About Corsages and Boutonnieres
Corsages and boutonnieres are floral decorations often worn at formal dances, such as proms, and at weddings, as well as other special occasions and social events. Corsages are for ladies, and boutonnieres are for gentlemen. Both are traditionally worn on the left, to be closer to the wearer's heart. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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Most boutonnieres feature a single flower, such as a rose bud, carnation, gardenia or calla lily, plus accompanying greenery, such as leaves, and sprigs of gypsophylia, or baby's breath. Corsages often use the same type of flower as the boutonnieres, but contain three to five main flowers, as well as additional accents such as smaller flowers, greenery, ribbons, beads or gemstones. Corsages and boutonnieres for a wedding often match the flower type and style of the bride's bouquet.
Type
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Corsages come in two main styles: those that are pinned to the shoulder, waist or a bag, and those that are worn on a strap around the wrist. Although pin-on corsages may show off the flowers more, wrist corsages do not involve putting pins through delicate clothing. Boutonnieres may be inserted through the lapel buttonhole in a suit jacket, pinned to the lapel using a straight pin, or worn in a boutonniere holder, which looks like a very small metal vase with a brooch-style pin attached.
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Significance
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Corsages and boutonnieres can provide an elegant touch to a formal occasion, and tie together the look of a couple or a wedding party. Giving a corsage or boutonniere to someone is often considered a thoughtful or romantic gesture. Prom dates often buy matching corsages and boutonnieres for one another, and sons and daughters may give corsages for Mother's day. A corsage or boutonniere can also be preserved, through drying or refrigeration, as a keepsake of a special event.
Benefits
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Corsages and boutonnieres can feature the wearer's favorite flower, or a flower with a particular meaning, as well as highlight or incorporate a favorite color. Corsages and boutonnieres can be purchased already assembled, or they can be made using cut flowers, greenery, floral tape and ribbon. Although corsages and boutonnieres may be made from real flowers, artificial silk flowers are often less expensive, and they can be arranged ahead of time and kept indefinitely.
Expert Insight
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Brides may wish to give corsages to the mothers and grandmothers in a wedding party, and boutonnieres to the groom, groomsmen, ushers, ring bearer, fathers and grandfathers. Bridesmaids traditionally receive bouquets rather than corsages. They may also wish to give corsages or boutonnieres to any officiants, speakers, musicians, attendants, special guests or others featured prominently in the ceremony. The groom's boutonniere may match the rest, or it may feature an extra flower or accent color.
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