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!

Boutonniere or lei?

Photo by L'amour Photography

I frequently get asked whether it would make sense to wear a boutonniere or a lei. Remember that a boutonniere requires a lapel, so if going for a more casual affair with perhaps an aloha shirt or sans jacket, a lei would be appropriate. Assuming a suit or tuxedo, then either would work well for a formal event in Hawaii.

Photo by Visionari

Photo by Visionari

I like to suggest a boutonniere for the ceremony and formal picture taking. Because videographers typically pin a lavaliere (pin-on) microphone, a lei could potentially pick up any rustling noise from the lei, so a boutonniere presents an easy solution there. Following the ceremony, and for a subtle change of look, a lei could then be worn for the reception.

Photo by Eugene Kam Photography

A bit of advice: with all the hugging that takes place, a poor boutonniere could take a beating. Consider ordering a second boutonniere to switch to should the first one start looking a little shabby.