Boutonnieres, Corsages & Bouquets

Picking out the right boutonniere and corsage/bouquet can tie the whole outfit together very well. When I when to my friend's prom in Houston he picked out a beautiful coordinated boutonniere and corsage set.

Here's a picture of the beauty!

This one was designed at the nearby flower shop. It was heavy with roses and ribbons and it was attached onto pearl bracelets. It came out really well in the pictures. Here is another view...

The matching boutonniere:

At my high-school prom in I chose to hold a bouquet instead of wearing the corsage. After wearing the corsage I found it a little uncomfortable and heavy. The bouquet worked well in the photos and I could put it down when I was tired of holding it. My mom actually made the bouquet and I got the flowers for her at Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. She added pearls around the roses and ribbon-ed the stem with silver trim. Here is how it looked...

                              

 

The only thing I would have changed would be to add more baby's breath and pearls in the middle so it would stand out more against my red dress. 

The boutonniere for this bouquet did not come in a set since my mom made the bouquet. It still matched perfectly though.

Let's get to the grime....

Corsages & Boutonnieres:

1. When you pick out your corsage and boutonnieres remember to pick something out that matches the dress but stands out slightly. If your dress has silver and pearl designs try to pick something out that has those incorporated.

2. Most of the time the local flower shop makes the set so if you would like to add a charm or tweak some details don't be afraid to do it. If you don't like too much baby's breath, or if you would like a charm your grandma gave you to be in it ask them if they can put it together. Most of the time the florist wants your best interest and will work with you. Take their advise assuming that they have been doing this for years. 

3. Try to find out when you should pick up the flowers. Try to avoid keeping them outside in the heat for too long. Maximize refrigerator time. 

4. Keep it simple but exotic. You don't want your corsage OR boutonniere to keep flopping over because they are too heavy.

5. You can even make your own corsage and boutonnieres if you are trying to save money or have the creative edge. If you are going to do it try to keep them as fresh as possible. You don't want the flowers to wilt before the big day. 

Bouquets:

1. You can find bouquets anywhere. Literally. Once again work with your florist.

2. Try to keep the stem long. You want to be able to hold onto something without your hand being covered by floral.

3. Add jewels into the bouqets by threading them through wire. It give the bouquet a fuller look and adds sparkle. Here are some I found on the web. You can also add foliage to match the seasons or brooches. You can add anything you want to your bouquet.

4. Baby's breath is a great filler and it looks so pretty.

5. Keep the flowers in the fridge until your send off. You don't want the flowers to wilt. 

6. If you are making your own trim the flower stem to the height you want. Then you should create a design with the arrangement. Aim for a circular arrangement. I had baby's breath surrounding roses. You can also add pearls, beads, jewelry to the centers and surrounding with wire. Keep the wiring hidden and tie the bouquet together with ribbon and floral tape.

Stay Classy!

Boutonnieres, Corsages & Bouquets