Frequently during a consultation with a bride the question of who gets flowers will come up. So here is a check list of the many different people involved in your wedding.
Boutonnieres:
Groom
Best man
Groomsmen
Ring bearer(if he is at least 3yrs. old)
Fathers
Grandfathers
Ushers
Friends helping at the wedding (officiant, guest book attendant, musicians, readers)
Host and special family members
Corsages:
Mothers
Grandmothers
Friends helping at the wedding (officiant, guest book attendant, musicians, readers)
Hostesses, special family members and sponsors
Of course this list is a complete list of everyone who could receive a body flower. But you should adjust this list based on personal preferences, cultural issues and budget. Very often the bride and groom choose not to give out flowers to anyone beyond the bridal party, parents and grandparents and this is absolutely o.k.
Notes on Etiquette:
Step parents: The day of your wedding is not the time to let people know how you feel about your step parent. Any unresolved issues should be taken care of prior to the this day. I would advice against giving something smaller to your step parent or not giving them something at all. I have coordinated several weddings where the step parent was treated in a manner significantly different. Step parents should be honored in the same fashion as your blood parents. Better to be a peace keeper today than to bring any issues like this to the attention of others. This is your special day. Don't let anything seem larger than it should.
Honor their wishes: Some people really , really dislike wearing a boutonniere or corsage. Ask your friends and family what they would prefer. Women have many options. Corsages can be worn as a pin corsage, a wrist corsage in their hair, on a purse or carry a small posy bouquet.
Sorry guys you are limited to a boutonniere however if the wedding is very casual and no jackets are going to be worn you can not have boutonnieres worn with no harm done.
A reminder: If you have a question about what direction your corsages are supposed to be in the answer is .......(drum roll please) if there is a ribbon it goes at the bottom. Flowers go in the direction they grow.
Image by Justin Smith of Smash Photography
