A boutonniere and corsage can sound more complicated than they are. In real life, they are simply small wearable flowers that help an outfit feel finished. If you are planning a wedding, prom, or another formal event, knowing the difference makes ordering easier and helps everyone look coordinated in photos.
This guide explains what a boutonniere is, what a corsage is, who usually wears each one, and when they make the most sense. If you want more styling ideas, our corsages guide for weddings and prom goes deeper into flower choices, matching, and wearability.
What is a boutonniere?
A boutonniere is a small floral piece worn on a jacket, most often on the left lapel. It can be one bloom or a tight grouping of flowers and greenery, depending on the look you want.
The best boutonniere feels simple and intentional. It should sit flat, face forward, and stay neat through hugs, movement, and close-up photos.
Where does a boutonniere go?
A boutonniere is usually pinned to the left lapel, above the heart. If someone is not wearing a jacket, it can be pinned to the left side of a shirt, though a lapel gives the cleanest placement.
If you want help with placement and pinning, see our guide on how to pin a boutonniere.
Who usually wears a boutonniere?
- The groom
- Groomsmen
- Fathers and stepfathers
- Grandfathers
- Ushers or other honored guests
Handpicked for You
What is a corsage?
A corsage is a small wearable flower piece designed for the wrist or for pinning to clothing. Like a boutonniere, it is meant to feel polished and photo-ready, but it is usually a little fuller and styled to suit a dress, blouse, or softer fabric.
Corsages are popular because they feel special without needing to be carried. They are also a thoughtful way to honor important family members and guests.
Types of corsages
Most corsages fall into two common styles:
- Wrist corsage: Attached to a bracelet or band and worn like jewelry.
- Pin-on corsage: Pinned to a dress or blouse, usually on the left side.
If delicate fabric is a concern, a wrist corsage is often the easier choice. It avoids pin holes and usually feels more comfortable for long events.
Only When It Blooms
The studio, in your inbox
Seasonal flowers, new designs from Culver City, and the occasional offer. Nothing more.
Valuable offers, sent occasionally. Unsubscribe anytime.
Boutonniere vs. corsage, the quick difference
If you are deciding between the two, think first about placement. A boutonniere is made for a lapel. A corsage is made for a wrist or for clothing.
| Accessory | Typical wearer | Where it is worn |
|---|---|---|
| Boutonniere | Anyone in a suit or jacket | Left lapel |
| Corsage | Anyone in a dress, blouse, or without a lapel | Wrist or pinned to clothing |
When do you wear a boutonniere or corsage?
These floral details are most common at events where you want to highlight key people and create a finished look. Tradition still matters, but the choice can also be guided by comfort, outfit, and how formal the event feels.
Weddings
Weddings are the most common reason people order boutonnieres and corsages. They help the wedding party look connected, and they give parents and grandparents a visible role in the day.
Typical wedding choices include boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen, and fathers, plus corsages for mothers and grandmothers. If you are planning personal flowers as part of a full wedding floral story, our bridal party flowers page shows how bouquets, boutonnieres, and other wearable pieces work together.
For the moments that call for flowers.
Bridal Party Flowers
Cohesive bridal party flowers, including timeless bridal bouquets, bridesmaid bouquets, and boutonnieres.
Wedding Reception Flowers
Custom floral design for wedding receptions, including centerpieces and focal arrangements.
Wedding Ceremony Flowers
Ceremony florals designed around your venue, from custom floral arches and aisle meadows to seamless teardown
Prom and homecoming
Prom is where many people first hear these terms. A common pairing is a boutonniere for one partner and a wrist corsage for the other, though there is plenty of room to choose based on the outfit rather than tradition alone.
For prom, comfort matters. Wrist corsages are easy to wear and photograph well all night. Boutonnieres should be pinned securely so they do not tilt or droop on the dance floor.
Formal parties and milestone events
Corsages and boutonnieres also fit anniversaries, galas, awards nights, and other milestone celebrations. They can mark hosts, honorees, or close family members in a way that feels personal without being oversized.
For a clean, timeless look, many people choose a simple palette that ties back to the outfit, such as white, cream, blush, or soft greenery.
How to choose the right style
You do not need to overthink it. Start with the outfit, the event, and how the flowers need to function through the day.
- Wearing a jacket? A boutonniere is usually the best fit.
- Want hands-free flowers? Choose a wrist corsage.
- Working with delicate fabric? A wrist corsage avoids pin holes.
- Want a quieter look? Ask for a smaller bloom and lighter greenery.
Details matter with wearable flowers because they are seen up close. When they are designed well, they look effortless. As one Fiore bride shared, the boutonnieres and bridal party flowers felt timeless, elegant, and exactly what she had envisioned.
Care tips so wearable flowers stay fresh
Wearable flowers hold up best when they stay cool and are handled as little as possible before the event.
- Keep them refrigerated until it is time to leave, but do not freeze them.
- Hold boutonnieres by the wrapped stem, not by the bloom.
- Put corsages on last, right before photos, the ceremony, or departure.
Final takeaway
A boutonniere is a lapel flower. A corsage is a wearable flower for the wrist or clothing. Both are small details, but they do a lot to make weddings, prom, and formal events feel thoughtful and complete.
If you are planning wedding flowers and want personal pieces that feel cohesive with the rest of the day, explore bridal party flowers.
