Men's collection boutonnieres. Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories Miami, FL; Photography: Alain Martinez Photography Miami, FL


12 UNIQUE BOUTONNIERE IDEAS FOR 2023

The tradition of men donning boutonnieres dates far back to the time of ancient Aztecs and Egyptians, when people wore flowers to indicate which team they were supporting in sporting events. Ancient Greeks also wore flowers as a way of warding off evil spirits. Since then, boutonnieres have come to have a more romantic association with being worn by grooms and groomsmen as part of their wedding ensemble. A single flower with a simple flourish of baby’s breath makes for a classic boutonniere style; but today, there’s an endless array of unique boutonniere ideas that grooms and groomsmen can wear to show off their individual styles and personalities.

Spread: Men's collection boutonnieres. Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories Miami, FL; Location: The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Miami Beach, FL; Suit: Brioni; Photography: Alain Martinez Photography Miami, FL


Jeweled Boutonnieres

Rather than traditional flowers, jeweled boutonnieres may consist of intricate gemstones or crystals. Sentimental pieces of fabric can even be incorporated when creating a custom boutonniere. For some “his and hers” cohesion, a jeweled boutonniere can also be designed to complement the bride’s wedding jewelry or bridal headpiece.

Left: Fiddlehead fern. Floral: Mayflower Floral Decorators; Photography: Ron Manville; Right: Twig with Seahorse pin. Floral: Scott Corridan; Pin: Silverhorn Jewelers; Photography: Cheryl Richards 


Unique Flowers and Foliage

Mother Nature has an endless supply of unique boutonniere ideas. Explore the possibilities with unique flowers and foliage, ranging from multicolored blooms, to rustic sprigs, to beautifully textured foliage. Consider the location of the wedding as well. A tropical wedding, for example, is the perfect setting for boutonnieres made of vibrant, speckled orchids; but a boutonniere made of succulents and bark would be more apropos for a wedding in the great American Southwest.

Left: Calla Lily adorned with rhinestone rings. Floral: conceptBAIT; Photography: Ron Manville

Right: Succulent wrapped in chocolate ribbon with birch bark, bin wire and copper wire. Boca By Design Boca Raton, FL; Location: The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Miami Beach, FL; Suit: Brioni; Photography: Alain Martinez Photography Miami, FL


Unexpected Objects

A boutonniere may be modest in size, but it still makes a statement. For a unique boutonniere style that pops, try adding an unexpected object to the mix such as a small figurine with a special meaning behind it. Feathers are also a beautiful way to add some drama and texture to a groom’s wedding look.

Left: White Gardenia. White Lilac Inc; Right: Yellow Oncidium Orchid with feathers. Wayne Gurnick, InOvations; Photography: Elizabeth Messina


Matching Boutonnieres and Bouquets

For couples who have mindfully curated a specific floral theme or aesthetic for their big day, matching boutonnieres and bridal bouquets are a timeless pick. When in doubt, stick to classic flowers that will always be in style – roses, phalaenopsis, and calla lilies.

Spread: Vanda, black beauty and variegated phalaenopsis orchids in glass bubbles. Always Flowers and Events Miami, FL; Photography: Alain Martinez Photography Miami, FL

Left: White phalaenopsis orchid with baby monstera leaves. Broadway Floral Designs Newport, RI; Photography: M. Benedicte Vertey Photography; Right: Phalaenopsis orchids, gardenias, stephanotis and curly willow wrapped in wire with a rosary. Boca By Design Boca Raton, FL; Rosary and Petite Cross: Maria Elena Headpieces & Accessories Miami, FL; Location: The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Miami Beach, FL; Suit: Brioni; Photography: Alain Martinez Photography Miami, FL