PERSONAL FLOWERS are the flowers used by the Wedding party, other than the Bouquets for Bride and Bridesmaids. These include Corsages, Boutonnières, Hairpieces, Circlets, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer, Mother's Roses, Toasting Glasses, Cake Knife.
CORSAGES
Corsages can be as simple as a single rose or as elaborate as orchids, roses with pearl sprays, ribbons and tulle. The choice is set by the Bride and her Theme. Most corsages for Mothers are made from the same type flowers from the Bride’s Bouquet. However, if your recipient likes something different or is allergic to some flowers, it is possible to introduce a new flower in the Personal Flowers to accommodate her.
When in doubt for color, choose white flowers and bring in your Wedding colors with ribbon or accents. Corsage size should be kept in proportion with the height and size of the woman or girl receiving the corsage. Also, the size of the flowers involved. An example would be when working with a large "Stargazer Lily", they are beautiful in a Bouquet but can be too large for a corsage, where a hybrid lily of similar color would work better or another flower from the Bouquet such as roses.
There are new ways of attaching the Corsage to dresses beside the customary corsage pin. The Corsage Magnet. This ingenious device has two parts, one half with wire on both ends is incorporated in to the corsage, then when You hold the Corsage in place use the other half to attach by sandwiching fabric between the magnets to hold fast. No harm to the fabric of the dress.
The addition of pearls, pearl sprays, printed ribbons, rhinestones, crystals, fancy tulle, netting and other embellishments can increase the size, weight and cost of the corsage. Keep this in mind when adding these type of items.
Corsages are found in three basic styles;
1. Shoulder Corsage-
this sits directly on top of the shoulder, spilling over onto the chest area. This type is best used with beaded dresses and those with lacy or sheer tops. It is pinned into the seam of the dress along the shoulder. If dress is unable to support, consider a Wristlet or small Nosegay. |
3. Wristlet Corsage-is worn on the wrist. Held there by several different means; elastic bands, rhinestone bands, ribbons or covered wire. Used at times when dresses are unable to support a pinned corsage, as with strapless or beaded dresses. The Ankle Corsage is another alternative, used mostly for proms, but works very well with Beach Weddings.
Add a keepsake Locket to the corsages for both Mothers. Pick a Locket, fill with the love and gratitude for everything each woman has done for you, the Bride. As she wears the corsage in to the Ceremony her delight will shine at this personal memento to Her day and the memory of the day each time she wears the Locket. Add it to the bow of the corsage or tie it in with a small, slim ribbon.
New trend for Mothers is the Hawaiian style Lei. Normally made of orchids or carnations, this style of adornment is very popular for Beach Theme and Indian Weddings. These handmade floral necklaces can be made from many different flower combination, in many different colors. Also, useful for dresses with out shoulders or straps to accommodate traditional flowers. |
The small floral Nosegay is a old tradition that starts in the 1700s. Woman would wear small clusters of heavily scented flowers or herbs on their chests, these then were replaced with perfumed ribbons woven in to rosettes. Which lead to the Corsage we now wear today for special occasions. Today a Nosegay consist of 3-6 flowers clustered together in a hand tied bouquet, not more than 6 inches across. Adorned with ribbons. |
It was during the eighteen century that Frenchmen began tucking a single flower in to their waistcoats or vests. Which began the fashion statement of men wearing their own Nosegays which we now know as Boutonnieres.
Boutonnières Are the male counterpart to the Corsage. In America, they tend to be simple, like single or double flowers with some greens and Baby's Breath. You can see these boutonnières in old Family Wedding pictures. But in many foreign countries, like China and Japan, they have very elaborate Boutonnières more like a Corsage. |
Boutonnières are usually made from hand-wired flowers, a small amount of wet cotton around the stem then wrapped in wax tape. There is also, the corsage stem, with a wire you shove into the bottom of the flower with a cotton source for water. Both giving the flower a slight water source with a straight or curled tail.
Today's Groom can have it all. Brides and Grooms are adding all sorts of additions to the Boutonnière. From Comic book Heroes to Beer Bottle tops, feathers, ribbon flowers, crystals, Your Wedding Theme will help make the choice.
You may also design a keepsake Locket for the Groom's Boutonnière,
that could be reused by the Bride or Mother of Groom as a remembrance of the Day. Or placed on a Keychain for the Groom.
