Non-floral boutonnieres and corsages: reinventing tradition

Traditionally at weddings, women wear corsages while the groom and other men sport floral boutonnieres. The people wearing them often include the groomsmen, the couple’s parents and grandparents and any other family members that the bride and groom want to honor. If you’re not excited about pinning a flower to your lapel or wearing one on your wrist, here are some ways to put a fresh spin on the tradition.

• Herbs and fruit: berries and herbs look elegant while still being fresh and green.

• Colorful buttons: you can make unique boutonnieres and corsages with an assortment of buttons.

• Wooden tees: if the bride and groom are avid golfers, tie a few colorful tees together with a bow.

• Feathers: they can be as colorful as flowers but are unexpected and whimsical.

• Ornaments made of twigs: a shooting star, a heart or a simple wreath made of dried twigs would be eye-catching.

The best part about most of these options is that, unlike fresh flowers, they can be kept as souvenirs of your big day.