Who says flowers aren’t manly? Take a tip from nature when designing fall boutonnieres and incorporate a little of the unexpected to make your lapels really pop. The autumnal color palate of reds, oranges and yellows abound this time of year, so embrace nature’s display of fiery beauty and use the shades to add some spunk your big day.
1} “We consider our boutonnieres to be little works of art and not too feminine,” says Posies designer and owner Beverly Colson. A perfect example of that sentiment is this flowerless boutonniere that’s little unexpected yet still incredibly fragrant (thanks to the rosemary). We think it’s the perfect compromise for a groom who doesn’t want to wear flowers. And for that extra burst of fall colors, Colson can work in tiny pinecones and burgundy berries. Rosemary, ribbon grass, and green and white hypernicum berries tied with a strand of burlap. $9. Posies, 317 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata; 612.327.3571
2} If you prefer texture over color, you’ll admire the elements at play here. A single, fiery safflower bloom is balanced with cabbage-like safflower buds, giving two completely different looks with the same flower. A smattering of burgundy leaves lends even more fall feeling to this boutonniere, while a delicate weaving over the stems presents more tactile qualities than you can shake a smoke bush leave at. Orange safflower buds and bloom, vibrant orange and yellow yarrow, burgundy smoke bush leaves, variegated burgundy and green leucodendron. $12. Soul of the Rose Floral Design Studio, 3988 Turtle Rd., Minnetrista; 952.446.1827
3} As we all know from the movie “You’ve Got Mail,” daises are the friendliest flower, so show your groom how much you value his friendship and let him wear a daisy boutonniere in a lively shade of fall-harvest red. Posies in Wayzata is happy to tailor orders to specific customer needs, so add in more color with shades of red or go for a subdued look with brown and green—it’s all up to you. And if faux isn’t your thing, Colson notes that real oak leaves in shades of autumn’s finest are available upon request. Burgundy daisy pom, fresh tiny pinecones, geranium foliage and a brown velvet leaf. $9. Posies, 317 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata; 612.327.3571
4} We love roses at weddings as much as the next gal, so embrace the classic emblem of love and have your sweetie sport a rose on his tuxedo. Orange is everywhere in nature this month, and there’s no more perfect way to pay homage to the season than with this sunset-colored stunner. Add in some burgundy berries and a freshly fallen oak leaf, and you’re ready for the altar. Orange rose enhanced with berries, oak leaf and lily grass loops. $18. Weber’s Westdale Flowers Home and Garden, 15310 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.935.2134
5} Marrying a man who isn’t afraid of a little pink? Add some color to his lapel with this bright beauty from Soul of the Rose. A vibrant pink strawflower steals the show with its attention-grabbing hue and eye-popping yellow center. When coupled with sun-kissed buds of yarrow and sprinkles of pink pepperberry, this boutonniere is sure to have everyone talking. Hot pink and orange strawflowers, pink pepperberry, vibrant orange and yellow yarrow, burgundy smoke bush leaves, variegated burgundy and green leucodendron. $12. Soul of the Rose Floral Design Studio, 3988 Turtle Rd., Minnetrista; 952.446.1827;