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[1] 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.
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[2] offers a florist locator by city, as does The Knot.com[3] .And FTD[4] 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[5] 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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