Tradition can be great, but in can also be cumbersome. I come from a tradition of weddings where every person who is doing anything as part of the wedding - cutting cake, serving coffee, doing the guestbook, is supposed to be corsaged, as well as mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, you name it.
According to strict etiquette, the only absolute requirement is that mothers be recognized, although most people recognize grandmothers as well. Any other special guests or family members may receive corsages at your pleasure, but it is optional.
Then there is the matter of boutonnieres. Other than the wedding party, these days usually fathers, grandfathers, and ushers will be the other boutonniere wearers.
There really aren't a lot of rules as far as what you do for corsages or boutonnieres as far as composition. Customarily, the groom's boutonniere will have an element similar to the bride's bouquet. Often you see grooms and groomsmen with coordinating pocket squares, which is a clean, more modern look.
As far as corsages go, if the bride has a certain way she would like them to look, then that is of primary importance. Otherwise, it is a nice gesture to find out what people will be wearing and choose flowers in complimentary colors. Usually you can't go wrong with soft whites and ivories, but if you are thinking of color you dont't want to go to all the effort of getting a beautiful big corsage and then have it clash!
Another thing brides may wish to do is enquire of the ladies they'd like to give a corsage if they'd prefer something pinned on their dress or a wrist corsage. If they are wearing a very delicate fabric, they may not wish to put a pin through it and risk leaving a mark. Or, people may prefer the pinned corsage to having something around the wrist- I personally cannot stand bracelets, so a wrist corsage would be a form of slow torture, however well intended.
One idea I've heard that I think is a really nice alternative to giving corsages is to place a small vase with a flower or two, or a small nosegay next to the place setting. This is an elegant and understated way to recognize special people, and they can enjoy the flower without the encumbrance of having to wear it, and also bring it home to enjoy.
Hopefully this gives anyone wrestling with these questions some helpful information and ideas, and just to reiterate, the preferences of the bride and groom are really the first consideration. So don't stress about something that in the scheme of things is really a small detail, and go with what works for you and your wedding!
No comments:
Post a Comment