While grooms understand what centerpieces and dessert tables are, boutonnieres are one of the few things that leave grooms saying "huh?" Marti Heard of Marti's Floral Designs also understands that roses, peonies, and lilies aren't very macho.
When discussing how to create a great boutonniere Marti starts off by saying, "I recognize that men typically hate flowers and the smaller the thing is, the better." So there you have it, to impress the husband-to-be, it may be a good idea to incorporate smaller flowers in the boutonniere.
"A rose is a bit big and boring for my taste. I just try to put it in my head 'Would I wear this and is this too big that I will constantly be looking at it out of the side of my eyes?' Yes, you will typically find me walking around my shop wearing personal flowers or carrying a bouquet to try it out for size," Marti admits. This may be why Marti's Floral Designs received the Best of Cincinnati award this past year for boutonnieres.
Not only does Cincinnati think she makes awesome boutonnieres, but the groomsmen appreciate all the thought she puts into this tiny floral arrangement as well. "One of the best compliments ever was from a groomsman commenting on how 'manly' my boutonnieres were."
So how does she make them so manly? "Most of the time, the flowers I gravitate towards are ranunculus, succulents, craspidia, berries, and textural greens. You also have to take into account flowers that are going to stand up a bit longer. The boutonnieres have a long day ahead of them and I try to encourage ordering two for the major wedding players of the day like the groom," Marti explained. "They typically start pictures earlier in the day and they are pooped out by the time of the wedding. I try to remind people that they are flowers and flowers have a shelf life."
 |
| Pictures provided by Mike Bresnen Photography |
The groom isn't the only man of the house who gets to put a flower on his jacket. Groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers, ushers and ring bearers also get the privileged of showing off their flower pride.
While men don't usually have a choice to skip the boutonnieres, unless they prefer to do a pocket square instead; the options for corsages are endless. Opposite from the boutonnieres, corsages incorporate large flowers in similar sizing to a rose. They can also include textured greens and berries. What's currently in style for the mothers are small posies to carry. "Let's be honest, corsages and wrislets get in the way of a beautiful dress or fabulous jewelry," Marti admitted.
For grandmothers and other elders (including the readers, soloists, and officiant), however, stick with a traditional corsage, as this is what they're used to. "It really is a tradition," Marti said. "It marks their importance."
From one extreme to another, the flower girl tradition of dropping rose petals from a basket is going out of style. According to Marti, many brides are now choosing pomander balls, a floral crown, or one of Marti's specialties, the purse corsage. "It is basically a flower that can be placed on any purse." This tends to be a popular choice, not only with flower girls, but with mothers and grandmothers as well.
Surprisingly, when Marti asks if a individual would like to wear flowers, most people say no. Having alternatives for corsages is a great way to bring uniqueness to the wedding, while keeping with traditional wedding flowers.
Contact Marti's Floral Designs to get more great tips and tricks for manly boutonnieres and corsage alternatives at 513-238-2677 or email martisfloraldesign@gmail.com.
Pictures provided by Marti's Floral Designs.
No comments:
Post a Comment