Just Bout-iful

by Calder Clark on January 5th, 2011

Challenge: pin a flower on a dude without his wigging out.

Our top tips:

1.) Avoid fragrance

2.) Avoid a diameter larger than 3″ for a focal flower.

3.) Foliage is your friend. Guys think greenery is way cooler than les fleurs.

4.) No bows.

5.) Setting the groom apart from his groomsmen via a flower suggests guests won’t know who the groom is otherwise- random, unnecessary. (ie all bouts can be the same).

6.) Make it huggable, hearty, and remember that most flowers brown . . . so have your designer make a replacement for photos and departures.

7.) Bouts for children under 12 is a bit bizarre.

A sampling of boutonnieres styled by Calder Clark Designs:

Clockwise from top left: Gardenia|Stephanotis|Star of Bethlehem + Hypericum Berries|Cotton + Vanda orchid| {via David Edwards Photography, David Edwards Photography, Gayle Brooker, Gayle Brooker)

Clockwise, from top left: Thistle + Snowberry + Rosemary|Mini Calla + Hypericum Berry|Star of Bethlehem + Buckwheat + Ornithogalum|Rice Flower + Succulent| {via Laura Negri Photography, La Cour Photography, Tina Rowden, Gayle Brooker}

Clockwise, from top left: Mini Dahlia|Fabrics + Herbs|Clematis|Hydrangea + Hypericum Berries/Chamomile + Trachelium + Mahonia leaves/Unripe berries + Mahonia {via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Clockwise, from top left: Tuberose|Rose + bud/Snowberries/Tuberose/Acorns + Stephanotis/Ranunculus/Lily of the Valley/Gardenia|Sage/Rosemary/Thyme/Lavender|Orchids| {first three images via Martha Stewart Weddings, last via Once Wed)

What will you be pinning to your boys’ lapels?

Chassity said,

Right on. Too funny about “setting grooms apart” from rest of party with a flower. Live that cotton one and the whole 2nd set especially.
Calder Clark Designs said,

I mean, seriously. I think you shouldn’t be attending the wedding if you don’t know whom he is?! Ha!

Add A Comment

If you liked this post check out:

Square Bouts
So how's this for wedding chic? Trading out the traditional floral boutonnière for a vintage floral pocket square! You still get a hint of something floral, but it's much more surprising and unexpecte...
My Best Friend’s Wedding: Part II
Today's post is all about my best friend Becky's highly original boutonnière bar idea at her Debordieu nuptials. Becky opted for large fabric flower boutonnières for the women attending the ceremon...
Ceremony Styling Concepts
Your ceremony setting is one of the main first impressions for your guests- how are you going to WOW them? We design for a living . . . and we think coming up with something fresh and lovely (and n...