Tips and Advice: back up boutonniere

Photo by Dave Miyamoto & Company

For some reason, boutonnieres, particularly those on grooms, never seem to make it through a whole wedding day. One more than one occasion, I've had to "rig" a boutonniere to fix it, or to "MacGyver" a new one in a pinch. After several hardy hugs and chummy chest bumps, the delicate petals that once formed a full blossom somehow wind up anywhere but on the boutonniere. The end result: a beautifully wrapped stem, and a partial flower, if you're lucky.

If planning for a wedding, the pre-emptive measure is an easy one: order a second boutonniere. The floral designer can create a replica of the first boutonniere, or can design an entirely different look, while still incorporating the flower(s) of the wedding. When the first one starts to appear a bit shabby, simply swap the worn one for the fresh new one. Always keep your best lapel forward!