Tuesday, 1 August 2017

Buttonholes for the wedding party - Who should wear what?

Today we take a look at buttonholes. A gorgeous addition to any suit but for a small addition to the flowers of the day they do create their own problems! Who should wear one? If x has one, should y? And why do we wear one at all?

The tradition of wearing a buttonhole appears to come from the Ancient Greeks who wore a small bunch of scented flowers/herbs on the left side closest to the heart to ward off evil spirits. This came to England during Medieval times and replaced the knights wearing their ladies colours/ribbons that signified their everlasting love.

Who should you provide a buttonhole to? As a basic answer - those you are providing suits for
Groom, Best man (men), dad's (or those in the role) and ushers (if having any).

Corsages - Mum's (or those in the role) 

It obviously is more complicated with step parents and extended family - these are my thoughts;
If you have step parents - it is a lovely gesture to provide a buttonhole for them (doesn't have to be the same as the main party)
Grandparents - It does depend on the generation, older persons would probably expect to be included, it is etiquette, but younger persons may not want one - ask first but I usually get couples to add something to the quote first, again can be something simple but you have thought of them.
Brothers, sisters - If not part of the main wedding party (see top) again a simple buttonhole would be advisable
Brother/sister- in-laws - If their partner is part of main party then definitely yes, if not use your discretion but I would again advise something small and simple. 
This all does depend on how large your extended family goes and your budget. If you have many people and a low budget - keep to the wedding party only - the other advice I would add is keep it the same for both families - if you provide for one brother then all brothers should have one.

There are two sides to this - it is your day, you provide for who you want one BUT people can and do get upset if they think they are not (rightly or not) part of the immediate family and for the sake of a simple buttonhole (ours start at £5) is it really worth upsetting someone on your most precious of days?
If you are still unsure whether to buy one for a certain family member - ask them.

So to the buttonholes;
We start with the very simple type;

Tulip and leaf


Thistle


Thistle and gyp with twine around stems


gyp with twine


gyp with hessian is very popular this year and for next


Ivory roses are the classic flower, here they have eucalyptus leaves too


Gerbera and ruscus leaves


Daisies tied natural style


Dahlia and eucalyptus sprigs


Daisies, sol and fern, natural style


Rose, senecio leaf and gyp with ivory ribbon


Ivory rose, agapanthus flowers and eucalyptus (top)
Ivory rose, Rosemary and eucalyptus (bottom)


Calla lily with bear grass and looped foliage


Eustoma in the natural style


Freesia, sweet William and gerbera petals


Gerbera, daisies and eucalyptus, natural style


Traditional rose buttonholes


Gerber with lily grass loops, gyp and ivy


Gorgeous red rose with bear grass loops and ruscus leaves


Peach roses with eucalyptus leaf and lace ribbon



Double buttonhole of a rose and carnation



Rose with hydrangea florets


Scabious and hydrangea florets, natural style


Veronica, berries and foliage, natural style


Calla lily, eustoma, corsage


Rose, gerbera and daisy corsage


Freesia corsages



Rose and eustoma, lily of the valley corsage


Rose, sweet pea and gyp buttonhole, natural style


Euston, gyp and alstro buttonhole


Traditional corsage


Buttonhole of rose, campanula flowers and fern


Corsage to match above


Corsage in purple


White and grey corsage



You can add all sorts to your designs, these next have wire around the stems


Gerber and red bead wire


Lego men perhaps?


Beads and crystals?


Traditionally the groom and best man would have a double flowered buttonhole but the grooms should still stand out, and the other men a single flower, this can match the bride's bouquet or more usually the bridesmaids flowers. The ladies would wear a corsage of the flowers from the bridal bouquet to go with their outfits.
Having said all that, with todays weddings, anything goes. Go with the nature and style of your day,  a relaxed informal day will require less than a formal traditional church style wedding.
Talk with your florist who can help you decide along with your flower choice.

For more ideas and inspiration check out our Pinterest Board here

Book a consultation with us soon and we will advise and inspire you

Sandra x

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