Traditionally the groom, groomsmen, and male family members of the wedding couple wear a floral boutonniere on their lapel, but times change — and so do boutonnieres.

The word “boutonniere” looks difficult to pronounce. It’s actually a French word; however, think BOOT-IN-EAR, and the word will just flow off the tongue.

Boutonniere actually means “buttonhole” in French — the site of the men’s floral contribution to the ceremony. However, as traditional styles go by the wayside in wedding planning, so does the traditional flower/leaf/ribbon/pearl-ended straight pin assembly.

Free-style wedding décor calls for free-style boutonnieres. Consider these options:

• For a seaside-themed wedding, a group of unique shells or a small starfish with a clasp glued to the back
• For a Fourth of July or other patriotic-themed wedding, a small flag or a red, white, and blue looped ribbon
• For a poolside wedding, a paper umbrella with a small ribbon accent
• For an Irish-themed wedding, a four-leaf clover (plastic is acceptable if it’s a fun-loving group)
• For a music-themed wedding, miniature instruments or eighth notes
• For a summer wedding, bumble bees and butterflies
• For a Vegas-themed wedding, dice or dominoes
• For a sports-themed wedding, miniature baseball and bat, basketball and hoop, or bowling pins and a ball
• For a theater-themed wedding, comedy/tragedy masks

Other options for traditional weddings might include:

• Feathers that complement the bridesmaids’ feathered bouquets or hair wear
• Charms hanging from a ribbon bar
• Beads threaded onto wire and shaped like a flower, leaf, heart, etc.
• Ribbon color-coordinated with bridesmaids’ dresses/accent pieces, stitched in a floral shape with a button center

Any of these items could be combined with greenery or simple floral pieces to create interest and fun. Most of the supplies required can be found in craft stores; florists will happily include the piece with their creation, giving a unique flair and personal touch to the grand occasion.

Most men comply with whatever “pretty thing” the bride wants to add to their attire, but how thoughtful and accommodating it would be to pin something less frilly and more suitable to their masculine side on their lapel. The personal touch will only add to their smiles as they stand in the receiving line and answer the question, “What is that on your lapel?”