Boutonniere Prices

For most of us, the word seems to be amongst those difficult to pronounce (including me, I still cannot pronounce it properly). But then leaving the phonetic side apart, people who are getting married, or those who have already exchanged wedding rings, would know how important this tongue twister of a word really is. Traditionally, a boutonniere is the flower worn by males on their suits or tuxedos, and is considered equivalent to woman's corsage. In this article we will explore some facts about boutonnieres and boutonniere prices.

Boutonniere: History and Origin

The term 'boutonniere' is derived from the French language. In English, it means buttonhole or wholly buttonhole flowers. They are worn preferably on the lapel (the folded cloth on the front of the jacket or coat that comes above the chest found mostly in formal clothing). It is difficult to put forth how and why a boutonniere was made a custom. It is believed that both, the boutonniere and the bridal bouquet, were used to prevent awful smells (very obvious) and to spread the fragrance around to get that pleasant environment. Some also believe that it is worn to ward off evil spirits.

Boutonniere Styles and Designs

Boutonnieres come in various sizes, styles, colors and shapes. Initially just a flower, preferably a rose, was made use of. However, gradually, it advanced to become more of a style statement. Then the best thing to do when considering a boutonniere is to keep it as simple as possible. One rule you need to apply here is that small is big. Do not get fooled by the flashy big ones, just keep it small and simple and it will add up to the glam quotient. The elegance of a boutonniere is not restricted to men's attire, even women who wear jackets adorn these. However, in weddings, the males are usually seen wearing them.

Callas, stephanotis, orchids, roses, and tulips are some of the flowers that are mostly seen used in boutonnieres. For men who do not want to get floral, they can opt for metal twigs, blooms, and fiddlehead ferns. These tend to give more manly appearance. You can also try to match yours with your bride's bouquet. You do not need to have expert knowledge on boutonnieres, with your own knowledge and style you can try and design something unique that would define you.

Price of Boutonnieres

The price of a boutonniere largely depends on the flowers being used. Hence boutonniere prices varies. The more rare and expensive a flower is, the more expensive will be your boutonniere. To get that simplistic look, you can try a single carnation with just some greenery which would just cost you somewhere around $7- $10. Design can also be one of the factors that can decide the cost of a boutonniere. The price also varies depending upon the occasion, like Valentine's Day and the prom season. The average price of a boutonniere is about $10. If you were to get artificial boutonniere, then it would much less as compared to real flowers. Artificial boutonniere range starts from $1.99 onwards. I would always suggest to go with the artificial ones as they don't have a shelf life and can be used again if one wishes. They are crafted artistically, so much so that it would be difficult for one to make out the difference between real flowers and artificial ones.

If you want to save some money then you must go for the boutonniere-corsage combo. It can be a real good deal, with the average price somewhere around the $39 mark. If you want a boutonniere that will last for about 3 days or so, you ask your florist to make you one with a suitable flower. These are naturally more expensive and the average cost might go up to even $30. As you may know that the price of a boutonniere mostly depends on the type of flower used. Flowers like stephanotis and orchids are comparatively expensive. Given below is the list of the average cost of boutonnieres with the type of flower it is made with. Remember the prices mentioned her are just tentative prices.

• Single Rose $6
• Double Rose $11
• Miniature Carnation $7
• Mini-Cymbidium Orchid (1) $11
• Mini-Cymbidium Orchid (2) $16
• Stephanotis (2) $13
• Stephanotis (3) $17
• Stephanotis and Rose $16
• Dendrobium Orchid (1) $9
• Dendrobium Orchid (2) $12
• Mini-Calla Lily (seasonal) $12
• Double Mini-Calla Lily (seasonal) $18

Note: Mini-Calla Lilies are seasonal, so the prices may be higher if ordered during off season.

Some Important Pointers to Remember

• Wear a boutonniere only if you are comfortable with it, and wear it with confidence.
• Traditionally, flowers are worn as boutonnieres, but do not limit yourself to flowers, try and experiment with different materials.
• Do not use the whole garden into the making of your boutonniere, let it be minimal. It should not be too big nor too small. If you are using flowers, remember the flowers should be fresh.
• Ensure that the boutonniere goes well with your suit and complements it.
• While asking your florist for a boutonniere, you can refer to his past works to choose a particular design for yourself.
• Never pin the flower to the lapel. It looks not only weird, but may be opposed by few of your family members too. Try to support it with the help of the lapel threads inside.
• For wedding occasions, the boutonnieres for groomsmen must be slightly different from that of the groom. The groom's boutonniere must be distinguished from his men, father, and ushers. It must be of a type which stands out from the rest and identifies the groom.

The boutonniere remains one of the most important part of a man's attire for his special day. Since you've got a fair idea about boutonnieres and boutonniere costs, you now know what all to bear in mind while you're ordering for your boutonniere. The next time when you wear a suit, sport a boutonniere with it. Wear it with confidence and elegance and see the heads turn.