corsages and pocket squares?

cathyandjustyn

Forgive me if this has already been asked...

Obviously, we're trying to save money so my question is, is it ok if I'm the only one with a bouquet? Can my bridal party and mothers wear corsages instead of carrying bouquets? I know an option is to use bouquets as decoration (centerpiece, cake table, etc.) but I'm ok with spending money for all tables to be uniform. Also, can the groomsmen and fathers get away with just pocket squares instead of boutonniere? My FI would be the only one with one. Maybe just the MOH and BM should get flowers? HELP? I'm beginning to overthink this lol

Muffin'sMom

Corsages are dress specific.  It is really hard to wear them with strapless dresses or sheer, slippery, or light weight fabrics.  If the corsage has any weight to it...it will droop.  Wrist corsages are also an option, as are single stem flowers.  You can also pin corsages to evening purses.

For the men, pocket squares are fine.  I saw photos from a beach weding where all they guys had on tan colored suits, white shirts, no ties and matching pocket squares.

Lisa50

Absolutely, you can be the only one with a bouquet -- and that's only if you really want one.  No flowers are needed for anyone else.  Colorful silk pocket squares are always nice. 

I would skip corsages altogether and just have your bridesmaids fold their hands in front of them.  If you have fidgety bridesmaids, perhaps they can carry clutches.  You could probably find something that coordinates with their wardrobe for $10 - $20 each (either black poie de soie or a silver or gold metallic).

Best of luck!

fallbride1109

I love the idea of pocket squares and no bouts for the guys--I tried very hard to talk my DH into this but he really wanted them.

I'm also a fan of bouquets for the bridal party at least.  It just makes for such nice pictures and I always think it looks awkward when they don't have them.  But that's JMO.  The mothers can certainly have corsages or they could also just carry a single flower.  Our mothers carried nosegays and they really liked them.

lalap69

If you skip the bouquets, I'd give the WP something else to hold onto.  Trying to fold your hands daintily in front of you is really awkward.  It's nice to have something to hold onto.  What if you gave them a single stem?  Something with a larger bloom?

I think just doing pocket squares for the men is fine.

phillychica85

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_flowers_corsages-pocket-squares?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:28Discussion:b6dec6ae-8789-408d-a2a4-af63bf2a00daPost:6ed61edb-c206-4c94-be3e-86a17154a3bc">Re: corsages and pocket squares?</a>:
[QUOTE]If you skip the bouquets, I'd give the WP something else to hold onto.  Trying to fold your hands daintily in front of you is really awkward.  It's nice to have something to hold onto.  What if you gave them a single stem?  Something with a larger bloom? I think just doing pocket squares for the men is fine.
Posted by lalap69[/QUOTE]

I agree with lalap. There are a lot of flowers that look very elegant and eye catching with only a single stem. Also I think for the WP ladies, corsages would just appear a bit odd looking as would nothing to have in their hands.

Pocket squares for the men though I think is perfectly fine and can be a really nice look.

bekahjane89

In regards to the pocket squares vs boutineers, technically you should never wear both a pocket square and a boutineer. I know people do all the time, and they will in my wedding too... just because I know they're not supposed to doesn't mean I won't do it. ; ) I don't know why this is the case, but I read it in several ettiquite books. So, if anyone is wondering why you're just doing pocket squares, you would have a ready made reason!
As far as the flowers, I am making wrist corsages for mothers and "vip" women, I got the elastic bands from www.save-on-crafts.com and they're great!! And I'm still debating on the bridesmaids, I am seriously considering cute little hand bags with flowers pinned to them rather than a full bouquet. (I myself am carrying a brooch bouquet).

Good Luck!!

violinbride8511

I had this dilemma too. I think we are going to have the groomsmen and dads wearing pocket squares (my FI as well). The grandpas will wear bouts since they are not wearing suits. We are probably skipping corsages and having moms and grandmas carry a single flower. My bridesmaids and myself will carry small bouquets. I am not a huge fan of flowers, so this keeps our budget down. Good luck!!