 | Low: $5-$10 each |
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 | Medium: $10-$16 |
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 | High: $16-$25 |
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| Boutonnieres are floral arrangements traditionally worn on the left lapel of a man's suit at formal events like a prom or wedding. Made of either silk flowers or fresh flowers, DIY boutonnieres are a popular option for thrifty shoppers. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Fresh flower boutonnieres average $10 to $20.
- Inexpensive boutonnieres featuring fresh carnations, daisies or alstroemeria typically start at $5.
- Moderate fresh boutonnieres made with fresh roses (a popular choice) fall in the middle range, from $10 to $16.
- Expensive boutonnieres with fresh flowers like Calla lilies and Gerbera daisies usually cost $16 to $25.
- Silk flower boutonnieres typically range from $6 to $15. Made of artificial materials, silk boutonnieres do not wilt; however, they may not look as realistic as fresh flowers in person or on film. See How Much Do Silk Flowers Cost.
What should be included: | - Boutonnieres should include at least one focal flower, such as a rose bud or Calla lily.
- A groom's boutonniere may be more elaborate than flowers worn by the groomsmen, perhaps featuring two or more focal flowers.
- Filler material like ivy leaf or baby's breath should be artfully attached to the back side of the boutonniere.
- Floral tape should be securely wrapped around the stem and a pearl-tipped corsage pin should be provided to attach the boutonniere to a man's lapel.
- A florist should show photos of actual boutonnieres in a specific color scheme and price range.
Additional costs: | - If ordering online, expect to pay extra shipping for rush orders. Fresh flowers should be shipped overnight, which could cost as much as $75 for large orders.
Discounts: | - Ask the florist about special deals when ordering for a large wedding party. The groom's boutonniere might be free with a minimum order.
Shopping for a boutonniere: | - Because fresh flowers wilt in the heat, pick up boutonnieres on the day of the event and keep them refrigerated until worn. MyWedding.com offers a florist locator by city, as does The Knot.com.And FTD takes orders online and fulfills them the same day through a local FTD affiliated florist.
- When ordering boutonnieres for a wedding party, make sure to account for the groom, groomsmen, ushers, fathers, grandfathers, ring bearer, special readers or musicians, and the officiant.
- For prom boutonnieres, it's a good idea to color-coordinate the flowers with the couple's formalwear. Traditionally, a female will order a boutonniere for her date, while her date orders a corsage for her to wear to prom.
- Not all flowers are created equal. When ordering roses, remember that they come in a wide range of sizes: a large rose can stand on its own, while miniature roses usually need to be grouped together to create a noticeable boutonniere.
- Specific flowers may cost more when ordered out-of-season. Consult the guide at Flowers by Mary Lynne for photos of popular wedding flowers, and ask the florist about the best blooms for the specific season--especially if planning the wedding on a budget.
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Article updated August 2010 |
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