It's the only flower that the groom is likely to touch on wedding day. It's also the only flower the groom is directly responsible for.

Many grooms and groomsmen wear boutonnieres, just like most brides and bridesmaids carry floral bouquets. What is a boutonniere? It's a flower bud that is specially made to be worn on the lapel of the groom and groomsmen, and is typically a rose in a particular color (or possibly a daisy). Boutonnieres can be a nice touch and a nod to the lovely bridesmaids as they can be matched with the bride and bridesmaids flowers or dresses. The bride typically arranges the purchase of boutonnieres and corsages when she arranges wedding flowers. Importantly, the boutonnieres are delivered to the groom on the morning of the wedding, so the groom is responsible for making this all work. (ed. - The bride isn't going to walk these over for you. She's not allowed to see you before the wedding, remember?)

However, the groom can forgo the tradition altogether or choose to have his groomsmen wear matching pocket squares. Pocket squares are small pocket-handkerchiefs that are tucked into the left breast pockets of the suit or tuxedo. The squares can also match the bridesmaids flowers or dresses for added coordination. The bride will have something in mind.

It is tradition for the groom to pin a corsage on his mother on the day of the wedding. It is a nice gesture and good wedding etiquette. Oh and by the way - if you are driving to the wedding and wearing a boutonniere, careful with that seatbelt. They have tendency to decapitate boutonnieres. Obviously, wear your seatbelt, but just make sure to take the boutonniere off.

Read more about wedding attire from GroomGroove.com:

• How to get the groomsmen outfitted in tuxedos, painlessly
• An intro to formal wear for the groom:
  • Tuxedo Jacket
  • Pants
  • Shirts
  • Ties
  • Cufflinks
  • Shoes (and socks)
  • What the hell is a cummerbund and do you need one?
  • Boutonnieres (aka the only flowers a groom needs to think about)
• Morning coats
• Wearing a suit instead of a tuxedo
• Whether to buy or rent a tux
• If you're buying a tux, whether to get it custom-made or off the rack tuxedo
• Beach wedding attire (you lucky bastard!)

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