The London Lounge

Hello all. I am about to get married and would very much appreciate some advise with my boutonniere. I have read the amazing wedding attire post and have noted the advice there but I still have a couple of questions. Our florist has made a couple of suggestion these being a gerbera, which I do not like at all! and an orchid which appeals to me more. I have also be thinking about a gardenia but wasn't sure if this was only used for evening attire. I very much like the boutonniere Prince Charles wore at his wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles, but am unable to identify it. Many thanks in advance.

Gardenias are perfect for formal morning or evening wear and top-end bridal bouquets used to include them with orange blossom. Orchids can be good especially any of the Masdevallias or Orch. Cymbidium stanher down. A single-flowered white camellia might also work. Why not order a perfect specimen from McBean's orchids or Clifton Nurseries to be sure. They have websites. I don't know what the PoW was wearing in his wedding photo but I do remember Private Eye's caption to a wedding photo of the happy couple: Thought balloon from Charles: "Married - at last!" and a thought balloon from HM the Queen: "Yes - and to each other!!".
NJS.

I didn't know there was a difference in evening and day boutonnieres.

As for which to choose, I've always liked carnations, but that may be too informal for a wedding. Of course, as the bride and groom you can choose whatever you like. Flowers with special meaning may be good. I've read of roses for boutonnieres often but they do not seem to be a favorite. Gardenia's and orchids seem particularly elegant, as long as the leaves, fern, baby's breath, and ribbons are left off.

There is a book on boutonnieres that you may want to reference. I haven't read it, but the reviews say it is very informative. See The Boutonniere: Style in One's Lapel at Amazon for more information. I was not able to find it in any libraries near me, so it would have to be borrowed or purchased. If someone here has that book, perhaps they can summarize the wedding boutonniere information it contains.

Let us know what you decide.