Boutonniere? Corsages? Necessary?

elisebeth06

My fiance and I have an extremely limited budget of $1500.

We are looking at areas we can cut back on and use money in areas we do not want to skimp (like photographer).

One area we're looking at cutting back on is flowers.

What are your thoughts on boutonnieres and corsages?

Are they necessary?

My bouquet will most likely be composed of flowers from the local farmers market. Table centerpieces will likely be composed of photos, paper flowers, and various other knick-knacky items we can get from relatives. 

If you have thoughts on ways we could do boutonnieres/corsages with something other than flowers, please give me input. 

If you find them necessary, please say why.

Thanks so much for your thoughts! They are all truly appreciated!

southernbelle0915

No, I do not think either are necessary. 

I don't know what your GMs are wearing, but boutonnieres aren't worn without a jacket anyway, so they certainly won't be missed if your GMs aren't wearing jackets. 

As far as flowers for your BMs, you could just do single flowers if you want them to carry something. My sister did that with her wedding - we each carried a single calla lily.

Maggie0829

To add to what southernbelle said, if your FI is wearing a jacket then he can wear a pocket square in place of a bout if you wanted to add some color.

doeydo

No, not necessary.  Examples of grooms and groomsmen without bouts:

Giving bouts and corsages to people who you want to thank and honour (such as parents) is optional.  

As for BMs, I suppose bouquets aren't needed, but if you wanted they could carry something else.  Such as:

Pinwheels  http://www.groomsoldseparately.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Pinwheel-bouquets-Sloan-Photographers1.jpg

Fans or parasols  http://www.jewelrygalblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/bridesmaid-fan.jpg

Purses  http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NDiGyFi_deY/TH_sh-BaB3I/AAAAAAAABWg/gIZvZxkUmBw/s1600/bridesmaids_carrying_purses.jpg

Pine-cones  http://dottyvintageweddings.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/filmblog2.jpg

Bouquets of something else such as feathers, shells, buttons, etc.  http://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/alternative-wedding-bouquet-shells-feather.jpg

princessleia22

We didn't do any boutonnieres or corsages. The guys didn't even do pocket squares. Nobody missed them.  And my BM bouquets were pre-made fake flower bouquets that cost me $10 on www.afloral.com that I wrapped the stems in my color ribbon.  For my bouquet, I just combined 2 of those and added some more greenery. Or, like southernbelle said, you can easily just do single flower for BM's.  It can have a simple & classy look.

theartistformerlyknownas

I made my guys' bouts out of faux flowers. I think it cost me $30 total (including lots of extra materials) versus $15 each from the florist. Nobody looks at them that closely so the cost wasn't worth it to me to get real.

But no, you definitely don't need them.

cowgirl8238

If you have a tight budget just skip the bouts...I love the alternatives doeydo posted if you want your BM's to carry something.

destinationtake2

Love the pics shared of men without bouts. You definitely don't need them. Great way to save money!

blabla89

@lolo883 those are AMAZING. Can I ask how you made them and where you bought the stuff?

OP, they aren't necessary, and if you're looking to cut corners that's something that can definitely go.

theartistformerlyknownas

blabla89 said:

@lolo883 those are AMAZING. Can I ask how you made them and where you bought the stuff?

OP, they aren't necessary, and if you're looking to cut corners that's something that can definitely go.

Fake flowers from afloral.com, floral wire and tape from Joann. Wrap wire around stems to make them stay where I want them (some of the buds I poked the wire through the base of the flower then doubled back around the stem, because it kept wanting to pop its little head off the stem), wrap with tape to hide wire and make dark color. Done.

atlastmrsg

You may want to ask your mom and FMIL, too.  I think corsages look a bit dated, but asked both to make sure they didn't want one.  I just called and said "ordering flowers, would you like a corsage or something else like a mini-bouquet?"  I was really happy when they both said they didn't want corsages because if one did, but the other didn't, I'd have to figure it all out.  Same with dads.  I think my dad really liked his because he's always loved roses.  Point though: if one/both are expecting something, you may not want the drama if they're the kind that get feelings hurt easily.  That seems like a small thing, but people get hurt over unexpected things.  

ElcaB

Personally I love boutonnieres. They really aren't very expensive, especially if you make them yourself! 

You can make them out of paper flowers, fake flowers, or real ones. When is your wedding? Will there be any greens or flowers growing? We considered using fresh herbs for my bouquet and the boutonnieres, like this:

MrsMarende

I am not doing boutonnieres at all and no corsages. To me corsages are dated and although a boutonniere can look nice, FI didn't really want one and I think it can look very classy without. 

Personally I think you should have something for the BM. Since you are doing wildflowers I think that something simple like baby's breath is inexpensive and can work with your flowers. 

You can also make boutonnieres from it to bring it all together.

weddingcactus

In my opinion, boutonnieres, corsages, and even bouquets are completely optional and unnecessary. They certainly can add some visual appeal to an outfit or a setting, but there is no reason you need them. If you're on a tight budget, I'd skip them or make them from plants you grow yourself. Especially for boutonnieres, I think herbs or succulent plants (my favorite) can look great on men. They do not need to be flowers.

For that matter, regarding flowers or herbs, have you considered growing your own or asking a family member to offer you some garden space if you don't have any?

STARMOON44

$1500 for flowers, or $1500 total? If $1500 for flowers I agree with the ladies above , fine to skip or use a cheap alternative. If $1500 total I'd skip having a wedding party and centerpieces all together. Even cheap gifts and crafty centerpieces add up quickly!