September 25, 2019
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I often get asked by my clients:
“Do I need to buy corsages/buttonholes for my family? Do people still do this?”
If you weren’t even sure that this was something people did at all, let me explain.
You are probably aware that (typically) the groom and groomsmen will wear a buttonhole. Some couples also choose to honour their parents, grandparents, close friends or relatives, ushers, celebrant or friends helping with the wedding by giving them a ‘wearable’ flower. For the guys, this is pretty limited to a buttonhole. For the ladies, this might be in the form of a pin or wrist corsage, a piece attached to her purse, some hair flowers or even a little posy.
Whenever I ask my clients if they have thought about flowers for the family, I often get a blank stare or the question asking “I don’t know, do I need to?”
My response? Ask your family if this is something they would want.
When my husband and I got married we asked our family if they would want a corsage/buttonhole because we weren’t sure what was considered ‘normal’. Dave’s family said “no we don’t care at all, just save the money!” whereas my family said they would really appreciate it and would feel really honoured as the mother and father of the bride if they each wore a flower on their outfit.
Back in the day, it was almost assumed that that the bridal party and immediate family (parents and grandparents) would wear a flower, whereas now many couples are choosing to leave out the wearable flowers for people outside of the immediate bridal party.
I find about 50% of my clients don’t bother, and 50% do still honour their family or close friends in this way.
There are definitely no ‘rules’ anymore! Have those chats and decide what if this is something you want to incorporate in your wedding.
I hope you found this blog post helpful! If you have any further questions, send me an email at info@gwenfloralco.com
If you are planning a wedding in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Toowoomba or Northern NSW, I would love to hear from you! Fill out the contact form and I’ll be in touch shortly. x
Thank you to the below photographers for their images of our work:
Top Image: Cloud Catcher Studio
Second Image: Greta Studios
As a seasoned wedding planner and floral enthusiast, my extensive experience in the industry has provided me with valuable insights into the intricacies of wedding traditions and trends. The article you shared touches upon a commonly asked question regarding the inclusion of corsages and buttonholes for family members in weddings. This is a topic that reflects the evolving nature of wedding customs and personal preferences.
The author addresses the query of whether it's necessary to purchase corsages or buttonholes for family members, shedding light on the varying practices among couples. Drawing upon my own experiences, I can attest to the fact that this question is indeed a common concern for engaged couples navigating the complexities of wedding planning.
The article delves into the tradition of having the groom and groomsmen wear buttonholes, emphasizing that some couples extend this gesture to honor other significant individuals involved in the wedding, such as parents, grandparents, close friends, relatives, ushers, celebrants, and friends contributing to the event. The wearable flowers mentioned for men are typically limited to buttonholes, while women have a range of options, including pin or wrist corsages, pieces attached to purses, hair flowers, or small posies.
One notable piece of advice given in the article is to consult with family members about their preferences regarding corsages or buttonholes. This aligns with my approach as a wedding planner, as communication with family members is crucial in ensuring that the couple's choices align with the expectations and desires of those involved.
The author also shares a personal anecdote about their own wedding, highlighting the importance of asking family members if they would appreciate such floral accessories. This narrative touch adds a relatable dimension to the advice, making it more empathetic and grounded in real-world experiences.
The article goes on to discuss the historical shift in expectations, noting that while it was once assumed that the bridal party and immediate family would wear flowers, modern couples often choose to exclude wearable flowers for those outside the immediate bridal party. This reflects the changing landscape of wedding traditions and the increasing emphasis on personalization.
The author concludes by stating that there are no strict rules anymore, encouraging couples to have open conversations and decide whether incorporating wearable flowers for family members aligns with their vision for the wedding. This perspective resonates with the contemporary approach to wedding planning, which prioritizes individual preferences over rigid adherence to tradition.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive exploration of the topic, combining personal anecdotes, industry insights, and practical advice to guide couples in making informed decisions about including corsages and buttonholes for family members in their weddings.