Some Brides wish a natural stem for the Boutonnière, one way this can be done is by keeping the flower stems in water as long as possible before attaching to lapel.
Another option for natural stems is to wrap the flower stem with a coordinating ribbon or decoration 1-2 inches from flower head down, secure with floral glue. Leave flower stem long and place in water, be sure the ribbon does not touch the water. When time to place on recipient, cut stem below ribbon end just before attachment to lapel. |
Over the years there have been many new ways of attaching and wearing the Boutonniere. As mentioned with Corsages, Magnets have been brought in to the mix here too. The one half of the device is tape to the boutonniere or a single flower, Boutonniere is attached to lapel with the second magnet. There is no harm to fabrics. |
The Groomʼs Boutonnière should be chosen from the flowers contained in the Brideʼs Bouquet. Traditionally it is a white flower, but today anything is possible. Using color in a Groomʼs Boutonnière and Bridal bouquet will highlight that color throughout the entire Wedding.
A special Boutonnière can be constructed to receive a flower from the Brideʼs Bouquet -which will then complete its appearance. This event can be done before the Wedding, as part of Ceremony when Bride reaches altar or at any point you decide. Not only used for the Groom but often for Fatherʼs Boutonnière also.
A special Boutonnière can be constructed to receive a flower from the Brideʼs Bouquet -which will then complete its appearance. This event can be done before the Wedding, as part of Ceremony when Bride reaches altar or at any point you decide. Not only used for the Groom but often for Fatherʼs Boutonnière also.
There is third option for a Groom’s boutonniere, that is The Lapel Pin Vase. This more recent invention adds a sophistication to the Wedding Event. You will find this in many designs from a lovely lace work to smooth and polished, embossed work or studded with rhinestones. A single flower or two slip in to the holder with just a touch of water. Attachment in several modes, tie tac pin, brooch clasp or magnet. Use for Fathers, also. A design that can be passed down through generations. |
When choosing flowers for the Groomsmen, you should pick from the flowers in Bridesmaids Bouquets, or you may just choose white. The choice is the Bride's and maybe the Groom's, too. |
Fatherʼs Boutonnières are usually handled like the Groomʼs. White is always a safe, traditional choice. Colors are acceptable if it is with in the Wedding itself. Grandfathers and other special Guests are usually done in white as to match with whatever they are wearing. Ushers follow the choice for Groomsmen or white.
Added accents can bring in unusual colors like teal, black, gold, silver and other shades not found in flowers naturally. Greens or Babyʼs Breath sprayed in an accent color can add that coordinating touch. Pearl sprays, gold or silver leaves, a touch of ribbon wrapped on the boutonnière can all add that special touch.
The addition of a Living Locket to the Boutonnieres is a new keepsake this generation has claimed. The Bride or Groom can design a personal Locket for each Parent or other member of their family. You can also add personal pictures of loved ones who have passed, small piece of lace from a wedding dress. When placed on the boutonniere the Locket is given at the Reception after pictures are finished.
Added accents can bring in unusual colors like teal, black, gold, silver and other shades not found in flowers naturally. Greens or Babyʼs Breath sprayed in an accent color can add that coordinating touch. Pearl sprays, gold or silver leaves, a touch of ribbon wrapped on the boutonnière can all add that special touch.
The addition of a Living Locket to the Boutonnieres is a new keepsake this generation has claimed. The Bride or Groom can design a personal Locket for each Parent or other member of their family. You can also add personal pictures of loved ones who have passed, small piece of lace from a wedding dress. When placed on the boutonniere the Locket is given at the Reception after pictures are finished.
Boutonnières should always be pinned to the left lapel of a suit or tuxedo at a slight angle to keep in line with the lapel.
An Exception to this rule applies to the Brideʼs Father who pins his on the right side. This will become clear when you think of the pictures. The Brideʼs family will have their right shoulders exposed as they stand by the Bride in group pictures. This Groomʼs left-side and Brideʼs right-side should extend to all
Family members involved in pictures.
The Boutonnière pin should be used from the underside of the lapel to remain hidden, but many times is pinned from the front. A slight angle should be applied to bring it in line with the lapel. With large head flowers two pins may be necessary to keep Boutonnière in place.