What you need to know about boutonnieres (Interview with Posies and Poms Floral Designs)

Recently, I had an opportunity to work alongside one of Denver’s most talented floral designers, Genevieve Metzger of Posies and Poms Floral Designs. She operates the company alongside her sister, Jacqueline, and together they are making quite a name for themselves.

Admittedly, I know very little about flower arrangements. But when I saw the pieces that Genevieve put together at a recent styled shoot, including the boutonnier, I was blown away. Really, really, spectacular work.

I followed up with Genevieve to ask her some questions about boutonnieres, including what grooms need to know to look their best when wearing one.

[Ryan] I think that for many of us guys, we wear boutonnieres only twice in our lives: Once for the prom and once for our wedding. Obviously, we don’t know much about them, can you give us a little background? The history, the best times to wear one, etc?

[Genevieve] It is understandable that men might not know the purpose of a boutonniere since it is something usually done out of tradition rather than a sincere act from the heart. The history of the boutonniere is actually quite interesting! The boutonniere’s creation dates to the 16th century. Boutonniere is the French word for “buttonhole.” Initially, the sole purpose of wearing the boutonniere was to ward off bad luck or evil. The boutonniere was the equivalent of the bridal bouquet, having the same significance and purpose of protecting the bride and groom against odors and diseases.

Image credit: Jenna Nicole Photography

Is it up to the groom or the bride, or both, to select a boutonniere?

I am always surprised when I am meeting with an engaged couple and the groom-to-be has a strong opinion about his boutonniere, but this does happen! I actually love it when the groom-to-be has thoughts on the look and style of flowers we use on the boutonniere. Selecting a style of boutonniere should be up to both of them, although the bride makes the decision most of the time.

What do men need to know about wearing one?

Hold really still when it is being pinned on! Pinning on these boutonnieres is not an easy task and you don’t want to be poked. Glance down at your boutonniere periodically, especially before picture taking time, to ensure it is still facing upright. Although the boutonniere is significant to the formality of the day, don’t think about it too much. After the group pictures are completed and you are at the reception, the importance of the boutonniere is practically non existent. You can dance the night away without a worry!

How should the boutonniere for the groom be different from that of the groomsmen, if that all?

Many times the grooms boutonniere will be slightly different from his groomsmen. This sets the groom apart and he will sometimes even have a flower in his boutonniere that is also in the bridal bouquet. The cohesiveness of the florals are important and it seems to make the boutonniere more sentimental and meaningful if it mimics the florals in the brides bouquet. This is not a requirement though and we often receive requests to create all of the boutonnieres to be the exact same, especially in our more casual weddings.

Contact information: Posies and Poms Floral

Here’s Genevieve’s website and you can reach her and her sister via this contact form, or:

Phone: (719) 209-3386

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/posiesandpoms/

By the way, another one of our favorite florists in the greater Denver area is Love Letters Floral. Read our interview the Holly here!