomsmen and Best Man

groom in black suit with two groomsman

Besides the groom, the best man and groomsmen are also on the priority list of boutonnieres at a wedding.

For the groomsmen and best man, boutonnieres not only highlight their importance on the day, but it is also a sign of the groom’s appreciation for them.

Typically, the boutonniere for the groomsmen matches the wedding’s colors. If you want to stick with this standard, give the florist the necessary details.

If you feel like it, you may give your best man a different boutonniere from the groomsmen.

If your bride has bridesmen on her bridal train, you can get a boutonniere for the bridesmen too.

Grandfathers and Fathers

Father with bride walking in the aisle

Fathers and grandfathers of the bride and groom also wear boutonnieres at a wedding.

To make the boutonniere memorable for them, put it on them yourself. You could even get the photographer to capture the beautiful moment.

If you want, you can also honor your stepfather similarly.

Officiant

couple during wedding ceremony with their wedding officiant

The officiant may also wear a boutonniere.

Wearing a boutonniere should be no problem for an officiant not affiliated with a religious organization since they will be wearing a suit or something similar.

On the contrary, a religious officiant may not want a boutonniere on their traditional religious attire. But you could ask to know their preference; they may just accept a lapel pin.

Ringbearer

A ring bearer, who is the son of the bride, pours colored sand in the unity ceremony during a wedding

The ringbearer also gets a little boutonniere to match the size of his suit. The ringbearer’s boutonniere usually comes in the same design as the groomsmen’s.

Ushers

While ushers do not need to wear a boutonniere, you can have them wear it. Boutonnieres not only add some dimension to the ushers’ attire but also make it easier to identify them.

Immediate Family Members and VIPs

Immediate family members, VIPs, and any other person the couple wants to honor can wear a boutonniere.

newlywed couple taking selfie with vip guests

Can a Wedding Guest Wear a Boutonniere?

Boutonnieres are typically reserved for the groom, the wedding party, and any other person the couple wants to show some extra love or honor.

But guests can also wear a boutonniere.

Newlyweds sharing their first dance in front of their guests

Conclusion

There is no consensus on the trendiness of boutonnieres.

Some people think they are out of style, while some believe they are still fashionable. Then in some traditions, boutonnieres are still vital. So, it is up to you whether to use a boutonniere or not.

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