Boutonnières, also know as "buttonholes", are most notably worn by the groom, groomsmen, and male family members of the groom. However, we have been seeing them become more popular for females as well! They should be worn on the left lapel of the man's suit jacket. Boutonnières have a long history. Historians believe that they can possibly be traced all the way back to the Egyptians or the Aztecs. Boutonnières seemed to have gain popularity as a fashion accessory in the 19th century. The choice of a fresh boutonnière was as important as a pair of freshly shined shoes. Moving into the 20th-century and present day, men transitioned the boutonnière into more of an accessory for their wedding day ensemble. Typically the groom's boutonnière matches the bridal bouquet and the groomsmen and fathers/family have similar style boutonnières. Though, we have seen a rise in all matching boutonnières lately.

Photography by: Jenna Brisson Photography

So how much do boutonnières typically cost? This of course varies on many factors such as the focal flower and other flowers being used, the attachment style (i.e. pin on, magnetic or other), and the finished wrap style. Traditionally florists used to just wrap the boutonnière stems in plain green tape. We think that is a little outdated and more prom than wedding though. Some of the most common stem wraps we do include twine, satin ribbon, and silk. A standard boutonnière will usually cost between $19-$22.

Photography by: Shem Roose Photography

It's the wedding day, and you're ready to pin that boutonnière on but you are not sure how. Depending on the man's attire, you will have to choose the correct method for the application. For grooms who are wearing a traditional suit, the boutonnière will be placed on the left lapel. Place your thumb on the underside of the lapel and firmly grasp the front of the boutonnière with your index finger. Once the boutonnière is in the correct place gently fold back the lapel to expose the underside. Gently push the pin into the fabric starting from the outer edge of the lapel. Continue to push the pin through the stems and back into the underside of the lapel. Think of a sewing stitch! If you have a heavier boutonnière you can place another pin in about a 1/2" below the first one. Remember you should be pinning through the top of the stem where it is the thickest. 

Photography by: Coryn Kiefer Photography​

Have any other questions regarding boutonnières? Drop them in the comments below and we will be happy to answer them! ​

Please note this post may not be up to date pricing as the 2022 and 2023 wedding season flower shortages have effected the pricing from both local farms and large wholesalers. We have seen anywhere from a 10-15% increase on the cost of wholesale flowers and greeneries. 

This is often a question a lot of couples come to us with, “How much do wedding flowers really cost?” or “How much should I spend on my wedding flowers?” The answer to this question is completely personal and something individual to each couple. There are a ton of different wedding blogs and websites out there saying you should spend only 8-10% percent of your total budget on flowers. While that % could be totally accurate for you and for individual situation, we find that couples we work with tend to spend a little more, somewhere in the 12-15% even up to 18%-20% range. So let’s break it down! What does a $1,500, $3,500, $5,000 and $10,000+ budget look like. Please remember these examples are based on an in season wedding in New England with roughly 4-6 attendants on each side and roughly 100-125 guests. This of course does not include tax, delivery or any breakdown fees. 

$1,500 Budget 

Most Common Flowers and Greenery Used: 
hydrangeas, sunflowers, alstroemeria, tulips, stock, gerbera daisies, mums, standard roses, carnations, leather leaf fern, lemon leaf, isreali ruscus 

Bridal Bouquet: $215-$235
Bridesmaid Bouquet: $105-$125
Boutonniere: $18-$19
Centerpiece: $40-$50

Couples who have around a $1500 budget usually pick up their flowers or have them delivered to their venue. (We do not offer setup weddings or full service weddings under $3500.) This means we create all the bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces and other flowers for you and deliver them to you ready to use. This is a great option for couples who are on a budget or are looking for an affordable, easy and convenient flower experience for their wedding. Typically couples who opt for this are not very picky about flower choice. They typically have a color palette and style but aren’t set on having a lush peony bouquet. 

Photography by: Great Impression Portrait Studio​

$3,500 Budget

Most Common Flowers and Greenery Used:
peonies, ranunculus, astilbe, anemone, delux roses, garden roses, lisianthus, dahlias, eucalyptus, huck, olive, italian ruscus 

Bridal Bouquet: $275-$295
Bridesmaid Bouquet: $145-$165
Boutonniere: $20-$21
Wrist Corsage: $45-$55
Centerpiece: $125-$150
Arbor: $325-$475

Couples who spend around $3500 usually have a simple setup wedding. This means all the bouquets, boutonnieres and other wearable flowers are delivered to site ready to be used. The other items such as the arbors or more elaborate centerpieces are assembled on site the morning of the wedding. Typically these are centerpieces that involve loose greenery runners and small amount of other florals in the form of bud vases or blooms tucked into the greenery. The arbor is typically a medium to large sized top corner arrangement with a mix of flowers and greenery. 

Photography By: Darling Photography​

$5,000 Budget

Most Common Flowers and Greenery Used:
peonies, ranunculus, astilbe, anemone, standard roses, garden roses, lisianthus, dahlias, eucalyptus, huck, olive, italian ruscus. (Typically the same flowers as above) 

Bridal Bouquet: $275-$295
Bridesmaid Bouquet: $145-$165
Boutonniere: $20-$21
Wrist Corsage: $45-$55
Centerpiece: $195-$245
Small Arrangements: $75-$95
Arbor: $625-$825
Greenery Chandelier: $245-$265

You’ll notice the cost of the bouquets and other personal flowers stayed the same. We find couples who have roughly a $5,000 budget opt for more lush centerpieces and arbors. If their venue allows they will include a greenery chandelier or two. Some couples also opt to add in smaller arrangements throughout the venue in places like the bar, dessert table, bathrooms and welcome signs. These weddings are typically done as simple setups or full service weddings. Simple setups just like the one above do not require us to come back for a strike. However, if a couple opts for items such as a greenery chandelier or other install, we consider those full service. A small strike fee would be added to the bottom of your estimate to cover our time and travel back to the venue after your event to clean up and breakdown these items. 

Photography by: Ellen Sargent Photography​

Still not sure where you fall on the budget spectrum? That is totally fine! We’d love to setup a complimentary consultation to help you set a budget and create some gorgeous wedding florals. 
Schedule your complimentary consultation below. ​