Many associate corsages and boutonnieres with weddings, but there are plenty of occasions outside of saying “I do” that warrant wearing flowers. At WildFlower Florist, serving Arnold and Linthicum Heights, our expert florists have put together a comprehensive list of occasions for wearing flowers and the different kinds of floral accents available.

Types of Flowers to Wear

Boutonniere Flowers

Boutonniere

A boutonniere is the traditional wearable floral piece for men, but it can also be worn by women. Boutonnieres usually feature one or two flowers and a few embellishments. They are worn pinned to a jacket lapel or the front of a dress. Boutonniere flowers for women are a good choice if they will be moving around a lot and want to avoid damaging a corsage on their wrist.

Corsage

Corsages are the traditional floral piece for women. They are small floral arrangements that are usually attached to a wristlet and worn around the wrist, like a bracelet. Corsages can be made from a wide variety of flowers and are a lovely accent to any outfit because it’s like a mini florist arrangement worn around your wrist.

Alternatives to Corsages and Non-Traditional Boutonnieres

When it comes to wearable flowers, there are plenty of choices — especially for women. Women can have flower crowns or other accents that can be worn in their hair. There are also floral anklets, sashes, and flowers designed to adorn different parts of a formal gown. If you prefer to stick with a traditional wrist corsage, but would like something more modern, we recommend a wreath corsage that wraps all the way around the wrist.

Other than the boutonniere, there aren’t really many choices for men, but you can get creative when it comes to what the boutonniere’s made from. Some modern designs feature succulents, instead of flowers. You can also incorporate interesting elements like berries, herbs, wheat, leaves, or feathers. For a little sparkle, ask for pearls or brooches.

Six Occasions for When It’s Appropriate to Wear Flowers

Wearable flowers aren’t just appropriate for weddings, they’re perfect for a variety of special occasions or formal events honoring a special person.

Prom or Homecoming

The tradition of giving your date to prom or homecoming a corsage or boutonniere still stands. Boutonnieres are standard for the boys, but girls have several options in addition to corsages. They can wear flowers that attach to the straps or sashes of their dresses or flowers in their hair.

Graduation

To make the day extra-special, gift your graduate with a graduation boutonniere or graduation corsage to wear with his or her graduation gown and cap. These graduation flowers to wear can stay on them after the gown comes off for any events they have afterward.

Party 

If you are attending an elegant or fancy party, a small boutonniere for a woman or a man, or a corsage worn on the wrist is a nice, ornate touch that will make you stand out (and smell good!).

Special Event

Wearable flowers are appropriate for any special event. If you’re hosting a gala, fundraiser, art show, or something else. If it’s a formal occasion, or you are a guest honor, look sharp by wearing flowers on your wrist, such as a corsage, or a flower boutonniere on your jacket lapel.

Birthday

Make a birthday celebrant feel extra-special with the gift of a flower corsage or boutonniere for them to wear for the day. They will shine by having flowers to wear which will make them feel special when they are out to dinner, at a party, or out for a night of fun.

Mother’s Day

Flowers are always loved on Mother’s Day and it’s tradition to give mothers a beautiful bouquet of flowers on this holiday. Well in addition to this, also gift your mom with a beautiful flower corsage or boutonniere for women so she can wear beautiful flowers out to lunch or dinner. Either way, mom will feel very loved and honored with such a thoughtful gesture.

Boutonnieres, Corsages, and More!

A corsage or boutonniere is a wonderful way to honor someone and show them how much you care. For expert assistance and advice ordering a boutonniere, corsage, or other wearable floral accents, contact WildFlower Florist or stop by one of our shops.