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The History and Significance of the Wedding Boutonniere: Exploring Iconic Florists and Traditions


Six Flower Butonierres
designed by @ecoeventplanners

The Boutonniere: A Stylish Journey Through History

Flowers have long held meaning and an unspoken language. The silent beauty of blooms captivates and those with scent collect our attention by playing on multiple senses. How they become fashionable for men has much to do with passion, power, and perception. There are at many stories about how the boutonniere became popularized. Here are five of my favorite...


1. Napoleon Bonaparte and the Red Carnation

Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French military leader, is said to have worn a red carnation boutonnière during his battles as a symbol of luck and bravery. After surviving an assassination attempt, he reportedly wore the carnation to commemorate the event. The boutonnière became associated with courage and protection for soldiers. Read more here


2. The Duke of Windsor and the Gardenia

The Duke of Windsor, previously King Edward VIII of England, was famous for his sophisticated fashion sense. His signature accessory was the gardenia boutonnière, which he wore frequently. His use of this flower helped establish the boutonnière as a mark of elegance and refinement in formal men's attire. Read more here


3. Victorian Era and the Language of Flowers

In Victorian England, wearing flowers was a way to communicate feelings. Men wore boutonnières to send messages through the 'language of flowers' aka: floriography. For example, a red rose represented love, while a violet symbolized modesty. The boutonnière became a romantic gesture and a fashionable accessory, rich with symbolic meaning. Read more here


4. Fred Astaire and Hollywood Glamour

Hollywood star Fred Astaire frequently wore a white carnation boutonnière in his films, making it a signature part of his look. This helped popularize the boutonnière as a symbol of timeless class and formal elegance during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and it became a staple accessory for black-tie events. Read more here


5. Winston Churchill and the Red Rose

British Prime Minister Winston Churchill often wore a red rose boutonnière during public appearances and important speeches. This became part of his iconic image during World War II, symbolizing resilience, patriotism, and strength in the face of adversity. Read more here


 

Iconic Florists: Shaping Luxury Wedding Style with Authoritative Influence

Five iconic floral designers whose work has significantly influenced wedding floral design, setting trends and inspiring countless couples and event planners:



Constance Spry Rose Arrangement

Why She’s Iconic: Constance Spry was one of the first to bring a more natural, unstructured look to floral design in the 1920s and 1930s. Known for her “just picked” style, she used unusual containers and wildflowers, a breakaway from the tightly structured arrangements that dominated earlier decades.

Influence: Her pioneering approach inspired a movement toward more organic, garden-like designs in wedding florals, still popular today.

Resources: The Constance Spry Cookbook (co-authored) includes notes on floral arrangements and styling tips. Her work is preserved in the Constance Spry Archive at the RHS Lindley Library and the Garden Museum in London.



Preston Bailey style Design

Why He’s Iconic: Known for opulent and fantastical designs, Bailey’s work for celebrities and high-profile clients has set a standard in the wedding industry for luxury and drama. He’s famous for grand installations, transforming venues into immersive floral worlds.

Influence: Bailey’s lavish approach to floral décor has inspired countless high-end weddings, influencing trends like flower walls and ceiling installations.

Resources: Preston Bailey offers online courses in floral design and several books, such as Design for Entertaining.



Karen Tran Inspired Sketch of Bouquet

Why She’s Iconic: Karen Tran is celebrated for her lush, romantic floral arrangements and elaborate tablescapes. Her signature look includes grand displays of roses, orchids, and hydrangeas, often in romantic, dreamy color palettes.

Influence: Tran’s luxurious and voluminous floral style has popularized the trend of oversized, overflowing arrangements at weddings.

Resources: Karen Tran has an amazing floral blog and has authored Wedding Flowers, showcasing her approach to wedding florals.



Chezar inspired arrangment

Why She’s Iconic: Ariella Chezar is renowned for her elegant, garden-inspired arrangements, often featuring seasonal blooms with a loose, organic style. Her use of color and texture is unmatched, giving her designs a refined yet natural feel.

Influence: Chezar’s work paved the way for today’s emphasis on seasonality and natural aesthetics, influencing modern floral design toward a more casual luxury look.

Resources: She has authored books like The Flower Workshop, which delves into her techniques and philosophy on floral design.



Why He’s Iconic: Jeff Leatham is the creative genius behind dramatic, architectural floral designs, often using bold, monochromatic themes and unique structures. His work is featured in some of the most luxurious hotels and celebrity weddings worldwide.

Influence: Leatham’s work has inspired the use of bold color palettes and structured floral arrangements in the wedding industry.

Resources: His book Visionary Floral Art & Design by Jeff Leatham provides insight into his bold style and signature techniques.


These designers have shaped wedding floral design through their unique styles, each inspiring trends that continue to define luxury weddings and floral arrangements. You can explore their techniques and inspirations further through their books, courses, and social media platforms, such as Instagram, where they showcase their latest works.

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