No bouts, no bridal bouquet?

hellohkb

Hello!

I'm thinking about not having the GMs wear bouts and either have nothing on them or perhaps get them pocket squares or something. I'm just not a fan of bouts and FH is neutral and said he doesn't care either way. I also purchased a real touch bouquet but now I don't really want to use it. I thought about just giving it to MOH. Is this odd? I'm kind of undecided at this point.

bethsmiles

We probably aren't having bouts because FI and I don't like the look of them.

I considered not doing a bridal bouquet but ultimately decided to have one so that I have something to hold while I walk down the aisle. But I don't think one is necessary at all. I would just bring your bouquet with you and you can decide the day of if you want to use it or not.

princessleia22

DH chose not to use bouts for him or groomsmen.  He didn't really like the look of them.  They didn't do pocket squares either... just left it plain and it looked fine.

The trick to no bouquet is to figure out ahead of time what you will do with your hands when you walk down the aisle.  You don't really want your arms just swinging by your side, like you are walking down the street. This gets more complicated if walking down aisle alone.  If you have someone walking you down the aisle, you can hold on to their arm. But, the bouquet is really up to you.  I agree that this can be a decision made last minute if you want.  I had a bouquet but I hate that it covered the best part of my dress in most of my photos.  My dress was fairly simple, but I had a gorgeous colored/beaded belt on the waist.  But, that's where my bouquet was for most for most of my photos.  I only have one good photo that really shows my whole dress well, and even then we are looking to the side, not at the camera.  So, I wish my photographer had taken more photos without my bouquet.

MairePoppy

Pocket squares don't look right with bouts, too much going on there. I'd go with the pocket squares.
If you decide not to carry the flowers, place them on your cake or guest book table. 

CMGragain

Flowers are not required at a wedding at all.  They are a tradition, not a requirement,

emmaaa

Bouts are definitely not a requirement. DH and his GM just pinned a single rose to their jacket and that looked nice but they could have done without. 

As far as your bouquet, there is no reason you HAVE to have one. However, like PPs mentioned, it makes your hands seems a little awkward (or at least feel that way). Is there something else you may like to carry? A lot of women use to carry Bibles. I know a girl who carried her favorite book. If there is someone walking with you down the aisle, you can always just hold onto their arm.

thisismynickname2

Great advice above about your bouquet / lack thereof.
My groomsmen and the groom did not wear bouts or pocket squares. They wore matching ties though, and non-matching suits.

My personal opinion that it's easier to hold something for pictures. My BMs carried bouquets but our groomswoman did not. The photographer kept telling her to loosen her hands because she felt- and looked- unnatural with her hands hanging down like the men. Odd, but that's what happened...Not a big deal though. 

hellohkb

Thanks everyone for their advice, it was super helpful. I decided to go with no bouts or anything for the guys and I'll just bring the bouquet I already have and decide the day of.

I'll be walking with both my mother and father so I'll have my hands full walking down. Maybe I'll just use it for pictures. Hmmm!!

hellohkb

thisismynickname said:

Great advice above about your bouquet / lack thereof.
My groomsmen and the groom did not wear bouts or pocket squares. They wore matching ties though, and non-matching suits.

My personal opinion that it's easier to hold something for pictures. My BMs carried bouquets but our groomswoman did not. The photographer kept telling her to loosen her hands because she felt- and looked- unnatural with her hands hanging down like the men. Odd, but that's what happened...Not a big deal though. 

Yeah, I figured maybe I'll just use it for pictures. Decisions, decisions! Thanks

SP29

Agreed, flowers are tradition, not a requirement.

Technically, if you follow men's style gurus, a pocket square should be worn with any suit jacket, sport coat or blazer, with or without a tie.

Since a  PS is always worn, a boutonniere is also acceptable for social or formal situations- but never required. 

You can do a lot with a pocket square- various colours and patterns, and there are also several ways to fold them to create a bit more "interest", if you're into that. 

I have also heard of BMs carrying a clutch instead of bouquets. Not sure why you need a clutch to stand up at a ceremony- but I assume it was for "something to hold". If the BMs are escorted up the aisle by the GMs, that would give them something to hold.