Many grooms and their brides wonder what proper decorum calls for when it comes to the gentlemen’s attire. Suit or tux? Match the bridesmaids or complement the bridesmaids? Most often though, we get questions about the boutonniere and the pocket square. Aside from the tie (and vest if you are incorporating one), the boutonniere is a great way to add personality, color and texture to the groomsmen’s outfit.
We checked with Glen Antoine Palmer of The Gentlemen’s Standard to help us out with this one when we asked if a man could wear both a boutonniere and pocket square. He feels there is absolutely no reason to have to choose between the two. “Of course! A stylish gentleman will always be equipped with a trusty & handsome pocket square. The wedding boutonniere is just an added flourish to the wedding ensemble.”
Glen also adds, “The wedding boutonniere is just an added flourish to the wedding ensemble. Since your boutonniere will surely complement your wedding colors, the gentleman must ensure that his pocket square is relatively tastefully understated.” Traditionally, the groom’s boutonniere should be composed of a single bloom plucked directly from the bridal bouquet. While that is an endearing sentiment, today, the boutonniere is a great form of expression of the wedding or groom’s personality. You’ve probably picked up on this with the influx of non-floral boutonnieres as well featuring pinwheels, buttons or fabric. This has to be one of the cutest and creative boutonniere sets I’ve seen (only because I am a mom to a little superhero)! I’m sure each guy picked his favorite:
How do you avoid overdoing it? Glen has a solution for that, too: “You don’t want too much competition going on to the point where it distracts the eye. Clean and subtle. Now is not the occasion to break out the wildly patterned pocket square. Instead, look for a pocket square that is neutral to its surroundings, yet adds a bit of discrete flavor into the mix.” Glen is very true to his word– he did both at his own wedding:
If you are not familiar with The Gentlemen’s Standard, be sure to check out the blog for some insightful, thought-provoking and witty takes on life, fashion and the art of being a gentlemen.
